On the afternoon of March 14, Rao Kun, director of the CRI online cultural tourism short drama Love in Aba and its film adaptation (which is in the review stage), delivered a special lecture titled "Strategies for Developing Overseas Cultural Tourism Short Dramas" at the invitation of the College of Literature and Journalism of Chengdu University.

Rao Kun delivering a lecture at Chengdu University

Rao Kun shared insights from three perspectives: the narration of ordinary individuals and grand themes, the integration of cultural and tourism resources, and the use of Chinese narratives to bridge cultural exchanges. Through vivid case studies, he illustrated how ordinary people's everyday stories convey the spirit of grand eras. For examples, the intangible cultural heritage artisans featured in Love in Aba—craftsmen of Tibetan incense and Qiang embroidery, the "steel furnace leader" from the documentary We Walked Together: A Tribute of 40 Years of Reform and Opening-Up, and the "hero with single leg", the first Chinese complete an Ironman triathlon with leg amputee, from the documentary Chasing the Sun, a centennial tribute to the Communist Party of China. These grassroots stories, rooted in China's soil, are now transcending linguistic and cultural barriers through documentaries and overseas short dramas, emerging as dynamic carriers to narrate China's development and convey Eastern values to the world.

Behind-the-scenes photo from Love in Aba

In the upcoming Love in Aba, actors put on traditional Qiang clothing and engage with Qiang embroidery techniques, where each stitch embodies profound cultural heritage and masterful artistry. This not only attracts attention of those who love traditional culture but also, in the fast-paced modern life, becomes an artistic experience that allows people's minds to calm down and feel ethnic culture. "Ordinary people are the footnotes to the times. Their interaction with grand themes such as intangible cultural heritage and ecological civilization makes cultural communication more emotionally impactful," said Rao Kun.

Behind-the-scenes photo from Love in Aba

The overseas-targeted cultural tourism short drama Love in Aba consists of 18 episodes, each lasting 5 minutes and 20 seconds. The series integrates themes like local cultural and tourism features, intangible cultural heritage preservation, and contemporary life and so on. Through the compelling plots and fast-paced narrative, it portrays a genuine and multi-dimensional image of China.

"The overseas-targeted cultural tourism short drama is not mere cultural export, but building a bridge for bi-directional dialogue." Rao Kun stated that the creators expected through vivid storytelling, the world not only appreciate "Jiuzhaigou graces Aba with its serenity, Aba crowns the world with magnificence," but also comprehend the developmental pulse of contemporary China.

Part of the faculty members and students from College of literature and journalism of Chengdu University attended the lecture, engaging in lively discussions on international communication strategies, integration of culture and tourism, urban memory preservation, intangible cultural heritage inheritance, and other related issues.(by Zhang Xinni and Li Man)

Profile

Rao Kun, with over two decades of profound dedication to the film and media industry, has focused on creating films, documentaries, and promotional videos. His notable works include serving as the lead director and chief cinematographer for the theatrical releases Amazing China, Warrior of China; major CCTV documentary series such as 40 Years and Counting: Transforming Reform and Opening up for the New Era, and Five Year Plan of China.

Rao Kun

Rao Kun