Going Rural, a TV series reflecting China's rural revitalization strategy,began running on Hunan Satellite TV and the streaming platform MGTV on May 17.
Under the helm of director Li Yunliang, the 40-episode TV series follows A-list actor Jin Dong starring as the protagonist, a newspaper's deputy managing editor, getting stuck in his new "career" after being assigned to work as the secretary of a village's Party committee.
Despite having ambitions to help locals lead a better life, the secretary quickly faces his first crisis -- multiple guests at a tycoon's party are sent to the hospital after eating the village's organic vegetables, its major revenue source.
With the help of an internet celebrity, invited by the villagers to serve as its ambassador to promote the village, the secretary -- also a renowned food critic -- manages to shake off rumors about the so-called poisonous vegetables.
After solving more challenges with his knowledge and wits, the protagonist realizes his village experience has become a treasured part of his life.
Aside from Jin, the TV series has also cast veteran actor Li Naiwen as the tycoon and actress Wu Yue as a middle-aged villager good at making pancakes.
Producers reveal that the TV series has used delicacies and snacks as a thread to propel the main plotline, aiming to differentiate the tale from similar dramas to draw a larger audience.
