New TV series highlights legendary stretch on ancient Silk Road

From undulating sand dunes to rugged mountain ranges and ancient castles, Dahaidao — a 500-kilometer-long legendary route on the ancient Silk Road — has recently become the backdrop for the adrenaline-fueled TV series, The Brother.

Consisting of 24 episodes, the series under the helm of director Shen Yujie, began to run on multiple broadcasters and streaming sites on Sept 22.

The story follows the journey of two young men, played by actors Yin Fang and Kudusjan Anivar, who forge a friendship after meeting in a populated area along the Dahaidao route. Through learning from each other in competitions, they transition into professional motorbike racers following their joint participation in a series of demanding desert rallies, ultimately striving to compete in a world-level motorbike rally.

Actor Yin revealed that he learned how to ride a motorbike and passed the necessary tests to obtain his motorcycle license before commencing filming for his role.

Upon arriving at the shooting locations in Dahaidao scenic area, now a tourist attraction in Hami, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Yin recalled being amazed by the diverse landscapes in Xinjiang, describing that the inhabited area gave him the sensation of being on Mars rather than on Earth.

Zhou Jinxiang, the chief producer, said that they wish the drama would vividly portray the diverse lifestyles of the locals in Xinjiang, and showcase how the young people in the region courageously and determinedly strive to achieve their dreams.