A Dream of Splendor(梦华录, Mèng huá lù): A Chinese Costume Drama You Can’t Miss

A Dream of Splendor (梦华录, Mèng huá lù) is a captivating Chinese costume drama that has taken audiences by storm since its release in June 2022. Adapted from the Yuan Dynasty play Saving a Prostitute by Guan Hanqing, this 40-episode series follows the story of three women who unite to fight against the unfair treatment of women in society.

The Plot

The drama centers around Zhao Pan’er (played by Liu Yifei), the owner of a small tea house in Qiantang, who is abandoned by her scholarly fiancé. Determined to seek justice, she embarks on a journey to Beijing, where she encounters her best friend Song Yinzhang (Lin Yun), a victim of domestic violence, and Sun Sanniang (Liu Yan), a woman driven to attempted suicide by her unhappy marriage. Together, these three sisters overcome numerous hardships and transform Zhao Pan’er’s modest tea house into the largest restaurant in Bianjing, known as “Yong’an House.”

A Visual Feast

From its inception, A Dream of Splendor has been hailed as “the first explosive drama of 2022” by Chinese netizens, earning an impressive 8.3/10 rating on the Douban media review platform, which later soared to 8.8. The drama’s popularity can be attributed not only to its captivating storyline and stellar performances but also to its exquisite visual aesthetics and dedication to authentically portraying the prosperity of the Song Dynasty.

Set Design and Aesthetics

The series immerses viewers in the ultimate Song Dynasty aesthetics, showcasing the era’s minimal yet elegant gatherings, academies, poetry, lyrics, qin (a plucked seven-string Chinese zither), calligraphy, painting, incense, tea, wine, and floral arrangements. The background settings, compositions, framing, and sub-screening are all executed with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a visually stunning and romantic presentation that transports audiences to the dreamlike splendor of ancient Tokyo (present-day Beijing).

Authenticity in Costume and Culture

To ensure historical accuracy, the production team explored 10 ancient Chinese towns, including Xiangshan County in Zhejiang Province, to restore the authentic settings of the era. The makeup, hairstyles, and clothing perfectly capture the fashion of the Song Dynasty, with intricate details such as the various hair buns of Zhao Pan’er and the folk bun of Sun Sanniang, all inspired by ancient paintings.

The drama also pays homage to the “点茶” (Diǎn chá) and “茶百戏” (chá bǎi xì) tea cultures of the Song Dynasty, showcasing the intricate art of tea-making and the refined appreciation of tea among all social classes. To ensure authenticity, the production team invited Zhang Zhifeng, a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of “茶百戏,” to provide lectures to the crew during production.

Women’s Empowerment and Redemption

At the heart of A Dream of Splendor lies the powerful narrative of three women who refuse to bow to societal injustice. Zhao Pan’er, Song Yinzhang, and Sun Sanniang are brave, intelligent, independent, and strong-willed, embodying the spirit of struggle against fate. Their journey toward redemption and the pursuit of justice is a testament to the wisdom and resilience of women, making the series a compelling watch for audiences of all ages.

With its visually stunning representation of the prosperous Song Dynasty, its exploration of tea culture, and its empowering narrative of women overcoming adversity, A Dream of Splendor is a must-watch for anyone seeking a captivating and culturally rich viewing experience.