By love-89.com On October 21, in Kunming, a thought-provoking question was posed: how do we regain our strength when life hits a snag? The answer, it seems, lies in going back to our roots. This was highlighted at the premiere of the micro-drama “Seeking Dreams in Shangri-La,” guided by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government. As a prelude to the theme song “Yun-Tai Ballad” from the cultural exchange series “Colorful Yunnan, Meeting Taiwan,” the drama tells the story of young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait on their journey to find their dreams in Shangri-La, seeking a shared source of strength.
In this compelling narrative, Taiwanese musician Wu Ting-Hsuan, portrayed by actress Wei Huini, faces creative and personal challenges. To rediscover her motivation, she is joined by Zhao Xuanming, a young man from Taiwan (played by Ze Hao), and Li Weigang, a young man from the mainland (played by Deng Yi), as they embark on a dream-seeking adventure to Diqing, the only Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province.
In the “world’s Shangri-La,” they explore the historical treasure of Dukezong Ancient City under the moonlight, sample Tibetan cuisine, and immerse themselves in Thangka painting. They trek to the idyllic village of Yubeng at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, where they encounter a Tibetan guide who helps them out of a tricky situation. They bond over drinks and conversations in a Tibetan home, experiencing the warmth and openness of the local culture. Together, they plunge into the beautiful Yubeng Waterfall, allowing its majesty to inspire spiritual renewal.
As their journey concludes, Wu Ting-Hsuan finds her voice in the song “Yun-Tai Ballad,” expressing her experiences in Shangri-La: “The winds from Shangri-La have blown into Ali Mountain, the waters from Sun Moon Lake have flowed into Erhai…” The song beautifully captures the joy of a couple from both sides of the strait and symbolizes the enduring connections between Yunnan and Taiwan.
This song serves as the theme for the “Colorful Yunnan, Meeting Taiwan” cultural exchange series, co-produced by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government and the Yunnan branch of China News Service. It was previously unveiled at the sixth “Colorful Yunnan, Meeting Taiwan” themed day and the 2024 Yun-Tai Mid-Autumn Tea Party.
During the premiere, the creative team behind “Seeking Dreams in Shangri-La” and various representatives from both regions came together to celebrate these touching intertwined stories. Zhang Can, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, expressed, “Following the characters’ footsteps, we witness the beautiful landscapes of Shangri-La and experience its diverse ethnic cultures. The profound friendships between the Taiwanese and mainland youth in the drama reflect the ongoing exchanges and connections in reality.”
He emphasized that through a variety of initiatives—the Yun-Tai Conference, cultural exchange activities, vocational training camps, innovation competitions, and community engagement—the Yunnan government is creating numerous platforms and opportunities for the youth from Taiwan. This aims to facilitate their exploration, business ventures, and integration into the rich tapestry of Yunnan’s culture while promoting a shared future grounded in ethnic unity.
Wei Huini, who plays Wu Ting-Hsuan and performs “Yun-Tai Ballad,” described the experience of traveling to Shangri-La as a “magical journey to rediscover the essence of life.” She recounted an encounter during filming with a Tibetan man whose daughter was unwell, yet their spirits remained bright as stars. “During the shoot, I exchanged secrets with the waterfall—it taught me that no matter the circumstances, one must find happiness.” The strength drawn from these roots, she noted, would flow into her life like a never-ending stream.
The micro-drama consists of five episodes, produced by Yunnan Binghu Cultural Media Co., Ltd., and it will be broadcast across multiple platforms of China News Service in the coming weeks.