Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Liu Mengmeng) news: “To love, to live, and to get hurt,” a simple line spoken on screen, has resonated with countless audience.

On May 7, 2024, To the Wonder premiered on the CCTV Comprehensive Channel (CCTV-1) and iQIYI, China's leading online content provider. This mini-series is an adaptation of the award-winning essay collection My Altay by Li Juan, a renowned Chinese writer. It sparked significant discussion among audience, with many netizens exclaiming, "The cinematic quality of the shots vividly showcased the beauty of Xinjiang," "The optimistic and humorous character of the herdsmen deeply infected me, even grazing can bring endless fun when with them," "Touched by the stories, I long more for Xinjiang and wish to explore the wisdom of life on the ranches."

Photo shows a poster of To the Wonder. (Photo provided by the crew of To the Wonder)

The story follows Li Wenxiu (played by Zhou Yiran), a young girl from Altay who faces repeated setbacks in her pursuit of a literary dream in the big city. Forced to return to her hometown, she lives with her mother (played by Ma Yili), who runs a small shop. After meeting a Kazak youth named Batai (played by Yu Shi), Wenxiu gradually discovers the beauty of her local surroundings.

In the first three episodes updated last evening, Li Wenxiu, who returns to Altay, where she finds snow-capped mountains reaching into the clouds, vast expanses of the Gobi Desert, flocks of sheep, horses running free, and the youthful energy of horse-riding adolescents... A pure and vibrant life force bursts forth through the cinematic visuals.

Photo shows a scene in the mini-series. (Courtesy photo)

Ayla Jureti, a student from the Dance College of Xinjiang Arts University who played "Kulan Girl" in the drama, was among the first to watch the series. "Watching it on set and through the camera lens are completely different experiences; the visual impact is much stronger, with a cinematic feel," she said.

Li Fahui, the director of the Culture, Sports, Broadcasting, Television, and Tourism Service Center of Yinggebao Township in Mulei Kazak Autonomous County and a fan of Li Juan's books, admitted that he was initially concerned that the TV series might be too artistic, potentially making it lengthy and hollow. However, after watching it, he was pleasantly surprised. "The adaptation not only retains the lyrical nature of the original prose collection but also enhances the dramatic conflict. It faithfully recreates the highlights of the book, such as the grocery store and the small tailor's shop, creating a rich and moving series filled with both laughter and tears."

Xiao Yun, a screenwriter from Tianshan Film Studio and a writer, commented that To the Wonder achieves innovation and surpasses the original work by balancing narrative needs, artistic principles, and audience expectations. It strikes a balance between the original text and its adaptation, making it a series with a unique filmic aesthetic.

Photo shows a poster of To the Wonder. (Photo provided by the crew of To the Wonder)

"I've been following To the Wonder for a while now, and it's a great piece with vivid characters, richly humorous plotlines, and the beautiful scenery of Xinjiang. I grew up in Altay and later went to study in other places. Many scenes in the series are part of our everyday life. It's not just a simple display of Altay's nature and lifestyle; it recreates the cultural customs of northern Xinjiang and the simple yet resilient spirit of the herders. Within the delicate and unpretentious slow-paced life, it conveys themes of reverence for nature and the search for true self," said Zhuoya Baheti, a curator at the Altay Prefecture Cultural Heritage Museum. She added that the launch of this drama undoubtedly provides the best promotional opportunity for Altay and will attract more people to her hometown.

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