The much-anticipated historic drama Yu Chenglong is set to air at prime time on CCTV-1 on 3 January 2017. The means that the drama will be what is known as the 'year starter'  show on the most-watched TV channel in China - an honour that is eagerly sought after by many Chinese TV dramas.  

A press conference was held in Beijing yesterday when the screening time was announced. Director Ziniu Wu and the cast made their appearance and shared with the audience their views and reflections on making this drama.  A 12-minute trailer was shown for the first time which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Director Wu said that although Yu Chenglong's story dates back to the Qing dynasty, the drama intends to give a current touch to his moral legacy through depicting a full picture of his life, work and most importantly, him as a real person who forged great friendships with his colleagues and had deep love for his family and the people. "If the audience could relate to Yu's story and do not see him as a distant character in history books, then as filmmakers we would have succeeded." Wu said.