On September 30th, a creative symposium for the television drama “When the Mountain Flowers Bloom” took place in Beijing, organized by several key institutions including the National Radio and Television Administration, the China Television Artists Association, and the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party.

The drama tells the remarkable story of Zhang Guimei, shedding light on the shared experiences of female high school teachers and their students. It underscores Zhang’s unwavering commitment to education and the spirit of sacrifice that inspires others. By centering on women’s stories, the series encapsulates the growth of two generations of women.

Since its premiere on September 10th, which aligned with Teacher’s Day, “When the Mountain Flowers Bloom” has dominated viewership charts, achieving high ratings and garnering positive responses from viewers. The show has consistently ranked first in the CVB prime-time viewership statistics and has achieved a real-time rating exceeding 2 on KooYun. As the narrative unfolds, its acclaim continues to rise, with audiences awarding it an impressive 9.0 rating on Douban, making it the highest-rated domestic drama of 2024 so far.

Ma Jun, Deputy Director and Senior Editor of the Drama Project Department at the Central Radio and Television General Station, attributed the success of “When the Mountain Flowers Bloom” to its capacity to “illustrate women’s awakening and self-rescue steps” while stepping beyond traditional gender narratives. The series aims to capture a broader theme of humanity’s struggle against destiny.

Yang Yuming, Party Secretary and Chairman of Yunnan Broadcasting and Television Media Group, remarked that Zhang Guimei’s character in the series offers a “genuinely vivid and relatable portrayal of a teacher that is rarely depicted in news reports.” This fresh perspective seeks to transform heroic figures into compelling television stories.

The creative team behind the series has committed to principles emphasizing that “characters are grounded in reality, creativity is well-founded, and drama is elevated,” dedicating four years to thorough research in Huaping to ensure authentic storytelling.

Yuan Zidan, the screenwriter, shared her creative vision: “Through ‘When the Mountain Flowers Bloom,’ we hope that viewers can feel Zhang’s vibrant passion for life, recognize the value of pursuing ideals, and understand that with goodwill and perseverance, we can each contribute positively to the world.”

Actress Song Jia expressed her pride in participating in the project: “From respecting Zhang Guimei to embodying her character, I’ve had a precious experience. I hope this drama brings her story to more people, providing them with strength and inspiration from her spirit.”

The symposium featured Yang Wenhua, the real-life counterpart of the character Zhou Shanqun in the series, who shared his experiences and emphasized how the drama successfully blends realistic life depictions with artistic integrity. He noted that the show has earned recognition from teachers and colleagues in Huaping, resonating deeply with viewers across the country.

In terms of character development, “When the Mountain Flowers Bloom” distinguishes itself from conventional heroic dramas by concentrating on everyday moments instead of solely on Zhang’s accomplishments. It fleshes out her character with nuanced storytelling. Wang Yichuan, Vice President of the Chinese Association of Literary Criticism and Distinguished Professor at Beijing Language University, lauded the show for its ability to present Zhang alongside supporting characters, making her portrayal relatable and endearing.

Professor Lu Rong from Communication University of China remarked, “The drama tackles hardships without slipping into sentimentality, radiating an uplifting and benevolent spirit that is both fiery and passionate.”

The symposium concluded with a heartfelt donation ceremony, where the cast, including Song Jia, contributed funds to support public infrastructure projects for education, sports, and women and children’s services in Huaping County, Yunnan Province.