TVB comedy sheds light on lives of newcomers to capital

Photo: Li Hang/GT

Urban workplace comedy From Hong Kong to Beijing, which tells the story of four Hong Kong residents trying to adapt to life in Beijing, is making waves on channel Jade, which belongs to Hong Kong's renowned TV station TVB. The show has been well-received by audiences from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Co-directed by Chung Shu-kai and featuring actors Chan Chin-pang and Jinny Ng, this TV drama serves as one of TVB's anniversary productions this year. Chan portrays Xu Gangren, who finds himself stationed in Beijing for a long time after an unexpected turn of events. He and his family became "Beijing drifters," a term referring to those who leave their hometown to work in Beijing but do not have permanent resident status. 

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of the Hong Kong characters, presenting their personal observations and understanding of Beijing's regional peculiarities and customs, all in comedic form. The four Hongkongers in the show exhibit the spirit of determination and resilience as they strive to adapt and succeed in the capital.

Chan told the Global Times on Sunday that the TV series received positive feedback when it was aired in Hong Kong, adding that the accessibility of popular art forms like TV series and the internet can help Hong Kong's youths gain a better understanding of the Chinese mainland.

While the show is an urban workplace drama that reflects societal realities, it is brimming with positivity. As policies and support for Hong Kong residents seeking employment in the mainland have grown stronger, an increasing number of Hong Kong residents are making their way there. 

The Xu family's entrepreneurial journey, as depicted in the series, not only embodies courage and ambition but also reflects the Lion Rock spirit of Hongkongers - an attitude that's unafraid of failures and setbacks, a microcosm of the lives of countless Hong Kong residents working in different cities.

For young people from Hong Kong contemplating a move to Beijing, Chan said, "Just do it. Do not to fear taking risks and to be open to trying new things."

During the production, the cast spent four months to film in Beijing, Ningbo and Guangzhou. The inclusion of Beijing's distinct characteristics, such as siheyuan (traditional courtyard houses), and local delicacies like douzhi, a traditional Beijing snack made from mung beans, adds a fresh touch to the Hong Kong drama. 

Off-set, the cast members explored Beijing during their leisure time, visiting tourist attractions and savoring local cuisine while immersing themselves in the city's cultural charm.

Chan told reporters that he has tried douzhi and Peking roast duck and also toured famous landmarks like the Palace Museum and the White Stupa at Miaoying Temple. 

Many of the cast members are in Beijing for the first time, and their experience was in harmony with the series' theme. Given the show's comedy genre, effectively depicting the differences with a lighthearted touch presented its own set of challenges, especially for Chan, who had to portray the lead character's first experience in Beijing and try to speak Putonghua (Standard Chinese) with a Hong Kong accent.

Chung, the producer of TV drama, is renowned in the Hong Kong industry, with classic Hong Kong TV and film productions like Old Time Buddy and The House of 72 Tenants to his credit. As a veteran "Beijing drifter" himself, Chung has been residing in Beijing since 2005 and has participated in multiple hit series such as Fighter of the Destiny. From Hong Kong to Beijing marks his return to TVB as an executive producer, offering a glimpse into a modern, youthful, opportunity-filled and challenging mainland.

"I have lived in Beijing for many years and have been filming in the mainland for a long time. Over the years, the mainland has developed rapidly, which many Hong Kong residents may not be fully aware of. I hope that through this series, Hongkongers can witness the development of our motherland," Chung told media.