The historical costume drama Tiangong City (literal title) has officially announced its crew and cast lineup. The highly acclaimed director Zheng Xiao Long will helm the project, with Zhang Ruo Yun taking the lead role. The high-profile team quickly attracted attention from both the industry and viewers upon its announcement.
As a meticulously crafted work rooted in the history of construction during the Ming dynasty, Tiangong City sets its story against the grand backdrop of the relocation of the capital to Beijing in the 14th year of the Yongle era, focusing on the rise and fall of a group of unknown craftsmen behind the construction of the Forbidden City.
Tens of thousands of craftsmen from across the country journey to the capital to begin this monumental city-building project. At court, power struggles continue unabated, as disputes over funding, factional conflicts, and undercurrents of corruption become increasingly intertwined. Meanwhile, the major guilds of craftsmen also compete with one another for craftsmanship and social standing.
The protagonist, Yang Tian Lin, is the descendant of a disgraced official and is forced to conceal his identity. Relying on his expertise in traditional architectural craftsmanship to overcome one challenge after another, he participates in the construction of the capital with the steadfast dedication of a craftsman, telling an epic story of ordinary people hidden beneath the grandeur of the imperial palaces. The series not only recreates ancient woodworking and construction techniques, but also uses the element of ups and downs of the craftsmen's lives to portray the Eastern craftsmanship ethos passed down from generation to generation.
Joy of Life actor Zhang Ruo Yun will play the protagonist, Yang Tian Lin, a craftsman who endures quietly yet remains resilient, with both ingenuity and integrity. From keeping a low profile to make a living and gradually showcasing his craftsmanship, to having his identity exposed just as the project nears completion, Yang Tian Lin will endure life-and-death trials along the way.
In addition to the director and lead actor, the drama also features Liu Heng as screenwriter, with the powerhouse team working together to refine this legendary story of the Forbidden City's construction. The production team has also placed considerable emphasis on historical research, consulting a wealth of historical materials and striving to recreate Ming-dynasty construction sites, traditional woodworking tools, and intricate craftsmanship details, with the aim of bringing an authentic sense of history to life.
Source: Dayu.com
