Disclaimer: almost none of these are my own findings. I’m just repeating what I read on reddit, mostly from user u/_fancy_pants (shoutout!)
As the last of the extra episodes airs tomorrow, I decided to make a discussion post with everything in one place.
Firstly, link to all episodes + extras in correct order for convenience: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaf9nBjvPDsIC5RqDAfDs0vJ4s58yTAfP (by u/_fancy_pants)
Link to official YouTube channel just in case: https://www.youtube.com/@lizhishuxiareliedao
Twitter: https://x.com/lizhireliedao
Instagram: instagram.com/lizhireliedao
Now, moving on to Weibo accounts:
Hu Yi Chen (Nie Xiao Zh): https://m.weibo.cn/u/6592106308
Liu Yi He (Chen Li): https://m.weibo.cn/u/5912169183
Lizzy (Director): https://m.weibo.cn/u/7673389168
She also has a Chinese analog of Tumblr with longer posts and explanations:
https://xinjinjumin208031417614.lofter.com/ - should be available from phone if one doesn't have an account.
I encourage everyone to go show some love (if you have an account lol).
Filming locations:
The series was filmed in Zhejiang and Guangdong (some locations include Moganshan and Dongguan Jianyuzhou Cultural Park) - information by u/_fancy_pants once again.
While many people in the comments claim that it was made in Hong Kong, I still can’t find an ounce of evidence for that. The only thing that connects it to HK is the location of the YouTube channel. While it is set to HK, is it even possible to create a YouTube channel with location set to “China” AND make revenue from it? Probably not.
Finally, if you don’t have time to check out all of that, I wanted to share Yi Chen’s touching letter to his character Xiao Zhi that he posted on Weibo, translated to English:
To Xiao Zhi,
Xiao Zhi, it's Yichen. I hope this letter finds you well. Since we parted, I've missed you greatly. I love writing diaries and have always wanted to write to you, but I lacked the courage. Last night, I dreamed of you, it was like two of you, and also like two of me. We were sitting under a lychee tree trying to catch a red butterfly. Today I heard this song, a song I've listened to since I was little, and suddenly, in an instant, I understood it after not understanding it for so long. I thought, I should be impulsive just this once. Please don't think I'm being illogical and rambling in what I'm about to say, because I really miss you. Xiao Zhi, the first time we separated was in the summer of 2024, on August 19th. I will never forget it. The withdrawal symptoms suffocated me. You and I are very similar, sunny and cheerful, happy puppies, independent and decisive. But where I fall short compared to you is that I don't have your courage and calmness. You changed me a lot; you made me a better person. Licorice and wax apples, wild fun by the pool, deep-sea night fire, existence and birds, sudden summer rain, a stroll through the garden awakening from a dream, an undercurrent rushing forward. I could say I was your portrayer, your interpreter. I once integrated into you. As the story of Lychee Island progressed step by step, I didn't dare to read further. I knew this was your heart too. Not long ago, I posted a video, and in it were the beautiful things you brought me. This journey allowed me to meet many people, some even becoming like family. There were people herding a flock of sheep up the mountain, and what was cute was that the little lamb couldn't keep up, so its mom and dad pushed it, giving it enough security and energy. I selfishly thought I could bury these little beautiful things like wine forever, and one day when the time was right, I could take them out calmly and indifferently. Because of my little selfishness, I didn't want to dig up the sad and difficult things and expose them to everyone; I would feel especially insecure, like I was being seen through, haha. But facts have proven I was wrong; everyone's voices gave me a lot of energy and courage. Oh, right Xiao Zhi, many people think my music is sad, hahaha, but you know these are all my little beautiful things, crying tears of joy, and finding joy in crying. Xiao Zhi, do you know? I can proudly say now that I became you. You taught me the ability to feel many things. You drew a very important stroke on my youth; you enriched my youth. As time passes, I will gradually grow, but the most terrifying thing is never growing up, but forgetting. Perhaps in seven years, twenty-seven years, fifty-seven years, hahaha, maybe it won't be that long, but that's not important. In the limited time I have, I will do what I want to do, and I will become the person I want to be. We talked about it, I like The Little Prince. I have always believed that for a person to live purely and simply, it must be because countless people around them have protected them at a greater cost. What makes our lives beautiful is the childlike innocence and sincerity we hide. The second time we separated was in winter. The feeling of meeting that time was different; it felt like after getting to know you so well, I gained many of your strengths. I started to appreciate nature better, listening to the wind blow, the rain patter, the snow fall, and the ice crack. This separation also felt different. This time, I felt more hope, because I believed that temporary separation is for a better meeting and reunion next time. Many things are never the answer. In fact, we are all very clear; the so-called cages that trap us are also the ones we chose to jump into ourselves. But don't be afraid, once we figure things out, we will naturally break through that cocoon and fly out like a butterfly. Mom told me that we should be the butterfly that breaks through the cocoon, not one that spins a cocoon to trap itself. Let's talk about something happy! I recently went back to school and saw many of my good friends. We arranged to eat together and planned everything I like: climbing mountains, taking photos, hiking, eating pistachio cake, feeling the greenery, feeling the spring. They say spring begins in March, branches grow wildly, with beautiful rain and bright sun. The Little Prince cut down all the roses and saw the blue sky, what he saw was spring. After saying all this, I let out a long sigh, haha. Xiao Zhi, I've been impulsive enough. Because I feel if I don't say it this time, I might not have another chance in the future. Actually, there's a lot more I want to tell you, but let's save it for next time, and talk slowly then. How about we meet next time?
Chen
