The remote village of Tandi in Gaozhou, Guangdong province, has emerged as an unexpected digital media sensation through its innovative production of short-form dramas that showcase authentic rural life. This transformation represents a pioneering economic development model combining agricultural heritage with digital storytelling.
At the forefront of this cultural movement stands the series ‘New Dreams in Lychee Land,’ which received prestigious nominations for Best Director and Best Actress at the 4th Hong Kong Bauhinia International Film Festival. The production has achieved remarkable digital penetration, accumulating over 150 million views across major Chinese platforms including Douyin, Kuaishou, and WeChat.
What distinguishes this production is its complete integration with the local environment. The drama was filmed entirely within Tandi village, utilizing the region’s renowned lychee industry as both backdrop and narrative foundation. This approach has successfully transported authentic rural stories to massive urban audiences while celebrating agricultural traditions.
According to local officials, the project exemplifies Gaozhou’s innovative development strategy that synergizes short-form media production with agricultural promotion, farmer participation, and rural cultural preservation. The initiative has generated substantial economic benefits for the community of approximately 1,000 residents.
Village Party Secretary Guo Zhiyu reported significant growth in complementary industries including homestay accommodations, local restaurants, and cultural tourism. ‘During weekends and holidays, visitors must book homestays and restaurant meals well in advance due to overwhelming demand,’ Guo explained, noting substantial income increases for local farmers.
The village has responded to this tourism surge by upgrading infrastructure and facilities to enhance visitor experiences while maintaining the community’s authentic character. This digital-to-physical economic model demonstrates how rural communities can leverage digital media to create sustainable development while preserving cultural identity.