The sweeping historical drama ‘Swords into Plowshares’ has triggered an unprecedented tourism boom in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, where the series’ narrative unfolds across ancient Wuyue Kingdom landmarks. Drawing comparisons to ‘Game of Thrones’ for its intricate portrayal of political machinations during China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907-960), the production has transformed from mere entertainment into a cultural phenomenon driving substantial visitor increases to historical sites.
Hangzhou’s tourism infrastructure has capitalized on this surge through innovative collaborations with the series’ producers. The municipality has launched six specialized stamp collection activities at key attractions, curated five thematic travel routes connecting Wuyue cultural relics, and mounted immersive exhibitions at Qianwang Temple—the royal shrine honoring Wuyue’s monarchs. Temple attendance has skyrocketed by 30-40% year-over-year, with daily visitors exceeding 4,000 during peak periods.
The drama’s central narrative follows the transformation of Qian Hongchu, final ruler of the Wuyue Kingdom, from carefree prince to the sovereign who peacefully surrendered his territory to the unifying Song Dynasty. This historical context has resonated deeply with contemporary audiences, particularly through the series’ juxtaposition of Wuyue’s stability against the Central Plains’ turmoil.
Tourism analytics from platform Ctrip reveal impressive metrics: Hangzhou experienced a 31% year-on-year increase in overall tourism bookings during the Spring Festival period, complemented by a 26% rise in flight reservations. Professor Wang Jinwei of Beijing International Studies University notes this trend reflects modern travelers’ desire for integrated experiences combining emotional engagement with historical education—a need Hangzhou’s initiatives successfully address by transforming television entertainment into meaningful cultural exploration.