To the Wonder

Synopsis

Adapted from writer Li Juan's essay collection, a young woman returns to her hometown in Altay, Xinjiang to find meaning in life.

Overview

"To the Wonder" is a 2024 mini-series directed and written by Teng Congcong, starring Ma Yili, Zhou Yiran, and Yu Shi in leading roles. Adapted from contemporary Chinese writer Li Juan's eponymous essay collection, the series blends personal growth, natural landscapes, and ethnic culture through the protagonist Li Wenxiu's journey of self-discovery upon returning home.

The series premiered at the 77th Cannes Series Festival on April 7, 2024, and was subsequently broadcast on CCTV-1 and iQiyi starting April 25. The series consists of 8 episodes, each approximately 45 minutes.

Plot

Li Wenxiu, a Han Chinese girl raised in Altay, pursues her literary dreams in the big city but repeatedly faces setbacks. Forced to return home, she lives with her mother Zhang Fengxia, who runs a small convenience store. After meeting Batai, a local Kazakh herder, Wenxiu gradually finds herself healed by Altay's vast natural scenery and the simple warmth of its people, rediscovering her sense of purpose.

Cast

Awards

Cultural Impact

With a Douban rating of 8.9, "To the Wonder" became one of the most beloved short series of 2024. Despite having only 8 episodes of 45 minutes each, the series won widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals, authentic emotions, and unique storytelling. Following the broadcast, tourism to the Altay region of Xinjiang surged significantly, making it a popular travel destination.

References

1. Douban: https://m.douban.com/movie/subject/36245596/
2. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/我的阿勒泰/62644732
3. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/我的阿勒泰