Beijing Theater debuts in Africa: Four Hit Series Showcase the Charm of Beijing Culture

StarTimes Group has launched the “Beijing Theater” on ST Sino Drama channel, featuring four popular Chinese TV series: Story of Yanxi Palace, Fireworks of My Heart, Alliance, and All the Way to the Sun Centered around Beijing, these dramas offer African audiences a glimpse into the fusion of modern urban life and traditional Chinese culture.

The theater is also broadcast simultaneously on UBC TV, expanding its reach as a new platform for China-Africa cultural exchange.

Curated Selection Showcasing Beijing’s Diversity

With the theme “One City, Countless Stories,” Beijing Theater presents Beijing from various angles through different genres. The palace drama Story of Yanxi Palace transports viewers to the Forbidden City, immersing them in traditional Chinese court culture. The urban romance Fireworks of My Heart, featuring popular actor Yang Yang as a firefighter, depicts the professional dedication and emotional lives of Beijing’s youth. The family comedy Alliance, led by Golden Rooster Award winner Zhang Xiaofei, warmly portrays everyday life in ordinary Beijing households. Meanwhile, the inspirational workplace drama All the Way to the Sun follows the struggles of a young woman pursuing her dreams in the capital, delivering uplifting messages about perseverance.

These series, which gained massive popularity in China, have crossed linguistic barriers through professional dubbing (in English, French, and Portuguese) to win African hearts. According to StarTimes viewership data, Story of Yanxi Palace achieved ratings exceeding 2.5% in Nigeria and Kenya, comparable to local hit shows, while All the Way to the Sun sparked lively discussions about Beijing’s urban lifestyle among young African audiences on social media platforms.

Impact: Building Bonds Through Screens
The theater’s fusion of ancient architecture (Forbidden City), traditional courtyards, and contemporary landmarks offers a unique lens into China’s societal evolution. Concurrent broadcasts on UBC TV drove a 32% surge in viewer engagement, proving the appeal of synchronized cultural content.

Expanding Reach with Quality Content
Leveraging StarTimes’ pan-African reach, “Beijing Stories” airs Monday-Friday at 18:00 GMT on ST Sino Drama with same-day primetime slots on UBC TV. Rebroadcasts follow at 8:00 GMT next morning. Future plans include introducing more high-quality Chinese dramas to meet African viewers’ growing interest.

Tune In for a Cultural Journey
From dynastic sagas to modern struggles, Beijing Theater turns screens into cultural windows. Tune in to ST Sino Drama – where Beijing’s heartbeat meets Africa’s curiosity.