A Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) architectural model of the Summer Palace featured on season two of National Treasure. [Photo/Official weibo account of CCTV National Treasure]

Traditional culture sees a resurgence

Passions for traditional culture and heritage were reignited in 2017 when an number of culture-themed programs aired on TV, such as National Treasure and Readers.

Continuing the legacy of its first season, National Treasure's second season has scored 9.4 points out of 10 on Douban, a popular Chinese film and TV critic site, less than a month after its first episode was released on Beijing TV in early December.

The new season features 27 treasured relics selected from nine museums around China, such as the Palace Museum, Hebei Museum, Shanxi Museum and Sichuan Museum.

The artifacts were introduced by celebrities through short dramas, with scholars and experts telling behind-the-scene stories. It featured a star-filled lineup, including singer Faye Wong, actor-singer Leon Lai Ming, actress Jiang Wenli and young actor Liu Haoran.