Actors Chen Baoguo (left) and Wang Gang. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese TV star Chen Baoguo and veteran TV host Wang Gang will act in a series called Pawn Shop.

The upcoming series centers on the owners of two pawnbroker's shops in Beijing, and reflects the transformation of the ancient business.

"Beijing locals will see something familiar and close to their daily lives. But they'll also find something to think about behind all the laughs and tears," Li Wei, the director, recently said at a promotional event for the series in the Chinese capital.

Chen, 60, is a household name in the country for a number of influential small-screen roles, such as the title role of Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) ruler Liu Che in the hit series Emperor Wu.

"They are places for antique treasures that survived harsh times," Chen said of the pawn trade.

He was present at the same event as Li.