A series of struggles and successes

CHINA DAILY

But, in the process of approaching a xiaokang society, once change has occurred, it can be widely beneficial.

"The concept of a xiaokang society is partially to do with poverty relief, and partially to do with helping Chinese people to fulfill their own potential, no matter what they want to be, no matter what they want to do," he says. "It's about the 'Chinese Dream' and how to attain it. It's a rising tide, which is lifting everyone in China up and making the country a much more equitable and humane place to live."

Du Zhanyuan, president of China International Publishing Group, which hosted the premiere, sees the documentary as a good example to capture vivid stories on film.

"The documentary is based on materials from our daily lives," Du says. "But it goes far beyond that and has shown the strong spirit and morale of the Chinese people and the bright future of our journey in the New Era."

That spirit can win over a wider audience.

"The universality of their everyday lives and the journey of each respective character is made viscerally and poetically accessible for all to savor," Vikram Channa, vice-president of Discovery Inc, says of the series. "This is a special year for China, with the 100th anniversary of the CPC. The beating heart of its incredible achievements on that journey has always been about the people, especially China's sincere, hardworking, ordinary people, who make this country what it is.

"If you have truly experienced the length and breadth of this country, you know it's what makes it such a wonderful place," he says. "Series like A Long Cherished Dream will go a long way in showcasing the real China to the world at a crucial time."

Contact the writer at wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn