Yellow River's power of change

Within two months, the crew, which consists of around 300 members, has traveled to multiple cities, including Jinan in Shandong province and Lanzhou in Gansu province, to explore the transformation of the local lifestyle and economy.

Wang Lu, chief director of the show, says the program was commissioned by the National Radio and Television Administration in an effort to recognize the Yellow River basin's status as a crucial ecological barrier and economic zone.

Currently working in Hangzhou for Zhejiang Satellite TV, which produces and airs the show, Wang reveals that they have adopted an innovative narrative-blending multiple formats such as games and tours-to tell stories that not only reflect China's changes, but also resonate with youngsters.

For instance, in the episode shot in Lanzhou, the stars wore heavy makeup and wigs to convincingly disguise themselves as elderly people, helping them to go "unnoticed" during morning exercises in a park-ranging from kicking a shuttlecock to square dancing-a routine that local seniors follow to keep fit.