Storytelling through travel

After the first two seasons, which focused heavily on nature and biodiversity, the third season deliberately turns toward human stories and community traditions. "Human cultural vitality is easier for the audience to empathize with," Zhang says.

Choosing each destination is equally deliberate. Zhang says the team first agrees on a location's most striking and representative landscapes. Their top priority is finding scenery strong enough to trigger a physical reaction — places where guests instinctively "oh" and "ah" or reach for their cameras.

The second priority is finding an environment where the cast can relax and feel the restorative power of nature. With three seasons behind them, the production team now selects locations that amplify their chemistry, helping guests shed their everyday identities.

For example, in Qiqihar, the guests naturally discussed northeastern breakfasts and dialects. They took part in local folk activities which, in turn, created a sense of ease from the perfect combination of destination and guest atmosphere.