iQIYI drama brings Huizhou ink heritage to global audiences

iQIYI's period drama The Heir has emerged as a major international hit, topping trending charts across 13 markets on iQIYI International, including Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States, following its premiere on May 17.

The series offers viewers a rare glimpse into the world of Huizhou ink stick-making, a traditional craft from East China's Anhui province and a national intangible cultural heritage item.

Starring Yang Zi and Han Dongjun, The Heir is set during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when the ink-making industry flourished in old Huizhou region.

The story centers on Li Zhen, the youngest daughter of a prestigious ink-making family. After a major scandal involving tribute ink disrupts the long-established Huizhou ink industry and leads to the downfall of her family, Li embarks on a journey to master the art of ink-making. Through talent, perseverance and determination, she breaks social constraints, revitalizes her family business and helps restore the former glory of the centuries-old Huizhou ink stick-making tradition.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the drama stands out for its meticulous attention to historical detail. The production team carefully recreated every stage of the traditional ink stick-making process, reconstructed authentic Huizhou architectural settings, and designed hundreds of custom-made Ming Dynasty costumes to bring the era vividly to life.

Since its launch, The Heir has achieved a peak content popularity index of 9,342 on iQIYI and ranked No 1 across the platform's overall trending, search and character popularity charts. Across all platforms, the series has generated more than 768 trending entries.

Through its portrayal of Huizhou ink-stick making, The Heir offers international audiences a window into one of China's most treasured traditional crafts, reflecting the growing global interest in stories rooted in Chinese culture and heritage.