Writer hopes new show will be big hit

Longmen Express, a 40-epsiode TV drama and the directorial debut of well-known scriptwriter Chen Wanning, who writes under the pen name Ning Caishen, was released on July 29. The wuxia comedy follows the life of professional guards hired to escort people taking a journey with valuable belongings. Chen believes the show will reprise the glory of My Own Swordsmen, an 80-episode comedy and a big hit thanks to its sharp humor and strong performances. The cast includes veterans like Anita Yuen, and rising stars such as Chen Xiao and Guo Jingfei. The show is available on Dragon, Hubei, Anhui, Tianjin TV and LeTV.com.

Kung fu trainer's film released

The second film starring Tiger Chen, who trained Keanu Reeves in kung fu for The Matrix, was released in July. Kung Fu Man, which premiered on July 19, tells the story of a Chinese martial artist and a kidnapped American boy. Chen describes the film as a kung fu version of Home Alone, the family comedy starring Macaulay Culkin. Seasoned Hong Kong choreographer Yuen Cheung-Yan, who created the action sequences in hit films such as Once Upon a Time in China and Kung Fu Hustle, directed the film. Chen acts with Reeves in Man of Tai Chi, which was released on July 5. Reeves directed the film.

Dance competition coming to Xining

The ninth Lotus Awards Competition of Chinese Classical Dance will be held from Aug 15 to 19 in Xining, capital of Qinghai province. After a preliminary selection, 46 dance works from around China have been shortlisted for the competition. During the competition, the Xining International Dance Festival and a summit on Chinese classical dance will also be held.

Top design recognized by Chinese award

The D21 Architecture Award for young Chinese architects will be presented as part of the Beijing Design Week this October, the Beijing Design Week Organizing Committee announced on Monday. The award aims to credit emerging Chinese architects who have improved urban living conditions with their work, says Cai Hongming, chairman of iloushi.cn, a co-organizer of the event. Architecture, along with home and auto design will be the highlights of the Beijing Design Week this year. The Beijing Design Week is an annual event that celebrates the value of technology design through a series of forums, exhibitions and trade fairs. The guest city of the 2013 Beijing Design Week is Amsterdam.

China Daily

(China Daily USA 07/31/2013 page10)