Nirvana in Fire celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, showing how cultural roots drive its enduring appeal. The Chinese costume drama first debuted in 2015 and attracted a phenomenal 330 million online views. Recently, it has trended again on social media platforms, with the original cast, including Hu Ge and Liu Tao, sharing tributes. This resurgence highlights how audiences continue to connect with its cultural roots.
In a market that released 37 costume dramas in the first half of 2025 alone, Nirvana in Fire remains exceptional. Experts attribute its success to innovative storytelling, high production quality, and the careful incorporation of traditional cultural elements. The series established a unique style that combined entertainment with historical aesthetics, a balance rarely seen in earlier productions.
At the time of its release, Chinese TV audiences were exploring various genres. Popular series like The Sunshine and Western imports such as Sherlock influenced viewer expectations. Amid this context, costume dramas often felt overly formal and restricted by real historical settings. Nirvana in Fire broke this pattern by creating a fictional dynasty while embedding cultural roots into the hero’s personal growth story.
The series merges web novel storytelling with the disciplined structure of historical dramas. The protagonist, Mei Changsu, represents resilience and patriotic devotion. By mixing engaging narratives with traditional moral values and highlighting cultural heritage, the show captivated a broad audience.
Experts also point to its visual approach. Designer Bai Juan highlighted the use of subtle color palettes and composition principles inspired by Chinese landscape painting. Scenes, such as boating sequences, reflected philosophical ideas of self-cultivation and universal peace. This careful attention to cultural roots in visual design enhances storytelling and captivates viewers.
Beyond China, the drama found audiences in North America, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. Analysts say its cultural roots made it relatable and appealing across borders. Moreover, recent costume dramas, like A Dream of Splendor, increasingly emphasize traditional culture, following the example of integrating cultural roots set by Nirvana in Fire.
Despite shifts in viewing habits and the rise of short videos, series that respect cultural roots remain competitive. Industry insiders believe these dramas can continue shaping the market and inspire future productions. Overall, cultural roots will remain central to sustaining audience engagement and preserving the essence of Chinese costume dramas.
