Life of Beijingers told in TV drama

The TV series "A Family Affair" is being called "the new year's drama" by China Central Television. Airing on 14th of January, the drama is about the ups and downs of three families over six decades.

"A Family Affair" has stars Qin Hailu, Wu Gang and Yue Xiuqing. It tells the fate of three families living in a Beijing courtyard, in a time span from before New China was founded until the new century. The main thread of the story revolves around Wang Mantang, who is an upright man like the upright houses he helps build.

Wu Gang, Actor said, "My part, Wang Mantang, is a witness to history. He is a master of ancient-style building construction. There was a line he said once: "A man should be upright like the lines of buildings." He follows this in his life, and he also educates his son to be like this. This is his motto."

The story is set in Beijing and it recounts some of the country's most significant events, including the founding of new China, the "Great Leap Forward", the launching of the opening up and reform period, and the 2008 Olympic Games.

Vivid scenes of home life unwrap along with history.

Fu Ning, Director said, It captures the history of Beijing from the founding of New China to the Olympic Games. From charactors' looks, to the settings of the houses, to the plants and fish jars in the courtyard, all of these must fit into different eras.

The drama features a massive line up of roles. There are 30 roles with names, and hundreds of roles with just a few lines. Both old and new shine through equally in this drama, which is aimed at letting people relive the everyday lives of Beijingers throughout the great turns of history.