Princess Pearl I, the 1998 TV adaption, created a legend on the Chinese mainland and many Asian countries attracting remarkable ratings. In the autumn of 1998, almost every family watched the series that later became an unforgettable memory for many post-80s and 90s young Chinese people.
The Princess Pearl series was inspired by Gong Zhu Fen in Haidian district, a place in Beijing Qiong once visited.
A series of young actors who played roles in the popular series became household names overnight, including Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Zhou Jie and Alec Su. Ruby Lin played the role of Princess Ziwei, a lost daughter of the emperor.
Heavens Shed Tears and Jiang Qinqin
The 1998 TV series was adapted from Chiung's novel of the same name. It was directed by Li Ping, who created many adaptions of the writer's books. The TV version featured actors and actresses from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Continuing the romance theme, the story is about a couple from two large typical Chinese families and their relatives.
Jiang Qinqin played a leading role in the series and soon became well-known in the same year she graduated from Beijing Film Academy.
