The summer of 2024 marked yet another return of the Olympic Games to Paris, France—the birthplace of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games. More than a celebration of sports, the event serves as a stage for cultural exchange, providing the perfect setting for the micro-series I Am a Xiake in Paris. Seamlessly weaving Paris 2024 Olympics with rich Chinese cultural elements—martial arts, Peking Opera, cuisine, poetry, tea culture, and traditional musical instruments—the series has built a bridge of understanding and appreciation between Chinese and international audiences. Upon its release, the show became an instant sensation, highlighting the universal appeal and resonance of its themes.
Source: ibaotu.com
At its core, I Am a Xiake in Paris tells a heartfelt story of human connection that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. It follows Guoxing, a young man who encounters Sanxi, an elderly gentleman with memory loss, wandering the streets of Paris in search of his granddaughter. To help Sanxi reconnect with his family, Guoxing creatively taps into the Olympic excitement, live-streaming and producing videos of Sanxi dressed in various traditional Chinese costumes around the city. As their journey unfolds, Sanxi's fragmented memories gradually resurface, leading him to recall his hometown of Hangzhou and his granddaughter, Xiaomi. With Guoxing's support, Sanxi is ultimately reunited with Xiaomi, now a journalist, bringing their emotional journey to a close.
The show thrives on the dynamic relationship between Xiaomi and Guoxing, whose "love-hate" interactions bring both humor and warmth to the story. Through their eyes, the unique beauty of Paris and Hangzhou is beautifully showcased to the audience. Meanwhile, Sanxi's passion for performance shines through as he portrays iconic Chinese historical and mythical figures, staging unforgettable "East meets West" scenes on the street of Paris. As the plot progresses, Sanxi, Grandpa, Xiaomi, and Guoxing are finally reunited in the scenic city of Hangzhou, taking viewers through the iconic venues of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou as well as some of the city's most renowned spots, including West Lake, Leifeng Pagoda, and Su Causeway.
By connecting the stories of Paris and Hangzhou, the series presents a modern "Tale of Two Cities," celebrating the idea that cities thrive through openness and their embrace of global connections.
In addition, the series highlights China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which has led to a growing number of international tourists visiting Hangzhou to experience the unique charm of the city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern innovation. With the success of I Am a Xiake in Paris, Hangzhou is poised to gain even more recognition, captivating the hearts of more tourists.
