Recently, the National Radio and Television Administration publicized a major revolutionary historical television series titled “Years in the Northwest.” The series has garnered attention due to its main character being Xi Zhongxun, the revolutionary elder and father of China’s current president, Xi Jinping. This will be the first historical drama on mainland China with Xi Zhongxun as the primary protagonist.
“Years in the Northwest” is set against the backdrop of the 1927 “April 12th Incident”, a time when the Kuomintang government purged members of the Communist Party of China. In the series, the progressive student Xi Zhongxun, unfazed by the “White Terror,” immerses himself in the revolutionary torrent. He co-leads the Liangdang Rebellion alongside Liu Zhidan and jointly establishes the Shaanxi-Gansu Red Army with figures such as Liu Zhidan and Xie Zichang, laying the foundations for the Shaanxi-Gansu revolutionary base.
With the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Xi Zhongxun leads efforts to build the Shaanxi-Gansu base, defending the southern and northern gates of the border area. Mao Zedong praised him for “always putting the Party’s interests first.” During the Chinese Civil War, Xi collaborates with Peng Dehuai in the defense of Yan’an, securing three significant victories that paved the way for the strategic success on the national battlefield. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Zhongxun endeavored to transform the impoverished and backward northwest. Later, upon being transferred to central duties, he takes a heartfelt look back at his homeland, bidding farewell to the masses of the northwest.
In 2014, the character of Xi Zhongxun first appeared on the small screen in the television series “Deng Xiaoping at History’s Crossroads”. The forthcoming “Years in the Northwest” will be the first major revolutionary historical drama on mainland China to feature Xi Zhongxun as the lead character. Directed by Dong Yachun of “Crossing the Yalu River” fame and spanning 40 episodes, rumors suggest filming will commence this month in various locations including Yan’an, Zhaojin, Xi’an, Gansu, and Hengdian.
There has been significant public interest regarding who will portray Xi Zhongxun. Famous actor Zhang Jiayi, having hailed from Shaanxi and maintaining a clean public image, previously portrayed Xi Zhongxun in “Deng Xiaoping at History’s Crossroads”. Recently, rumors have been rife that renowned Chinese actor Jin Dong, born in 1976 and a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, will take on the leading role in “Years in the Northwest”. Owing to his performances in numerous historical and legal dramas, Jin Dong’s portrayal of “veteran officials” has resonated with mainland audiences. He also holds various prestigious roles such as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Deputy Head of the China Coal Mine Art Troupe.