Minning Town (2021)
A sweeping Chinese drama about ordinary people who turned a desert into a home — and changed their lives forever.
Minning Town - Series Information
- Original Title: 山海情
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, Spanish
- Networks: Beijing Television 北京卫视, Zhejiang Television, Dragon Television 东方卫视, iQiyi, Youku, Tencent Video, Ningxia Television, SETV
- Alternative Titles: Minning Town (US)
- Production Companies: Daylight Entertainment Co., Ltd.
- Production Countries: China
Minning Town - Plot
It tells the story of villagers from Ningxia who migrated and built Minning Town from scratch. The government wants to build the rural housing land and encourages the farmers of Xiji Country to migrate or relocate. However, the conditions of the desert are too harsh. The villagers who moved there mostly left the second day. Ma Defu tries his best to get the villagers to stay and build the Minning Town. In 1996, the Party Central Committee made a strategic plan to promote counterpart cooperation between the East and the West, which identified Fujian counterparts to promote poverty alleviation work in Ningxia. As time passes, Minning Town was given a new lease of life.
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Minning Town - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Huang Xuan
- Zhang Jiayi
- Yan Ni
- Huang Jue
- Yao Chen
- Tao Hong
- Wang Kai
- Rayzha Alimjan
- Huang Yao
- Bai Yufan
Writers
- Qiu Yujie
- Wang Sanmao
- Mantang Gao
Minning Town - FAQs
Is Minning Town based on a true story?
Minning Town is rooted in real history. It dramatizes the actual poverty alleviation program launched by China's government in 1996, which relocated impoverished villagers from Ningxia's arid Xiji County to a newly built settlement. The real Minning Town exists today as a prosperous district in Yinchuan, Ningxia.
What is Minning Town about?
The series chronicles the transformation of a barren desert settlement into a thriving community. Driven by a government relocation initiative, farmers from impoverished Xiji County are encouraged to migrate, but the harsh conditions drive most away. Local official Ma Defu fights to keep them, and over years of struggle, Minning Town is reborn.
Where can you stream Minning Town?
Minning Town is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. If you prefer to own it, episodes can also be purchased through Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region, so check your local options for the most current information.
Who are the main actors in Minning Town?
The ensemble cast is led by Huang Xuan as village official Ma Defu and Zhang Jiayi as Ma Hanshui. They are joined by Yan Ni, Yao Chen, Wang Kai, Tao Hong, Huang Jue, Rayzha Alimjan, Huang Yao, and Bai Yufan, forming one of Chinese television's most celebrated casts of 2021.
How was Minning Town received by critics and audiences?
Minning Town earned widespread acclaim across China, praised for its grounded storytelling, restrained performances, and authentic depiction of rural poverty alleviation. It became one of the most-discussed dramas of early 2021, celebrated for humanizing a large-scale social policy through intimate, character-driven narratives rather than propaganda-heavy messaging.
Did Minning Town win any awards?
Minning Town received significant recognition in China, earning nominations and wins at prestigious ceremonies including the Golden Eagle Awards and the Flying Apsaras Awards. The series was widely lauded by state and industry bodies alike, with particular praise directed at lead actor Huang Xuan and the production team at Daylight Entertainment.
Why did most villagers leave Minning Town at first?
The newly established settlement sat in an unforgiving desert landscape with little infrastructure, scarce water, and brutal living conditions. Most relocated families abandoned the site within days of arriving. The drama's emotional core lies in Ma Defu's relentless effort to convince them to stay and collectively build something worth calling home.
What are some shows similar to Minning Town?
If Minning Town resonated with you, consider Ming Dynasty in 1566 for its serious historical drama, Homecoming for contemporary Chinese storytelling, or The Rise of Phoenixes for a sweeping period narrative. Forever Love and Delicacies Destiny offer lighter but equally character-rich Chinese drama experiences worth exploring.
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