A Lifelong Journey (2022)
A sweeping Chinese family saga tracing five decades of love, sacrifice, and social upheaval through the lives of the Zhou family.
A Lifelong Journey - Series Information
- Original Title: 人世间
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Liang Xiaosheng, Li Lu
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 58
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: CCTV-1
- Alternative Titles: 人世间 (CN), A Lifelong Journey (US)
- Production Companies: China Media Group 中央广播电视总台 (CMG), iQIYI Pictures, Tencent Pictures
- Production Countries: China
A Lifelong Journey - Plot
A story that details the the lives of ordinary civilians amidst the magnanimous changes in Chinese society over the years. At the end of the 1970s, the Zhou family lived in a provincial city in the north. The father, Zhu Zhi Gang, has just participated in the Third Front Movement in Xi Nan. The eldest son, Zhou Bing Yi, responds to a national call to become part of the first batch of "educated" youths sent to live and work in rural areas. The eldest daughter, Zhou Rong, follows her poet husband to the countryside of Guizhou. The youngest son, Zhou Bing Kun, is the only one left at home with their mother. In the span of 50 years, the Zhou family is swept by the tides of change in China.
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A Lifelong Journey - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Liang Xiaosheng
- Li Lu
Main Cast
- Lei Jiayin
- Xin Baiqing
- Song Jia
- Yin Tao
- Ding Yongdai
- Sa Rina
- Cheng Taishen
- Song Chunli
- Sui Junbo
- Huang Xiaolei
Writers
- Wang Hailing
- Liang Xiaosheng
A Lifelong Journey - FAQs
Is A Lifelong Journey based on a true story?
A Lifelong Journey is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from Liang Xiaosheng's acclaimed novel of the same name. The story draws on the lived experiences of ordinary Chinese people across five decades of sweeping social and political change, lending it a strong sense of authenticity and emotional realism.
Who are the main actors in A Lifelong Journey?
The series stars Lei Jiayin as Zhou Bingkun, Xin Baiqing as Zhou Bingyi, Song Jia as Zhou Rong, Yin Tao as Zheng Juan, and Ding Yongdai as Zhou Zhigang. The ensemble cast also includes Sa Rina, Cheng Taishen, Song Chunli, Sui Junbo, and Huang Xiaolei.
Where can you watch A Lifelong Journey?
A Lifelong Journey is available to purchase on Amazon Video. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming and purchasing options available in your region, you can check JustWatch, which aggregates current availability across multiple platforms.
What is A Lifelong Journey about?
A Lifelong Journey follows the Zhou family in a northern Chinese city from the late 1970s onward, tracing 50 years of personal triumphs and hardships against the backdrop of China's dramatic social transformation. It explores themes of family bonds, sacrifice, political upheaval, and the resilience of ordinary people.
Did A Lifelong Journey win any awards?
Yes. A Lifelong Journey was a major award-winner in China, taking home the prestigious Magnolia Award at the Shanghai International Television Festival, including Best Drama Series. It was widely recognized as one of the most celebrated Chinese television productions of 2022, praised for its writing, direction, and performances.
How many episodes does A Lifelong Journey have?
A Lifelong Journey consists of 58 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The series aired in its entirety in 2022 on CCTV-1 and has since concluded, with no additional seasons planned.
How was A Lifelong Journey received by critics?
A Lifelong Journey was met with widespread critical acclaim in China and internationally. Critics praised its emotionally rich storytelling, nuanced performances — particularly from Lei Jiayin — and its ambitious scope. It became one of the highest-rated Chinese dramas of its year, resonating deeply with audiences for its authentic portrayal of everyday life.
What are some shows similar to A Lifelong Journey?
If you enjoyed A Lifelong Journey, you might also appreciate Move to Heaven (2021) and The Bond (2021) for their emotionally grounded family storytelling. For broader epic dramas, Breaking Bad (2008) and Squid Game (2021) offer similarly compelling character-driven narratives, while Hope All Is Well With Us (2019) shares a comparable Chinese drama sensibility.
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