The Prelude of Lotus Lantern (2009)
A sweeping Chinese fantasy drama rooted in ancient mythology, tracing the origins of Yang Jian and a family torn apart by divine decree.
The Prelude of Lotus Lantern - Series Information
- Original Title: 宝莲灯前传
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 46
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: CCTV-8
- Production Companies: 北京松联国际影视文化传媒有限公司, 北京大卉文化发展有限公司, 北京天星际影视文化传播有限公司, China Television Production Center 中国电视剧制作中心 (CTPC)
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: 宝蓮灯前伝 (JP), 寶蓮燈前傳 (HK), Bảo Liên Đăng Tiền Truyện (VN), Lotus Lantern Prequel (CN)
The Prelude of Lotus Lantern - Plot
The Jade Emperor punishes his sister and her children for forbidden love, leading Yang Jian to gain powerful skills. Together with his sister, he battles divine wrath to rescue their mother and save the mortal world from destruction.
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The Prelude of Lotus Lantern - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Vincent Chiao En-chun
- Liu Xiaoqing
- Xie Ning
- Wang Weiguo
- Zhou Yang
- Yvonne Lim
- Li Guangjie
- Liu Tao
- Liu Xiaofeng
- Cao Jun
The Prelude of Lotus Lantern - FAQs
What is The Prelude of Lotus Lantern about?
The series explores the backstory of Yang Jian and his family, set in motion when the Jade Emperor punishes his sister for a forbidden love. Yang Jian hones extraordinary powers and, alongside his sister, wages a fierce battle against heavenly forces to free their imprisoned mother and protect the mortal world.
Who are the main actors in The Prelude of Lotus Lantern?
The series stars Vincent Chiao En-chun as Er Lang Shen / Yang Jian and Liu Xiaoqing as Wang Mu. The ensemble cast also includes Xie Ning, Wang Weiguo, Zhou Yang, Yvonne Lim, Li Guangjie, Liu Tao, Liu Xiaofeng, and Cao Jun.
Is The Prelude of Lotus Lantern based on a true story?
Not a true story — the series draws from classic Chinese mythology and folklore, particularly legends surrounding Er Lang Shen, the Jade Emperor, and the broader universe of the Lotus Lantern tales. It reimagines these ancient divine narratives as a sweeping fantasy drama.
How many episodes does The Prelude of Lotus Lantern have?
The Prelude of Lotus Lantern consists of 46 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, making it a substantial and immersive journey through its mythological storyline.
Where did The Prelude of Lotus Lantern originally air?
The series originally aired on CCTV-8, China's national television channel dedicated to film and drama programming. It premiered in 2009 and is a Chinese production featuring an all-star cast from mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore.
How does The Prelude of Lotus Lantern connect to the original story?
This series serves as a prequel to the beloved 1999 animated film Lotus Lantern, expanding the mythology by focusing on Yang Jian's origins and his mother's tragic imprisonment. It fleshes out the divine family drama that sets the stage for the events of the original tale.
What language is The Prelude of Lotus Lantern in?
The series is spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Its original title is 宝莲灯前传, and it has been released under several alternative titles across different regions, including 寶蓮燈前傳 in Hong Kong and Bảo Liên Đăng Tiền Truyện in Vietnam.
What are some shows similar to The Prelude of Lotus Lantern?
Fans of this series may enjoy other Chinese fantasy and historical dramas such as The Legend of Anle, The Immortal Ascension, Forever Love, and Only for Love. These titles share a similar blend of epic storytelling, mythological themes, and rich period settings.
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