A righteous path: New series adapts centuries-old Qing Dynasty fable

For every visitor who has ever been to the small city of Tongcheng in southwestern Anhui province, Liuchi Alley is an attraction often recommended by locals.

The landmark lane, which is only 2 meters wide, is famous for its inclusion in a classic anecdote — about a high-ranked official's generosity and his egalitarian treatment of ordinary people — which dates back to the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Now, the narrow thoroughfare, along with the centuries-old anecdote, has inspired a TV series which looks to translate the noble spirit of the story into a modern retelling.

The Story of Liuchi Alley, singer-actress, Bai Xue, and 95-year-old veteran actor, Tian Chengren, join a cast that also includes Shang Daqing, He Yongsheng, Liu Xiangyuan, Yao Jun and Hong Tao.

Shooting on the series — which is set in modern-day Tongcheng and centers around two government officials' fight against corruption — will start this month, with production slated to be completed by April, 2019