A poster for the historical documentary Wang Yangming. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

A Zhejiang-made historical documentary, Wang Yangming, made its debut on CCTV-10 (the science and education channel for the national broadcaster of China Central Television) on March 22. It also aired on the video-streaming platform Youku.

Wang Yangming (1472-1529), born and raised in today's Zhejiang province, was among a handful of historic Chinese figures with high moral standards, impressive political feats, and significant intellectual contributions. Wang was a capable official who successfully handled numerous political crises and armed rebellions during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), as well as a moral philosopher who founded an influential Neo-Confucian school of thought that advocates integrating knowledge and actions. Wang Yangming is a household name among intellectuals not only in China, but also in Japan and South Korea.

The documentary, the first-ever biographical film about Wang, tells of Wang's turbulent, legendary life in five episodes. Its screenplay strictly follows historic records and expert advice from China's top historians. It was shot in Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guizhou, and other localities from May to September 2020.

A still from the documentary featuring Wang Yangming, played by Xin Boqing, an actor at the National Theatre of China. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

The documentary was produced by Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group Co, with support from local authorities in Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Yuyao in Zhejiang province. Production was overseen by the National Radio and Television Administration.

The documentary is part of Zhejiang's efforts to promote its cultural traditions during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period.