Zhejiang-produced TV dramas are gaining a growing international audience, emerging as a key force in China's cultural exports.

Series such as The Knockout, Mysterious Lotus Casebook, and the recently released Legend of Zang Hai have attracted viewers across multiple continents. Legend of Zang Hai is now available in 190 countries and regions, marking South Korea's SBS network's second Chinese drama acquisition since it imported My Fair Princess in 2000.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Zhejiang's "Eight Projects", covering civic quality, cultural excellence, cultural research, cultural preservation, cultural industry promotion, cultural infrastructure, cultural communication, and cultural talent development.

Hangzhou-based production houses are leading the trend. Zhejiang Huace Film & TV Co (Huace), an early pioneer in global distribution, synchronizes nearly all of its releases worldwide, expanding from Southeast Asia into North America and Europe. Its drama Meet Yourself incorporates intangible cultural heritage elements such as wood carving and tie-dye, earning UNESCO recognition and boosting cultural tourism.

Jiaping Pictures, another key player, has exported entrepreneurial dramas like Feather Flies to the Sky and On the Road to more than 30 countries in 12 languages, reaching an estimated audience of over 2 billion. "These stories convey China's experience and spirit," said Wu Jiaping, chairman of Jiaping Pictures, noting their inspirational impact in markets such as Bangladesh.

Industry insiders attribute the success to compelling storytelling rooted in Chinese traditions and contemporary life, paired with advanced localization. Companies are adopting AI-powered translation tools — such as Huace's Guose model — to improve efficiency, while adapting subtitles and marketing to local cultures. Upcoming Zhejiang titles, including Swords into Plowshares, will employ advanced 4K and 8K technology for release on global platforms like Netflix.