Recently, the 21-episode television series “City of Sunshine” aired its concluding episodes on CCTV-1 and Mango TV. Co-produced by the Hunan Provincial Propaganda Department and the Tibet Autonomous Region Propaganda Department, this series marks the first realistic drama reflecting contemporary urban life in Tibet. It tells the story of young people seeking self-discovery and chasing their dreams in the unique landscape of Tibet. Through the life changes and emotional journeys of several Tibetan families, it mirrors the rapid transformation of Tibet in the new era.

Viewers have praised “City of Sunshine” for offering an intimate look at the development of Tibet, calling it a vivid portrayal of everyday life filled with warmth and humanity. Many local Tibetan viewers expressed a deep resonance with the show’s realistic depiction, remarking, “Lhasa, in my eyes, changes constantly. Living here, I am growing every moment.”

Life in “City of Sunshine” presents a vibrant and fulfilling image of Lhasa. With an average of over eight hours of sunlight each day, the city is alive with activities like savoring sweet tea, enjoying traditional Tibetan noodles, attending local opera, and dancing the Guozhuang. However, the series goes beyond simply showcasing the lifestyle in Lhasa; it delves into character development to provide insights into contemporary Tibetan society and the characteristics of its people through a diverse cast.

The narrative follows the story of the Tuden family and guides viewers into the communal atmosphere of Barkhor Street, showcasing families living closely together. The character Dazhen leads us to understand the daily life of a mixed Tibetan-Han family in Lhasa, while Gesang brings the lens to pastoral communities on the vast grasslands. These representative characters and their settings form a solid foundation for the storytelling.

The series crafts layered and realistic portrayals of Tibetan youth. For instance, the protagonist Suolang, the eldest son of the Tuden family, possesses a sharp mind and a wealth of ideas. As he grows up, he aspires to elevate high-quality Tibetan agricultural products to national and international markets, embarking on a challenging entrepreneurial journey by co-founding City of Sunshine Trading Co. Along the way, he navigates obstacles like funding shortages, team dissolutions, and product standardization, showcasing the fresh perspectives of a new generation on integrating traditional pastoral practices with modern e-commerce.

In addition to Suolang, the series showcases a warm depiction of other young dreamers in Tibet. For example, internship doctor Zhaxi grapples with choosing between his father’s expectations and his passion for Tibetan opera. While the sweet tea shop owner Quzong appears to live a quiet life, he faces the critical decision of whether to leave Lhasa with his partner, Xushaojie. Elite urbanite Dazhen gives up a promising career in Shanghai to work on a project that promotes unique Tibetan products. Meanwhile, pastoral girl Gesang deviates from her family’s tradition of herding to bravely pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. These diverse characters intersect in “City of Sunshine,” painting a vivid picture of youth in the Tibetan plateau—resilient, passionate, and dedicated.

As the story unfolds, viewers are taken from the lively streets of Barkhor to the broader landscapes of Lhasa and beyond, encompassing a variety of vibrant characters drawn from across the nation who contribute to building Tibet. For instance, Xushaojie, the first secretary of Gongji community, transforms from a straightforward personality into a patient “super mediator” to tackle various community challenges. Yin Wei, a doctor who moved from a big hospital in Beijing, dedicates himself to his patients, yet hasn’t even visited the nearby Potala Palace during his lengthy stay in Lhasa. Teacher Qiao Yanru has spent decades in Lhasa, fully embracing her identity as a Tibetan, and has guided countless students toward their dreams.

From the bustling markets of Barkhor to the expansive plateaus of Gongba County, and from the silent, majestic snowcapped peaks to the gently flowing Lhasa River, the series vividly captures the beauty and simplicity of Tibetan culture, the unity of its diverse peoples, and the rapid strides in development. It immerses the audience in the journey of Tibetan youth as they intertwine their personal growth and valor in the face of challenges with the broader narrative of societal progress, all under the leadership of the party, highlighting Tibet’s dynamic economic and social transformation and the indomitable spirit of its people in pursuing their dreams.