What lies at the core of the Chinese spirit? China Media Group's (CMG) flagship cultural program for 2025, Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies, offers an answer in a single word: Li – the traditional concept of etiquette, ritual propriety, and the moral order that has shaped Chinese civilization for millennia.
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies depicts the hair-pinning ritual from the traditional coming-of-age ceremony for girls in ancient China. /CMG
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies depicts the capping ritual from the traditional coming-of-age ceremony for boys in ancient China. /CMG
The series will premiere in China at 10:30 p.m. on CCTV-1 starting November 28, and will air internationally on CCTV-4 at 7:45 p.m. from November 29. Through this new production, viewers are invited to journey across 5,000 years of Chinese history to explore the cultural foundations that continue to influence China today.
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies depicts a wedding ceremony in ancient China. /CMG
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies depicts the ceremony in ancient China for hosting and feasting with honored guests. /CMG
Across its 11 episodes, the program examines how Li has guided personality cultivation, family ethics, and social norms throughout different eras. It traces the origins, evolution, and contemporary significance of China's ritual and musical traditions. Visually striking and conceptually rich, the show integrates interactive studio presentations with immersive documentary storytelling. Cutting-edge technologies – from LED virtual sets and real-time VJ effects to TouchDesigner-driven audiovisual interactions – create an engaging, modern viewing experience that brings ancient traditions into vivid focus.
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies depicts the ceremony of offering sacrifices in ancient China. /CMG
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies captures the traditional ceremony marking a teacher's acceptance of a disciple for an apprenticeship in ancient China. /CMG
A still from Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies captures the traditional ritual performed for the meeting of two scholars in ancient China. /CMG
Nearly 50 distinguished guests – including leading scholars, artists, and film and television figures – join the program to share their insights, making Chinese Etiquette & Ceremonies a true cultural event and a compelling window into the essence of Chinese civilization.
