Still of Xiao Yuegui, played by actress Yuan Li, in the popular TV series "The King of Shanghai".
The 32-episode TV drama "The King of Shanghai" starring mainland big names Yuan Li and Wei Zi will appear on Beijing TV channel 4 (BTV-4) beginning Tuesday, the Star Daily has reported.
"The King of Shanghai" is shot against an old-fashioned backdrop of the Shanghai bund in the beginning of the 20th century. It depicts the story of a country girl, who came to big city Shanghai, encountered three men in her life, and experienced love, passion and death.
Actress Yuan plays the leading role of Xiao Yuegui from ages 15 to 84, who is gradually transformed from a homeless girl into a Shanghai gang head.
Yuan explained it was not difficult for her to play this role, saying in childhood, she was the king of children in the lane and used to lead crowds of boys in children's war games.
The TV play has been enjoying good audience ratings since it was first broadcast by a Shanghai TV station earlier this April.
"The King of Shanghai" is adapted from a novel by the famous writer Hong Ying. It is directed by Pan Wenjie, whose successful works include "Once Upon a Time in Shanghai" and "The Emperor of Shanghai".
