New Life Begins

New Life Begins is a 2022 Chinese romantic comedy series starring Bai Jingting and Tian Xiwei. It is an adaptation of the web novel Time Travel to the Daily Life of the Qing Dynasty by DuoMuMuDuo, directed by Zhao Qichen and produced by Liu Wenyang. The story is about Yin Zheng and Li Wei who meet unexpectedly, and embark a lively life filled with dynamic situations. On 10 November 2022, it premiered on IQIYI. It sets record by achieving the fastest 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' on iQIYI.
On 17 April 2023, the series was aired on Hong Kong TVB Jade channel under the title "Blind Date in XinChuan".

Plot

Due to a political marriage, girls from all over Ji Chuan gathered in Xinchuan. Yin Zheng, the Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan, who lives a low-key life, and Li Wei, who hopes to fail in this political marriage and return to her hometown, unexpectedly meet. Together, they begin a new life full of varied and enjoyable experiences. As Yin Zheng enters the government, they gradually find they share similar tastes and feelings. They experience daily life together, sharing meals and seasons, and grow alongside other siblings with distinct personalities and destinies, creating a warm and vibrant story of life within the large Xinchuan family.

Geopolitical theme

The TV series is set in nine regions and countries. The continent is divided into nine regions, each called a "Chuan". Each Chuan has its own culture and system, and they intermarry to maintain peace and development. Among them, "XinChuan" is the most powerful region. Consequently, each region must participate in the marriage election convention held by XinChuan to gain its protection.

Name of Chuan	Introduction
Xin Chuan	Situated at the center, the first of the nine Chuans upholds Confucian traditions, values the rule of law, and follows the belief in male superiority over female inferiority.
Jin Chuan	Located in the east, close to the sea, Jin Chuan thrives on commerce, fishing, and salt industries. The people of Jin Chuan have a particular fondness for seafood.
Dan Chuan	Situated in the west, Dan Chuan has a matriarchal society where women are superior to men. The people of Dan Chuan enjoy spicy food, such as hot pot, and are fond of playing card games.
Dai Chuan	Located in the northeast, Dai Chuan is mountainous and rich in mineral resources. The people of Dai Chuan are known for their unique foods, including luosifen and stinky tofu.
Yan Chuan	Situated in the south, Yan Chuan enjoys a warm and humid climate, rich in flowers and fruits. Women from Yan Chuan are renowned for their beauty.
Mo Chuan	Located in the north, Mo Chuan has vast grasslands and is known for its nomadic lifestyle, developed animal husbandry, and powerful cavalry. The people of Mo Chuan enjoy spirits and barbecued meat.
Cang Chuan	In the northwest, Cang Chuan has a dry climate with numerous deserts and barren lands. Resources are scarce, and most people live near oases with clean water.
Yin Chuan	Located in the southeast, Yin Chuan enjoys a temperate climate with abundant rainfall and a landscape that resembles spring year-round. Its rivers, lakes, and fertile land make it highly productive.
Ji Chuan	Situated in the southwest, Ji Chuan is known for its gender equality, monogamy, and liberal culture. The people of Ji Chuan have a love for mushrooms.

Cast

Jiu Chuan (Nine Regions)

;;Xin Chuan

Artist	Role	Note	Cantonese Dubbing
Gao Shuguang	Lord of Xinchuan	The ruler of Xinchuan and Jiu Chuan.	Zhao Shiliang
Zhang Ruika	Madam Xinchuan	Wife of the Lord of Xinchuan and the mother of Yin Song.	Yuan Shuzheng

Karina Zhao as Madam He: Mother of Yin Zheng and the Eleventh Prince, she became the Lord of Xinchuan’s concubine at a young age
Edward Zhang as Yin Song: Second prince, born to Madam Xinchuan. He is brother of the Tenth Prince and Princess Shuyu. Husband of Lady Fangru and ex-husband of Hao Jia
Chen Zi Han as Zhao Fangru: Yin Song’s main wife, from Danchuan. Her family owns most of the mines in Daichuan
Liu Meng Meng as Dong Haitong: Yin An's main wife, from Cangchuan
Liu Mei Han as Song Wu: Princess Kening, adopted daughter of Madam He, marries Song Wu
Yin Kun: First son, born to a concubine. He was stationed in the Mo Chuan region and is the father of Ping'an.
Jiang Yue: Yin Kun's main wife and the mother of Ping'an
Yin An: Third Prince, husband to Lady Dong. His biological mother died young, so he was raised by Madam Xinchuan
Yin Han: Ninth Prince, friends with Li Wei
Yin Yue: Tenth Prince, born to Madam Xinchuan, brother of Yin Song and Princess Shuyu
Yin Zai: Eleventh Prince, born to Madam He and younger brother of Yin Zheng

;;Jinchuan

Liu Ling Zi as Yuan Ying: Princess of Jinchuan and Yin Zheng's main wife

;;Danchuan

Madam of Danchuan: Older sister of Shang Guan Jing and ruler of the Danchuan region. Sister-in-law of Yin Qi
Shang Guan Jing:Younger sister of the Madam of Danchuan

;;Daichuan

Chen Zi Han as Zhao Fangru: Yin Song's main wife. Later, he divorces him and moves back to Daichuan

;;Jichuan

Hu Ke as Zhu Ge Xiao Mei: Mother of Li Wei and Li Cang. Wife of Li Wen Bi
Yu En Tai as Li Wen Bi: Father of Li Wei and Li Cang; lower official in Jichuan
Xu Wai Luo as Li Cang: Younger brother of Li Wei. The son of Zhu Ge Xiao Mei and Li Wen Bi

Soundtrack

HongKong version:

Title	Artist
Bubble Cucumber	Yao Zhaofei, Zhang Chihao
Get the Courage to Be Happy	Windy Zhan

Reception

In 2022, the series was national and internationally successful, becoming fastest drama on IQIYI to reach the 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' mark; its first week peaked at 19.6 rating with 1.26M viewership. Critics appreciated casts acting in bringing their respective role to life, and the characterization which is not complex. The women empowerment and friendship theme was effectively conveyed. It ranked among the 'Top 5 Dramas' in viewership and featured in 'iQIYI Top 10', maintaining its lasting popularity.

Ratings

Premiere ratings on TVB Jade in Hong Kong, China.

The represents the highest ratings.