LayarHijau – If a scene where senior award-winning actresses openly criticize popular celebrity actors appeared on TV, many might expect a talk show or acting competition. Yet, this actually happened on The Blooming Journey Season 2 (一路繁花2), a travel program.
Since its premiere, The Blooming Journey 2 has frequently made headlines for its controversial topics. Previously, Carina Lau directly asked Ke Chun and Shao Ziheng about personal matters; this time, three senior actresses—He Saifei, Carina Lau, and Ning Jing—spoke candidly about the impact of popular celebrity actors on the entertainment industry. What should have been a showcase of scenery and travel experiences instead became a “masterclass in acting disguised as a travel show.” This phenomenon reflects the pressures and anxieties within the Chinese entertainment industry.
Next articles
In the latest Guizhou episode during a lunch gathering, the relaxed atmosphere allowed the actresses to speak freely. Liu Xiaoqing began with a light-hearted remark: “We feel so warm here; who says women always have to fight?” Carina Lau then asked, “How do you deal with people who like to argue at work?” This question prompted Ke Chun and Shao Ziheng to share their personal experiences, followed by He Saifei and Carina Lau explaining how they manage similar situations.
The main topic arose when He Saifei recounted a troubling experience: a producer had once asked her to “give way” to a popular celebrity actor, a request that caused her both mental and physical stress. Carina Lau added, “No wonder our movies have become harder to enjoy nowadays,” while Ning Jing commented, “That’s also why some films turn into ‘box office poison.’” They highlighted practices by some young actors who rely on touch-up makeup during shooting or teleprompters (script screens) instead of memorizing their lines, slowing production and lowering overall acting quality.
Their critiques carry weight because of their extensive careers. He Saifei has been active for over 40 years, known for Raise the Red Lantern (大红灯笼高高挂) and winning the Golden Rooster Award – Best Actress for her role as Nona Qi in Off the Stage (追月). Carina Lau, active since 1983 for more than 42 years, has won both the Golden Rooster Award and Hong Kong Film Award – Best Actress, starring in popular films such as Days of Being Wild. Ning Jing, active since 1990 for over 35 years, won the Golden Rooster Award – Best Actress for Lover’s Grief over the Yellow River (黄河绝恋) and the Silver Shell Best Actress for Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker (炮打双灯). With decades of experience and prestigious awards, their commentary carries professional credibility and addresses real issues in the industry.
The program also transformed into an informal acting masterclass. Ke Chun and Shao Ziheng asked Carina Lau why she is said to “act with her life.” Carina Lau demonstrated techniques for embodying characters, improvisation, and integrating personal experiences into roles. Thus, the travel show became a platform for industry critique and acting lessons, rather than merely sightseeing.
Behind the scenes, program design played a key role in this shift. Experienced PDs (producers/program directors) explained that travel programs are flexible and often guide conversations toward engaging topics. “The dining table is the most relaxed setting, where artists feel more open,” said one PD. Post-production editors noted that some segments are intentionally retained to boost viewer engagement, while in other cases, open commentary may reflect a celebrity team’s strategy to highlight a ‘fearless speaker’ persona.
This phenomenon—a travel program that becomes a gossip-filled lunch table and industry critique—is not unique. Many other shows mix genres, from romance to acting competitions, sometimes sacrificing their original focus. Market data shows a decline in program quantity, fewer sponsors, and viral topics now serving as key indicators of public attention. With the authoritative voices of these senior actresses, The Blooming Journey 2 provides rare insights and sparks discussions on professionalism, work ethics, and pressures in the Chinese entertainment industry.
