National treasures come to life on TV show

Still, the show corrects misperceptions about Qianlong and uses the vase as an example of inclusiveness.

Choosing the right performer for each item is itself a fine art, Yu said. They are called the "guardians of the relics".

Duan Yihong, an actor known for his portrayals of subtle emotion, was chosen to play a sword spirit who has a long monologue. The sword belonged to Goujian, a king in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), who suffered humiliation before defeating his adversary.

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