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| Bai Lu's Drama 'Northward' Draws Crowds to Filming Spots in Jiangsu |
Looks like Bai Lu’s hit drama Northward isn’t just winning hearts on screen—it’s causing a real-life stir along China’s Grand Canal too.
Since the show’s debut, tourism numbers in parts of Jiangsu have gone absolutely mad, with places like Bacheng Old Street in Kunshan seeing over a 1000% spike in visitors.
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| Bacheng Old Street |
No joke—last weekend alone, more than 50,000 people showed up to soak in the vibes of the series’ filming locations.
According to CCTV-2, it’s the perfect storm of TV magic meets cultural tourism.
Once Again #Northward made into CCTV News
— Løkï (@lokii_1220) May 5, 2025
CCTV Finance: TV series "Northward" brings tourism to filming locations#BaiLu #白鹿 pic.twitter.com/BxisZtHbVk
The show, which is based on a Maodun Literature Prize-winning novel, paints a rich portrait of life along the canal through the decades—from the late Qing Dynasty all the way to the digital age.
Northward Grand Canal Tour: According to statistics, over 25,000 tourists visited in a single day, following in the footsteps of the characters to explore landmarks in Bacheng Old Street
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Northward isn’t just telling stories; it’s shining a spotlight on canal heritage and tugging at nostalgic strings with every paddle stroke.
And audiences are lapping it up—quite literally, hopping on boats, checking in at the canal, and posting snaps all over social media.
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The show’s influence is so strong, it’s even re-energised local businesses.
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Restaurants and inns that once relied on regulars are now seeing waves of fresh-faced tourists, many of whom came for the story but stayed for the scenery (and probably the food).
It’s a win-win: cultural heritage gets its moment in the sun, while small towns reap the economic rewards.
Locals in Kunshan are loving the buzz—shops are selling out of local snacks, and homestays are booked solid.
Some eateries even offer set menus inspired by dishes from the show!
And let’s not forget the heart of it all—the drama itself. Bai Lu’s portrayal of Xia Fenghua, a spunky canal girl chasing dreams, has charmed viewers across generations.
Alongside characters like the steadfast Xie Wanghe and the mysterious Ma Siyi, Northward captures that bittersweet coming-of-age feeling—tied to family, friendship, and the currents of change flowing through every era.
It’s more than just a nostalgic period piece.
Northward reflects the soul of a place, bringing the Grand Canal’s people and stories into sharp focus.
Through laughter, loss, and the long road north, the drama reminds us how deeply our roots run—even as we’re pulled toward the future.
So if you’re looking for your next travel inspo, maybe skip the cliché beach trip and head north—just like they did in the series.
Because thanks to Northward, Jiangsu’s quiet canal towns are having a moment.
And who doesn’t want to walk through a living, breathing TV set?