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| Award-Winning Chinese Actresses Expose Industry Pressures on Hit Travel Programme |
What should have been a light, picturesque travel programme has now become one of the most talked-about industry exposés of the year. The Blooming Journey Season 2 (一路繁花2), known for its scenic routes and relaxed holiday vibes, has somehow morphed into a round-table of unfiltered commentary, thanks to several heavyweight actresses who decided a casual meal in Guizhou was the perfect time to air long-standing frustrations about the Chinese entertainment scene.
Since its premiere, the show has been trending for all sorts of reasons. First it was Carina Lau openly asking Ke Chun and Shao Ziheng about their personal situations. This week, it was something far bigger: three senior award-winning actresses—He Saifei, Carina Lau and Ning Jing—speaking frankly about how the industry is slowly bending to the influence of young celebrity idols.
What looked like a harmless lunchtime chat quickly became a sharp, honest breakdown of the pressures faced by veteran performers in an increasingly fast-paced and idol-driven environment.
A Lunch Gathering That Turned Into a Masterclass
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| When a Travel Programme Turns into a Lesson on Professionalism in Chinese Entertainment |
In the Guizhou episode, the cast were enjoying a warm, easygoing meal when Liu Xiaoqing kicked things off with a joking remark:
“We feel so warm here; who says women always have to fight?”
From there, Carina Lau casually asked, “How do you deal with people who like to argue at work?”
A simple question opened the floodgates.
Ke Chun and Shao Ziheng shared their own experiences, but the conversation took a far more serious turn once He Saifei joined in.
He Saifei’s Candid Revelation: ‘I Was Asked to Give Way to a Popular Actor’
He Saifei recalled a moment that left her mentally and physically drained: a producer once asked her to “give way” to a young celebrity actor.
She didn’t name names, but the point landed clearly—the rising popularity of idol actors has started reshaping work environments in ways veteran actresses often find baffling.
Carina Lau responded with a pointed comment:
“No wonder our films have become harder to enjoy nowadays.”
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| The Blooming Journey 2: How a Calm Travel Show Became a Fiery Acting Masterclass |
Ning Jing added her own sharp note:
“That’s also why some productions turn into box office poison.”
The three actresses emphasised recurring problems: young stars relying heavily on touch-up breaks between takes, script screens instead of memorising lines, and long delays caused by inexperience or lack of preparation.
For viewers, this was the kind of insider perspective rarely said so plainly on television—especially on a travel programme.
Why Their Words Carry Weight
These actresses aren't minor figures airing petty criticism.
All three have careers that span decades and awards that mark them as giants in the industry.
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He Saifei – Over 40 years in the field, famed for Raise the Red Lantern and winner of the Golden Rooster Award – Best Actress for Off the Stage.
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Carina Lau – In the spotlight since 1983, over 42 years active, with Golden Rooster and Hong Kong Film Awards, known for classics like Days of Being Wild.
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Ning Jing – 35+ years in the industry, Golden Rooster Award winner for Lover’s Grief over the Yellow River and Silver Shell Award winner for Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker.
When these three speak, the industry listens.
Their comments weren’t cheap shots—they were a reflection of long-built professional frustration and the shifting standards in modern productions.
Not only did the lunch table turn into an industry panel, but it also became an impromptu acting class.
Ke Chun and Shao Ziheng asked Carina Lau about the phrase often associated with her—“acting with her life.”
Carina Lau happily broke it down: demonstrating physicality, improvisation methods, and how to draw from personal memory without overacting.
For a moment, The Blooming Journey 2 paused its scenic shots entirely and became a workshop led by veterans who’ve spent decades mastering the craft.
The Hidden Role of Programme Design
Behind the scenes, producers explained that travel programmes naturally allow for freer conversation. One PD noted:
“The dining table is the most relaxed setting, where artists feel more open.”
Editors also admitted that certain segments are deliberately kept in to boost engagement, while at other times, the celebrities themselves may be leaning into a “fearless speaker” image to stay relevant in a competitive variety-show market.
A Growing Trend: Travel Shows Becoming Variety Hybrids
What’s happening with The Blooming Journey 2 isn’t new. These days, travel shows mix romance, emotional confessionals, acting evaluations and even soft gossip to keep viewers hooked.
With the number of programmes decreasing and sponsors becoming more selective, the pressure for viral moments is higher than ever.
But because this time the commentary came from respected senior actresses, the discussion hit differently.
Their words sparked industry-wide debate on professionalism, work ethics and the growing tension between experience and popularity.
The Blooming Journey 2 has unintentionally exposed an internal struggle in Chinese entertainment—a clash between seasoned performers with decades of craft and a fast-moving culture that prioritises youth appeal and online buzz.