#China #Beijing #iQIYI #The Blooming Journey #female storytelling

iQIYI Launches Season 2 of 'The Blooming Journey'

On October 24, iQIYI, recognized as China's leading online entertainment platform, celebrated the inauguration of the much-anticipated second season of "The Blooming Journey." Following the success of the first season, this travel-centric reality show offers viewers a new adventure infused with authentic stories and meaningful themes. The series uniquely positions itself at the intersection of cultural exploration and female-centric storytelling, reflecting the evolving narrative landscape in China's entertainment industry.

A Journey with Celebrities and Young Companions

Building on its popularity from the inaugural season, Season 2 features five prominent female celebrities in China, paired with two young companions. Unlike traditional reality competitions, the episodes are structured around significant themes rather than mere tasks. This design allows cast members to engage with new challenges that promote collaboration, personal growth, and the invaluable power of their individual stories.

The locations featured in this season range widely across China, covering spectacular destinations such as Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, Chongqing, Quanzhou, Hong Kong, and Macao. This diverse array provides viewers with a rich tapestry showcasing the cultural wealth of China, thereby inviting them to discover the stories that thrive within these regions.

Social Media Buzz and Engagement

The build-up to Season 2 has created significant anticipation, as evidenced by more than a thousand trending topics on various social media platforms prior to the show’s premiere. This enthusiastic engagement reaffirms the strong appeal of iQIYI's original content. Insights from Season 1 revealed an impressive content popularity index surpassing 8,000. Furthermore, it has consistently topped third-party accolades from various platforms like Enlightent, Dengta, Maoyan, and Guduo, cementing its position as a leader in the realm of entertainment.

Engaging Audiences Across Demographics

The success of "The Blooming Journey" is not limited to younger audiences; its reach extends to lower-tier cities and even older viewers. This wide demographic engagement illustrates the show's ability to resonate across different age groups, highlighting the universal threads of human experience, togetherness, and cultural pride.

Impact on Tourism and Cultural Awareness

What sets "The Blooming Journey" apart is its tangible impact beyond the screen. The series has garnered significant attention for Lugu Lake in Yunnan Province, leading to a remarkable year-on-year increase of 42.93% in visitor numbers during the 2025 National Holiday period. Inspired by the show, many travelers are eager to dive into local customs and traditions, including sunrise observations and experiences linked to the unique Mosuo culture.

iQIYI's Legacy in High-Quality Entertainment

iQIYI's ongoing commitment to producing premium, IP-driven entertainment is clearly evident through "The Blooming Journey". It stands alongside other successful variety programs like "The Rap of China," "The King of Stand-Up Comedy," and "Become a Farmer," showcasing the platform's capacity to continually deliver innovative and diverse content that shapes consumer preferences.

With a robust portfolio of seasonal IPs and innovative cross-border formats, iQIYI maintains its leadership position within the competitive landscape of China's entertainment scene. By providing fresh perspectives and highlighting inclusive storytelling, it continues to forge connections between audiences and the cultures portrayed on screen. As it advances, iQIYI not only reinforces its prominence but also contributes significantly to the broader narrative of modern Chinese storytelling.