Traditional culture comes alive, again

More foreign letters selected

The second season received a record score of 9.3 out of 10 on Douban, China's major TV and film review platform, based on the ratings of more than 7,000 viewers.

"Letters Alive is a one of the best shows in modern China, and it guides us to be a better person through highlighting the charm of Chinese culture and history," one Douban user, Xiao Maotou said.

"In comparison with some reality shows that focus on a celebrity's boring private life and gossip news, Letters Alive sets a true example of what is a successful show in acquisitive society," another user, Qing Guanaiwo, added.

According to Guan Zhengwen, the show's chief director, the letters offer an insight into universal values.

"There is only one standard in our selection, that is, these letters deserve to be seen by more people," the director said, adding that those letters can encourage more people to think independently and reflect on life and the world around them, as well.

The show displayed one letter from a Japanese World War II veteran, who commits all sorts of crimes, and is troubled by nightmares after the war.

At the end of his tragic life, he wrote a letter to show his deepest regret on what he had done during the war and suffered the shame of distorting humanity

"Different cultural backgrounds do exist in the world, but human nature can bridge different cultures. People's understanding of themselves, others and society can be understood through writing, and that's the power of letters," the director believes.

"Chinese letters are still the mainstay of the program's selection, but the addition of classic letters from abroad is bound to bring more diverse tastes to it," he added.