Reality bites as TV show's appeal becomes clear

The show, jointly produced by Hunan Satellite TV and video-sharing platform Mango TV, invited key opinion leaders, media reporters and fans to experience a range of thrilling tasks.

I had the privilege of taking part because the production companies were in need of male media professionals for the gender balance of the two competing teams. The aim was that the teams had to finish a series of tasks in a race against each other, while not being caught by the third-party, a group of hunters.

This episode is built on the intricate layout of the water resort, and the two teams not only engage in games of pursuit and evasion on land, but also clash with the hunters in boats.

In the gaming section, the progressively challenging levels demonstrate methods of mental warfare — where both teams try to sabotage each other.

Being a regular gym goer, I said yes to the invite purely for the prospect of running, and some small curiosity about reality shows, which are not among my usual beat.

After all, I thought, what is the worst that could happen. If I don't enjoy the game, I will still be able to chalk it up as a workout session.

Yet, upon arriving at the venue, the producer immediately put me straight on the matter as soon as he found out that I had not watched any reality game shows before and knew next to nothing about the rules of this one.