A technicolor twist on Yu the Great

"Unlike the well-established fine art system with typical Chinese aesthetics seen during the Tang (618-907) and Song dynasties (960-1279), an artistic tradition had not fully developed in the distant past. However, ancient artistry can be found in the patterns adorning items like clay pots. So, we feature these elements prominently in the animated series, from costumes to utensils," says Cao.

Another highlight of the series is its use of verses from Tian Wen (Heavenly Questions), written by one of China's greatest poets, Qu Yuan, who lived around 2,300 years ago, as the lyrics for its closing title song by renowned composer Zhang Yilin.

An award-winning graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, Cao says that the project is the first time in his career that he has attempted to understand the way ancient Chinese faced natural disasters and mysterious phenomena.

"Our ancestors possessed a spirit of perseverance and diligence that enabled them to overcome natural disasters and ensure the continuation of the Chinese people. Their pioneering spirit gradually merged into the bloodline and genes of the entire Chinese nation," he explains.

"So when we now assert that Chinese people are industrious, this is not mere rhetoric; it is the cornerstone for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Cao says.