Joint TV show by China and Russia to go on air

"A Sportsman's Sketches," an 1852 collection of short stories by Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, has inspired a recent TV series jointly produced by China and Russia. "Mysteries Over a Sportsman's Sketches" is currently airing in Russia and some eastern European countries.

The TV series starts with the a mysterious treasure map hidden in the Turgenev scripts, whose French version is now in the collection of French National Museum. The story of friendship and love lures the audience with two gripping points: treasure hunting and suspense.

In the process, the story weaves together the cultures of China and Russia. Hong Kong actor Jordan Chan plays Li Daniu in the show, which features impressive martial arts sequences.

Jordan Chan, actor

Jordan Chan, actor, said, "My character moves stuff with magnetism, or may suddenly disappear or fly away. It's an intriguing role."

You Xiaogang, director, said, "The Russian side is very curious about Chinese Kungfu. And our understanding towards Russian literature provides the foundation for this cooperation. "

After two years in the making, the TV series is the first custom and pre-ordered drama by a European TV station.

"Mysteries Over a Sportsman's Sketches" airs on CCTV-1 beginning Saturday.