Shenzhen drama series captures everyday bravery and national spirit

Premiering Jan. 6 on CCTV-1, “The Miracles” (《奇迹》) , ashort drama unit jointly produced by China Media Group and the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, launched with two compelling episodes — ”Life in a Lift“ and ”The Impossible Order“ — each inspired by real-life events that reflect the spirit of Shenzhen: a city built by dreamers, doers, and those who believe in turning the impossible into reality.

'Life in a Lift': Ordinary people, extraordinary dreams in Shenzhen

A poster for "Life in a Lift.” 

In ”Life in a Lift," Li Lei, a young jobseeker from out of town, meets Auntie Zhen, a middle-aged building cleaner, during a minor dispute in a high-rise. Despite their differences, both are struggling — one with failed startups, the other with the pressures of survival in a fast-paced city. As their paths continue to cross, they slowly become each other’s source of encouragement, resilience, and hope.

The drama resonated widely with viewers. One popular online comment read: “The higher the buildings, the more they can carry — even the weight of failure. And still lift dreams.”

Critics also praised the series for its authenticity. Writer He Fangye said Li Lei’s journey “mirrors countless entrepreneurs in Shenzhen,” and showcases the city’s spirit of “innovation and tolerance for failure.” Communication professor Wang Yang noted how the emotional bond between two urban outsiders reflects the power of Shenzhen’s immigrant culture.

A scene from "Life in a Lift.” 

The episode highlights how over 1,500 reform initiatives — including streamlined business services and a “one visit at most” policy — have helped build a fertile ground for dreamers.

As Li’s startup takes off and Auntie Zhen finds pride in her role, "Life in a Lift" leaves a lasting message: Miracles aren’t just headlines — they’re the quiet victories of ordinary people who never give up.

"The Impossible Order": 5 days, 5,000 lights 

A poster for "The Impossible Order."

While "Life in a Lift" tells a story of personal growth, "The Impossible Order" captures Shenzhen’s spirit of global cooperation and lightning-fast innovation.

Based on true events, this episode follows Anthony, an Italian artist, who proposes to his girlfriend Adele — a relief worker in Bangladesh. Her response? A heartfelt challenge: deliver 5,000 adaptive solar lamps for children in disaster zones, within five days.

Anthony travels to Shenzhen, where he teams up with Wang Chong, a local entrepreneur. Together, they rally a team, navigate technical hurdles, and face down unexpected floods that move the shipping deadline up by 10 hours. From redesign to production, and through collective effort involving friends and factory workers, the impossible becomes reality — and love is sealed.

One viewer commented: “It’s Shenzhen speed — and Chinese heart.” Others noted: “This light didn’t just illuminate a disaster zone — it lit up what’s possible when people unite.”

Local viewers saw themselves in the story. “We often face tight deadlines and pressure in our jobs too,” said Shenzhen resident Huang Zexuan. “But working toward a common goal — that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Factory workers race against time to deliver an urgent order in a scene from "The Impossible Order."

More than a drama: A mirror of a city’s soul

"The Miracles" takes an innovative approach with its anthology format — 15 standalone units across 24 episodes — to portray Shenzhen’s transformation from small village to innovation hub over the past 45 years.

But beyond infrastructure, the series focuses on people: workers, dreamers, immigrants, builders. It tells stories not just of development, but of human connection, struggle, and perseverance.

As China prepares to host the 2026 APEC summit, "The Miracles" serves as a cultural tribute to the nation’s journey — showing that behind every skyscraper is a story, and behind every miracle, a person who dared to try.