New reality show stands out from crowd on Chinese TV

Stars of the reality show Let's Go! Go! Go! pose with Park Won-soon (center), mayor of Seoul.[Photo provided to China Daily]

While in recent years, most Chinese reality TV shows have either been inspired by or simply copied from established programs in South Korea, a new show, tailor-made for China, stands out.

First aired in November, Let's Go! Go! Go! is a coproduction of Hubei Television and Korean entertainment giant CJ E&M, and runs through February.

The show, which seeks to encourage strong values among the youth, comes without a known Korean predecessor.

It follows six young Chinese male TV and movie stars' cultural journeys through South Korea and Sri Lanka as they go on a treasure hunt.

Among regular features on the show is actor Li Yifeng, while the list of guests includes Chinese and Korean celebrities, who appear from time to time.

The treasure hunt leads participants to discover hidden everyday objects such as chopsticks, ginseng or even rocks that reflect the spirit of cooperation, persistence and bravery - all essential elements for a person's growth, according to the show's producers.

The show comes at a time when some say present-day Chinese male celebrities look increasingly effeminate.

Such representations are "distorting" traditional aesthetics, says Gu Kai, general director on the Chinese side of the show.