How a Chinese internet novel became a multi-billion view television phenomenon
In short: The Mystic Nine, a prequel to The Lost Tomb, transformed from an internet novel into a massive cultural force. With over 12 billion views, this series about nine powerful families guarding Changsha during the republic era redefined production standards, proving that strategic budget allocation can create a record-breaking visual spectacle.
Set in 1933, the narrative follows the 'Old Nine Gates,' a group of influential families who hold supreme authority over the town of Changsha. The story begins when a mysterious train arrives at the station, prompting the army commander and clan leader Zhang Qishan to investigate a suspicious mine. This discovery pulls him into a complex web of family histories, Japanese conspiracies, and supernatural occurrences, eventually involving figures like the opera singer Er Yuehong and the fortune-teller Qi Tiezui.
The production of the drama was notable for its financial discipline. With a total budget of CN¥168 million, the producers intentionally limited the main cast's fees to 30% of the total, significantly lower than the industry standard of 60%. This reallocation allowed for a greater investment in set design, special effects, and props, which were essential for the show's aesthetic. The series was a commercial triumph, earning about CN¥288 million and setting records for online views in a single day.
The franchise expanded well beyond its initial 2016 broadcast on Dragon TV and iQiyi. Its success led to a series of web films focusing on supporting characters, such as 'Flowers Bloom in February' and 'Four Belongs to Abelmoschus.' By 2026, a sequel titled 'Nine Gates' was released, featuring the return of William Chan as Zhang Qishan. The cultural impact was so profound that Madame Tussauds Shanghai installed wax figures of the lead characters in 2017 and 2018, cementing the series' status as a landmark in Chinese digital entertainment.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Mystic Nine
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