“Epoch Times, January 9, 2026” – Actor Hu Ge’s starring TV drama “Taste of the World” originally named “Closing the Mountain,” directed by Huang Lei and co-starring with Li Qin, is a period drama set at the century-old Beijing restaurant “Wan Tang Ju,” highlighting the essence of Beijing culture. As a native Shanghainese, Hu Ge portrays Fan Da Cheng, the inheritor of a renowned Beijing restaurant from the 1990s. Despite his acting skills, some netizens express concerns, asking, “Can a Shanghainese portray an old Beijing character convincingly?”
Regarding the renaming of the drama from “Closing the Mountain” to “Taste of the World,” netizens praise the change, calling it “down-to-earth.” One comment states, “The original title ‘Closing the Mountain’ sounded like a heroic theme of retiring from the Jianghu world of martial arts. But with a turn, changing the title to ‘Taste of the World,’ instantly elevates the temperament, exuding a lively and vibrant atmosphere.”
According to reports in mainland media, in preparation for his role as Fan Da Cheng, a stock trading master, Hu Ge moved stock exchange boards into hotels three months in advance to study the tedious data and candlestick charts. Additionally, to match the appearance of a slim and agile chef from that era’s culinary industry, Hu Ge lost 12 pounds, practiced slicing potato shreds daily for a month, and honed the technique of cutting duck into 108 pieces.
Some netizens express doubts about how Hu Ge, a native Shanghainese, will tackle the challenge of portraying a Beijing restaurant inheritor from the 1990s in terms of aura and essence. They wonder, “With fellow cast members such as Beijing natives He Bing and Liu Peiqi, will Hu Ge’s inherent refined, meticulous nature as a Shanghainese man align with the bold and unreserved demeanor of Beijing men?”
In an earlier role in “Blossoms,” representing Shanghai culture, Hu Ge portrayed “A Bao” in Shanghainese. However, many netizens believe that transitioning from the Shanghai character to the master of “Wan Tang Ju” in a Beijing hutong is not merely changing clothes or profession for Hu Ge. The inherent differences in regional cultures present a much greater challenge to overcome than external skills possessed by a chef.
The original novel of “Blossoms” frequently uses the term “reserved,” indicating speaking and acting with restraint, leaving room and maintaining moderation. This trait defines “A Bao” in the series and is synonymous with Shanghainese. Hu Ge himself embodies this quality. However, Beijingers are more outspoken, almost explosive, especially the seasoned masters in Beijing restaurants who interact with people of various backgrounds daily.
Therefore, the audience’s expectations and scrutiny of Hu Ge will come down to a delicate balance. The Beijing chef and the Shanghai businessman are undoubtedly of vastly different styles. Hu Ge must undergo a transformation in his internal aura. He needs to make the audience believe that the character on screen has absorbed the thought process, emotional logic, and even the rhythm of walking and working from the hutongs and courtyards of Beijing.
Perhaps the audience will be understanding and not expect Hu Ge to instantly embody an old Beijing persona. What they anticipate is for Hu Ge, through his acting prowess, to capture and present the spirit of Beijing locals and culinary professionals. While undoubtedly a challenge, this is also an opportunity for Hu Ge to prove himself as a versatile actor.