Instant impact

Since its launch on Dec 27, Blossoms Shanghai has sparked lively discussions on social media. Many of these discussions are related to the authentic portrayal of the yesteryears in Shanghai, as well as the use and preservation of the Shanghai dialect. The show is also available in dubbed Mandarin.

In fact, some viewers have even taken to sharing short videos from the series to help others learn the Shanghai dialect, which is today less used among those of the younger generation.

Though she doesn't fully understand the dialect, a Henan native surnamed Gao says she much prefers watching the Shanghai dialect version.

"The use of the Shanghai dialect in the TV series really impressed me, and it allowed me to be more immersed in the show. I prefer watching shows in the original language and with subtitles because I get to experience more of the emotions and psychological states of the characters," Gao says.

The 30-year-old says that the show has even triggered a longing for Shanghai dishes among her relatives and friends in Henan province.

"The TV series did a great job of portraying Shanghai in the 1990s. Although the names of the restaurants and shops in the drama were made up, the scenes got me reminiscing about the many old-school restaurants and bars here," Wang says.

Many others have also lauded the accuracy of the details depicted in the show, such as how many restaurants used to be open from lunchtime until dawn, and how people needed to make reservations up to two weeks in advance.

"Restaurants here were the pioneers in introducing Hong Kong cuisine to the city. Many top chefs from Hong Kong used to work in eateries in this area," recalls Wang.

"Hong Kong dishes quickly became popular as pop songs and movies from Hong Kong were highly sought after here in the 1990s. It was common to see photos of restaurant owners posing with famous movie stars and singers from Hong Kong."

A security guard surnamed Zhang, who works in an office building along the road, says that the area has been overflowing with visitors since the airing of the new series.

"Just look at the nearby Park Hotel. People have been lining up from as early as 6 am to buy its popular palmier, even though the pastry shop opens at 8 am. There are also many more young people visiting these days," says Zhang.