Scenes from A Dream of Splendor, starring Liu Yifei and Chen Xiao. CHINA DAILY

Zhao is played by A-list actress Liu Yifei, one of the few Chinese stars to earn international recognition from several big-budget blockbusters, ranging from The Forbidden Kingdom, starring Jackie Chan, to Disney's Mulan.

A Dream of Splendor marks Liu's return to the small screen 16 years after her previous TV drama, The Return of the Condor Heroes. Industry observers said her beauty and classic temperament made her an ideal choice to play Zhao.

The natural chemistry between the two leading roles, showcased in the romantic scenes, prompted netizens to download such footage as short video clips. The clips circulated online, triggering a frenzy on social media platforms, according to industry analysts.