Meet Yourself

Xu Hongdou leaves behind her demanding career as a hotel executive in Beijing after the sudden death of her best friend, Lin Na. She travels to Dali in Yunnan Province to fulfill a dying wish and process her grief. Created by Ding Ziguang, the series premiered on Hunan Television and Mango TV in early 2023.

The story unfolds over forty episodes, blending slice-of-life elements with a quiet romance between Xu Hongdou and local doctor Xie Zhiyao. Viewers praised the authentic depiction of rural China and the show's focus on healing rather than high-stakes drama. The series achieved an 8.2 rating on IMDb and resonated with audiences seeking a gentle narrative about loss and renewal. [edit]

Xu Hongdou arrives in the ancient town of Dali carrying nothing but suitcases filled with clothes and a heavy heart. Her life in Beijing was defined by efficiency and corporate climbing, but the unexpected passing of her roommate Lin Na shattered that world. Honoring a promise made while Lin Na was still alive, Xu Hongdou rents a traditional courtyard house and plans to stay for just one month. The village offers a stark contrast to the neon lights of the capital, with its mist-covered Erhai Lake, terraced fields, and neighbors who greet each other with genuine warmth. This initial period is marked by friction as Xu Hongdou struggles with the lack of modern conveniences and the slow pace of daily life.

Her isolation begins to soften through interactions with the villagers. Xie Zhiyao, a local physician who also runs a teahouse, becomes a frequent presence. Their relationship starts with polite distance but evolves into a deep bond built on shared meals and quiet conversations. Xu Hongdou reconnects with her estranged sister, Xu Hongmi, who joins her in Dali, forcing both women to confront years of unresolved family tension. Other residents like Hu Youyu, who manages a coffee shop, and Granny Xie, the matriarch of the community, offer guidance and support without judgment.

The narrative arc tracks Xu Hongdou's internal transformation from a woman running from her past to someone ready to face her future. She applies her organizational skills to help the village manage local events and learns new crafts like gardening and cooking. The middle section of the series explores the bittersweet memories of Lin Na, whose voice occasionally guides the group through difficult moments. As the seasons change outside, the characters grow closer, forming a makeshift family that transcends bloodlines.

By the final third of the season, Xu Hongdou realizes that finding herself does not require returning to her old identity or staying in a specific place forever. The journey has been about accepting grief and finding joy in the present moment. The story builds toward a resolution where she chooses to remain in Dali, having forged lasting connections and found a sense of purpose that her corporate life never provided. The pacing remains steady throughout, allowing the scenery and character dynamics to drive the emotional weight of the story forward without rushing to a conclusion.[edit]