China’s Mini-Dramas with Children Face Backlash : Adultified Content & Regulatory Crackdown

Controversial Chinese mini-dramas feature child actors in adult roles, sparking psychological harm concerns. Regulator issued Jan 2025 document; 160 miniseries blocked or removed in Feb.

Tags:




Miniseries in China starring children have sparked controversy for their content becoming "adultified," as critics say the trend will harm the psychological health of young actors.

One of the controversial dramas depicts a five-year-old girl helping her father with stock investments, resulting in two billion yuan (US$290 million) in profits in a short time, the China Youth Daily reported.

"This share's price will rise to its trading limit in an hour. I would like to invest all my money, plus borrow 100 times the fund," the little actress is filmed saying in the series.


One of the controversial series depicts intimate relations between a child actor and an adult. Photo: ettoday
One of the controversial series depicts intimate relations between a child actor and an adult. Photo: ettoday


The drama, the name of which was not disclosed, has been watched by 290,000 viewers on a major platform, according to the report.In another series, a nine-year-old boy is dressed like an adult.

His hair is permed and curled, and he wears a blue plaid shirt. As required by the script and demonstrated by the director, the boy's eyes instantly 'light up', and his mouth waters when seeing five 'long-legged beauties' in their twenties who are playing his fiancées.


Child actors, such as the girl above, are often cast in adult roles. Photo: ettoday
Child actors, such as the girl above, are often cast in adult roles. Photo: ettoday


The name of the second series was also not revealed in the report.

Many people said many plots were unsuitable for children to act in or watch, such as sweet love, revenge, palace intrigue, murder and super-abilities.

A mother of a boy, who played the part of a man who lives for a thousand years but whose body remains young, said her son talked in an adult tone after playing in the series.

He often told his classmates: "Be careful; otherwise I will kill your whole family."


Another child actor, above. Experts fear the
Another child actor, above. Experts fear the "adultification" trend could be psychologically harmful to children. Photo: ettoday


"We will never allow him to act in vertical screens," the mother was quoted as saying.

"Vertical screen" refers to miniseries because such dramas are generally viewed on mobile phones.

Miniseries are defined as having episodes lasting less than 15 minutes. They have thrived in China in recent years.


Two child actors in a miniseries were asked to play out a scene perched high on a roof. Photo: ettoday
Two child actors in a miniseries were asked to play out a scene perched high on a roof. Photo: ettoday


The industry's market values reached 50 billion yuan (US$7 billion) in 2024 before rising to 63 billion yuan last year. Audiences of the art form were estimated to total more than 500 million in the country.

In January, the National Radio and Television Administration, the industry's regulator, issued a document to curb the tendency towards auld themes.

"Also, we should correct the tendency of using children as tools and boycott the tendency of making contents too entertaining. We should try to prevent the inappropriate creation from harming juveniles' physical and mental health," the authority said in the document.

In the same month, a miniseries was withdrawn for triggering a public backlash because it let an 11-year-old girl play a young bride for an adult man. The drama included some intimidate interactions between the two.

In February, a total of 160 miniseries were blocked, removed or ordered to amend scripts by various platforms in China because of their plots.




Source: 

Editor: Crystal H


Most Popular


A Chinese man survived five days trapped underwater while diving in a cave by living on raw fish until he was rescued. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
图片
 



Lost diver survive 5 days underwater,lives on fish until rescued

图片
图片


Asian Nations Lead in Visa-Free Travel, Passport Power Shifts?

A Chinese mother has drawn online attention and sympathy after delivering food with her four-year-old daughter, who has a tumor, in a courier box.  Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin


Courier puts sick daughter in delivery box while working as...

图片
图片

Press "wow" 图片

图片

Club Med Asia All-Inclusive Deals : Family Escapes from ¥730/Night

Explore all-inclusive family escapes at Club Med resorts in Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, China, and ski destinations. Early bird deals, kids under 4 free, from ¥730/night. Valid through 2026 for Labor Day, summer, and more.

Tags:

图片

Imagine a vacation where you actually relax. Where the kids are having the time of their lives, and you can leave the work life behind. That's the magic of Club Med.

For over 70 years, this French-born pioneer has perfected the art of the family getaway. From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of: gourmet meals, snacks, drinks, and even childcare for kids four and up. 


It's the ultimate check your worries at the door experience.


图片


So, whether you're dreaming of a tropical beach, a cultural adventure, or a winter wonderland, we've lined up incredible deals across Club Med's best resorts.


No more wondering where to go for the holidays—we've got you covered for Labor Day, summer break, National Day, and beyond.


Oh, and early bird promotions are currently available—so book now to enjoy the best price of the year.

图片

Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia

Where Nature Meets Adventure

图片
图片
图片
图片
图片
图片
图片

Slide to view more

Imagine an 80-hectare playground nestled between the mountains and the sea. This is Club Med Cherating, the largest Club Med in Southeast Asia and the world's first eco-friendly village.


It's a place where curious macaques, lizards, and squirrels are your neighbors, and summer brings the magic of sea turtles nesting on the shore.


Why go now? A brand-new Club Med is opening in Sabah this November, and Cherating is about to close for a major renovation after this year's National Day.


That means prices will never be this low again. Snag an unbeatable deal before it transforms into something even more spectacular.


The Deal

Check-in: Now–Oct 10

Starting from: Adults ¥917 / night | Teens ¥734 | Kids 4-11 ¥550 | Under 4 FREE

Scan the code for real-time pricing and booking:

图片

图片

Club Med Kani, Maldives

The Ultimate Overwater Dream

图片
图片
图片
图片
图片

Slide to view more

This is the one you've been dreaming of: Club Med Kani is perched on a stunning North Male Atoll, just a 35-minute speedboat ride from the airport.


And right now, they're bringing back the deal every parent loves: kids stay free.


The Deal

Check-in: May 30–Nov 27*

Starting from: Adults ¥1,799 / night | Teens ¥1,439 | Kids 4-11: FREE** (limited time)

Bonus: Book a 3-night stay and for every paying adult, one child 4-11 stays free**

Scan the code for real-time pricing and booking:

图片

*Excluding National Day

**Environmental fees apply

图片

Club Med Phuket, Thailand

A Fresh Take on a Tropical Icon

图片
图片
图片
图片
图片
图片
图片

Slide to view more

Located on the vibrant Kata Beach, Phuket Club Med has just undergone a stunning renovation.


All rooms are fresh and modern, and they've added a brand-new family oasis with a waterpark and snack bar—perfect for making a splash.


The Deal

Check-in: Now–Nov 27

Starting from: Adults ¥1,127 / night | Teens ¥902 | Kids 4-11 ¥676 | Under 4 FREE

Special: Grab a limited May Day special for a 2-night stay in a renovated room on May 3rd. Plus, all bookings get extra transportation subsidies

Scan the code for real-time pricing and booking:

图片

图片

Club Med Guilin, China

Art, Nature & Endless Activities

图片
图片
图片
图片
图片
图片

Slide to view more

This isn't just a resort—it's a 460,000-square-meter sculpture park turned natural museum.


Set in the stunning landscape between Guilin and Yangshuo, this is a place for all ages. From tai chi and yoga to flying trapeze and duck feeding, there's something for everyone.


And the best part? The price includes almost everything.


The Deal

Check-in: Now–Sep 30

Starting from: Adults ¥730 / night | Teens ¥584 | Kids 4-11 ¥438 | Under 4 FREE

Bonus: Stay 3+ nights and get a ¥100 voucher for airport transfers or a highly-rated village excursion.

Scan the code for real-time pricing and booking:

图片

图片

Club Med Lijiang, China

Cool Escape at the Foot of the Jade Dragon

图片
图片
图片
图片
图片
图片

Slide to view more

Looking to beat the heat? Lijiang Club Med is tucked away at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering a peaceful retreat with meadows, forests, and breathtaking sunrise views.


The resort opened in late 2021, so it's modern, spacious, and built with families in mindrooms are a generous 40m²!


The Deal

Check-in: May 6–Nov 27

Starting from: Adults ¥730 / night | Teens ¥584 | Kids 4-11 ¥438 | Under 4 FREE

Special: Book now and enjoy no holiday surcharges for select dates like June 19 (Dragon Boat Festival) and July 1 & Aug 25 (summer). These spots will go fast.

Scan the code for real-time pricing and booking:

图片

图片

Club Med Ski Resorts, China

Early Bird Snow Season Deals | 2026–2027

图片
图片
图片

Slide to view more

Club Med has been perfecting family skiing since 1956. With expert instructors, group lessons for all levels, and a seamless all-inclusive experience, it's the easiest way to hit the slopes with kids.


Choose your adventure...


Changbaishan

图片


Newest resort with hot springs and beginner-friendly slopes.


Starting from: ¥1,352/adult/night.


Beidahu

图片


Excellent services with slopes for all levels.


Starting from: ¥1,452/adult/night.


Yabuli

图片


The original—great value and professional runs.


Starting from: ¥1,096/adult/night*


*Limited free transfers included


Book early for the best rates and room choices—especially for peak dates like Christmas, New Year, and Spring Festival.


Scan the code for real-time pricing and booking:

图片

图片

Free Gift!

图片

 

Mention That's Shanghai after scanning the QR code and receive a small gift upon successful reservation, with baggage tags, backpacks, notebooks and more up for grabs. Gifts are limitedfirst come first served.

图片

Not Sure Which Deal is Right for You? 

Each resort offers its own unique magic, and Club Med is there to help you find the perfect fit.


Not sure which deal is right for you? Scan the QR code below to chat with the customer service team. 


Your worry-free vacation is just a click away.

图片



图片
▼For more news, click 'Read more' (阅读原文) below.