A 20-part TV series Son of the Grassland has started shooting on the vast prairies of north China's Inner Mongolia. The TV series depicts the life of a herdsman and mirrors the changes affecting the grasslands and a panoramic view of China's reform period.

When the camera team arrived at the grasslands, it was love at first sight. They couldn't help but gasp at the breathtaking beauty of the prairie with its blue skies, endless expanses of green and roaming herds of cows and sheep.

But the sunlight can be harmful. Lead actor Huhe had to smear protective olive oil onto his face and other exposed body parts. But the sun still darkened his complexion, making him look more like Tin Barter - the real-life herdsman that inspired the TV series.

Tin Barter was born in Hohhot. During the ten-year "Cultural Revolution," he was sent to the Inner Mongolian grasslands to tend herds. He later settled down in the pastures and gave up going back to his hometown. He dedicated his best years to helping improve the lives of local herdsmen and his efforts resulted in tremendous achievements.

The director Hasbagen said: "The leading actors have all lived with Tin Barter for a period of time. They tried to darken their skins in the sun, learn to ride horses, cut grass, and even collect cow dung. They all got familiar with the real pastoral life."

The director, actors and playwright and almost all of the camera team are ethnically Mongolian. They may live in big cities far away from their ancestral pastoral life, but they certainly haven't lost their singing and dancing talents and their hospitality remains unchanged.

The TV series is expected to be broadcast on National Day on October 1.

(CCTV.com September 10, 2003)