Spanning more than three decades, this warm, realistic family saga unfolds against the backdrop of Chinese social change from 1988 to 2022. It follows the changing fortunes and enduring legacy of three generations of the Lin family in Zhuxi Village.
The story begins amid the growing pains of a changing era. Lin Yonggui’s traditional farming family struggles to find its footing in the tide of change. His eldest son, Weiguo, heads south to work; his second son, Weidong, sticks with his carpentry trade; and his eldest daughter, Zhaodi, leaves school because of her age and the family’s circumstances, then begins helping her second brother draw furniture designs. His younger daughter, Pandi, becomes the family’s hope. Meanwhile, his younger brother Yongfu’s family struggles with the consequences of poor parenting and the search for redemption.
The new century brings fresh opportunities. Weiguo returns to his hometown and starts a building materials business. Weidong turns his craft into the “Lin Family Workshop” brand. Zhaodi and her husband establish a design company, while Pandi gives up her city job and returns home to plan rural revitalization. Xiaobao, once a wayward youth, transforms into a craftsman under a strict master’s guidance. Xiaolei, disabled by an injury, finds a new beginning by restoring old objects. The year 2014 marks a turning point. Under village Party secretary Li Zhibin’s leadership, Zhuxi Village builds a cultural center and launches its “Beautiful Courtyards” initiative. Li Mingpeng, who returns home after his studies to develop tourism, meets Pandi through their shared work. They grow close and eventually come together as they work to build their home village.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 tests everyone. Tourism comes to a halt, but the Lin family stands united: making protective equipment, organizing volunteer drivers, developing online systems, and helping manage pandemic prevention and control. Tradition and modernity come together in the crisis, producing remarkable results.
