News · EDITION Hotels

EDITION Hotels Enters Chinese C-Drama Scene with "An Invitation from E"

EDITION Hotels, celebrating a decade in Greater China, launched a six-episode mini-drama series spanning its Shanghai, Sanya, and newly opened Dali properties. The show blends luxury hospitality with contemporary storytelling, marking the debut of The Dali EDITION.

· Japanese correspondent·June 23, 2026·2 min read
A still from the mini-drama series 'An Invitation from E', showing two characters in a stylish hotel setting.

A still from the mini-drama series 'An Invitation from E', showing two characters in a stylish hotel setting.

On June 23, 2026, EDITION Hotels premiered "An Invitation from E," a six-episode mini-drama series conceived in partnership with *Fantastic Man China*. This venture coincides with EDITION's tenth anniversary in Greater China and the launch of The Dali EDITION, adding to its portfolio alongside The Shanghai EDITION and The Sanya EDITION.

The series, distributed across Marriott Bonvoy Greater China and *Fantastic Man*'s official channels, follows the investigative exploits of Agent Ah-Fan and his partner Xiao Song as they pursue the elusive character "E." Filmed across all three EDITION properties, the narrative integrates each hotel and city as an active participant in the story rather than a mere backdrop. As Hospitality Net — Latest News notes, the properties serve "not simply as settings but as extensions of the characters’ experiences and emotional journeys."

The plot navigates from Dali's bohemian spirit, through Shanghai's urban pulse, and concludes on Sanya's coastal shores, demonstrating a creative approach to brand integration. Starring actors Huang Xiyan and Wu Ruichen, the production aims to engage younger audiences through episodic content, a format increasingly favored for digital consumption.

Our take: While experiential marketing is hardly new, EDITION's foray into a full-fledged mini-drama signals a deeper commitment to content as a brand-building tool. This move not only showcases their properties in a dynamic, lifestyle-oriented context but also taps into the burgeoning digital entertainment market in China. It's a calculated risk that, if executed well, could generate significant brand affinity beyond traditional advertising.

Share this story

Where to stay

More hotels in Shanghai

All Shanghai hotels

The Friday Edit

Five hotel price drops. Two stories.

Confirmed opt-in. Unsubscribe anytime.

Related

In the conversation

Most discussed

The pieces driving the loudest debates in hôtels de luxe this week.

Picked for you

Just for you

A curated mix across reviews, news and analysis you might have missed.