Watch Luo Bao Bei

Luo Bao Bei is a British-Chinese animated television series created by Grace Tian and produced by Magic Mall Entertainment China, with animation being done by Cloth Cat Animation. The first season of the show premiered on CBeebies in the UK in June 2018, and is now also available on Amazon Prime for streaming. It is the first Chinese cartoon series to have been picked up by the UK’s public service broadcaster, and its story is rooted in Chinese culture while promoting and revealing a positive message for kids all over the world.

The series follows the adventures and antics of its titular character, Luo Bao Bei, an imaginative and curious little girl living in a vibrant world filled with colourful characters in a modern Chinese urban setting. Luo Bao Bei, whose name means ‘little treasure’ in Chinese, is a spirited and precocious 7-year-old, who is always eager to learn and explore everything around her. She loves to ask questions, often to the annoyance of the adults around her, always seeking the answers to life’s big questions. She has a thirst for knowledge and wants to make sense of the world, pursuing her interests with an indomitable spirit that allows her to always find a way to succeed while inspiring her friends to do the same.

Through her curiosity, creativity, and sense of adventure, Luo Bao Bei often finds herself in the midst of challenging and exciting situations that call for her resourcefulness and courage. Her ever-growing circle of friends includes her best friend, Yu Di, a fun-loving bear, Faye, a rabbit sportsperson, and Yang Yang, a wise old panda. There are also numerous adults in her life, such as her parents and grandparents, who offer Luo Bao Bei guidance and love, and the president of her neighbourhood’s residents association, Mr. Han, who acts as a mentor and friend to Luo Bao Bei.

Each episode of the series is a self-contained 11-minute adventure that tackles passionate topics in a kid-apropos manner, from helping others to embracing change to learning more about the world around us. Every episode, however, ends with Luo Bao Bei taking a moment to reflect on the key message of the story, to help reinforce the positive values and lessons intended for younger viewers.

Luo Bao Bei’s colorful and distinctive animation style draws heavily on its Chinese heritage while incorporating contemporary design sensibilities. The show uses a pastel colour palette with vivid hues, along with soft edges and a minimalistic approach that gives the animation a timeless quality. The visuals have a delicate look, which makes it distinct from Western animation, and it is visually appealing for young children.

Tian, the show's creator, has emphasised that she wanted to produce a show that represented Chinese culture in a fun and relatable manner while providing an inclusive message for children worldwide. The development team spent five years researching Chinese culture, writing and designing the show and children's picture books to go alongside it.

One of the standout attributes of the show is how it effortlessly bridges the culture divide between the UK and China. The series' depictions of Chinese culture are informed by thorough research and confidence to give a more nuanced understanding of Chinese daily life and cultural customs. As a result, the show stands out as a positive portrayal of Chinese culture, which is open-minded and inclusive.

Whether it’s the catchy theme song or a particular heartwarming moment, Luo Bao Bei has garnered positive feedback from both children and parents alike since its release. Its universal themes of empathy, kindness, curiosity, and resilience allow viewers to relate to its lessons regardless of cultural background. It is educational without feeling like a lecture and entertaining without losing a sense of substance or purpose.

The series has since been picked up and broadcasted in China and various other countries, testament to the show's high-quality production and engaging narrative. Luo Bao Bei is a perfect representation of good quality storytelling, and its distinctive animation style and authentic Chinese background emphasize the power of an engaging story in nurturing curiosity and learning. It’s a must-watch for any young child (or adult) who enjoys heartwarming stories filled with positive messages of growth and understanding.