When scriptwriter Liu Hua visited a remote railway station to collect inspirational material for the TV series Zhu Zhan (Stationed), he was unexpectedly struck by the profound quietness.

"The station felt as if it existed in a vacuum, and all I could hear was the sound of my own breathing," Liu recalled. "However, the police officer who had been stationed there for years said that, for him, the place was full of sounds — from the growth of grass to the wind rustling and the wheels rolling over the rails. It suddenly struck me that he could hear all of this because he had endured years of solitude."

Liu shared this reflection during a recent Beijing seminar focused on the drama. After months of interviewing and research, he wrote the script, which is based on the namesake novel by writer Xiao Zhong. The novel won the first prize at the 13th Golden Shield Literature Prize in 2018.

Starring actor Guo Jingfei, the 33-episode TV series has been broadcast on CCTV-1 and streamed on Tencent Video since Jan 5, reaching an audience of around 230 million, surpassing all other dramas aired on satellite channels during the same period, according to China Central Television.

The story follows Chang Sheng, a police officer who volunteers to take a transfer to a remote train station after facing crises in both his career and marriage. At his new working place, he rediscovers his confidence and helps local villagers overcome their challenges.

Peng Jia, a first-level inspector at the Sichuan Provincial Radio and Television Administration, said that the drama authentically portrays the real lives of police officers posted at railway stations. It highlights their dedication and perseverance in safeguarding passengers and locals, as well as their commitment to handling various responsibilities and challenges, added Peng.