iQIYI's hit drama “Mysterious Lotus Casebook” showcases a diversified development model, another case proving the value of intellectual property By Investing.com

The latest theatrical adaptation of the hit drama received an exceptional response during a multi-city tour

Beijing, January 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Play January 12Okay, okay? China The leading online entertainment platform concluded the multi-city tour of its play 'Mysterious Lotus Casebook' with a final performance at Beijing. The production marks another milestone in the company's innovative IP development strategy, showcasing iQIYI's growing success in transforming popular content into diverse entertainment formats that appeal to wider audiences.

The theatrical adaptation draws from one of iQIYI's biggest hits of 2023, a martial arts mystery series that captivated viewers with its fast-paced story and richly developed characters. The series quickly dominated the ratings chart, surpassing the platform's 10,000 content popularity index and earning a nomination at 29th place. Shanghai Television Festival Magnolia Awards.

Maintaining the beloved elements of the series while crafting a new theatrical experience, the production tells the poignant story of a famous swordsman, whose peaceful life is disrupted when a determined young man and an old rival drag him into the world of martial arts to uncover a series of puzzling mysteries. The production enhances this narrative through innovative stage design that blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern elements, bringing the series' iconic scenes to life with unique cultural motifs that resonate deeply with audiences.

The production caused a stir on social media, with trending searches on Weibo (NASDAQ:), China The leading social media platform, and thousands of enthusiastic reviews from the audience, as it toured multiple cities in Chinaincluded Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chengduand Beijing. Following this strong reception, iQIYI plans to expand the tour to additional cities in 2025. This achievement adds to iQIYI's track record in theatrical adaptations, which includes the theatrical version of “The Bad Kids,” another project launched following the massive success of the drama series . .

An IP-based strategy shows strong business value

Off stage, “Mysterious Lotus Casebook” has shown remarkable commercial potential across multiple channels. Sales of intellectual property-based merchandise have arrived 80 million yuan (11 million US dollars), featuring a product line of over 1,300 SKUs, such as collectible cards, decals, toy models, and themed accessories incorporating key elements from the series.

IP has expanded its presence offline through tourism partnerships, particularly with… The Thirteen Gardens of Seiyun in Jiangsu Province and Hengdian International Studios in Zhejiang District, where iconic scenes have been recreated to provide immersive experiences for visitors.

“In recent years, iQIYI has continuously enhanced its premium content offerings by delivering hit dramas and anime, while expanding entertainment IPs across our increasingly mature ecosystem,” said Xiaohui WANG, chief content officer of iQIYI. “Through diverse offline experiences and customer touchpoints, we continue to maximize the long-term value of our IPs and deepen audience engagement.”

As one of the leading innovators in monetizing entertainment IPs, iQIYI plans to strengthen its portfolio in 2025 by launching new original IP while expanding established releases such as “Mysterious Lotus Casebook” and “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty.” The company will also celebrate key milestones throughout the year by launching innovative IP-based merchandise and co-branded initiatives that meet evolving consumer trends.

Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com