The 22-part series was jointly produced by the International Cultural Exchange and Audio and Video Publishing House and the Belford Group of the United States at a cost of 360 million yuan ( US$43.4 million).

The science-fantasy epic tells the story of a group of young people from different countries, including the United States and China, who are led by a mysterious person in a battle against evil forces existing as early as 2,600 years ago.

The forces of good and evil fight it out while traveling through space and time from the 5th century to the year of 2010, with scenes changing from Paris and New York to Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Yang Cheng, Chinese producer for the series, said that most of the scenes were shot in Shanghai and include spectacular kung fu stunts.

Andre Morgan, American producer, said they hoped the series would be a showcase of China for American viewers.

Beijing TV Station has bought the first rights to broadcast the show in China. It will be screened in the United States this summer.

(People's Daily March 10, 2002)