On September 7, the social travel reality show "Blind Box Travel Agency" premiered. In each episode, 12 travelers select each other to form four distinct travel groups, visiting cities like Quanzhou, Chaozhou, Harbin, and Guiyang, each with its own unique style, to complete 10 blind box journeys. The "4 x 3" concept will kickstart city-themed travels under a blind box mechanism, allowing participants to experience local culture while engaging in joyful social interactions characterized by group cooperation and external competition.

Poster for "Blind Box Travel Agency"

Recently, "Blind Box Travel Agency" held a media preview event where the show's director, Xie Dike, and the head of Youku Variety T+ Studio and executive producer, Wang Junpeng, shared insights into the program.

At the sharing event

The star-studded cast of "Blind Box Travel Agency" includes Hu Ke as the "Director," along with Shuo Chang, Cheng Xiao, He Yu, Ji Lingchen, Liu Xueyi, Sha Yi, Shen Yue, Shang Xiaoju, Tian Jiarui, Wang Feng, Wu Yi, Xia Zhiguang, Yang Chaoyue, Yue Yunpeng, and Zhang Bichen, participating as the "travelers" of the blind box family.

Each episode sees the 12 travelers mutually selecting to form four distinct travel groups.

The first episode begins on drifting platforms at sea, where teams are formed through mutual selection, followed by challenges that test their rapport as groups compete for funding for their upcoming city travels.

The group division in the first episode includes the "Laughing Boys" group—Yue Yunpeng, Ji Lingchen, and Shang Xiaoju; the "Wu Yue Cheng" group, known for being both competitive and laid-back with Wu Yi, Shen Yue, and Cheng Xiao; the "Yixiatian" group that humorously exploits game bugs with Liu Xueyi, Tian Jiarui, and Xia Zhiguang; and the "Yoyoyoyo" group that aims to both lounge and win, featuring Sha Yi, He Yu, and Yang Chaoyue.

Regarding the celebrity lineup, both creators noted that the guests' performances met expectations. Within the "4 x 3" travel groups, there’s a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, providing a balance of ages and allowing viewers to easily recognize each group's distinctiveness.

During a game segment, Shen Yue and Cheng Xiao reminisced about Wu Yi's memorable cake-cutting scene, with Wu Yi continuously providing comic relief. The trio contributed to a hilarious moment during the noodle game, marking a highlight of the show's comedy; the "Yixiatian" duo, who were also part of the noodle game, displayed a relentless competitive spirit, even negotiating for difficult challenges with the production team and brainstorming the idea of splitting rewards with their rivals without competing.

This determination to clearly distinguish between group characteristics was also reflected in the editing style.

Notably, the editing for the "Laughing Boys" group—Yue Yunpeng, Ji Lingchen, and Shang Xiaoju—and the "Yoyoyoyo" group—Sha Yi, He Yu, and Yang Chaoyue—features suddenly slower pacing and reduced entertainment value, as if transitioning to a different scene. The editing includes slow-motion shots, a Hong Kong-style filter, and nostalgic music as they wander through the old city, offering viewers glimpses of Quanzhou's vibrant street life and the daily experiences of local residents, including trying traditional hair curling methods.

During the share session, director Xie Dike expressed that while there are many hits in the genre of game-based reality shows, they often lack fresh elements; similarly, the likelihood of a travel-themed slow-reality show becoming a hit is diminishing because it heavily relies on the intricate dynamics of its participants, which can be unpredictable, resulting in outcomes that feel somewhat "mystical."

As a result, "Blind Box Travel Agency" incorporates game elements into the travel reality show to strike a balance between entertainment highlights and comedic moments. “We hope to create a new category that reflects the authentic experiences of travel while also providing a rich dose of humor.” Regarding the difference from other game-based reality shows, Xie emphasized that even as they incorporate strong game elements, they strive to present a complete travel experience. “At every stop, we design how the blind box family obtains funding and navigates practical issues related to food, lodging, and transportation. We also observe the emotional changes of participants along the way, their relationships, and their understanding of local customs to make necessary adjustments.”

Concerning the concept of "blind box" in the show's title, Xie shared his thoughts, explaining that a blind box is a concept composed of multiple question marks, embodying the sense of mystery throughout the journey. “In other words, travelers don’t know what they will encounter during their travels, what state they will be in while filming, who their teammates might be, what snacks are available on the street, or what games they will play—this uncertainty permeates their entire experience.”

When discussing the initial vision for the show, executive producer Wang Junpeng mentioned, “We simply wanted to bring pure joy to our audience.” He also expressed gratitude towards local cultural tourism and emphasized, “We will explore local specialties that can only be experienced by locals or deep travelers, as Xie's team excels in uncovering intricate historical and cultural nuances, weaving them into the show to present to audiences. We hope that the broadcast will effectively boost the respective local cultural tourism and allow more viewers to appreciate and understand different cultural characteristics.” In addition to strong gameplay and tight comedic elements, the creative team highlighted the show's ensemble aspect, hoping to establish the "4 x 3" formation of the blind box family as a distinctive hallmark of the program.