Qiu Yinying, a role starred by Chinese actress Yang Zi, is an impetuous young woman in the TV series. [Photo/IC]

The TV series, which is underpinned by a feminist ethos, is still attractive to men.

Le Duc Anh, 34, a businessman in Hanoi, said that "I first chose to watch the episodes due to the beautiful actresses on the posters. However, the more I watch them, the more I love them. I even persuaded my wife to join me and now we both wait for new episodes. We watch them, chat about the content and new development of each episode together, and laugh at the funny dialogue between characters. The TV series helps to complete a typical cozy night at home," he said.

Anh also expressed his respect to China's economic development that he saw on the screen. "While watching Ode to Joy, I saw modern highways connecting cities with cities in China, especially sea spanning highways, which we don't have in Vietnam. I am very much thrilled and impressed by such developments in China."