A six-episode series presenting the cultural narratives of Dali, Shanghai, and Sanya with cinematic quality, celebrating the brand’s decade-long journey in Greater China
ShanghaiJune 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ten years ago, EDITION Hotels entered Greater China with a simple yet precise philosophy: a hotel should authentically and captivatingly “interpret” its location—integrating with local culture, energized by the city’s rhythm, and designed for those who seek contemporary aesthetics and social meaning. Today, The Sanya EDITION and The Shanghai EDITION have become deeply rooted in people’s hearts, while The Dali EDITION is about to open its doors.
Marking the milestone of the brand’s tenth anniversary in Greater China, EDITION Hotels is embarking on a new narrative with an innovative perspective. It officially announced today a collaboration with renowned fashion media Fantastic Man to launch the original short drama series Invitation from E. The series will premiere on June 17, 2026, across Marriott Bonvoy’s Greater China platforms and the official channels of Fantastic Man.
EDITION Hotels Launches Original Short Drama ‘Invitation from E,’ Showcasing Cultural Narratives Across Shanghai, Sanya, and Dali
EDITION Hotels Launches Original Short Drama ‘Invitation from E,’ Showcasing Cultural Narratives Across Shanghai, Sanya, and Dali
EDITION Hotels Launches Original Short Drama ‘Invitation from E,’ Showcasing Cultural Narratives Across Shanghai, Sanya, and Dali
Across Three Cities • Stories Resonating with Urban Landscapes
The short drama was filmed on location at The Shanghai EDITION, The Sanya EDITION, and the soon-to-open The Dali EDITION. The story follows the composed and meticulous agent “A Fan” and his relaxed new partner “Xiao Song” as they pursue the mysterious target “E.” Starring emerging actors Huang Xiyan and Wu Ruichen, the six-episode series spans three cities: Dali’s free-spirited and inspiring atmosphere serves as the starting point for this unexpected partnership; Shanghai’s neon-lit skyline plunges them into investigative mysteries; and Sanya’s expansive coastline becomes the stage where the truth unfolds. Each EDITION hotel is woven into the narrative—spaces and plots echo each other, with interior design and unique ambiance serving not as mere backdrops but as the emotional undertone of the story. The series concludes in an unexpected and tension-filled manner, delicately exploring the characters’ complex inner worlds through themes of identity, perception, and trust.
“Today’s audiences are no longer satisfied with passively receiving information; they seek participation, sharing, and resonance,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director of Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “Through the Invitation from E series, we aim to seamlessly integrate storytelling, design, and destinations, building a deeper connection between the brand and culture in an engaging way, telling stories that belong to the here and now.”
The series adheres to the creative philosophy of “not forcing the brand to fit the format, but letting the format serve the brand.” The entire production is centered on the brand’s spirit, blending cinematic quality with refined aesthetic expression, and is tailored to align with Chinese audiences’ social media habits and content viewing rhythms.
A New Chapter • The Opening of The Dali EDITION
The launch of the short drama coincides with the brand’s key expansion in Greater China. The series uses the soon-to-open The Dali EDITION as its narrative starting point, not only echoing the brand’s commitment to deeply cultivating local ties and creating unique hotels “belonging” to each city but also injecting fresh vitality into the brand’s development in the Chinese market.
As the third EDITION hotel in Greater China, The Dali EDITION is nestled at the foot of Cangshan Mountain at an altitude of 2,090 meters, offering panoramic views of Erhai Lake. Designed by Shenzhen Zheng Zhong Design Associates, the hotel uses local materials such as aged wood, bluestone, and Erhai pebbles to create a serene and contemporary living space, skillfully balancing Eastern craftsmanship with international modern aesthetics and emphasizing an immersive destination experience.
Invitation from E will officially launch on June 17, 2026, simultaneously released through Marriott Bonvoy’s official channels and Fantastic Man‘s official platforms, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a unique journey blending urban culture, spatial aesthetics, and brand narrative.
- To celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary in Greater China, EDITION Hotels will launch the six-episode short drama series Invitation from E on June 17, 2026.
- The short drama was filmed at The Dali EDITION, The Shanghai EDITION, and The Sanya EDITION, and its release also aims to welcome the highly anticipated opening of The Dali EDITION.
- Created by EDITION Hotels in collaboration with renowned fashion media Fantastic Man, starring emerging actors Huang Xiyan and Wu Ruichen.
- It will premiere on June 16 via Marriott Bonvoy’s official Xiaohongshu, Weibo, WeChat Video Channel, and Fantastic Man‘s official platforms.