"My little brother was once a soy sauce factory worker," says Liang."Personally, it was like an itch. I wanted to pay homage to them. For a long time I have wanted to write a novel for Chinese workers, a revered group who have sacrificed their family life and achieved great things in propelling the economic development of China."

Respect for the working class is also the main impetus of director Li, who, more than 10 years ago, had purchased the rights to adapt a different novel about Chinese workers, but, due to various reasons, the planned production did not come to fruition.

China has experienced a huge transformation. After their significant contributions workers deserve an epic drama to highlight, and show appreciation for, their dedication and devotion, he says.

"As someone who lived in northeastern China for nearly 20 years, I have a deep love of the 'black-soil land' (as the country's northeastern countryside is colloquially known), and also heard a lot of stories about the people who have lived and strived on the land," says Li, who was born in Changchun, Jilin province, in 1966.

With the novel adapted by veteran scriptwriter Wang Hailing, known for Chinese Style Divorce, a popular TV series, A Lifelong Journey is set to hit screens by the end of this year.a