The series, Winds Over Zitong, premieres on Chinese streaming platform iQIYI on October 29, opening a new chapter for the young actor from Agadir, who moved to China in 2018 to pursue his artistic training.
“This role means a great deal to me, not only professionally, but also on a human and national level,” Ghanem said, expressing pride at the opportunity to portray a renowned Moroccan historical figure in a Chinese production aimed at a wide audience.
In an interview with Maghreb Arab Press, Ghanem explained that he plays Ibn Battuta as the famous traveler finds himself in a world far removed from his own era. The series blends history, fantasy, suspense and time travel.
The story transports the 14th-century explorer to modern-day Quanzhou, China, where he meets a Chinese researcher specializing in maritime heritage. Together, they embark on an adventure involving historical mysteries and archaeological sites dating back to the Maritime Silk Road.
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As the story unfolds, Ghanem said, “we discover Ibn Battuta not only as a historical traveler, but also as a person with courage, curiosity and a desire to understand the world around him.” He said he sought to bring out the human side of the character, including his wonder at encountering a new world, his ability to adapt to different situations and his determination to uncover the truth.
He believes the role stands out for its blend of a well-known historical figure and contemporary dramatic fiction, giving audiences a different way to discover Ibn Battuta, one that may appeal to younger generations.
The series also draws on the history of the Silk Road, which has gained renewed prominence through what is now known as China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Blending history, adventure, mystery and fantasy, it revisits the legacy of one of the major routes of trade and cultural exchange between China and other parts of the world. The production offers a story linking past and present while highlighting historical and cultural ties between China and the Arab world, including Morocco.
The iQIYI platform is one of the leading streaming services in China and Asia. It specializes in producing and distributing films, television series and entertainment programs, with a strong presence in China and an international reach, particularly across Asian markets.
For Ghanem, landing a role in a production released on a platform of this scale is an important step in his career and an opportunity to reach a wider audience. It also gives him a chance to introduce a major Moroccan historical figure to millions of potential viewers in China and elsewhere.
Ghanem noted that Ibn Battuta occupies an important place in the history of contact between China and the Arab and Muslim worlds. His journey to China remains a testament to the human and cultural connections that linked distant parts of the world centuries ago.
During his time in China, Ghanem discovered that Ibn Battuta attracts particular interest among researchers and scholars studying the Maritime Silk Road, especially in Quanzhou, a city the Moroccan traveler visited and described for its commercial prosperity and cultural life.
Ghanem’s own journey began in Morocco, where he developed a strong ambition and passion for acting. Since arriving in China in 2018, he has worked to hone his skills and learn about the Chinese film and television industry, despite challenges posed by the language, cultural differences and working conditions.
The path has not been easy, he said, but he has always believed that talent requires patience and perseverance. Over the years, he has secured roles in several Chinese film and television productions, including the 2023 science-fiction film The Wandering Earth 2. He has also worked in television dramas, advertising and voice acting, gaining experience and a closer understanding of film production in China.
He had to learn to navigate a different professional environment, understand a new culture and keep developing his skills to secure opportunities in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Ghanem hopes to build a truly international acting career, taking part in a variety of film and television projects in China, Morocco and other industries around the world. He believes cinema and digital platforms can now bring productions to global audiences, regardless of geographical boundaries.
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He also hopes to appear in major international productions and take on roles that allow him to demonstrate his abilities without being confined by stereotypes that sometimes affect foreign actors.
Ghanem said he wants to be among the Moroccan artists helping to strengthen the country’s presence in the global film industry. He sees his experience in China as an important step in that direction, though not the final one. He hopes to serve as a bridge between Moroccan and Chinese cinema and help open new opportunities for Moroccan talent.
Returning to Moroccan cinema remains one of his main ambitions. Despite building his career abroad, he remains attached to his roots and hopes to take part in major Moroccan productions, whether films or television series.
He also wants to contribute to joint Moroccan-Chinese productions, particularly projects exploring human stories and historical ties between the two cultures. Morocco, he noted, has significant filmmaking assets, including diverse locations and skilled artistic and technical professionals, while China has a large film industry and advanced production capabilities.
Standing between two worlds with deep historical roots, Ghanem summed up his journey with a message of gratitude: “Thank you to Morocco, which gave me my identity and roots, and thank you to China, which gave me the opportunity to develop my artistic experience.”
