The show stars actor Lei Jiayin (center), who plays the role of Zhang Xiaojing, a criminal on death row.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Set in Chang'an, today's Xi'an and capital of Shaanxi province, during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the series depicts the events of a single day divided into 12 periods according to the traditional Chinese zodiac.

The show has been compared by viewers to the US action drama series 24, not just due to its daylong format, but also for its suspenseful storyline and high-end production values.

The show has been streaming on Youku since June 27, and 20 out of its 48 total episodes have aired as of Thursday.