The recently released Chinese comedy drama "Ugly Wudi" has been adapted from the highly successful U.S. drama "Ugly Betty". In fact, China has adapted so many overseas dramas in recent years that they've been given their own name - "shanzhai dramas".

The word "Shanzhai", in Chinese, refers to electronic products manufactured in shabby workshops but bearing a similar brand name or outward appearance and function as famous-brand products.

An article in the "Shenzhen Economic Daily" says "shanzhai dramas" reflect the fact that China's film and television industry has entered an era lacking in creativity and originality. For example, reproduced dramas are prevailing as dramas featuring Qing Dynasty about 200 years ago won the favor of audiences. Men wearing pigtails and Qing-styled costumes have begun to sweep across nearly every TV channel.

Under such circumstances, shanzhai dramas based on US originals become a better choice than the previous. But the newspaper warns that rampant low-level imitations kill creativity.