 Casting was primarily with Jia regulars, including the two leads Zhao Tao (who has appeared in every Jia film since 2000's "Platform") and Han Sanming (who also appeared in Jia's "The World").Also appearing in a minor role is actor Wang Hongwei, who often acts as Jia's on-screen alter-ego ("Xiao Wu", "Platform").The film's crew also consisted of frequent Jia collaborators.