Chinese dramas and films

On October 3, 2026, filming officially began in Yunnan Province for the crime drama «Rivals» (边南追缉, 赤心).

Chen Zheyuan («The White Olive Tree», «Fated Hearts») stars in the lead role.

The drama is produced by streaming platform iQiyi together with Shaanxi Cultural Investment. The project is under the patronage of the Publicity Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and is one of the region's priority projects. The director is Liu Xin («Light the Dark», «The Dance of the Storm»).

Filming is set to last 120 days.

The plot is based on the true story of police heroes who gave their lives fighting drug trafficking. The story is set in the 1990s. Police officer Zhang Zhengxiang and his son arrive in the border village of Nanping to establish its first police station. Overcoming the distrust of local residents, he gradually wins their respect while uncovering a drug-trafficking network. During one operation, Zhang Zhengxiang dies. His son later also chooses the path of a police officer, becomes an experienced anti-narcotics fighter and ultimately uncovers the true circumstances of his father's death.

Read more: Chen Zheyuan and Bai Lu to Star in «Echoes»

Chen Zheyuan plays Zhang Chenguang, the son of the deceased police officer. To accurately portray a border police officer, the actor significantly changed his appearance: short haircut, dark makeup, facial scars and light stubble.

The actor's new role sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, where his on-screen look was called «a complete rejection of the idol image» and noted for its striking contrast with his previous roles in romantic and historical projects.

At the opening ceremony, Chen Zheyuan said: «I am truly happy and very honored to be part of such a wonderful project, especially because it is a story based on the life of a real person. Whenever I encounter stories about anti-narcotics operations, I am deeply moved...»

In addition to Chen Zheyuan, the cast includes Song Yuhe, Chen Chuhan and Shao Jie.

The announcement of the project came as a rather sudden development for audiences. Rumors that Chen Zheyuan might join the drama under the working title «赤心» appeared only in mid-September 2026, and official confirmation followed only with the start of filming.

The number of episodes has not yet been announced. The drama «Rivals» is scheduled to premiere on iQiyi.