Chinese dramas and films

The 37-episode historical drama "Zhan Zhao Adventures" (雨霖铃, 展昭文, 雨霖鈴) could hit screens on May 16, 2026, in prime time on CCTV 8 and on the streaming platform Youku, according to Chinese industry insiders. The series will also be released on Disney+, reaching more than 50 countries. The channels have not officially confirmed the date yet.

"Zhan Zhao Adventures" is a costume wuxia drama about martial arts.

Starring in the lead roles are Yang Yang ("The King's Avatar", "Love O2O"), Zhang Ruo Nan ("The First Frost", "My Boss") and Fang Yi Lun ("Whispers of Fate", "Blooming").

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Yang Yang, Zhang Ruo Nan and Fang Yi Lun to star in a new wuxia drama
Yang Yang finishes filming on drama "Zhan Zhao Adventures"

The story takes place during the Song dynasty under the rule of Emperor Renzong (1010-1063). Zhan Zhao (played by Yang Yang), an imperial guard of the fourth rank known by the nickname "Hero of the South", receives evidence from an old friend pointing to a conspiracy by Prince Xiangyang. The hero finds himself the target of a manhunt, chased both by the prince’s henchmen and hired assassins. In his search for the truth, Zhan Zhao meets Huo Ling Long (played by Zhang Ruo Nan), who has run away from home to avoid an unwanted marriage, and Bai Yu Tang, the "Golden Rat" (played by Fang Yi Lun) — a swordsman who believes that "might makes right".

Together they uncover a web of court conspiracies and underworld gangs, and expose cases involving illegal salt trading and the theft of military seals.

At present, the number of advance registrations on the Youku platform has exceeded 1.3 million.

The project was created by the studio Daylight Entertainment. The director is Liu Hong Yuan ("Resert", "South Wind Knows"), and the screenplay was written by Wu Tong ("The Story of Minglan"). Filming began on September 15, 2024, and lasted until February 19, 2025.

Special attention has been drawn to the staging of the fight scenes. The choreographers have abandoned an overreliance on special effects in favour of a "hands-on" authentic style of fighting.

Zhan Zhao’s technique is rooted in traditional styles: in ordinary skirmishes he uses the Southern Hung Gar school, drawing his sword only at critical moments.

Bai Yu Tang, by contrast, relies on unconventional moves and unusual weapons – for example, using a bow as a club.

Shooting took place in extreme conditions: fights in mud and rain in minus 10 degrees Celsius, clashes on rocking boats, and duels in cramped, confined spaces.

Yang Yang prepared for his role for six months. The actor underwent intensive training and performed most of the stunts himself.

The art department recreated sets inspired by the 12th-century painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" by Zhang Zeduan, with costumes and props strictly adhering to the Song dynasty style.

Behind-the-scenes footage from the drama shoot

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