Three Chen Du Ling Dramas That Broke Records on Youku2026-06-07
Chinese drama release schedule for 2026 
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Chen Du Ling is a fascinating figure in contemporary Chinese entertainment. Her career is often described as a meteoric rise, but it is more accurately the result of long, painstaking dedication. Her story is a classic example of how a strong character and a clear head can not only help you overcome challenges but also earn the respect of your peers. Chen Du Ling graduated from the prestigious Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, majoring in Aircraft Design – a field a world away from the performing arts. She scored an impressive 621 on her college entrance exams. Having never formally studied acting, her path into film was highly unusual for an industry where many stars cannot boast of a solid education. She applies this engineering mindset to her roles, literally breaking down a character into its component parts before reassembling them in a fresh, original way. Of course, the screen demands practice. Early in her career, Chen Du Ling was regularly criticised for her inexperience and labelled a "wooden beauty". But she didn't give up; she carved her own path, actively taking on supporting roles in major productions to hone her craft. The turning point in her career was the drama "Till the End of the Moon" (2023). In this series, she played three roles, all facets of the same character, Ye Bingchang. She is a dramatic, complex and deeply ambiguous figure – virtuous and innocent on the surface, but driven by selfishness and a desperate need to be loved inside. To prepare, Chen wrote a 3,000-word biography of the character, analysing every detail from her backstory to her psychological evolution. Her true triumph came with the lead role in the drama "The Glory" (2025). The results of her hard work have been recognised at the highest levels: she has been praised by veteran actors and has become a favourite of serious media, including the main state newspaper, "People's Daily". Chen Du Ling has returned to leading roles. The dramas she has starred in since 2025 have all surpassed the 10,000-point mark on Youku's in-house popularity metric. "The Glory"(Yan Hui Shi, 雁回时, 贵女, 重生之贵女难求)
Premiere: March 18, 2025 Zhuang Hanyan, the third daughter of a noble family, was exiled to a remote village as a child. Years later, she returns to the capital during a fierce snowstorm and collapses unconscious at the gates of her family estate, throwing the household into turmoil. Her return attracts the attention of a mysterious official, Fu Yunxi, who is suffering from an incurable illness and seeking a worthy wife. The seemingly perfect candidate turns out to be a young woman who harbours chilling secrets. To survive in a world of court intrigue, Hanyan must be bold and calculating, as the stakes in this game are exceptionally high. This was Chen Du Ling's first project to reach the 10,000 mark. The series became the biggest surprise of 2025, transforming from a drama with no promotion into a genuine sensation. It was not only a huge hit with viewers but also earned the respect of critics. Strong female characters and quality acting were key to its success. The show started with virtually no advertising; its premiere went ahead without major hype, and initially the project had only four brand partners. But its popularity with audiences exceeded all expectations. After the drama climbed the ratings, advertisers were queuing up. By the finale, the series had achieved "advertisements in every episode", and sales of ad slots even grew after the show ended. Moreover, five brands that Chen Du Ling herself endorses paid for special episode screenings, giving the project extra exposure. Read more: "Veil of Shadows"(月鳞绮纪, 画皮, Painted Skin: The Resurrection)
Premiere: April 1, 2026 Lu Wuyi, a young nine-tailed fox, and her sister Wu Wanyan, part of the mysterious Wu Xiangyue organisation, travel to the city of Luo'an in search of Xiao Wei, a great fox demon who has fled after once betraying the Dragon God. At the Wei estate, their paths cross with priests from the Shilin sect, a demon thirsting for revenge, and other bounty hunters, each with their own motives. Gradually, the heroes realise that a series of mysterious disappearances and heart thefts are just the tip of the iceberg, hiding something far greater. Together, they must uncover ancient secrets and confront the terrifying truth about the betrayal of divine beings. The fastest-growing project on Youku (record: 52 hours). However, its rating on Douban is just 5.3. Despite its star-studded cast, the series received low scores due to its overly complex narrative, episode cuts (reduced from 40 to 29), and uneven screen time distribution (Chen Du Ling, for instance, had only 217 minutes). Read more: "Ashes to Crown"(Qiao Chu, 翘楚, 楚后)
Premiere: June 2, 2026 Chu Zhao, a general's daughter who became a pawn in the intrigues of Crown Prince Xiao Xun, is given the chance to rewrite her destiny after her entire family is betrayed and killed. Going back in time, she is determined not only to save her loved ones but also to destroy her enemy's ambitious plans. On her path, she meets Xie Yanlai – a man with a dark past who becomes her loyal ally and protector. Together, they will go from merely surviving to defending the entire state, facing betrayal, war and the need to make the toughest decisions. Can they change fate and build a new kingdom from the ashes? Reached the 10,000 mark within six days of its premiere. This drama sparked a remarkable phenomenon, with literally "half of China's entertainment industry" rallying to support its launch. Many celebrities posted on Weibo to back the series. And this flash mob was not a marketing stunt, but a genuine desire on the part of Chen Du Ling's friends and colleagues to show their personal support for her. The Weibo post was reposted by Yang Yang, Song Weilong, Ma Sichun, Guan Xiaotong, Zeng Shunxi, Zhang Jingyi, Chen Zheyuan, Liu Haocun, Meng Ziyi, Lu Yuxiao, Song Zu'er, Jin Jing, Li Xueqin, Chen Yao, Hu Jing, Chen Jingke, Peng Yuchang, Liu Yuning, Chang Huasen, He Hongshan, Chen Linong, Wu Xuanyi and many others. On Douban, however, there is currently a dramatic split in scores, ranging from 1.0 to 8.0. The series is simultaneously loved and savaged. Its popularity is sky-high, and it has made it into the Netflix top 10 in some countries. On the other hand, it has been panned for its "infantile" direction and acting, an abundance of clichés, and occasionally draws comparisons to micro-dramas in terms of quality. Read more: According to Russian law, we are obligated to warn users that Instagram and Facebook are owned by META Platforms Inc., which is considered extremist under Russian law and its activities are prohibited in Russia. |
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