Chinese dramas and films

In mid-July 2026, filming for the drama «A Journey to Glow» (一念江南) began in the picturesque Huangshan area of Anhui Province. The project, which weathered multiple casting changes and a delay of nearly a year, has finally settled on its final line-up: leading roles are played by Wang An Yu («Such a Good Love», «Be Passionately in Love») and Zhao Jin Mai («Amidst a Snowstorm of Love», «Shine on Me»).

The series is positioned as a spin-off: it shares a common universe with its companion piece, the 2023 hit drama «A Journey to Love». However, «A Journey to Glow» is not a direct sequel – it is a standalone story set in the same fictional world.

Emperor has unified the northern lands, while the southern kingdoms formally submitted but never accepted their fate. Heavy taxes impoverished the people, and rumours spread about untold treasures hidden by the dowager empress in Jiangnan. Legend has it that these riches could not only fill any country's coffers but also cure all ailments with magical elixirs stored alongside them.

Five people, whom fate has cast to the bottom in turbulent times – a wandering female thief, a demoted official, a general without a lord, a female officer guarding a tomb, and a perpetually unlucky rich heir – accidentally gather in the small town of Yongxing, setting out to find the hoard and use it to revive the town's economy. What begins as a treasure hunt becomes a journey of emotional healing, as the heroes get to know the townspeople and rediscover the meaning of life.

Zhao Jin Mai plays Shen Zhi Yi, a wandering thief and fragrance expert. Wang An Yu plays Lu Qing Ge, an official demoted because his family fell out of favour.

According to some reports, the cast also includes Guo Jun Chen, Wang Jia Jia, Lin Mu Ran, Wang Ju, and Xu Zheng Xi, though the official announcement at the opening ceremony is scheduled for July 21, 2026.

Sources indicate the series is planned for 40 episodes.

The project has had a turbulent pre-production history. Initially, in June 2025, Yu Shu Xin was confirmed for the lead female role, but in March 2026 the project was put on hold. The studio then decided to restart production, keeping Wang An Yu as the lead actor and replacing Yu Shu Xin with Zhao Jin Mai.

The first on-set photos began appearing online as early as July 18.

Zhao Jin Mai appeared in a light-green costume in the Song dynasty style, which received high praise from viewers.

Wang An Yu was presented as an elegant civil servant.

The first couple shots were dubbed «a model of talent and beauty» – fans were pleased.

The filming period is expected to last about 80 days. In addition to location shooting, the production team also plans to work in the Hengdian studios.