The popular Chinese period drama Zhu Yu is near its finale. From a marriage full of contrasts to political intrigue and explosive emotions, the series has kept viewers swooning and heartbroken. Many fans even say they aren’t ready for it to end. Luckily, the line-up of upcoming period dramas is already taking over, ranging from tragic fantasy romances to sweet romances and revenge plots. Among them, By Ri Ti Dengstarring Dilraba Dilmurat and Chen Feiyu, it attracted enormous interest even before its premiere. This checklist ensures you don’t run out of shows to follow.
1. By Ri Ti Deng
A tragic love story between a human and a spirit is on the way. Premiering on March 28, this drama is already considered one of the most anticipated hits. The story centers on a forbidden love between the human and supernatural worlds. Dilraba Dilmurat plays a mysterious woman who becomes involved in a doomed relationship with Chen Feiyu. Their journey, from suspicion and conflict to deep emotional involvement, creates intense tension. The cliche “the more forbidden, the deeper the love” has made it a hot topic, with many viewers expecting it to become the next tragic and gripping love story after Zhu Yu.
See the information:
- Preview: March 28, 2026
- Platforms: Disney+, WeTV, Tencent Video
- Episodes: 40
2. Wan Fu Jin An
A reborn palace intrigue and revenge drama. The story follows the two lives of Gu Qing. In her past life, she was a queen (played by Wang Yijin) who was framed and died tragically in the cold palace. Reborn as Feng Qing (played by Fang Jin), a rescued palace maid, she falls from grace but retains her memories. Using his knowledge of court politics and human nature, he carefully plans his return and his revenge as he navigates the dangerous inner palace.
See the information:
- Preview: March 11, 2026
- Platforms: WeTV, friDay Video
- Episodes: 32
3. That Gu
One of Hou Minghao’s most talked about upcoming works. The story follows Xiao Wuyi, heir to Prince Jing’an’s mansion, and Xie Jiayu, the daughter of a great guardian forced to become his concubine. Their relationship begins as a marriage of convenience but evolves into trust and love as they uncover hidden truths and confront political conspiracies. The mix of romance, intrigue and suspense makes it highly anticipated.
See the information:
- Release: TBA (expected 2026)
- Platform: iQIYI
- Episodes: 36
4. Mei Ying Shen Bu
Adapted from a novel by Wang Ke, the story revolves around Li Si (played by Luo Yunxi), a brilliant investigator known as “Young Master Qingyang”. While investigating the death of the Fourth Prince, she infiltrates Shenbu’s office and teams up with a top forensic expert and a skilled ally. Together, they solve bizarre cases while uncovering deeper conspiracies tied to a fallen regime and mysterious, forbidden techniques.
See the information:
- Release: TBA (expected 2026)
- Platform: iQIYI
- Episodes: 30
5. Yu Lin Ling
Starring Yang Yang and Zhang Ruonan, this wuxia epic reinterprets the legendary hero Zhan Zhao of The seven heroes and the five gallantsset during the Northern Song Dynasty. Yang Yang takes on the role of a swordsman with a dual identity, adding complexity and internal conflict to the character. The story follows Zhan Zhao as he uncovers conspiracies with allies he meets along the way, forming bonds through life-and-death trials.
See the information:
- Release: Coming soon
- Platforms: iQIYI, Disney+, WeTV
- Episodes: 40
6. Mo Li
In this drama, Bai Lu plays Ye Li, the eldest daughter of the Ye family, who is forced to marry a member of Prince Ding’s declining family and marry the disabled prince Mo Xiuyao. Behind the seemingly glorious political marriage lies a storm of intrigue. Despite appearing obedient, Ye Li secretly plans her revenge, while her husband remains wary of her. As suspicion turns to trust, they ultimately join forces to fight a coup and protect the kingdom.
See the information:
- Release: Coming soon
- Platforms: Disney+, WeTV, Tencent Video
- Episodes: 40
