As 2026 approaches, Chinese television is preparing to broadcast some of the most anticipated dramas, ranging from historical epics to romantic thrillers. Here’s a preview of five standout projects to keep an eye on in the new year.
1. City builders
Protagonists: Zhao Liying, Huang Xiaoming
Genre: Political drama, Romance
Adapted from Zhu Xiaojun’s novel “The Peasant City of China,” City Builders brings to life the story of the pioneers of the 1980s who dared to transform a barren land into a thriving modern city. Figures like Li Chubin, Zheng Dusheng, and Xue Mei face immense challenges – economic, technical, and social – as they battle internal power struggles.
Blending political drama with heartfelt romance, the series showcases the perseverance, ambition and human spirit behind urban transformation. It is set to become one of the most compelling Chinese dramas of 2026.
2. Family business
Protagonists: Yang Zi, Han Dongjun
Genre: Historical, Traditional Crafts
Set during the Ming Dynasty, The Family Trade follows Li Trinh Nuong, a young woman determined to revive her family’s declining ink business. He must outwit rival clans and foreign threats, forming an alliance with strategist Luo Wenqian (played by Han Dongjun) to restore the prestige of Huizhou Ink.
Amidst intrigue and rivalry, love blossoms and together they work to preserve and innovate traditional craftsmanship, contributing to cultural heritage.
3. Order of the Martial Soul
Starring: Yang Yang, Zhang Ruonan
Genre: Wuxia, Mystery, Romance
This wuxia-mystery hybrid centers on Zhan Zhao (Yang Yang), a virtuoso martial artist who solves cases in a treacherous underworld. Meet the intelligent and lively noblewoman Huo Linglong (Zhang Ruonan), caught up in a fight against dark forces.
As secrets are revealed and a deadly conspiracy emerges, the two must rely on each other to survive. Martial Soul Order blends thrilling investigations with emotional stakes, promising intensity and romance.
4. Mu Si Si
Starring: Dilraba Dilmurat, Chen Feiyu
Genre: Fantasy, Tragic Romance
In this fantasy tale, the ghost queen Xia Simu (Dilraba) and the mortal general Duan Si (Chen Feiyu) cross paths with each other. Simu, who has lived more than 400 years, makes a fateful pact with Duan Si: in exchange for his human senses, she will grant him a wish.
Their bond grows as they face ancient curses, personal trauma, and the fragile line between life and death. Mu Si Si is a touching star-crossed love story, shrouded in mysticism and pain.
5. Jade Trail
Protagonists: Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei
Genre: Historical novel, Revenge
In this marriage-then-love cliché, Tian Xiwei plays Fan Changyu, the witty daughter of a butcher, who proposes a fake marriage to a wounded marquis, Xie Cheng (Zhang Linghe), to help him hide from enemies.
What begins as a partnership of convenience turns into genuine affection as they navigate secrets, family revenge and political plots. Jade Path offers a rich mix of romance, suspense and heartfelt drama.
