Tencent Drama Lineup: Hu Ge, Yang Zi, Zhang Ruoyun, Wu Lei, and Huang Jingyu Lead Respective Projects

At the 2025 Tencent Video Conference, a wave of new dramas and casting announcements have caught attention, a few of which revealed their leads in solo announcements, a clear sign that these stars deserve the spotlight. Here are some of the talked-about titles heading into 2026.

Huang Jingyu in Winner (赢风)

Winner is adapted from Zhu Xiaojun and Yang Liping’s Express China. It features Huang Jingyu as Lu Yunxiang, a rural youth who, after his brother’s death, is forced to take over the family’s courier company “Xuntong.” He drives reform toward direct operations and rises from a grassroots entrepreneur to an industry leader. The drama has been described as another Like a Flowing River, but in the delivery industry. It is produced by Tencent and Insight.

Zhang Ruoyun and Liu Shishi in A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains (千里江山图)

Zhang Ruoyun has three upcoming dramas: the political drama Joy of Life 3, the wuxia sequel Sword Snow Stride 2 and now, the spy drama A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains. Written by Wang Juan (Joy of Life) and Jin Haishu (The Wind Blows From Longxi), with Chen Daoming as executive producer, this Tencent Video and New Classics Media co-production is positioned as an S+ level production.

Zhang Ruoyun stars as Chen Qianli, a Communist special agent who operates under the cover of an antique dealer while carrying out a top-secret mission codenamed “A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains.” Liu Shishi takes a special starring role as Ling Wen, an underground operative whose character is inspired by Longhua martyrs. Other cast members include Wang Chuanjun as the villain Yi Junnian, and Guan Xiaotong in a guest role as the brave underground agent Dong Huiwen.

Wu Lei in The One (剑来)

The One, adapted from the fantasy action novel Jian Lai (Sword of Coming), has confirmed Wu Lei as the main protagonist. Fans have praised the 25-year-old actor as the “chosen one” for the role of Chen Ping’an, especially given his memorable turn as Fei Liu in Nirvana of Fire. Known for his dedication, Wu Lei reportedly lost 12 pounds over six months, reduced his body fat to 10%, and trained in swordsmanship until his hands developed calluses, all to capture the raw spirit of the character. The drama is produced by Tencent Video, New Classics Media, and Mahua FunAge.

Yang Zi in The Way You Come Back (玉兰花开君再来)

Directed by Yang Yang (A Dream of Splendor), this biographical drama stars Yang Zi as Dong Zhujun, the founder of Shanghai’s Jinjiang Hotel. Spanning from her teenage years as a songstress to her later life as a successful businesswoman, the story traces her journey of awakening, independence, and national devotion. It marks Yang Zi’s return to a Republican-era drama 11 years after Battle of Changsha.

The role challenges her to portray Dong Zhujun from age 15 to 60, requiring her to learn Shanghainese, Japanese, and tea ceremony techniques. It continues Yang Zi’s streak of playing ambitious, self-made women, following Flourished Peony and The Mo, though some wonder if it’s time for her to take on something different.

Hu Ge in Zhang Juzheng (风禾尽起张居正)

Tencent and New Classic Media’s historical drama, which also has Chen Daoming as executive producer, features Hu Ge as the Ming Dynasty reformer Zhang Juzheng whose known for his political brilliance. Adapted from the novel Zhang Juzheng, the story aligns well with Hu Ge’s age and experience, as the 42-year-old actor matches the reformer’s peak years (40–57). Known for his iconic roles in Nirvana in Fire and Blossoms Shanghai, Hu Ge’s casting has been widely praised, though a few note his scholarly demeanor contrasts Zhang’s “iron-blooded statesman” image. Still, in a landscape full of idol costume dramas, this promises to be a refreshing return to serious historical storytelling.