The Early Spring

Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian), a determined young woman from a modest background, unexpectedly lands a job at a top advertising agency. There she encounters an aloof and demanding industry veteran Luan Nian (Jing Boran). Navigating intense office politics and a complex romance with Luan Nian, she gradually transforms from a naive newcomer into a seasoned professional. Years later, after stepping away from the corporate grind to run a quiet restaurant in her hometown, their paths cross once again, forcing both to re-evaluate their past and future.^[13][14]

On 10 September 2024, the project was first announced for Youku during autumn press conference, and the official poster was released.^[18] In March 2025, it was listed in the "Network Audiovisual Program Excellence Creation and Dissemination Project" organized by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).^[19][20]

On 5 September 2025, Principal photography officially began in Beijing.^[21][22] The popularity of the novel sparked heated discussions regarding its adaptation tone.^[23] In November 2025, early production took placed in Beijing and Harbin, the locations included historic landmarks like Central Street, Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the East Hechang 1917 cultural complex.^[24] On 26 November 2025, the filming wrapped at Jinlong Mountain.^[25]

Tsai Chia-yin was hired as an intimacy coordinator to establish boundaries and direct movement for sensitive scenes,^[26][27] representing the first formal use of intimacy coaching in a Chinese television series.^[28][29]

Hindustan Times rated 3.5/5 and stated that "The Early Spring refuses to hand viewers a sugar-coated fairy tale, and that refusal is its greatest triumph. It is a messy, emotionally intense, and highly addictive exploration of flawed people trying to navigate love and ambition. However, if you crave a mature, fast-paced romance with sizzling chemistry, complex character growth, and a beautiful cinematic style, this drama is an absolute must-watch."^[30] WION stated that "The Early Spring is presented as a workplace romance and drama, with considerable emphasis on Sun Qian's characters' professional growth rather than simply their romantic relationship."^[31][32]

Daily Tribune states that "The drama has quickly become one of the titles viewers are talking about, thanks to its intense workplace romance, charged boss-and-rookie dynamic, and sizzling chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian."^[33] The Hindu states that "Moving away from the vanilla, saccharine sweet tropes one has come to associate with romances in many East Asian shows, The Early Spring embraces the chaos and messiness of an urban workplace relationship; one that must contend with pride, ego and, most importantly, a power imbalance."^[34] As per Papo de Dorama review "The Early Spring does not reinvent the office romance, but it finds its own personality in the way Jing Boran and Sun Qian play two people who spend far too long avoiding saying plainly what they feel."^[35]

• The Orange number represents the lowest ratings and the Blue number represents the highest ratings in China.
• Based on the average audience share per day (Yunhe Data).^[37]