The Early Spring
Upcoming Chinese television series
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The Early Spring (Chinese: 早春晴朗; pinyin: Zǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng) is an upcoming Chinese television series adapted from the web novel ''Zao Chun Qing Lang'' (早春晴朗) by Gu Niang Bie Ku. Directed by Jiang Ji Zheng and written by Gao Xiao Xian, the series stars Jing Boran and Sun Qian, the series is an urban workplace drama. The story follows a resilient young professional who navigates the cutthroat communications industry while entangled in a complex, evolving romance with her demanding and enigmatic superior.
- Zao Chun Qing Lang
- Bright and Clear Early Spring
| The Early Spring | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Also known as |
|
| Simplified Chinese | 早春晴朗 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Zǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng |
| Genre | |
| Based on | Zao Chun Qing Lang (早春晴朗) by Gu Niang Bie Ku |
| Written by | Gao Xiao Xian |
| Directed by | Jiang Ji Zheng |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | China |
| Original language | Mandarin |
| No. of episodes | 32 |
| Production | |
| Production location | Beijing, China |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Youku |
The series is produced by Youku in association with Qianyu Studio and is scheduled for a multi-platform release in 2026. It will be distributed internationally via Youku's global streaming service, following its primary broadcast in Mainland China.[1]
Synopsis
Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian), a young woman from an ordinary background, unexpectedly lands a job at a world-class advertising agency, entering the high-pressure world of elite marketing. There, she encounters the brilliant but aloof industry veteran [Character Name] (Jing Boran). The story follows her professional growth from a workplace novice to a seasoned professional, exploring the complexities of modern office politics and the blossoming of a mature romance. Years later, after returning to her hometown to lead a simpler life as a restaurant owner, their paths cross again, leading to a profound re-evaluation of their past and future.[2]
Cast
Main
- Jing Boran as Luan Nian
- A top-tier advertising executive known for his sharp intellect and detached demeanor.
- Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao
- An optimistic and hardworking woman who navigates the challenges of a competitive corporate environment.
Supporting
- Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuanchu
- Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu
- Zhang Yezi as Lu Mi
- Ning Xin as Kitty
- Zhao Zhenyu as Tan Mian
- Zhang You as Zhang Lei
Production
Development
The project was first introduced on September 10, 2024, when it was selected for Youku's 2025 annual program list during its autumn press conference.[3] Accompanying the announcement, the production team released the first concept poster, which emphasized an atmospheric, realistic visual style rather than traditional romantic aesthetics.[4]
The production aimed to create a realistic yet "healing" portrayal of urban professional life, specifically focusing on the authentic struggles of the "Beipiao" (individuals migrating to Beijing for work) community. The creative team noted a deliberate departure from typical "idol drama" tropes, choosing instead to prioritize grounded character development and the psychological growth of the protagonists over ten years.[5]
In March 2025, the series gained further national prestige when it was officially selected as a supported program in the 2024–2025 "Network Audiovisual Program Excellence Creation and Dissemination Project" organized by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).[6] Being one of a limited number of projects recognized, it was cited for its potential to "reflect the spirit of the times" and provide high-quality cultural content for internet audiences.[7]
Casting
On September 5, 2025, the production team officially announced Jing Boran and Sun Qian as the leads, Luan Nian and Shang Zhitao.[8] The pairing received widespread praise on social media, with fans and media outlets such as Yuanbao News highlighting the "cinematic chemistry" and "art-house film" aesthetic between the two actors.[9]
Industry reports as early as June 2025 confirmed the involvement of Zhang Wanyi in a significant role. Due to the intensive filming schedule of The Early Spring, Zhang faced significant scheduling conflicts with his commitment to the variety show Divas Hit the Road Season 7. While reports initially suggested he might withdraw from the variety show to prioritize his role in the drama, the production successfully coordinated a "rigorous timeline" that allowed him to complete both projects.[10]
The supporting cast includes Liu Xiaobei, Qi Tianqing, Zhang Yezi, Ning Xin, Zhao Zhenyu, and Zhang You.[11] The series also features a special appearance by Guo Xiaoting and a guest appearance by Li Chuan, adding to the high-profile nature of the project.[12][13]
Filming
Principal photography officially began on September 5, 2025, in Beijing.[14] On the first day of filming, the project trended on social media as the casting and the popularity of the original novel sparked heated discussions regarding the adaptation's tone.[15]
After completing the urban workplace segments in Beijing, the production moved to Harbin in November 2025 to film the pivotal winter and hometown story arcs. Filming locations included historic landmarks such as Central Street, the Architectural Art Square (Saint Sophia Cathedral area), and the East Hechang 1917 cultural complex. To capture the "early spring" aesthetic described in the title before the arrival of heavy natural snow, the crew utilized specialized lighting and artificial snow to supplement the landscape. Specific local sites, such as a traditional restaurant in West 13th Street, were transformed into the "Old Couple's Tavern," a central location in the characters' later life.[16] The production officially wrapped filming at Jinlong Mountain on November 26, 2025.[17]
Reception
Following the official announcement, the series gained significant traction on social media, driven by the popularity of the source material and the high-profile lead pairing. On November 4, 2025, leaked photos from the production's urban set went viral, with netizens and media outlets such as Yuanbao News praising the "cinematic feel" of the cinematography.[18]
Observers noted that the visual framing and the chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian resembled an "art-house film scene," sparking widespread anticipation for the adaptation's aesthetic quality.[19] Commentators frequently used the phrase "metaphysical chemistry" (氛围感CP) to describe the deep, intangible connection between the leads, suggesting that the production's focus on atmosphere transcended traditional romantic tropes found in modern workplace dramas.[20]