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| Yang Zi Takes the Lead, Hu Ge Returns in Born to Be Alive |
Modern drama set on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau blends environmental grit with big-name star power – and yes, the billing drama's real too. It’s finally official – the long-whispered rumours about Yang Zi and Hu Ge teaming up again have turned out to be true.
The two are reuniting for a new modern drama called Born to Be Alive, and it’s already causing quite the stir online – not just because of the high-profile cast, but also the rather spicy debate over who’s got top billing.
As confirmed, Born to Be Alive is very much Yang Zi’s show.
The story centres on her character Bai Ju, a young, sharp-shooting policewoman who joins a patrol team dedicated to protecting the untouched landscapes and wildlife of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
The team was founded by Hu Ge’s character, Duo Jie, a deputy county magistrate who takes environmental protection into his own hands – forming the patrol to combat poachers and illegal miners who've been exploiting the region for years.
But just as their efforts start to bear fruit, Duo Jie mysteriously vanishes.
Despite early fan debates over billing order, it’s clear from the official announcement that Yang Zi is leading this one, while Hu Ge is credited with a “special starring role.”
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That likely means fewer scenes, but a meaningful part nonetheless – especially considering it’s a return to familiar territory for both stars under Daylight Entertainment, the production company behind hits like Nirvana in Fire, The Disguiser, Ode to Joy, and Battle of Changsha.
Also joining the main cast is rising actor Zhang Zhehua, playing Yang Zi’s actual love interest – an idealistic environmental reporter.
If the name rings a bell, he made a splash in Born to Be the One last year, another Daylight project.
With his profile steadily rising, this role could be his next breakout.
Born to Be Alive (original title: The Tree of Life) is more than just star power – it's shaping up to be one of Daylight’s major “main melody” dramas, continuing the socially-conscious thread seen in Minning Town and County Party Committee Courtyard.
Set in the 1990s, the story reflects real-life environmental challenges in the high-altitude regions of western China, where mineral wealth often clashes with ecological preservation.
Veteran director Li Xue (of The Disguiser and Like a Flowing River 2) is helming the project, with screenwriters Wang Sanmao and Leizi – the brains behind All Is Well and Minning Town – on script duties.
Wang shared in an earlier interview that he’s been researching and visiting Qinghai since 2019, even climbing to 5,200 metres just to grasp the locals’ way of life.
“You can’t write real people if you don’t live among them,” he said, adding that authenticity is key to bringing stories like this to life.
For Yang Zi, this marks her first proper lead in a main melody drama – and there’s definite buzz that she’s aiming for a career pivot.
As one of the most recognisable post-90s actresses, this role could be her shot at proving depth and range beyond youthful rom-coms or palace dramas.
And just when you thought the billing chat was over, Chinese superstar Yang Mi also made headlines – but for a rather unexpected reason.
In the upcoming historical film The Litchi Road (adapted from Lychees of Chang’an), she finds herself listed sixth in the credits. Cue internet meltdowns.
But looking closely, that billing comes after four main leads plus Andy Lau – yes, the Andy Lau – who’s fifth.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ruoyun’s listed last as a “specially invited” star. Fans are now saying director Da Peng must have some serious industry clout to gather a lineup like that.
Born to Be Alive is ticking all the boxes – strong leads, meaningful theme, production muscle, and a bit of celebrity drama to spice things up.
With filming reportedly kicking off in Qinghai soon (some lucky fans already spotted Hu Ge and Yang Shuo on set!), this could be one of the biggest releases to keep an eye on.