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| Created in China Starring Song Zuer and Zhang Xincheng Premieres June 17 on CCTV, iQIYI, Tencent (Weibo) |
A brand-new Chinese business drama is about to fire up the engines this summer – and it’s got some serious heat behind it. Created in China (淬火年代), starring Zhang Xincheng and Song Zuer, is officially set to premiere on June 17, 2025, airing nightly on CCTV-1, iQIYI, and Tencent Video.
With a strong production team from Nirvana in Fire studio Daylight Entertainment, and helmed by director Li Xue (The Disguiser, Like a Flowing River), this one’s shaping up to be a heavy hitter for lovers of serious business dramas with a nostalgic kick.
📍Set in the 90s, fuelled by ambition
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| Song Zuer Suits Up as Factory Queen in Created in China |
Adapted from the web novel Jian Nan De Zhizao (艰难的制造) by A Nai, the drama is a spin-off to the acclaimed Like a Flowing River (Da Jiang Da He) universe, and takes viewers back to late-1990s Donghai, right on the cusp of China’s industrial boom.
Zhang Xincheng stars as Liu Jun, a German-educated engineer who returns home with a bold vision: to transform his father's struggling machinery plant into a world-class private manufacturing hub using advanced tech and sheer willpower.
But of course, nothing’s easy in the cutthroat world of 90s capitalism. While state-owned firms dominate the market, Liu Jun must battle outdated systems, lack of funding, sneaky rivals, and the occasional factory-floor sabotage.
Lucky for him, he's not going it alone – best mate Qian Hong Ming (played by Wang Yanlin) is making big moves in real estate and trade, and love interest Cui Bing Bing (Song Zuer) is a formidable businesswoman in her own right.
🛠️ More than just machines
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| Zhang Xincheng Transforms 90s Machinery Factory in Created in China, A New Business Drama Spin-off |
Created in China isn’t just about nuts and bolts – it’s about people. From idealistic engineers to battle-hardened factory managers, the show highlights the ups and downs of those trying to keep dreams alive in a rapidly changing economy. While some characters represent the grit and persistence of a rising China, others show the toll of compromise and corruption.
Expect complex relationships, fierce workplace rivalries, and quite a few clashes between heart and ambition. Song Zuer’s character brings strong female leadership into the mix, while cameo appearances by fan favourites from Like a Flowing River – including Wang Kai’s iconic Song Yunhui – will definitely please longtime viewers.
🎬 The cast and crew line-up
This one boasts a stacked cast:
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Zhang Xincheng as Liu Jun, the idealistic returnee
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Song Zuer as Cui Bing Bing, his sharp and capable partner
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Wang Yanlin, Ren Chengwei, Zhang Yue, He Yuhong, Liu Yitie, and Wang Yinglu in key supporting roles
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Special appearances by Gao Lu, Zhu Yuchen, Liu Yijun, Wu Yufang, and Li Jiahang
Behind the scenes, the series is written by Ming Dacheng and produced by Hou Hongliang, two big names in high-end Chinese drama.
🧭 Why you should care
In today’s age of smart factories and AI manufacturing, Created in China takes us back to a crucial turning point – when China was just learning to build from scratch.
The series doesn’t shy away from the struggles of competing on the world stage, nor from the nationalistic pride that comes with crafting something truly homegrown. At its heart, this is a story of resilience, innovation, and the messy, beautiful process of progress.
Plus, if you’re a fan of dramas that mix a bit of history, a lot of business politics, and characters who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, this one’s right up your alley.
Trailer:
Trailer for #CreatedinChina has been released. It premieres on June 17th on IQIYI.
— Niru (@govinni13) June 13, 2025
Starring Zhang Xincheng & Song Zuer.
#cdrama #张新成 #ZhangXincheng #SongZuer #淬火年代 pic.twitter.com/eM1s0q6YCO
📺 How to Watch
Premiering June 17, 2025
Airs daily (Mon–Sun) on:
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CCTV-1 (China national TV)
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iQIYI (with VIP access)
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Tencent Video
Runtime: ~45 minutes per episode
Episodes: 35
English subs should roll out quickly on iQIYI and Tencent for international audiences, so keep an eye out.
🔍 FAQ
Q: Is this related to Like a Flowing River?
Yes! While not a direct sequel, Created in China is considered part of the Da Jiang Da He extended universe and features a few surprise cameos.
Q: Is this just a work drama?
Not at all – it’s got layers: business strategy, personal growth, rivalry, romance, and national pride all wrapped up in one tidy 90s package.
Q: Who’s the director again?
Li Xue, the guy behind Nirvana in Fire and Like a Flowing River. In short: he knows what he’s doing.