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Dazzling Filming Locations: Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui’s Upcoming Drama

Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui Lead Adaptation of Jinjiang Novel Dazzling
First Look at Dazzling: A Healing Romance Starring Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui

The small-town healing romance Dazzling (《耀眼》) has officially kicked off filming in Weihai, Shandong — and yep, it’s already got fans whipped. After weeks of radio silence, the production finally dropped its full cast lineup today (6 June), confirming Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui as the leads. But in true C-drama fashion, the casting reveal wasn't without its share of behind-the-scenes mess.

✨ Playful Flirting or Just In Character?

The lead pair wasted no time getting into the groove. In a post that had fans swooning, Guan Xiaotong tagged Li Yunrui with a cheeky “Just arrived~” caption. He replied coolly with a “Got you covered,” keeping things flirty but mysterious. 

While it's clearly part of the promo, netizens can’t help but ship it a little — especially with the retro seaside setting and couple shots that honestly look straight out of a youth romance film.

Guan Xiaotong Returns in New Leading Role Opposite Li Yunrui in Dazzling

Li Yunrui’s already been papped on set with striking blond hair, giving full “small town bad boy” vibes. Meanwhile, Guan Xiaotong’s curls and sun-kissed styling as Qing Ye are serving early-2000s nostalgia in the best way. Word is, the crew’s been working hard to recreate that laidback, backwater-town aesthetic — think winding roads, motorcycle rides by the ocean, and all the angsty eye contact your heart can handle.

💔 Plot Tease: Small Town, Big Feelings

In Dazzling, Guan Xiaotong takes on the role of Qing Ye, a wealthy heiress whose life falls apart, forcing her to retreat to a quiet coastal town. There she meets Xing Wu (Li Yunrui) — a tough, scrappy local lad with a rebellious streak and a heart of gold. As expected, the two start off rocky, but over time, their connection turns into something deeper as they slowly mend each other’s emotional baggage.

The drama’s adapted from the popular Jinjiang novel by Shi Jiu Yuan (时久远), who also wrote Speed and Love — another title that's getting the drama treatment soon. Fans of the novel are especially hyped to see how this pairing plays out, since the original had loads of tender moments mixed with realistic emotional beats.

😬 Billing Drama Already? Say It Ain’t So

But the buzz hasn’t been all positive. As soon as the official announcement dropped, fans started squabbling over the cast billing order. Guan Xiaotong was revealed as the top-billed star, followed by Li Yunrui — and that didn’t sit right with some of his diehard stans. They argued that Li Yunrui helped carry the early hype of the project, and given his increasing star power, he should’ve been co-billed at the very least.

Cast Revealed for New Drama Dazzling, Featuring Guan Xiaotong and Li Yunrui

Adding fuel to the fire, there were rumours before the casting was locked that Li Yunrui was set to star opposite Sun Zhenni. So when Guan Xiaotong swooped in and snagged the lead role, some fans weren’t too happy.

That said, Guan Xiaotong’s defenders were quick to clap back — pointing out that she’s a Magnolia Best Supporting Actress winner (at just 19, no less!) and has both the credentials and emotional range to absolutely nail this role.

Filming is currently underway in Weihai, Shandong, a scenic coastal city that’s already proving to be a perfect backdrop for Dazzling’s moody, small-town setting. 

With its sea breeze, quiet alleyways, and old-school charm, Weihai brings the kind of nostalgic atmosphere that fits the drama’s emotional tone. 

Locals have even spotted the crew filming near the harbour and winding seaside roads, giving fans an early taste of the drama’s picturesque visuals. It's the kind of setting that feels like a character in itself — calm on the surface, but full of hidden depth.

🎭 Full Cast Lineup

Alongside the two leads, the drama’s supporting cast is looking pretty solid too. Gao Lu, Yan Zidong, and Jenny Zeng Keni are making special appearances, while the lineup also includes Bian Tianyang, Wang Jiaxuan, and Wang Hanwen. Filming’s expected to continue through the summer, with a 2026 release looking likely.

FAQ – Dazzling (耀眼)

What’s the genre of Dazzling?
Romance, slice of life, small-town healing vibes with emotional depth.

Who are the leads?
Guan Xiaotong (Qing Ye) and Li Yunrui (Xing Wu).

Where is it being filmed?
Weihai, a picturesque coastal city in Shandong province.

When will it air?
No official date yet, but with filming underway now, fans are expecting a mid-to-late 2026 release.

What’s the source material?
Based on a novel by Shi Jiu Yuan (时久远), known for emotional storytelling.

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