Shadows of Desire Drama Details Starring Zhao Qing and Zhou Keyu

“Shadows of Desire” — iQIYI’s Next Big Costume Drama Officially Announced

Zhou Keyu & Zhao Qing share equal billing in new historical romance

iQIYI has officially dropped the curtain on its brand-new costume drama Shadows of Desire (金吾不禁), adapted from Yi Ren Kui Kui’s novel of the same name. 

The drama stars Daniel Zhou Keyu and Zhao Qing in equal billing — meaning both leads get the same level of narrative weight, camera focus and promotional spotlight. (ICYMI: Top Billing Controversy in CDrama)

It’s a move that signals balance, not hierarchy, between the two main characters.

Shadows of Desire follows Shen Qingwu (played by Zhao Qing), a noblewoman imprisoned by her own family who escapes by disguising herself as a man. 

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She joins the military and rises through the ranks to become a formidable general. 

On the battlefield, she crosses paths again with Zhang Xingjian (Zhou Keyu), a scholarly civil officer from her past. 

Despite being from opposing sides of the system, their ideals slowly align — leading them to fight rebellion, break through the aristocracy’s tight grip on marriage and status, and rewrite their destinies together.

Production is already in full swing across some of China’s most famous scenic backdrops, including the legendary Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang. 

Often dubbed the “Hollywood of the East”, Hengdian’s palatial sets and intricate period layouts have become the go-to destination for major historical dramas. 

Many crew members have praised its world-class facilities and how easy it is for actors to stay immersed in character on site.

Producer Yu Zheng has already set the internet buzzing — not only confirming his role as executive producer but also teasing that he’ll appear on screen as the heroine’s father, a battle-hardened general. 

He’s reportedly been training and keeping to a strict diet in preparation for the role. 

His knack for generating pre-release hype is undeniable, and Shadows of Desire is shaping up to be no exception.

Online chatter has been split between curiosity and criticism, but even the sceptics admit: Yu Zheng knows how to keep a drama in the spotlight. 

Given that both leads aren’t “traffic idols”, his promotional strategy looks aimed at pulling more eyes to the project ahead of its eventual iQIYI release.

With a military-romance plot, grounded characters, and a visually rich setting, Shadows of Desire promises both grandeur and emotion. 

The equal-billing setup gives Zhao Qing and Zhou Keyu equal footing to shine — a refreshing step in an industry where hierarchy often overshadows storytelling.

For iQIYI, this drama is another move to strengthen its portfolio of prestige period series — and possibly the next fan-favourite waiting to trend once that first trailer drops.

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