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| New Chinese Drama Live Up To Your Youth: Full Preview, Cast Line-Up, and Streaming Details |
The upcoming Chinese drama Live Up To Your Youth is shaping up to be a major 2026 release. Starring Zhang Ruonan and Bai Yu, the series is set against a nostalgic backdrop—from early 1990s Beijing all the way to 2018—capturing the struggles and dreams of young creatives chasing a future in the entertainment and arts world.
The drama blends life, youth, and light romance, presenting a heartfelt journey filled with ambition, small everyday victories, and that warm slice-of-life atmosphere fans love.
Behind-the-scenes clips circulating on Weibo have only fuelled the hype, showing the main leads with strong natural chemistry and a grounded performance style.
Plot: A Youth Story Rooted in Dreams, Failures, and Fresh Starts
The story centres on a group of young people staying at a humble inn called Winter Gone, Spring Comes. Each of them arrives with a dream, and most of them leave with scars, growth, and a clearer sense of who they are.
Key storylines include:
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Xu Shengli (Bai Yu) — an aspiring scriptwriter constantly facing rejection but refusing to give up on writing.
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Zhuang Zhuang (Zhang Ruonan) — a young singer who dreams of performing on big stages.
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Shen Ranran (Lin Yun) — an upbeat young woman balancing passion and practicality.
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Tao Liangliang (Wang Yanlin) — a familiar face in the neighbourhood with his own quiet goals.
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Guo Zongbao (Tian Yu) — a hardworking extra actor juggling odd jobs to support his family.
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Cao Ye — an avant-garde painter trying to survive in a conservative art world.
Despite the hardships—failed auditions, financial pressure, artistic rejection—they push forward.
And that’s the heart of the drama: youth is less about age, and more about the courage to dream even when reality feels unforgiving.
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Production & Setting
Filming kicked off on 1 July 2025 and ran for 130 days across Beijing’s Dongcheng district, chosen specifically for its preserved 90s atmosphere.
The production team wanted to capture the transitional era of Chinese culture, and director duo Zheng Xiao Long (of Empresses in the Palace) and Leon Li (Reset Life) are leaning heavily into authenticity and realism.
Writers Gao Man Tang and Li Zhou, both known for urban life storytelling, shape the narrative into a grounded but uplifting tale of ambition versus reality.
Cast Line-Up
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Bai Yu as Xu Shengli
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Zhang Ruonan as Zhuang Zhuang
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Lin Yun (Jelly Lin) as Shen Ranran
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Wang Yanlin as Tao Liangliang
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Tian Yu as Guo Zongbao
With this ensemble, fans are expecting strong performances and a good mix of heartfelt and humorous moments.
Reactions online have been a mix of excitement and high expectations:
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“The cast looks so promising! It’s a visual feast.”
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“I’m hoping this drama comes with a variety show too.”
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“Both leads are exactly the pairing I’ve been dreaming of—they finally made it happen.”
Others say the retro setting and arts-themed storyline feel refreshing compared to recent modern-romance-heavy line-ups.
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Release Date
Live Up To Your Youth is scheduled to premiere exclusively on iQIYI in the first half of 2026, following post-production which wraps at the end of 2025.
Where and How to Watch Live Up To Your Youth (With English Subtitles)
Platform:
iQIYI — official and exclusive global streaming platform.
Availability for International Fans:
iQIYI usually releases global subtitles including:
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English
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Indonesian
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Thai
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Malay
…and more, depending on region licensing.
You can watch via:
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iQIYI App (Android, iOS)
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Official Website
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iQIYI Premium VIP for early access (depending on regional release)
Most Chinese dramas on iQIYI upload English subtitles within hours of the episode drop, so international fans shouldn’t have trouble following along.
Quick FAQ
When is Live Up To Your Youth coming out?
It’s set to premiere on iQIYI in early–mid 2026.
Who are the leads?
Bai Yu stars as Xu Shengli, alongside Zhang Ruonan as Zhuang Zhuang.
What genre is it?
Life, Youth, and Romance—set during 1990s–2018 Beijing, focusing on young creatives chasing dreams.
Does it have English subtitles?
Yes. iQIYI typically releases English subs internationally for major titles.