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| Zhang Ruonan 2026 Dramas: Full List of Her New Upcoming Chinese Series to Watch Next Year (Photo: Weibo) |
Zhang Ruonan is stepping into 2026 with the kind of momentum most actors can only dream of. Born on 14 November 1996 and known for her natural charm and adaptable acting style, she has steadily built herself into one of the most watchable faces in China’s entertainment scene. From her 2018 debut in Cry Me a Sad River to her growing portfolio across romance, action, and fantasy, Zhang Ruonan is now gearing up for what could be her biggest year yet.
With five new dramas either filming or lining up for release, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point — and honestly, her role choices this time round feel more mature, layered, and creatively daring.
Top 5 Zhang Ruonan Dramas Set to Shake Up 2026
Here’s a complete rundown of what fans can expect from each project.
1. Poseidon’s Lover (海王的爱人)
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Platform: Youku
Genre: Romance Fantasy
Status: Filming
This project is one of the most mysterious on Zhang Ruonan’s slate, but early info already has fans buzzing. Teaming up with Jason Gu Jiacheng and Adi Kan Qingzi, Poseidon’s Lover draws on a romance-fantasy premise that hints at mythology, mystery, and a touch of emotional drama.
Ruonan’s role is said to involve a character who becomes entangled in a world beyond the ordinary, with themes of destiny, fate, and magical realism. Expect visually rich storytelling, atmospheric world-building, and a softer emotional tone compared to her previous works.
If Youku pushes high production value for this one, it could become her next breakout romance series.
2. Dao Shang Tang Xin Shang Shuang (刀上糖心上霜)
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Platform: Mango TV
Genre: Romance, Wuxia, Thriller
Episodes: 24
Director: Edward Guo
Status: Main cast confirmed; male lead TBA
This is probably the boldest project on her list. Combining martial arts, undercover intrigue, and a romance thread with actual emotional stakes, this series is expected to show a far more intense and complex side of Zhang Ruonan’s acting.
Set in a turbulent jianghu world, her character reportedly navigates danger, hidden identities, and a relationship built on both trust and tension. With Edward Guo directing, fans can expect sleek visuals, sharp pacing, and a style similar to modern high-budget wuxia hits.
English title is yet to be finalised, but this one genuinely has the potential to become one of Mango TV’s top 2026 releases.
3. Live Up to Your Youth (冬去春来)
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Platform: iQIYI
Genre: Youth, Life, Art, Drama
Cast: Zhang Ruonan, Bai Yu
Directors: Zheng Xiaolong, Leon Li
Status: Filming complete
This is the feel-good, life-affirming series of Ruonan’s 2026 line-up. The story follows young artists chasing their dreams, facing everyday obstacles, and figuring out who they want to become. It’s grounded, hopeful, and built around realistic struggles — exactly the kind of role Ruonan shines in.
Opposite Bai Yu, she plays a determined youth trying to balance ambition, emotions, and the challenges of entering the artistic world. With Zheng Xiaolong involved, the narrative is likely to be warm, thoughtful, and rich in character development.
Expect this drama to attract a wide audience, especially fans of slice-of-life storytelling.
4. Zhan Zhao Adventures (雨霖铃)
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Genre: Action, Historical Adventure
Cast: Yang Yang, Zhang Ruonan
Status: Expected 2026 release
If you’ve been wanting to see Zhang Ruonan back in a high-intensity historical role, this is the one to watch.
She stars as Huo Linglong, a noblewoman fleeing from an arranged marriage, only to collide with a mysterious wanderer — the legendary Zhan Zhao, played by Yang Yang. What follows is a journey filled with martial action, political intrigue, secret alliances, and a growing bond between two people caught in forces bigger than themselves.
This series promises classic adventure vibes: sword fights, escapes, power struggles, and heroic arcs. It’s designed for fans who love fast-paced historical action with emotional pay-offs.
5. I Live In Your Time (Based on 想把你和时间藏起来)
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Platform: iQIYI
Genre: Modern Romance, Healing, Realistic
Cast: Zhang Ruonan, Wang Anyu
Director: Qu Youning
Status: In production
A modern romance that leans into realism rather than fantasy, this series follows the emotional journey between a film producer (played by Ruonan) and a watch repairer (played by Wang Anyu). It’s adapted from the popular Bei Qing novel Want To Hide You and Time, known for its gentle tone and intimate character work.
Expect soft, healing moments, mature dialogue, and a love story built on quiet chemistry rather than dramatic twists. With Qu Youning’s directing style, the show will likely be visually warm and emotionally grounded.
Which 2026 Zhang Ruonan Drama Should You Be Most Excited About?
If you love:
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High fantasy romance → Poseidon’s Lover
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Wuxia with danger and love tension → Dao Shang Tang Xin Shang Shuang
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Inspirational youth stories → Live Up to Your Youth
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Action & historical adventure → Zhan Zhao Adventures
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Healing modern romance → I Live In Your Time
There’s truly something for everyone in her 2026 slate.
More titles are expected to be added — and as always, release schedules may shift — but one thing’s for sure: Zhang Ruonan is gearing up for a standout year.
If you had to pick one, which drama is going straight onto your watchlist?