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| Chen Duling’s 2026 Drama Calendar: The Projects Everyone’s Talking About (Photo: Youku) |
Chen Duling is entering 2026 like she owns the entire broadcast schedule, and honestly, she might. Born on 18 October 1993, the actress has long been praised for her quiet charisma and the way she slips into wildly different roles with ease — whether she’s swinging a sword in a historical, falling in love in a modern romance, or navigating futuristic chaos in a sci-fi.
With 2025 winding down, the hype is already shifting to next year’s Chinese dramas. And leading the pack? Chen Duling, who’s confirmed for five new series (plus one strong rumour), each showing a more mature and layered side of her craft.
A quick refresher for newcomers: Chen Duling, originally from Xiamen, famously scored an impressive 621 on the Gaokao and studied engineering at the prestigious Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She first caught public attention in 2013 as the champion of Facejoking’s “Goddess Ranking”, later making her acting debut with the 2015 youth film The Left Ear. Fast-forward to 2026 and she’s one of the most booked-and-busy actresses in the industry.
All Chen Duling Dramas Premiering in 2026 and What to Expect from Each
Here’s your full guide to every upcoming Chen Duling drama confirmed (and rumoured) for release in 2026 — plus what each project promises.
1. The Tale of Xishi: Kingdom Rebuilt (浣溪沙)
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| Photo: Youku |
Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure
Episodes: 45
Platform: Youku
Planned Release: Q2 2026
Main Cast: Tong Liya, Han Geng, Chen Duling, Peter Ho
Director: Go Yik Chun
This big-budget Youku original retells one of China’s most iconic historical legends — the rise, fall, and revival of the Kingdom of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. Chen Duling plays a key supporting role in a story filled with political sacrifice, shifting alliances, and emotional turbulence.
The narrative centres on Xi Shi, who enters the Kingdom of Wu as part of a long-term strategic mission after Yue is defeated. From court tension to coded warnings, hidden loyalties, and the famous romance between Xi Shi and Fan Li, the drama promises sweeping visuals and an intricate retelling of a classic tale.
Why it’s exciting:
A polished historical epic with a top-tier cast and a director known for grand, atmospheric productions. Expect lavish costumes, layered schemes, and a more sophisticated Chen Duling compared to her past period roles.
2. Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪)
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| Photo: Youku |
Genre: Wuxia Romance, Dark Fantasy
Episodes: 29
Platform: Youku
Release: Rumoured early 2026
Main Cast: Chen Duling, Ju Jingyi, Zeng Shunxi, Tian Jianrui
Director: Edward Guo
Already one of the most anticipated Youku titles, Veil of Shadows revisits the old legend of the face-shifting spirit, leaning into its mysterious and artistic roots. Expect brooding atmosphere, heightened emotion, and an almost lyrical approach to storytelling.
The drama explores the thin line between genuine affection and dangerous obsession, wrapped in a world where identity, disguise, and desire collide. Visually, fans are expecting something rich and sharp, with Edward Guo’s signature cinematic touch.
Why it’s exciting:
Chen Duling thrives in moody fantasy settings — and this series sits right in that sweet spot. Stylish, haunting, and packed with emotional tension, this could easily become her standout role of 2026.
3. Qiao Chu (翘楚)
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| Photo: Youku |
Genre: Historical Romance, Power Struggle
Episodes: 36
Platform: Youku
Planned Release: Q3–Q4 2026
Main Cast: Chen Duling, Zhou Yiran
Director: Yang Long
Based on: Chu Hou by Xi Xing
If you love heroines who refuse to be pawns in palace politics, Qiao Chu will be right up your alley. Chen Duling plays Chu Zhao, daughter of a general who takes control of her fate rather than letting the court decide it for her.
The story follows her fiery journey through battles, conspiracies, and shifting loyalties. Along the way, she forms a transformative partnership with Xie Yanlai, a dismissed imperial guard who rises to greatness under her influence.
From overthrowing internal threats to defending the Great Chu against external enemies, this drama is shaping up to be ambitious, empowering, and emotionally charged.
Why it’s exciting:
Chen Duling finally front-and-centre as a strategist heroine with grit, growth, and leadership. This could be her defining historical performance.
4. Winds Beyond the Wall (九重天)
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| Photo: Weibo |
Genre: Republican-era/Historical Slice of Life, Family Saga
Platform: Tencent Video
Filming: Early 2026
Release: Late 2026
Main Cast: Chen Duling, Ren Min
Director: Xu Bing
Set against the turbulent final years of the Qing dynasty, this series takes a grounded, human-centred approach to history. The story revolves around Liuli Village, a fortress-like settlement in western Fujian, and follows generations of families as they navigate political collapse, war, love, and personal sacrifice.
Chen Duling and Ren Min join an ensemble cast, portraying the emotional heartbeat of a community facing sweeping changes.
Why it’s exciting:
This isn’t your typical palace drama — it’s quieter, heavier, more textured. Think The Story of Minglan meets A Lifelong Journey, but with Fujianese cultural roots. Chen Duling’s performance is expected to lean nuanced and deeply emotional.
5. Rumoured Series: 今天也没变成玩偶呢
.webp "Chen Duling New Modern and Historical Dramas Releasing in 2026") |
Genre: Sci-Fi Survival, Romance, Infinite-Flow Game Mechanics
Platform: Likely Youku
Cast (Rumoured): Chen Duling, Chen Jingke
Based on: Novel by HuaHuaLe
Setting: 2055 dystopia
This rumoured project is already generating buzz because it is completely different from Chen Duling’s usual line-up.
In 2055, humans begin mysteriously turning into dolls. The world becomes divided into deadly “game maps”, each with its own rules and traps. The FL, Bai Youwei, is paralysed when she’s dragged into the survival game after her caretaker transforms into a doll. There she meets Shen Mo, the ML, and the two must work through challenges like twisted “Tortoise and Hare” races to stay alive.
The system forbids romance — but emotional connection develops anyway, slowly and naturally, creating a grounding thread in an otherwise chaotic world.
Why it’s exciting:
A survival thriller with romantic tension, moral dilemmas, and a futuristic twist. If confirmed, it might become Chen Duling’s most offbeat and daring role yet.
So… which one should you be excited about?
Each drama offers something completely different:
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For epic battles and grand storytelling: The Tale of Xishi: Kingdom Rebuilt
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For dark aesthetic wuxia fantasy: Veil of Shadows
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For a powerful female-led historical arc: Qiao Chu
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For emotional depth and realism: Winds Beyond the Wall
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For high-concept survival sci-fi: the rumoured Doll Game adaptation
Honestly? Chen Duling fans are about to eat VERY well in 2026.
More dramas will be updated as announcements roll in — and knowing her momentum, don’t be surprised if the list grows.