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| Zhang Yuxi Levels Up in 2026 With High-Concept Sci-Fi and Classic Wuxia Drama (Photo: Zhang Yu Xi Studio/Weibo) |
Chinese actress Zhang Yuxi, also known by her English name Rayli, is quietly entering one of the most interesting phases of her acting career. With 2025 drawing to a close, attention is already shifting to what’s next — and 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for her on the small screen.
Well known for her visual presence and steady acting growth, Zhang Yuxi has never boxed herself into one genre. From costume dramas to modern romance and now full-scale sci-fi and mystery wuxia, her upcoming projects show a clear move towards more layered, mature roles.
Zhang Yuxi’s 2026 Drama Line-Up
Currently, two cdramas featuring her are either fully completed or deep into production, both scheduled to air in 2026.
Hard Memory: Prisoner Under Fire (空气的囚徒)
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Episodes: 35
Genre: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi
Planned Release: Q3–Q4 2026
This is easily Zhang Yuxi’s most ambitious project to date.
Set in a bleak future where Earth is no longer fit for human survival, Hard Memory: Prisoner Under Fire introduces a chilling concept: human memories as an energy source. Scientists discover that memories can power interstellar migration, leading to the creation of Xiuluo City — a place designed to harvest memory energy from its inhabitants.
On the surface, the city functions like any other. Underneath, it’s quietly draining people of their pasts.
The story follows Li Lei, an ordinary man with a strong moral compass who accidentally uncovers the truth behind the city’s operation. What starts as curiosity turns into resistance, as he begins exposing the system and fighting for the people trapped inside it.
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What to expect:
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A high-concept sci-fi world with social commentary on exploitation and control
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Strong action elements balanced with emotional stakes
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Zhang Yuxi stepping into a cool-headed, resilient female role, likely tied closely to the city’s secrets
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A tone that leans more cinematic than typical TV sci-fi, with emphasis on atmosphere and tension
If executed well, this drama could stand out as one of the more serious sci-fi series China has attempted in recent years.
Zhan Zhao Adventures (雨霖铃)
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Platform: Youku Original
Episodes: 37
Genre: Mystery, Wuxia
Planned Release: Q1–Q2 2026
On the opposite end of the genre spectrum is Zhan Zhao Adventures, a classic wuxia mystery with a modern storytelling touch. Filming has already wrapped, and the drama has secured its distribution licence — meaning it’s essentially ready to go.
The story centres on Zhan Zhao, now serving as a fourth-rank imperial guard, who receives crucial evidence about a long-unsolved case. His investigation pulls him into a dangerous web involving court politics, rival factions, and criminal forces operating both openly and in the shadows.
Along the journey, he crosses paths with:
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Huo Ling Long, the sharp-minded and unyielding daughter of Linglong Villa
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Bai Yu Tang, a bold and unpredictable figure known as the “Golden-Haired Rat”
Together, they pursue justice while dismantling a powerful network controlled by Prince Xiang Yang.
wondering what villain Zhang Yueshi role is then #ZhanZhaoAdventures #zhangyuxi pic.twitter.com/I4rkHINNOc
— 🫧 (@yci_yuxi) December 4, 2025
What to expect:
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A traditional wuxia foundation with mystery-driven pacing
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Tactical combat and investigation rather than constant battlefield chaos
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Zhang Yuxi portraying a strong, intelligent female character who holds her own in both action and strategy
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A story focused on loyalty, justice, and moral choice rather than romance alone
For fans of classic martial arts dramas with layered storytelling, this one is likely to feel comfortably familiar — but still fresh.
Why Zhang Yuxi’s 2026 Dramas Are Already on Fans’ Watchlists
What makes this line-up interesting isn’t just the genres — it’s the contrast. One drama explores futuristic survival and human memory, while the other dives into historical justice and martial codes. Together, they highlight how Zhang Yuxi is deliberately expanding her range rather than playing it safe.
Both roles suggest characters with agency, intelligence, and emotional depth — a noticeable step away from lighter or decorative roles earlier in her career.
So, are you excited already?
Which one has caught your attention more — the dark sci-fi world of Hard Memory or the mystery-driven wuxia journey of Zhan Zhao Adventures?
More updates are expected as broadcast dates get closer, and as always, details may still change.