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| Gulinazha Confirms 3 Upcoming Chinese Dramas for 2026. More to follow? (Photo: Weibo/Guli Nazha Studio) |
Gulinazha (Gülnezer Bextiyar) is clearly entering a new chapter of her career, and 2026 is shaping up to be a big one. Born on 2 May 1992, the actress continues to stand out in China’s entertainment scene thanks to her striking presence and steadily expanding acting range. From historical intrigue and action-heavy roles to grounded modern-life stories, Gulinazha has been carefully broadening her portfolio.
With 2025 coming to an end, fans are already looking ahead — especially since this year she only had one drama release, The Journey of Legend, starring alongside Cheng Yi. The series delivered solid ratings and reminded audiences that she’s still very much in demand, even with fewer projects.
All the New Chinese Series Gulinazha Is Starring in Ahead of Their 2026 Release Dates
Now, attention shifts to three new dramas confirmed for 2026, all currently in production or gearing up for release.
What’s interesting is that each role highlights a more mature, layered side of Gulinazha’s acting — less about visual impact alone, and more about character depth.
Below is a closer look at what to expect from each upcoming drama.
1. Glory (玉茗茶骨)
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Genre: Historical, Business, Romance
Episodes: 36
Platform: Mango TV Original
Director: Guo Hao, Zhang Zhi Wei
Cast: Hou Minghao, Guli Nazha
Expected Release: Early 2026
Originally scheduled for December/late 2025, Glory was postponed and is now aiming for an early 2026 broadcast — and that delay has only increased anticipation. This historical business romance blends political intrigue, family power struggles, and the competitive world of tea trading.
Gulinazha plays Rong Shan Bao, the sharp-minded daughter of a powerful Tea King. Her character is not the typical gentle historical heroine; Shan Bao is calculating, strategic, and emotionally guarded.
When Lu Jiang Lai (Hou Minghao), a rising young official framed for murder and suffering from memory loss, enters her life, she chooses manipulation over mercy — hiding his identity and demoting him to a stable hand as revenge.
What starts as a power game slowly shifts into something more complex. Against the backdrop of political schemes, marriage alliances, and family ambition, their relationship evolves into a slow-burn romance filled with tension and emotional growth.
What to expect:
This drama leans heavily into character battles and mind games, rather than pure romance. It’s expected to showcase Gulinazha in a more commanding, intelligent role, proving she can anchor a story driven by strategy and emotional restraint.
2. The Awake (醒来)
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Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
Episodes: 40
Platform: iQIYI Original
Director: Zhao Baogang
Writer: Hai Fei
Cast: Ou Hao, Gulinazha, Feng Shaofeng, Jiang Shuying, Liang Jie
Expected Release: Late 2026
The Awake marks Gulinazha’s return to a darker, more intense genre. Adapted from Hai Fei’s novel, the drama is set in 1941, during a turbulent wartime period filled with espionage and underground resistance.
The story follows Chen Kailai (Ou Hao), a trainee photographer who is unexpectedly entrusted with highly sensitive film materials revealing enemy military plans. His journey leads him into Shanghai’s dangerous underground world, where shifting alliances and internal conflicts constantly test his survival.
Gulinazha’s character becomes entangled in this web of secrecy and power struggles, adding emotional complexity to a narrative dominated by tension, betrayal, and moral choices.
What to expect:
This is not a fast-paced action-only drama. Instead, it focuses on psychological pressure, political loyalty, and personal transformation. Guli Nazha’s role is expected to be more restrained and serious, highlighting her ability to handle ensemble casts and layered storytelling.
3. Live in This Moment (此刻的生活)
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Genre: Modern, Life, Relationship Drama
Platform: Tencent Video Original
Director: Hu Kun
Cast: Tiffany Tang Yan, Gulinazha, Zhu Zhu
Expected Release: Q3–Q4 2026
Currently filming, Live in This Moment shifts completely away from costumes and conflict zones, focusing instead on urban reality and emotional pressure in modern Beijing.
The story centres on a married couple struggling with financial stress after purchasing a home beyond their means. Around them are several female friends — including Gulinazha’s character — each facing different life crossroads, from marriage breakdowns to career uncertainty.
On the surface, their lives look polished and successful. Behind closed doors, however, secrets, regret, and quiet desperation begin to surface.
What to expect:
This drama is expected to resonate with older audiences and working professionals. Gulinazha’s role here is less dramatic in appearance but heavier in emotional weight, allowing her to explore realism, vulnerability, and everyday struggles.
Which One?
With these three projects, Gulinazha’s 2026 line-up feels deliberate and well-balanced — historical ambition, wartime tension, and grounded modern storytelling. Rather than chasing quantity, she seems focused on variety and growth, which could mark one of her strongest career phases yet.
More updates may follow as schedules evolve, but for now, 2026 already looks packed with promise for Gulinazha fans.
So, which drama are you most excited about — Glory, The Awake, or Live in This Moment?