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| Peng Xiaoran’s 2026 Drama Line-Up: Six Upcoming Chinese Series to Watch Next Year (Photo: Youku/Tencent/Weibo) |
Peng Xiaoran is stepping into 2026 with serious momentum. As the year winds down, the actress is lining up one of her busiest and most exciting schedules yet, with six upcoming Chinese dramas either in production or gearing up for release.
2025 has been a brilliant year for her, with standout roles in three fantastic C-dramas — Love in Pavilion, Blood River, and Love and Crown.
Known for her expressive screen presence and steady growth as a performer, Peng Xiaoran has gradually shifted into more layered, mature roles, spanning historical epics, romance, fantasy, and modern-life stories. If 2019 introduced her to a wider audience, 2026 looks set to confirm her staying power.
Peng Xiaoran’s Upcoming 2026 Dramas
From palace intrigue to coastal legends and neighbourly romance, here’s a full look at what’s coming — and what viewers can expect from each project.
Queen of the Sea (女船王)
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Genre: Historical Adventure
Episodes: 40
Planned Release: Late 2026
This one is shaping up to be Peng Xiaoran’s boldest transformation yet.
Queen of the Sea follows Zhuo Xianyi, the heir of a powerful maritime family who rises through chaos, trade wars, and political pressure to become a legendary female leader of the seas.
Set during the Ming dynasty’s open-sea era, the story blends naval battles, power struggles, and personal awakening, with a strong focus on a woman challenging long-standing traditions.
What to expect:
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Grand-scale sea battles and maritime politics
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A slow-burn character journey from survivor to leader
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A commanding, authority-driven role for Peng Xiaoran
This drama leans more epic than romantic, spotlighting resilience, ambition, and leadership.
My Talent Neighbour (我的天才男友)
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Genre: Romance, Comedy, Life
Episodes: 36
Platform: Youku Original
Planned Release: 2026
Switching gears completely, My Talent Neighbour brings Peng Xiaoran into a warm, modern rom-com setting.
She stars as Lin You, a quiet illustrator whose routine life is disrupted by her new neighbour — a gifted but socially awkward pianist. What begins as mild annoyance slowly turns into mutual understanding and emotional support.
What to expect:
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Easygoing romance with everyday realism
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Gentle humour and slice-of-life storytelling
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Natural chemistry driven by small, heartfelt moments
This one’s perfect for viewers who enjoy low-stress romance with emotional comfort.
The Boundless Bright Moon (明月苍茫)
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Genre: Wuxia, Fantasy Romance
Episodes: 36
Platform: iQIYI Original
Planned Release: 2026
For fans of fantasy and fate-driven romance, this drama ticks all the right boxes. Filming is complete, the licence has been secured, and it is now awaiting its premiere.
Peng Xiaoran plays Feng Miaojun, a fallen princess who survives the destruction of her kingdom and lives under a new identity. A magical pearl changes her destiny, tying her fate to Yun Ya, a cold and powerful national mentor.
What to expect:
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Enemies-to-allies-to-lovers progression
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Heavy fantasy elements with high-stakes conflict
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Emotional tension balanced with action and intrigue
Visually ambitious and story-heavy, this series aims for epic fantasy rather than light romance.
The Legend of Ba Qing (巴清传奇)
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Genre: Historical Romance
Episodes: 66
Platform: Youku Original
Planned Release: Q3–Q4 2026
One of the most anticipated long-form historical dramas on the list.
Set against a politically charged court backdrop, The Legend of Ba Qing follows a brilliant woman who rises from palace physician to a figure of influence. Peng Xiaoran plays a key role within the ensemble cast, adding emotional depth to the drama’s layered narrative.
What to expect:
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High-level political intrigue and court manoeuvring
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Strong female-driven storytelling
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A slower, richer narrative with emotional pay-off
This is a commitment watch, but likely rewarding for fans of classic costume dramas.
Ban Ri Cang Sang Ban Ri Mei Ren (半日沧桑半日美人)
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Genre: Historical Romance
Platform: Youku Original
Planned Release: Tentatively 2026
Still largely under wraps, this project has already drawn attention thanks to its experienced production team and elegant concept.
Peng Xiaoran stars as a noblewoman caught between love, loyalty, and palace power struggles. While romance plays a key role, the story leans into identity, sacrifice, and personal strength.
What to expect:
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Elegant cinematography and emotional restraint
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Palace intrigue mixed with quiet romance
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A reflective, character-driven performance
This drama feels tailored for viewers who enjoy emotional depth over spectacle.
Wa Qing Si (绾青丝)
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Genre: Historical Romance
Episodes: 36
Platform: Youku Original
Planned Release: Late 2026
Rounding out the list is Wa Qing Si, a story focused on personal choice in a rigid social world.
Peng Xiaoran plays Wan Qing Si, a noblewoman torn between family honour and forbidden love. The drama centres on inner conflict rather than large-scale politics, offering a softer but emotionally charged narrative.
What to expect:
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Romance shaped by social pressure and tradition
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Strong internal character development
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Lush historical visuals with intimate storytelling
This one leans quietly emotional, ideal for fans of bittersweet historical romance.
What This Line-Up Says About Peng Xiaoran
Across these six projects, one thing is clear: Peng Xiaoran is deliberately expanding her range. From commanding leaders and survivors to gentle modern heroines, her upcoming roles show a shift towards complexity and emotional weight.
Rather than sticking to a single image, she’s exploring different genres, pacing, and character depth — a move that could define the next stage of her career.
With 2026 shaping up to be a packed year, Peng Xiaoran’s drama slate feels both ambitious and carefully chosen. Whether you’re into historical epics, fantasy romance, or cosy modern love stories, there’s something here worth keeping an eye on.
More updates are expected as production progresses — release schedules and casting details may still change.
So, which one are you most excited for?