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| Yang Zi’s 2026 Projects Revealed: Historical, Mystery and Life Dramas Ahead (Photo: YangZi Studio/Weibo) |
Chinese actress Yang Zi is heading into 2026 with serious momentum. As one of China’s most reliable hit-makers, the actress continues to level up — not just in popularity, but in role depth, genre range, and storytelling ambition.
Born on 6 November 1992 in Beijing, Yang Zi (also known internationally as Andy Yang) has been in the industry since childhood. She debuted as early as 2002 in Ru Ci Chu Shan, made her big-screen appearance with Girl’s Diary in 2004, and later graduated from Beijing Film Academy in 2014. Since then, her career has evolved steadily from youth roles to layered, emotionally grounded characters.
Now, with 2025 nearing its end, attention is shifting firmly to what’s next. And what’s next looks packed. Yang Zi is officially attached to four major cdramas slated for 2026 release, spanning modern & historical power struggles, mystery, biographical storytelling, and socially grounded life drama.
Yang Zi Confirms Four Upcoming Dramas Set to Dominate 2026
Each project reflects a more mature, deliberate acting direction — and together, they form one of the most anticipated drama slates of the year. Below is a closer look at each upcoming title — and what viewers can realistically expect.
1. The Heir (家业) — iQIYI Original
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| Photo: Weibo |
Genre: Historical, Business, Romance
Episodes: 40
Director: Hui Kai Dong
Starring: Yang Zi, Elvis Han Dongjun
Expected Release: 2026
Set during the Ming Dynasty, The Heir blends family legacy, commercial rivalry, and emotional tension into one carefully constructed historical drama. Rather than palace politics alone, the story zooms in on business clans, inheritance disputes, and the moral cost of ambition.
Yang Zi plays a central figure navigating loyalty, love, and power within a family empire, while Elvis Han Dongjun takes on a key opposing role. Expect sharp dialogue, restrained romance, and layered relationships rather than overly dramatic tropes.
What to expect:
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A slower-burn historical narrative
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Strong character-driven conflict
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Mature chemistry built through trust and rivalry, not spectacle
This one looks tailor-made for viewers who enjoyed historical dramas with economic and ethical depth rather than pure court intrigue.
2. The Golden Hairpin (簪中录) — Tencent Video Original
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| Photo: Weibo |
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural
Episodes: 60
Starring: Yang Zi, Peng Guanying
Adapted from: Novel by Ce Ce Qing Han
Expected Release: Late 2026 (tentative)
One of the most talked-about projects on Yang Zi’s slate, The Golden Hairpin is a large-scale adaptation combining mystery-solving with historical suspense. The story follows a brilliant woman forced into hiding after being falsely accused, who later uncovers corruption and hidden truths within the imperial court.
Yang Zi’s role leans heavily into intelligence, emotional restraint, and psychological strength — a character built on logic rather than impulse. Paired with Peng Guanying, the drama promises tension-driven chemistry shaped by trust, danger, and shared secrets.
What to expect:
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Intricate mystery arcs across multiple cases
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Political intrigue mixed with subtle emotional beats
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A more composed, cerebral Yang Zi performance
While the release schedule remains flexible, expectations for this project are high due to its scale and genre mix.
3. The Way You Come Back (玉蘭花開君再來) — Tencent Video
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| Photo: Weibo |
Genre: Historical, Life, Biographical Drama
Episodes: 40
Director: Yang Yang
Inspired by: The life of female entrepreneur Dong Zhu Jun
Expected Release: Possibly Q3 2026
This is a quieter but deeply meaningful project. The Way You Come Back draws from historical fiction inspired by real-life female resilience during China’s Republican era. Rather than romance-driven storytelling, the focus is on growth, loss, perseverance, and rebuilding.
Yang Zi steps into the shoes of a woman navigating social limitations, personal ambition, and shifting historical realities. It’s a role that prioritises internal strength over dramatic flair.
What to expect:
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Emotionally grounded storytelling
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Minimal glamour, maximum realism
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A performance driven by subtle expression and character evolution
This drama may not dominate trending charts instantly, but it’s likely to earn long-term appreciation.
4. Born to Be Alive (生命树) — iQIYI / CCTV
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| Photo: Weibo |
Genre: Life, Drama
Episodes: 40
Director: Li Xue
Starring: Yang Zi, Hu Ge (special appearance)
Expected Release: Early 2026
Perhaps the most socially grounded project of the four, Born to Be Alive tackles environmental protection through a human lens. Yang Zi plays a female police officer stationed in Tibet, working to protect nature while confronting real-world challenges on the ground.
This is not a fast-paced action drama. Instead, it leans into quiet strength, moral responsibility, and emotional endurance. Hu Ge’s involvement adds further weight to the production.
What to expect:
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Strong thematic storytelling
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Naturalistic performances
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A shift away from romance-focused narratives
It’s a bold choice and signals Yang Zi’s growing interest in meaningful, message-driven roles.
Which One?
From historical business wars to investigative mysteries and socially reflective life dramas, Yang Zi’s 2026 line-up shows range, intention, and maturity. These projects aren’t just about popularity — they’re about choosing stories with substance.
More updates are expected as production progresses, and schedules remain subject to change.
So, which one are you most excited about?