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| Night Wanderer Reshoots Again: iQIYI’s Long-Delayed Fantasy Romance Finally Moving Forward (Photo: iQIYI) |
After years of sitting in the vault, iQIYI’s once-highly-anticipated web drama Night Wanderer (夜旅人) is finally stirring back to life — and yes, it’s getting yet another round of reshoots.
If you’ve been following this saga, you’ll know the series originally starred Deng Lun and Ni Ni and was set to be one of iQIYI’s major tentpole releases back in late 2022. Then everything ground to a halt, the project was shelved, and poor Ni Ni became collateral damage in a very unfortunate turn of events.
Fast-forward to 2025: actor Fu Xinbo quietly stepped in earlier this year to take over the male lead role. He reportedly shot his entire performance against a green screen, with production planning to AI-replace (not that kind of face swap tech) the original footage later.
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It’s a very modern solution to a very messy situation, and according to industry insiders, Fu Xinbo wrapped his part at the end of summer.
Despite Night Wanderer being far from the only big production sitting on the shelf (plenty of high-budget dramas have been parked for far longer), fans are genuinely pleased this one will finally see daylight.
Word around the industry is that the series is now completing post-production and will be submitted for approval in early 2026 (Q1/Between January-March) — meaning a broadcast shortly after getting the green light feels likely.
What Night Wanderer Is All About
Adapted from Zhao Xizhi’s novel Ye Lu Ren (夜旅人), the series blends historical romance, fantasy, and a heavy dose of bittersweet time-twist storytelling.
Set partly in modern-day Shanghai and partly in 1937, the plot follows Zong Ying (Ni Ni), a forensic expert with a practical mind and no time for nonsense. One summer night in 2021, she comes home to find a stranger insisting he is the real owner of her flat — a man named Sheng Qingrang, claiming to travel to her world each night from pre-war Shanghai.
Naturally, Zong Ying dismisses him outright… until he vanishes right in front of her.
From there, a reluctant partnership becomes an unexpected bond. As they navigate two eras — hopping between bustling modern Shanghai and the looming turbulence of 1937 — the pair move from wary companions, to confidantes, and eventually to lovers.
But when the Battle of Shanghai approaches, Sheng Qingrang’s fate becomes uncertain. Their connection, built across time and space, becomes both their greatest comfort and their deepest heartbreak.
Directed by Wan Liyang, the drama is slated to run for 36 episodes, blending intricate period visuals, slow-burn romance, and a sci-fi twist that gives the story its emotional punch.
What to Expect From Night Wanderer CDrama
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1. A polished fantasy romance with proper emotional weight
Ni Ni rarely takes on drama roles, so her return alone is a selling point. Her chemistry with Fu Xinbo — even with the unconventional filming process — is something fans are curious to see.
2. A visually rich contrast between eras
Expect sleek modern Shanghai aesthetics paired with meticulously crafted Republican-era sets.
3. A storyline that leans into longing, fate, and choices
If you love romance powered by destiny, sacrifice, and time-bending separation, this one is right up your alley.
4. AI-assisted visuals that will spark conversation
This will be one of China’s most high-profile uses of AI face-replacement in a drama of this scale. Fans are already curious about how seamless (or not) the final product will be.
5. Strong novel fanbase energy
Night Wanderer has long been a beloved story among book fans, so expect lively discussions, comparisons, and theories once the series airs.
How to Watch Night Wanderer on iQIYI with English Subtitles (For International Fans)
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| iQIYI’s Long-Delayed “Night Wanderer (夜旅人)” Finally Nearing the Finish Line After Fresh Reshoots |
Good news: iQIYI is one of the easiest platforms for international viewers to use. Here’s how to watch legally with English subs:
1. Download the Official App or Visit the Website
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App: Available on Android, iOS, smart TVs.
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Website: iq.com
Stick to the official platforms — they offer proper subtitles and HD playback.
2. Create an Account
A basic account is free. Some series require a VIP subscription, especially new releases.
3. Search “Night Wanderer (夜旅人)” Once It Airs
Titles sometimes use slightly different English names, so keep both on hand:
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Night Wanderer
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Ye Lu Ren
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夜旅人
4. Turn On Subtitles
English subtitles are available for the majority of iQIYI dramas outside mainland China.
To enable:
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Tap the “CC” icon on the player
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Select English
If English isn’t available on day one, it usually appears within a short time after release.
5. Check Regional Availability
Some dramas are geo-locked. If iQIYI releases Night Wanderer globally, it should appear for users in regions such as SEA, US, UK, EU, etc. If not, the platform typically announces its authorised regions in advance.
Expect a Q1 2026 release. It was originally scheduled for late 2025, but better late than never, I suppose?