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| 3,000 Drones, Flower Walls and Red Banners: Esther Yu’s Yun Chu Ling Launch Becomes a Hengdian Talking Point (Photo: Weibo) |
When filming officially started for Yun Chu Ling (云初令) in Hengdian, nobody expected it to feel less like a drama launch and more like a headline-making event. Esther Yu’s return to a historical costume set instantly grabbed attention, but it was her fans who truly stole the spotlight, transforming the opening ceremony into one of the most talked-about support moments Hengdian has ever seen.
According to Weibo footage and eyewitness accounts, fans organised a massive support display featuring a 3,000-drone night-time light show, a towering 73-metre themed flower wall, and hundreds of red banners filled with water to create a striking visual effect.
Even Hengdian World Studios reportedly acknowledged the scale, with many calling it a rare first for the filming base. Online jokes quickly followed, with netizens teasing that it looked like “Esther Yu’s army had moved in”.
The timing of the overwhelming support is not lost on observers. Esther Yu’s popularity originally surged thanks to Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, which made her one of the most recognisable young actresses of her generation.
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| Yun Chu Ling Begins Filming as Esther Yu’s Fans Turn the Set Into a Once-in-a-Generation Spectacle |
While last year brought mixed public discussions around her image, her appearance in Speed and Love helped reset the narrative, bringing renewed attention to her acting work rather than outside noise. Yun Chu Ling now appears to be the clearest sign yet that her fanbase remains both loyal and highly organised.
At the opening ceremony itself, Esther Yu made sure the energy went both ways. She reportedly prepared around 6,000 breakfast and milk tea sets for fans, handed out limited-edition photo cards, and even joined in singing with the crowd.
Many onlookers commented that the atmosphere felt closer to a small outdoor concert than a traditional drama launch, adding to the sense that this production has momentum right from day one.
Yun Chu Ling is adapted from the novel by Chaoyun Zi and tells the story of Yun Chu, the legitimate daughter of a military household. Betrayed and poisoned in her previous life by her adopted brother, she is reborn with her memories intact.
This time, she hides her ambition beneath a calm, gentle façade, navigating court politics with precision while quietly protecting the people she cares about. The role blends strategic thinking, emotional restraint and quiet strength, marking a clear shift from lighter characters Esther Yu has played in the past.
Drone #YuShuxin #EstherYu #YunChuLing pic.twitter.com/EiYtiLvuVb
— anggrex_08 (@vievieang) January 10, 2026
Zhang Yunlong stars opposite her as Prince Chu Yi, a royal figure who appears carefree and charming on the surface but is, in truth, sharp-minded and deeply skilled in political manoeuvring. Together, their characters are already being described by viewers as a “battlefield couple”, teaming up to face conspiracies and high-stakes power struggles rather than relying on simple romance beats.
One of the biggest talking points around Yun Chu Ling is Esther Yu’s personal involvement behind the scenes. This project marks her first time serving as a co-producer, signalling a more hands-on approach to shaping her career direction.
It also represents her first full transformation into a darker, more mature female lead, a deliberate break from the “sweet girl” image that once defined her early popularity.
Early numbers suggest strong confidence from both platforms and viewers. Domestic reservations have reportedly passed 1.2 million, while overseas chatter around leaked previews continues to build buzz across social platforms. Industry watchers are already predicting that Yun Chu Ling could become one of the most closely followed costume dramas of its broadcast year.
As for online reactions, opinions remain lively. Fans praise the scale of support as proof of Esther Yu’s enduring appeal, while some netizens debate whether such grand displays raise expectations even higher for the final drama. One thing is clear: Yun Chu Ling has everyone talking before cameras have even stopped rolling.
What do you think about fan culture reaching this level? Is this the perfect launch for a darker Esther Yu era, or does it put extra pressure on the drama itself?