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| Song Xinran (SNH48) Teams Up with Zhang Jiongmin in New CCTV Rural Drama (Photo: Weibo) |
CCTV’s latest rural revitalisation drama (Huang Pi Shu Xia/黄皮树下 - Unofficial English title: Under the Yellowberry Tree) has officially stepped into the spotlight, and fans are already buzzing about one pairing in particular. SNH48’s Song Xinran and rising actor Zhang Jiongmin have been cast together in the 20-episode series, instantly drawing attention from both C-drama viewers and idol fandom circles. Introduced to the public, the drama is shaping up to be a calm, human-centred story that leans more on warmth than spectacle.
The official introduction event took place at Dawangshan National Forest Park in Yunan County, the real-life location that inspired the drama’s setting. Surrounded by lush greenery, the atmosphere reflected the series’ core message: slowing down, reconnecting, and finding meaning beyond city pressure.
The event was hosted by He Xiaolei from CCTV’s Rural Assistance Group, with chief director Zhao Huifeng and lead cast members Zhang Dongsheng, Song Xinran, and Zhang Jiongmin sharing behind-the-scenes stories and creative insights.
Under the Yellowberry Tree follows Huang Xiaoxi, played by Song Xinran, a young woman worn down by the demands of urban life who returns to her hometown in Yunan to recover both physically and emotionally.
What begins as a temporary break gradually turns into a life-changing reset, as the rhythms of rural living, local culture, and human connection begin to heal her.
Back home, Huang Xiaoxi meets Chen Liyu, portrayed by Zhang Jiongmin, a local cultural officer tasked with inviting her grandfather, a respected Helou dance master, back into active cultural work.
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Through Chen Liyu’s support, Huang Xiaoxi starts a small business centred on local yellowberry drinks, while also rediscovering her sense of purpose and direction.
Rather than focusing on dramatic twists, the series quietly weaves together multiple story layers: the inheritance of Helou dance culture, three generations of family bonds, the reality of starting a rural business, new friendships, a soft-spoken romance, and everyday life along the Xijiang River.
It also highlights local elements such as the seedless yellowberry industry, traditional architecture, and river fishing culture, grounding the drama firmly in real community life.
Director Zhao Huifeng described the drama’s tone with four keywords drawn from his time researching in Yunan: natural, fresh, warm, and healing. He explained that the production intentionally avoids exaggerated emotions, letting the setting and characters carry the story naturally.
Veteran actor Zhang Dongsheng, who plays the Helou dance inheritor, shared that his role reminded him of a simple truth: when life gets heavy, home remains the most reliable place to rest and recover.
Song Xinran has spoken openly about how meaningful the role of Huang Xiaoxi is to her, calling it a challenge she feels deeply responsible for.
Zhang Jiongmin, meanwhile, immersed himself in local life during filming, visiting real locations and interacting with residents to better understand the spirit of the place he is portraying on screen.
As expected, reactions online are mixed but lively. Many C-drama fans welcome the shift toward a calmer, slice-of-life rural narrative, praising the drama’s focus on culture and emotional recovery.
SNH48 netizens, on the other hand, are split between excitement over Song Xinran’s steady acting growth and curiosity about how her on-screen chemistry with Zhang Jiongmin will unfold. Some viewers are already calling the pairing unexpectedly refreshing, while others are cautiously waiting to see how the romance develops.
Under the Yellowberry Tree is quietly positioning itself as one of those dramas that may not shout for attention, but instead grows on viewers episode by episode. What do you think about this casting choice and the rural healing theme? Are you tuning in for the story, the pairing, or both?