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| Zhou Jieqiong Joins Yang Yang in New Male-Centric Historical Chinese Drama (Photo: Weibo) |
Tencent’s upcoming costume drama Bu Rang Jiang Shan (不让江山/Official English title TBA) officially kicks off filming on 22 February 2026, with Yang Yang and Zhou Jieqiong (Kyulkyung) leading the cast. The large-scale historical martial arts project is already drawing strong buzz across Chinese drama circles, especially among fans of strategy-heavy, male-centric epics.
The announcement immediately stirred conversation online. With Tencent backing the production and director Fei Zhenxiang at the helm, expectations are running high for a visually ambitious series packed with political tension, battlefield drama, and layered character arcs.
Production for Bu Rang Jiang Shan begins on 22 February 2026, marking the formal start of what is shaping up to be one of Tencent’s major historical releases in development.
The drama leans into a male-centric, martial arts and conflict-driven narrative, a genre that has consistently performed well among domestic and international audiences.
Costume dramas with strategic warfare elements tend to generate strong online engagement, and this project is no exception. From early discussions alone, it’s clear that anticipation is building steadily.
The drama is adapted from Zhi Bai’s novel of the same title, known for its intricate plotting, political manoeuvring, and layered power struggles.
Readers familiar with the source material have described it as dense, intelligent, and filled with long-game strategy rather than simple heroism.
With Fei Zhenxiang directing, many viewers are expecting a polished, large-scale adaptation that balances emotional storytelling with grand action sequences.
His involvement signals a production that aims for cinematic texture rather than standard costume formula.
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| Sohu |
Yang Yang takes on the central role of Li Chi, a young man raised within the martial world. The character stands at the heart of the drama’s conflict, navigating humiliation, rivalry, political traps, and shifting loyalties.
Zhou Jieqiong joins as the female lead, adding emotional weight and narrative tension to the storyline. While details about her character remain under wraps, early chatter suggests she will play a key role in shaping Li Chi’s strategic and personal journey.
Fans of Yang Yang are particularly curious to see him return to a more intense historical setting, especially one that blends intellectual warfare with physical combat.
Within the story, Li Chi is sent by his mentor Changmei to the Siye Academy in Jizhou City. There, he faces ridicule and resistance but gradually proves himself through intelligence and courage.
His friendship with Xiahou Zhuo, the son of Prince Yu, becomes a turning point. Together, they uncover conspiracies and step into larger political conflicts that stretch beyond personal rivalry.
As neighbouring forces threaten stability, Li Chi and Xiahou Zhuo stand on the front lines. However, political suspicion brews. Prince Yu begins to view Li Chi as a threat, setting up a web of tension and calculated moves.
In a dramatic twist, Li Chi reportedly stages his own death, retreats strategically, and rebuilds power from the shadows to protect Ji Province’s stability.
It’s this blend of brains, battlefield, and betrayal that has readers of the novel especially intrigued about the screen adaptation. Online reactions have been varied but lively.
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Some fans are thrilled, especially supporters of Yang Yang, calling this his “proper return to serious historical storytelling.” Many believe the role of Li Chi suits his screen presence and disciplined aura.
Supporters of Zhou Jieqiong are equally excited, saying this project could mark a strong career highlight if the writing gives her character enough depth and strategic relevance.
What viewers can expect from Bu Rang Jiang Shan is a layered historical epic that blends calculated strategy with emotionally driven character growth. Rather than relying purely on spectacle, the series is likely to focus on intellectual battles, shifting loyalties, and long-term power plays that unfold gradually across the narrative.
Expect academy rivalries turning into political warfare, brotherhood tested by ambition, and a protagonist who survives not just through martial skill but through patience and sharp judgement. If the adaptation remains faithful to the novel’s tone, audiences may be in for a drama that balances large-scale territorial conflict with intimate moments of doubt, trust, and ambition, making it more than just another fight-heavy costume production.
However, there are also cautious voices. Some netizens question whether the adaptation will stay faithful to the novel’s complexity or simplify it for mainstream appeal.
Others are curious about the scale of production and whether the action scenes will feel grounded or overly stylised. Overall, the buzz is undeniably strong. For a drama that has only just confirmed its filming date, discussion levels are already climbing.
Are you excited to see Yang Yang in another intense costume role? Do you think this will become one of 2026’s biggest historical hits, or are you cautiously waiting for more casting details?