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| All the New Li Yunrui Dramas Premiering in 2026 and What to Expect. (Image via: Weibo/Sina) |
Li Yunrui is stepping into 2026 with serious momentum. After wrapping up a strong 2025 with Reopen My Journals, Yummy Yummy Yummy, and Perfect Match, all of which pulled in solid ratings and buzz, the actor is clearly not slowing down. Known for his natural charisma and steadily evolving acting range, Li Yunrui is now locked in for four very different dramas set to premiere in 2026, spanning youth romance, historical epics, political intrigue, and military action.
Each role points to a more mature, layered phase of his career, and fans can already feel that this next year is going to be a big one. Born on 24 August 1996 in Jingmen, Hubei, Li Yunrui is not just an actor and singer but also a national second-level basketball player and a graduate of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Since his 2015 debut in the film He Ni Zai Yi Qi, he’s built his career carefully, and 2026 looks like the year everything fully clicks into place.
Li Yunrui’s 2026 Drama Line-Up
Dazzling (耀眼)
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Dazzling is shaping up to be one of Li Yunrui’s most emotionally grounded projects yet. This 36-episode Mango TV original youth romance, directed by Zhu Dong Ning, pairs him with Guan Xiaotong, alongside Gao Lu, Nina Paw, Yao Chen, and Mao Junjie.
Filming has already wrapped, with the drama expected to land between Q2 and Q3 of 2026.
Set in a small, remote county town, the story follows Qing Ye, whose life collapses overnight, forcing her to leave the bustling capital behind.
Li Yunrui plays Xing Wu, a young man drifting through life until Qing Ye arrives and disrupts his stagnant world. Their relationship starts in an almost claustrophobic shared space, divided by nothing more than a thin curtain, yet emotionally worlds apart.
What stands out here is the quiet, realistic growth between the two leads, with Li Yunrui portraying a character who evolves not through grand gestures but small, human moments.
Fans are already calling this his “most relatable role yet”, with netizens praising the slice-of-life vibe and the pairing with Guan Xiaotong. Many believe Dazzling could be one of 2026’s sleeper hits, especially among younger audiences who love slow-burn storytelling.
Rebirth (冰湖重生)
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If Dazzling shows Li Yunrui’s softer side, Rebirth throws him straight into high-stakes historical drama.
This 40-episode action-packed political romance, directed by Lu HaoJiji, will stream on iQIYI and Tencent Video, with a confirmed 2026 release date still to be announced (Rumoured for March/April)
Starring Li Yunrui, Zhang Kangle, Huangyang Tian Tian, Li Meng, Xia Meng, and Li Xiaoqian, the drama reimagines the legendary tale of Chu Qiao, a former slave girl caught in brutal power struggles.
Against a backdrop of shifting alliances and political chaos, Li Yunrui’s role adds intensity and moral conflict to a story that’s already emotionally charged.
Online reactions have been loud and divided, in a good way. Some viewers are excited to see a fresh interpretation of a well-known IP, while others are closely watching how the cast will balance action with emotional depth. One thing most agree on is that Rebirth is easily one of the most anticipated Chinese dramas of 2026.
Tigers Sniff the Rose (尚公主)
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Tigers Sniff the Rose leans heavily into epic historical romance with a strong political backbone. Directed by Zoe Qin, this 40-episode Tencent Video original stars Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui, supported by Li Xiaoqian, Ken Wu, Quan Yilun, and Shen Jiayu, and is expected to premiere between Q3 and Q4 of 2026.
Li Yunrui plays Yan Shang, a scholar whose chance encounter with Princess Danyang Mu Wan Yao during a journey through Lingnan sparks a romance that grows alongside political ambition.
What starts as a quiet love story gradually expands into a tale of national responsibility, loyalty, and sacrifice, with both leads standing shoulder to shoulder against internal corruption and external threats.
Fans are especially drawn to the “small love to great love” theme, and netizens are already praising the pairing’s visual chemistry. Many see this as a breakout historical role for Li Yunrui, one that could firmly place him among the top names in the genre.
Combined Arms (合成令)
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Rounding out his 2026 slate is Combined Arms, a 36-episode modern military action drama directed by Zhang Tong for Tencent Video. Starring Li Yunrui, Chen Yongsheng, Lu Qi, Leo Zhou, Zhou Fang, and Feng Man, the series focuses on rivalry, brotherhood, and teamwork within an elite army unit.
This project highlights a more physical, gritty side of Li Yunrui, with intense training scenes, confrontations, and high-pressure missions.
The dynamic between rivals-turned-partners is already sparking interest online, especially among viewers who enjoy character-driven action rather than pure spectacle.
Netizens have reacted positively to the casting, with many saying this role could redefine how audiences see Li Yunrui beyond romance and historical dramas.
With youth romance, epic history, political intrigue, and military action all lined up, Li Yunrui’s 2026 drama slate feels carefully curated and strategically bold.
Each project taps into a different strength, suggesting a clear intention to avoid typecasting and keep his career moving forward.
So now it’s your turn.
Which of these upcoming Li Yunrui dramas are you most excited for?
Are you here for the emotional growth of Dazzling, the intensity of Rebirth, the sweeping romance of Tigers Sniff the Rose, or the action-heavy energy of Combined Arms?