NEW YOUKU 2025/2026 CDRAMAS
- Caitlin Connolly
- Sep 24
- 16 min read
In early September, Youku had one of their events where they talk about a bunch of their upcoming cdramas that are due to come out in the rest of 2025 or in 2026. This kicks off the fall season of these events so, look forward to posts from most of the major streaming companies in China in the coming weeks. Youku just happened to be the first one to do it in 2025. They either announced new cdramas that were never mentioned yet ORÂ provided new content to dramas that had already been announced. It was ALOT of cdramas. I am not going to be able to talk about all of them or we will be here FOR A LONG TIME! I am just going to touch on the ones that caught my eye. I am going to name the cdrama, give the director, screenwriter, cast and synopsis and then tell you why I am interested in the cdrama or what caught my eye from the promo content that Youku released.
This list will span genres. There will be links to the MDL page so you can go and look over these dramas yourselves. I will either have the poster or the trailer in the blogpost for you to check out as well so, you know exactly what drama I am talking about. The dramas I mention are also in no particular order. Not all the dramas got new material in this event, Youku also just gave out all of the titles they plan to make and/or air in the rest of the 2024 and 2025. So, some dramas they just announced their existence, and we don't even know the cast yet. You can find these lists on the internet if you want the entire list.
LET'S LOOK AT SOME NEW YOUKU DRAMAS COMING OUT!!
Director: Wong Chun Man (The Mystic Nine), Leung Sing Kuen (The Mystic Nine)
Screenwriter: Xu Lei (Southern Anecdote)
Leads: William Chen (The Mystic Nine, Age of Legends), Joseph Zeng (Feud, Ultimate Note), Sebrina Chen (Maiden Holmes, Wu Xin: The Monster Killer)
Synopsis: Sequel to The Mystic Nine. Not much is known for the synopsis of this sequel. The Mystic Nine's Synopsis is Nine powerful families referred to as the "Old Nine Gates" or the "Mystic Nine Clan" guard the town of Changsha during the era of the republic. Zhang Qi Shan/Fo Ye who is the leader of the nine gates, investigates a mysterious train that ends up at his Changsha station that leads to an equally mysterious mine. In order to solve the mystery, he entrusts the help of Qi Tie Zui/Ba Ye and Er Yue Hong/Er Ye, who is an opera singer from a family of archaeologists. Before they can start their mission, they must find medicine to help Er Ye's wife who is terminally ill. Along the way, they meet a young mistress of the hotel Yin Xin Yue and discover a dangerous plot that could take down the people of Changsha. Will they be able to help Er Ye's wife and unravel a mystery that could save their people? The Mystic Nine airs in 2016.
My Thoughts: I have been waiting almost 10 YEARS for this sequel. I mean it will probably be 10 years until we get this sequel because I think it is still shooting. If you guys know anything about me, I am a HUGE fan of the Lost Tomb series and any tomb raiding drama. I never thought we would be getting a sequel to The Mystic Nine but here we are. I LOVE THAT WILLIAM CHEN IS COMING BACK! Also, HE DOES NOT AGE! I also interested to see the chemistry between the trio of main roles. I was just so surprised when this was announced. I love that we got new posters and trailers from Youku. I still need to watch a lot of the cdramas in the Lost Tomb Series that have been released but I am still excited. I probably should rewatch the Mystic Nine before this premiere because I don't remember a lot of it.
Director: Zhang Kai Zhou (The Bond, The Story of Ming Lan)
Screenwriter: UNKNOWN
Leads: Xiao Zhan (The Legend of Zang Hai, The Untamed), Zhou Yu Tong (Will Love in Spring, Nothing but You)
Synopsis: In 1948, underground party member Ren Shao Bai, hidden within the Ministry of National Defense after a contact's sacrifice, resurfaces to save the intelligence network when another member, Qiao Ming Yu, is exposed. Brought back by his new superior Peng Yong Cheng through a corruption investigation, Ren Shao Bai rises in the Ministry, becoming a trusted aide in the Intelligence Department. Meanwhile, Qiao Ming Yu's widow, Lan You Yin, a mathematical prodigy, secretly plots assassinations of unknown motives. In the wake of his achievements, Ren Shao Bai found a close ally in Peng Yong Cheng. However, the threat of exposure and Bai's influence cause him to question his beliefs. Despite this, he continues his underground work, and his relationship with the initially hostile Lan You Yin evolves into cooperation. Ultimately, in order to protect Ren Shao Bai, Peng Yong Cheng makes a sacrifice, and Lan You Yin's beliefs shift due to their influence. Ren Shao Bai's underground work continues, a lasting contribution to the revolutionary cause.
My Thoughts: Youku released a poster and a teaser for Spying. I think this is still in the process of filming. I heard it should be wrapping this month, but I haven't seen a confirmation of when. I know a lot of people are probably excited for this because of Xiao Zhan. I am curious about his role in this as well. It is something he has not done before. I love republican era cdramas even though I have a ton on my plan to watch list I still want to check out. I love the costumes in these dramas. There is some classic spy republican era cdramas out there that are great. This drama is also being made by one of my favorite production companies in China - Daylight Entertainment.
Director: Yin Tao (Destined, Love of the Divine Tree)
Screenwriter: Meng Yang (Three-Body), Zhu Xin (Eternal Brotherhood Season 2)
Leads: Bai Lu (Feud, Story of Kunning Palace), Wang Xing Yue (The Double, One and Only)
Synopsis: During the Lantern Festival, Princess Huai Si mysteriously dies at a banquet. Li Pei Yi, the chief guard, and Xiao Huai Jin, the Lingtai Lang, are tasked with the investigation, uncovering that the princess was the murderer. Betrayed and wronged, she avenged herself by punishing her betrayer and the daughter of a powerful family before jumping off the Penglai Terrace to escape her marriage fate. Li Pei Yi and Xiao Huai Jin then uncover a series of strange cases in the inner court, exploring the fate of women in the Tang Dynasty harem. In the process, Li Pei Yi unravels the truth behind a ten-year-old murder and exposes a conspiracy involving the right prime minister and a concubine.
My Thoughts: Youku released a new poster for this drama. Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue starring together as leads in a cdrama. I swear I have been waiting YEARS for this! I mean Wang Xing Yue has been supporting role in Bai Lu's dramas before and I love their chemistry. I also am excited for this cdrama because it is a historical mystery cdrama which I am ALWAYS interested in.
Director: Zhi Zhu (An Ancient Love Song), Peng Xue Jun (Young Blood)
Screenwriter: Ding Lu (New Life Begins), Ji Sang Rou (New Life Begins)
Leads: Hou Ming Hao (Fangs of Fortune), Lu LU Xiao (My Journey to You)
Synopsis: At the annual Qingyun Conference in the Hexu Six Realms, Ji Bo Zai, a warrior from the Jixing Abyss with a past as a convict, defeated Ming Yi, the cold warrior goddess who had reigned supreme for seven consecutive years. Overnight, Ji Bo Zai became the hottest new star in Jixing Abyss. Meanwhile, Ming Yi, hiding her true identity, disguised herself as a dancer to get close to Ji Bo Zai. Under their carefully crafted personas, the two engaged in a thrilling dance of deception and attraction.
My Thoughts: Youku released a new poster for this drama. The premiere date was also recently rumored for this drama which is October 8, 2025. The date isn't confirmed so, we will have to wait and see what happens. I never imagined Hou Ming Hao and Lu Lu Xiao to be paired up, but I am liking what I see. The other posters that have been released for this drama have been beautiful. I know a lot of people are excited for this cdrama. I like how their characters have been portrayed in the trailer as well as both of them seem like they have agendas are deceiving each other for a while. I like morally gray characters; they are always fun to watch.
Director: Yin Tao (Love of the Divine Tree, The Blood of Youth)
Screenwriter: Zhou Mu Nan (The Blood of Youth, Dashing Youth)
Leads: Gong Jun (Word of Honor), Peng Xiao Ran (Goodbye My Princess), Chang Hua Sen (Moonlight Mystique), Yang Yu Tong (Legend of Zang Hai), Snow Kong (The Prisoner of Beauty), Zhang Shi An (Love Me, Love My Voice)
Synopsis: "The Dark River" is a secret assassin organization formed by the Su, Xie, and Mu families, led by the Grand Elders. When the Elders fall critically ill from a mysterious poison, the families seize the chance to rebel. Su Mu Yu, leader of the Spider Shadow guard, enlists the divine healer Bai He Huai from the Medicine King Valley to save the Elders while defending them from attacks by rival assassins.
My Thoughts: Youku released a new poster and trailer for this cdrama. This is rumored to be premiering soon as well. I have no business being excited for this since I have not watched the other 2 cdramas in its universe but I am. 😂 I really need to watch The Blood of Youth and Dashing Youth first. I am excited for this because of the cast. I never pictured Gong Jun and Peng Xiao Ran together in a drama. I also love a darker cdrama which this seems like it will be. The trailer that Youku released seems to be concentrating a lot on the fight scenes which look amazing.
Director: Lin Feng (The Journey of Legend)
Screenwriter: Shuang Chang (Heroes)
Leads: Cheng Yi (The Journey of Legend), Liu Yi Jun (Reset), Wang Jin Song (The Ingenious One), Zhou Qi (Legend of Zang Hai), Tong Meng Shi (Dashing Youth), Xu Lu (The Longest Day in Chang'An)
Synopsis: During the Wude reign, the Huben Dark Guards ruled Chang'an, but when feudal lord Xiao Wu Yang seized power, they vanished along with the dethroned emperor, Rumors claimed their leader, Yan Feng Shan, sought to use the fallen ruler for his own gain. Tasked by Xiao Wu Yang to eliminate the Huben, Xie Huai’an, a brilliant official from Huainan, saw his chance for revenge - Yan Feng Shan had killed his father, and he had spent a decade preparing. With the dethroned emperor as a pawn, Xie Huai’an forged an alliance with General Gu Yu, swordsman Ye Zheng, and strategist Han Zi Ling. Together, they waged a shadowy war against the Huben, a battle that would determine the empire's fate.
My Thoughts: Youku released some new character posters for this cdrama. Anything with Chang Yi in historical costume catches my interest at this point. I love that there is a mix of younger and veteran actor sin the lead cast of this cdrama. There are some fantastic veteran actors in this. Cheng Yi's character seems to be playing a cunning, smart character which he excels at. It, OF COURSE, is a revenge story which is always a favorite of mine. So, this cdrama is right up my alley.
Director: David Chuang (The Victim's Game), Chen Kuan Chung (The Victim's Game)
Screenwriter: UNKNOWN
Leads: Luo Yun Xi (Till the End of the Moon), Cya Liu (See Her Again), Jiang Qi Lin (Moonshine and Valentine)
Synopsis: Qi Si Zhe is Licheng Police's youngest forensic medical examiner. He discovers that there may have been a hidden figure pulling the strings that led to a car crash that killed his girlfriend, Yu Fei, and decides to join He Cheng’s major crimes unit to continue his investigations. While there, he gets involved in mysterious and strange cases - a body wrapped in cobwebs and a missing body that ends up in the formalin sink in his lab, among others. Together with detectives Zhu Qing Yue and Han Feng, he gets closer to the truth behind Yu Fei's death, and everything seems to be pointing to the deadly drug ‘original diamond’.
My Thoughts: Youku released some new character posters for this cdrama. I NEED THIS CDRAMA TO PREMIERE! This is probably one of my most anticipated dramas that just needs to come out. First off, it is a coroner drama WHICH I AM A SUCKER FOR! Second, the cast is a huge draw especially Luo Yun Xi who has not done a crime drama before. Third, the directors worked on 2 of my favorite Taiwanese crime dramas: The Victim's Game and Danger Zone. Both are fantastic crime dramas and the fact that they worked on this drama is a HUGE draw for me to watch to watch this cdrama.
Director: Zhong Qing (In Blossom)
Screenwriter: Could Not Find One
Main Cast: Li Hong Yi (The Blood of Youth, Wulin Heroes), Sun Zhen Ni (Till the End of the Moon)
Synopsis: Big Demon Qi Feng Yin, born out of evil thoughts, is locked in the Panic Mountain Barrier due to his killing of the mortals and immortals a thousand years ago. The small Medicine Spirit Ya Mao, transformed from the herb Huanyangcao, is chased by all sorts of people due to its magic physique and happens to break in the barrier, leading Qi Feng Yin's failure to have a human body and his evil thoughts fly. Since then, the two have had a deep bond and have experienced all kinds of stories together.
My Thoughts: Youku release a new poster for this drama. I talked about this cdrama last year in my New 2024/2025 dramas post. The main reason I am excited for this is still Sun Zhen Ni. Â After watching Till the End of the moon, I have become a HUGE fan of Sun Zhen Ni so, I was excited to see her getting more lead roles. She was an excellent fox demon in Till the End of the Moon. I loved her already in 1 Xianxia drama so, I am excited to watch her in more Xianxia dramas. I am also a HUGE fan of Li Hong Yi and I haven't seen him in a drama in YEARS! He has a lot of dramas that need to premiere at this point. I am curious about their pairing together.
Director: UNKNOWN
Screenwriter: Twentine (Lighter & Princess)
Leads: Huang Xuan (Luoyang), Gina Jin (The Immortal Ascension)
Synopsis: Yang Zhao is an antique restorer who lives a luxurious but solitary life. Chen Ming Sheng lives a poor life as a taxi-driver in Yang Zhao's city. He was an undercover anti-drug police and lost his leg during a mission. After an accidental encounter, an unconventional love relationship develops between them. Despite social rejection as a couple, they look forward to a peaceful life together with courage. All is about to change when Chen Ming Sheng receives a phone call and has to return to his mission.
My Thoughts: Youku released a new poster and trailer for this cdrama. I had never heard about the drama version of this story until the Youku conference. There is a movie version of this story that came out in 2024. I had no idea a drama version was being made. A couple of things drew my interest for this drama. First off, I love Huang Xuan so, any drama he is in, I am interested in. I never thought he and Gina Jin would play a couple. I love Gina's job in this synopsis. I am a sucker for an undercover cop cdrama. The posters look beautiful, and the trailer gave higher budget and maybe a little arthouse vibe - more than I was anticipating.
Director: Liu Hong Yuan (Reset)
Screenwriter: Wu Tong (The Story of Ming Lan)
Leads: Yang Yang (The Immortal Ascension), Zhang Ruo Nan (The First Frost), Alan Feng (The Long Ballad)
Synopsis: Zhan Zhao, now a fourth-rank imperial guard, receives evidence from an old friend about an unsolved case and sets out on a quest to uncover the truth. He encounters attacks from various factions, and along the way, he meets Huo Ling Long, the talented and unyielding daughter of Linglong Villa, and Bai Yu Tang, the passionate and ruthless "Golden-Haired Rat." These like-minded individuals pursue clues, fight for justice, apprehend criminals, and tear apart the web of influence Prince Xiang Yang has woven across the court and the underworld.
My Thoughts: Youku released a new trailer for this cdrama. I will admit I didn't have high expectations for this drama. MAN, THIS TRAILER CHANGED MY MIND! The new trailer looks AMAZING! This cdrama is now on my radar. I do love a good wuxia story and then you also add an investigation/mystery element, and I am there. The cast is also interesting to me because I can't picture them together in a drama but the trailer shows me that they can make it work, and it has potential. I hear that this story is very famous in China so, there is high expectations. Hopefully this drama can live up to those expectations.
Director: Randy Che (The Best Thing)
Screenwriter: UNKNOWN
Leads: Xing Fei (Burning Flames), Tim Huang (Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms)
Synopsis: With the passing of her landlady, Shen Tong, her ever-present "grandson," enters Pei Ling Ling's life and becomes her new landlord. This brings with it a series of strange occurrences... This creates a whole new, "unspeakable" world, shattering Pei Ling Ling's illusions of a peaceful, ordinary life. Thus, Pei Ling Ling enters Shen Tong's world. The mysterious and aloof Shen Tong, immortal for centuries, approaches Pei Lingling for ulterior motives. A mutual affection gradually develops between them. However, Shen Tong discovers that Pei Ling Ling is the host of the "Eye of Judgment," a world-destroying alien energy source. A centuries-old romance unfolds once again...
My Thoughts: Youku released a new poster and trailer for this drama. This drama came out of nowhere. I had no idea it existed BUT MAN IT QUICKLY HAS BECOME ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED CDRAMAS! This is giving like an urban fantasy story and I AM HERE FOR IT! I have seen other urban fantasy cdramas and I liked them so, I am excited for this one. I love both of the leads so, I am excited for their pairing together. I hope it is good because you don't get a lot of urban fantasies in cdramaland. Think like gods and demons and other fantasy monsters in a modern setting. The trailer looks gorgeous.
Director: UNKNOWN
Screenwriter: UNKNOWN
Leads: Guo Qi Lin (Joy of Life), Zhang Xue Ying (Hot Blooded Youth)
Synopsis: After failing to make a career in Beijing, Wang Can has no choice but to return to his hometown to seek support. With his parents' recommendation, he is offered a position as an embalmer at QingLing Mountain funeral parlor, which he accepts as a temporary fix to his problems. There, he is reunited with his three childhood friends: Chen He Xu, Song Tian Shuang, and Mao Er Zhe. Working alongside them, Wang Can begins to understand the value and meaning of the funeral business, and with each farewell, he gradually learns to become an excellent undertaker. When faced with the decision of returning to the city or staying at QingLing Mountain, Wang Can decides to stay with his friends to maintain the funeral profession.
My Thoughts: Youku announced this cdrama with a poster as well as some character posters. This is another drama that I did not know existed. Now you might read this synopsis and wonder why I am interested in this drama. It seems too quiet for me or to slice of life for me. I have 3 reasons why I am interested in this drama. I like the 2 leads, and I am looking forward to seeing them together in a drama. I am getting a STRONG vibe of found family with this drama which I am a HUGE fan of. The idea of having a main character being an embalmer at a funeral parlor is interesting to me and unique. It also makes me think I will be crying a lot with this drama.
Director: UNKNOWN
Screenwriter: UNKNOWN
Leads: Ma Jiq Qi (Obsessed with Heart), Zhang Xue Ying (Hot Blooded Youth)
Synopsis: Bai Yang, an ordinary high school student in Nanjing, was connected to a doomsday world in twenty years where humans have become extinct through a radio. He met the last surviving human in the entire city of Nanjing - a lonely girl named Banxia. Through this communication across time and space, because of faith and belief, the power of connecting one person into a group of people, the boy and girl learned the truth about human extinction and worked together to complete a heroic and romantic human self-rescue action.
My Thoughts: Youku announced this new drama with a concept poster. I am actually surprised that we even have a synopsis for this drama. The synopsis is what caught my interest in this. We got a combo time travel but also an apocalypse theme in the same drama. It seems very unique for me. I love when a cdrama has a unique story that I don't have much to compare too. There is not much known for this cdrama than what is provided here so, we will have to wait and get more information on it.
Director: Yang Long (The Glory)
Screenwriter: UNKNOWN
Leads: UNKNOWN
Synopsis: Ah Chou was originally a lowly young girl who could be trampled and bullied by anyone. Yet, due to her face resembling that of the wealthy Wei Rao of the Hou Mansion, she unexpectedly became the bride of Prince Lu Zuo of the National Public Mansion. Ah Chou was ambitious and eager to rise to power, but her newlywed husband, who was on the verge of death, suddenly woke up, bringing about a series of misfortunes. Wei Rao hates her for occupying the magpie's nest and is eager to get rid of her quickly; Lu Zuo uses her as a snake and scorpion woman, being extremely cautious and calculating. The Guo Gong Mansion was openly friendly, but in reality, it was fraught with traps and a deadly threat. Ah Chou steadily and meticulously planned, employing every means to win her husband's devoted love and uncover the secrets of her background. She eventually reunited with her closest family, rising from the bottom to become a dazzling figure in her life!
My Thoughts: Youku announced this new cdrama with a concept poster which you see here. It is very early on in the drama making process for this drama. We don't even know the cast or screenwriter. I am surprised we even have a synopsis attached to this drama. It is probably from the novel it is adapted from. The synopsis sounds SO GOOD! So, I am very curious who they are going to cast in this.
THAT IS THE LIST OF THE YOUKU DRAMAS THAT I CAUGHT MY EYE DURING THEIR INVESTOR EVENT A WEEK OR SO AGO!
What newly announced Youku dramas are you interested in?
Anything I mention you did not know about?
Do you want more of these lists whenever once of the major Cdrama networks do an event like this?
Are you a cdrama watcher or want to become one?
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