LayarHijau — The Chinese drama industry has prepared a lineup of the most anticipated historical/costume dramas (kolosal) set for broadcast in 2026. Several titles have already garnered attention long before their premiere, such as the drama starring Wang Churan, How Dare You!? (成何体统), and Bai Lu’s drama, Unveil: Jadewind (唐宫奇案之青雾风鸣).
Recently, netizens on Weibo selected the 10 most anticipated historical dramas, also known as “popular before airing” (未播先火), for 2026. How Dare You!? successfully landed in 9th place, while the pairing of Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui in Tigers Sniff the Rose (尚公主) secured the 3rd spot. Who managed to take the top spot? Its main couple is hailed as a ‘haven for visual lovers’ or ‘Yan Kong’.
Here is the complete list of the 10 most anticipated Chinese historical dramas in 2026:
TOP 10: Wish You All the Best (表妹万福)
Wish You All the Best pairs actress Song Zu’er with Chen Xinhai (known from The Double). Although Song Zu’er is deemed highly suitable for the female lead character with her captivating costume visuals, the selection of Chen Xinhai as the male lead has sparked controversy. Netizens feel that Chen Xinhai’s appearance does not adequately represent the image of a refined, graceful, and talented scholar as described in the original novel. All eyes are on whether Chen Xinhai can overturn this negative perception when the drama airs.
TOP 9: How Dare You!? (成何体统)
This drama carries the theme of ‘transmigration into a novel’ (chuan shu), similar to Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (永夜星河) starring Yu Shuxin. How Dare You!? stars Wang Churan and Cheng Lei. The drama adopts a comedic style, where Cheng Lei plays a cruel tyrant and Wang Churan plays a concubine who brings misfortune. These roles are considered highly compatible with the public image of both actors, making the drama highly anticipated.
TOP 8: Blossoms of Power (百花杀)
Blossoms of Power pairs Meng Ziyi and He Yu. The two previously acted together in The Legend of Heroes (金庸武侠世界) and were noted for having good chemistry. The drama is adapted from a novel with a rebirth theme (reborn) combined with domestic intrigue (zhai dou).
TOP 7: Mo Li (莫离)
Besides Unveil: Jadewind, Bai Lu’s other drama, Mo Li, is also a hot topic of discussion. In this family-themed drama, Bai Lu is paired with Cheng Lei (who also stars in How Dare You!?). Bai Lu is known as an actress who pairs well with anyone, and the combination with Cheng Lei’s cold aura is expected to create fascinating chemistry. Mo Li is also directed by Lin Yufen, a veteran director of Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花) and The Demon Hunter’s Romance (无忧渡).
TOP 6: Transfer Gold Hairpin (嫁金钗)
Transfer Gold Hairpin is one of the most highly anticipated historical dramas, featuring Tian Xiwei and rising actor Yan An. The story focuses on the life of an ambitious girl from humble origins striving for success. Many netizens feel that this ambitious role is better suited for Tian Xiwei than the ‘sweet innocent girl’ roles she often plays. The drama is directed by the director of The Glory (雁回时).
TOP 5: Love Beyond the Grave (白日提灯)
The drama, originally titled Always Home (慕胥辞), is a major historical project accepted by Dilraba in recent years. She is paired with Chen Feiyu (known from When Destiny Brings the Demon). Love Beyond the Grave is directed by Qin Zhen, the director of Lost You Forever (长相思). Dilraba will play a fresh role as the ‘Ghost King’ He Simu, a beautiful, charming, and dominant character, while Chen Feiyu plays a young general. Photos released so far show very high visual quality.
TOP 4: Chasing Dreams (梦花廷)
Chasing Dreams is adapted from the novel Vexilla, which is a prequel to Novoland: Pearl Eclipse (斛珠夫人) starring Yang Mi. The drama tells the story of Tilan, a supporting character in Novoland: Pearl Eclipse. The main couple in this drama is Chen Zheyuan and Zhang Jingyi.
TOP 3: Tigers Sniff the Rose (尚公主)
The inevitable pairing! Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui collaborate again after their strong chemistry in Blossom (九重紫). The success of the ‘Zhaozhao Momo’ CP in Blossom led to their quick reunion in Tigers Sniff the Rose. The drama presents a story of a Princess vs. a Scholar who rises from adversity, a role Li Yunrui is believed to master after his success playing a civil official in Love Like the Galaxy (星汉灿烂).
TOP 2: Fate Chooses You (佳偶天成)
After Love and Crown (凤凰台上) concluded, Ren Jialun has an anticipated xianxia (immortal fantasy) drama ready to air, Fate Chooses You. He is paired with young actress Wang Herun, who is publicly known for her role as the villainess, Jiao Liqiao, in Mysterious Lotus Casebook (莲花楼). Fate Chooses You is adapted from a novel by Shi Si Lang, recounting the story of the immortal sect disciple Xin Mei and the demon warrior Lu Qian Qiao, who go through six disasters due to an accidentally triggered spiritual seal.
TOP 1: Zhu Yu (逐玉)
The champion of the most anticipated 2026 historical dramas goes to Zhu Yu! The drama pairs Zhang Linghe with Tian Xiwei—a combination described as a ‘haven for visual lovers’ (Yan Kong). Zhu Yu is directed by the director of Blossom, and thanks to the success of that drama, public confidence in Zhu Yu’s visual quality and directing is very high. The drama tells the love story between a butcher’s daughter determined to become the head of a female household and a down-and-out nobleman seeking revenge.
