LayarHijau – The Chinese drama market at the start of 2026 has been shaken by the rapid rise of the costume drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉). Starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei, the series recorded an impressive jump in viewership data only two days after its premiere.
According to Yunhe data, the drama’s market share climbed from 16.1 percent on its first day to 31.4 percent on the second day. The near-doubling of its share quickly pushed Pursuit of Jade to the top of the drama rankings across all platforms.
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Such a sharp surge is considered rare in the Chinese drama industry. Over the past decade, a similar jump in market share within such a short time has only been achieved by a few highly influential dramas, including Joy of Life and Empresses in the Palace. Because of that, Pursuit of Jade’s performance immediately drew widespread attention from both viewers and industry observers.
Many social media users were surprised by how quickly the drama’s popularity grew. Some joked that the growth looked “like it was riding a rocket.” Others admitted they had been unsure about starting the series but decided to watch it after seeing the dramatic rise in its data.
Platform statistics also show the show’s strong viral impact. After the premiere, related topics about Pursuit of Jade accumulated more than one billion views on platforms such as Weibo and Douyin. Within a single day, the drama appeared on the trending charts eight times.
The success has also boosted interest in its original source material. The novel Zhu Yu (逐玉) by Tuan Zi Lai Xi, which the drama is adapted from, reportedly saw its sales jump by around 300 percent after the series began airing.
In reality, the drama’s success did not come completely out of nowhere. Even before its premiere, Pursuit of Jade had already attracted attention as an adaptation of a popular novel while also bringing together Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei as the lead actors.
In the series, Tian Xiwei plays Fan Changyu, the brave daughter of a butcher who is determined to protect her family. Meanwhile, Zhang Linghe portrays Xie Zheng, a fallen nobleman who hides his true identity while seeking revenge for the injustices of his past.
Their relationship begins with a marriage of convenience formed for their own personal reasons. Over time, however, their bond gradually deepens as they navigate political intrigue, power struggles, and the many challenges that test their loyalty.
One reason the drama quickly captured viewers’ attention is its fast-paced storytelling. The first episode immediately introduces a major mystery that drives the central conflict, while subsequent episodes continue to reveal new developments that keep audiences eager to see what happens next.
The production quality has also received strong praise. The team reportedly built large real-life sets for filming and paid close attention to costume and prop design.
Many viewers have commented that the drama’s visual presentation feels polished and cinematic, creating a more immersive viewing experience compared with many recent costume dramas.
The performances of the cast have also become a major talking point. Fan Changyu’s growth from a simple village girl into a stronger and more determined character has drawn attention from audiences.
At the same time, Xie Zheng’s hidden identity and carefully planned revenge storyline add another compelling layer to the narrative.
So far, Pursuit of Jade has released nine episodes, yet several of the story’s central mysteries remain unresolved. Viewers are still waiting for answers regarding the characters’ hidden pasts as well as the future of the relationship between the two leads.
Audience enthusiasm on social media continues to grow, with many fans discussing theories about the story and eagerly anticipating upcoming episodes.
In response to the strong viewer interest, the streaming platform has reportedly adjusted the release schedule. The drama, which initially released four episodes per week, has now increased that number to six episodes weekly.
Additionally, the platform is planning a special early screening event during the final week of the drama’s run.
Looking ahead, the intellectual property of Pursuit of Jade is also expected to expand beyond the television series. Plans are reportedly being discussed for projects such as a mobile game, offline themed exhibitions, and various merchandise related to the drama.
With its explosive early performance, many viewers are now hoping that Pursuit of Jade can maintain its momentum until the finale and become one of the most memorable dramas of 2026.
