LayarHijau – The Chinese entertainment industry has witnessed a historic moment in 2026 as the costume drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉) exploded into a full-blown phenomenon. Two related topics—its dominance over Joy of Life 2 and its massive 55.1% market share—quickly topped trending charts across platforms, with daily reads surpassing 450 million. The drama has become a nationwide talking point and a major focus of online discussion.
According to Yunhe data, Pursuit of Jade recorded an astonishing 55.1% daily market share, surpassing the highly anticipated sequel Joy of Life 2 (庆余年2) and climbing to second place on the all-time Yunhe rankings for Chinese dramas. The top spot remains held by The Knockout (狂飙) at 67.9%. This achievement also marks a new popularity record for Chinese dramas in 2026.
Next articles
Since its premiere on March 6, Pursuit of Jade has maintained a strong upward trajectory. Starting from 16.1% on its first day, its market share steadily surged to 55.1%, forming a perfect “strong start, stronger rise” curve. Its success is further reflected in both major platforms surpassing the 10,000 heat index mark, as well as its entry into overseas Netflix rankings—demonstrating its impact both domestically and internationally.
This success is far from accidental. The drama stands out due to its high production quality and attention to detail. Unlike some costume dramas that rely heavily on flashy visuals, Pursuit of Jade focuses on authenticity and storytelling. From the lively atmosphere of street life to the grand масштаб of battlefield scenes, every frame is carefully crafted to balance realism and cinematic quality.
Story-wise, the drama breaks away from conventional tropes. Instead of the typical “strong male, weak female” dynamic, it presents a dual-strong narrative centered on Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter, and Xie Zheng, a fallen nobleman. Their relationship evolves from personal struggles to larger themes of loyalty, power, and national duty. The pacing remains tight, blending natural romance with intense political intrigue, keeping viewers fully engaged throughout.
The performances of the cast are another key factor behind its success. Zhang Linghe delivers a layered portrayal of Xie Zheng, capturing both his restrained vengeance and his later warmth and tenderness. Meanwhile, Tian Xiwei breaks away from her usual sweet image, transforming into the bold and resilient Fan Changyu with remarkable depth and emotional intensity.
Supporting actors also contribute significantly. Kong Xueer and Yan Kuan bring strong performances that ensure no character feels like mere filler. Each role is well-developed, adding richness to the overall narrative.
Beyond its ratings, Pursuit of Jade sends a clear message to the industry. At a time when fast-produced, trend-driven content dominates, the drama proves that strong storytelling and solid production still matter most. Without relying on overwhelming marketing or star-driven hype, it has earned recognition purely through quality.
Internationally, the drama has also made a significant impact. By combining a strong local cultural core with global production standards, Pursuit of Jade has successfully attracted overseas audiences. In South Korea, it even climbed as high as second place on Netflix rankings, sparking widespread discussion among international viewers.
Although the drama faced a minor setback with leaked episodes, audience enthusiasm remains unaffected. Its popularity continues to rise, with growing calls for a sequel. More than just a hit drama, Pursuit of Jade has become proof that high-quality storytelling can still dominate the market and resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
