LayarHijau – Yang Yang is drawing attention once again through his upcoming wuxia drama Zhan Zhao Adventures (雨霖鈴). The series, which also stars Zhang Ruonan, is set to premiere on May 13 on Youku and China’s CCTV, while also streaming internationally on Disney+.
Ahead of its release, the production team unveiled a special action featurette showcasing several major fight sequences from the drama. The newly released footage includes battles in rainy alleyways, intense fights aboard boats, secret chamber confrontations, and dramatic standoffs inside bamboo forests.
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What caught viewers’ attention the most was Yang Yang’s commitment to performing nearly all of his action scenes without a stunt double. His swordplay appeared fluid yet powerful, while the hand-to-hand combat scenes were equally sharp and intense.
Speaking in the behind-the-scenes interview, Yang Yang admitted the project gave him a new appreciation for wuxia action acting.
“While filming these fight scenes, I truly realized how difficult wuxia action really is,” the actor said.
He added, “I encountered many fighting styles I had never seen before in this drama.”
Zhan Zhao Adventures is adapted from the classic tale Three Heroes and Five Gallants (三俠五義). The story follows imperial guard Zhan Zhao, played by Yang Yang, who becomes the target of relentless pursuit after obtaining evidence tied to Prince Xiangyang’s rebellion.
During his escape, he joins forces with female warrior Huo Linglong, portrayed by Zhang Ruonan, and Bai Yutang, played by Fang Yilun. Together, they solve mysterious cases, navigate political conspiracies within the royal court, and restore order to the martial arts world.
The drama also marks the first wuxia production from Daylight Entertainment. The production team reportedly aimed to revive the feel of classic wuxia through grounded choreography and impactful fight sequences.
Chinese netizens have been praising Yang Yang’s action style, saying it perfectly fits traditional wuxia aesthetics. According to production reports, the actor even completed a major fight sequence originally scheduled for three days of filming in just one day while maintaining high quality.
One of the most talked-about scenes is a rain fight sequence praised for its visuals resembling traditional Chinese ink paintings.
Chief director Liu Hongyuan also highlighted Yang Yang’s dedication during filming.
“What moved me was that even after getting injured several times, he still asked to continue filming until the scenes were completed. You can truly feel that he is an actor who puts the project first,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ruonan, who is appearing in a costume drama for the first time, also impressed viewers with her action scenes. Previously known for her soft and gentle image, the actress now transforms into a skilled martial artist in the series.
“When I saw how clean and crisp my action scenes looked, I became really excited. It made me feel more motivated every time we filmed,” Zhang Ruonan shared.
Beyond the action, Yang Yang’s portrayal of Zhan Zhao is said to differ from previous screen adaptations. This version of the legendary hero is not portrayed as flawless. He gets hurt, shows vulnerability, and carries a complicated past.
His identity as someone who is “half official, half swordsman” also forces him to constantly balance justice and restraint, making the character feel more grounded and relatable.
