Chinese actress Zhang Ruonan is entering an exciting new chapter in her career, with three highly anticipated dramas set to showcase her versatility across multiple genres. From a nostalgic coming-of-age story to a historical mystery and a mature romance, the actress continues to expand her range beyond the “first-love” image that first made her famous.
Zhang first rose to prominence through the film Cry Me a Sad River, which introduced audiences to her refreshing charm and delicate acting style. Since then, she has appeared in popular projects such as Everyone Wants to Meet You, My Love, and The First Frost, steadily building a reputation for emotionally nuanced performances.
Her role as Wen Yifan in The First Frost earned her the “Weibo Breakthrough Actor of the Year” award at the 2025 Weibo Night, further cementing her status as one of the most promising actresses among China’s post-95 generation.
Recently, photos from the set of Hide You and Time Away featuring Zhang and Wang Anyu have gone viral online. Fans quickly dubbed the visuals “a novel come to life,” fueling anticipation for the drama’s release. Alongside this modern romance, Zhang also has two other projects on the way—Winter Goes, Spring Comes and Rain Bell—each offering a completely different genre and character challenge.
Winter Goes, Spring Comes
Set between the 1990s and 2018, Winter Goes, Spring Comes follows a group of young dreamers who move to Beijing in pursuit of artistic ambitions. The drama captures the struggles and hopes of China’s “Beipiao” generation—young people who migrate to the capital seeking opportunity.
Bai Yu plays Xu Shengli, a determined writer who works day jobs while tirelessly crafting scripts at night. Zhang Ruonan portrays Zhuang Zhuang, a young woman from Wenzhou who dreams of becoming a singer but must navigate the harsh realities of performing gigs and making ends meet.
Together with characters played by Wang Yanlin and Lin Yun, the group forms an unlikely community while living in a small hostel. Their shared experiences reflect the changing cultural landscape of Beijing over the decades.
The drama’s title symbolizes resilience: after the long winter of hardship comes the promise of spring, representing growth, healing, and the fulfillment of dreams.
Watch Info:
- Release date: TBA
- Platform: iQIYI
- Cast: Zhang Ruonan, Bai Yu, Wang Yanlin, Lin Yun
- Episodes: 40
Rain Bell
Rain Bell is a historical wuxia mystery inspired by the classic novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. The story unfolds during the Northern Song dynasty and centers on legendary imperial guard Zhan Zhao.
While investigating clues connected to the mysterious Xiangyang Prince case, Zhan Zhao—played by Yang Yang—finds himself caught in a web of conspiracies. Along the way, he meets Huo Linglong, the clever daughter of Linglong Manor, portrayed by Zhang Ruonan.
Together with the famous swordsman Bai Yutang, the trio forms an alliance to uncover hidden plots and bring justice to the martial world. The drama blends thrilling action, political intrigue, and the traditional values of loyalty and heroism.
With its grand historical setting and adventurous storyline, Rain Bell promises to present Zhang Ruonan in a dynamic new role far removed from her modern romantic characters.
Watch Info:
- Release date: TBA
- Platform: Disney+, YOUKU
- Cast: Zhang Ruonan, Yang Yang, Fang Yilun
- Episodes: 40
Hide You and Time Away
Adapted from the novel What Time Is It There? by Bei Qing, Hide You and Time Away explores a mature love story shaped by time and circumstance.
Zhang Ruonan plays Shen Qianzhan, a television producer who reunites with Ji Qinghe, a clock restoration expert at the Forbidden City, portrayed by Wang Anyu. Six years earlier, the two briefly crossed paths during a harsh winter night in Mohe, offering comfort to each other during difficult moments before parting ways.
When Shen later seeks the adaptation rights to a novel about time, she reconnects with Ji—this time as a professional collaborator. Their working relationship gradually rekindles old feelings, blending nostalgia, personal growth, and emotional healing.
The drama uses the symbolism of time to contrast their personalities: Shen lives in a fast-paced world driven by deadlines, while Ji carefully restores centuries-old clocks, embracing patience and precision. Through their reunion, the series reflects on the idea that everyone lives in a different “time zone” in life.
Watch Info:
- Release date: TBA
- Platform: iQIYI
- Cast: Zhang Ruonan, Wang Anyu
- Episodes: 36
With these three diverse projects, Zhang Ruonan is clearly stepping beyond her comfort zone. Whether portraying a dream-chasing singer, a spirited heroine in the martial world, or a career-driven producer rediscovering love, the actress is poised to deliver some of her most compelling performances yet.
For fans and industry watchers alike, her upcoming lineup signals an exciting evolution for one of China’s fastest-rising young stars.
Sources: Naver,MyDramaList,Yahoo Entertainment Taiwan
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