Jump to content

The Early Spring

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Early Spring
Promotional poster
Also known as
  • Zao Chun Qing Lang
  • Bright and Clear Early Spring
Simplified Chinese早春晴朗
Hanyu PinyinZǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng
Genre
Based onZao Chun Qing Lang (早春晴朗)
by Gu Niang Bie Ku
Written byGao Xiao Xian
Directed byJiang Ji Zheng
Starring
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes32
Production
Production locationBeijing, China
Running time45 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkYouku

The Early Spring (Chinese: 早春晴朗; pinyin: Zǎo Chūn Qíng Lǎng) is an upcoming Chinese television series adapted from the web novel ''Zao Chun Qing Lang'' (早春晴朗) by Gu Niang Bie Ku. Directed by Jiang Ji Zheng and written by Gao Xiao Xian, the series stars Jing Boran and Sun Qian, the series is an urban workplace drama. The story follows a resilient young professional who navigates the cutthroat communications industry while entangled in a complex, evolving romance with her demanding and enigmatic superior.

The series is produced by Youku in association with Qianyu Studio and is scheduled for a multi-platform release in 2026. It will be distributed internationally via Youku's global streaming service, following its primary broadcast in Mainland China.[1]

Synopsis

[edit]

Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian), a young woman from an ordinary background, unexpectedly lands a job at a world-class advertising agency, entering the high-pressure world of elite marketing. There, she encounters the brilliant but aloof industry veteran [Character Name] (Jing Boran). The story follows her professional growth from a workplace novice to a seasoned professional, exploring the complexities of modern office politics and the blossoming of a mature romance. Years later, after returning to her hometown to lead a simpler life as a restaurant owner, their paths cross again, leading to a profound re-evaluation of their past and future.[2]

Cast

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Jing Boran as Luan Nian
    • A top-tier advertising executive known for his sharp intellect and detached demeanor.
  • Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao
    • An optimistic and hardworking woman who navigates the challenges of a competitive corporate environment.

Supporting

[edit]
  • Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuanchu
  • Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu
  • Zhang Yezi as Lu Mi
  • Ning Xin as Kitty
  • Zhao Zhenyu as Tan Mian
  • Zhang You as Zhang Lei

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

The project was first introduced on September 10, 2024, when it was selected for Youku's 2025 annual program list during its autumn press conference.[3] Accompanying the announcement, the production team released the first concept poster, which emphasized an atmospheric, realistic visual style rather than traditional romantic aesthetics.[4]

The production aimed to create a realistic yet "healing" portrayal of urban professional life, specifically focusing on the authentic struggles of the "Beipiao" (individuals migrating to Beijing for work) community. The creative team noted a deliberate departure from typical "idol drama" tropes, choosing instead to prioritize grounded character development and the psychological growth of the protagonists over ten years.[5]

In March 2025, the series gained further national prestige when it was officially selected as a supported program in the 2024–2025 "Network Audiovisual Program Excellence Creation and Dissemination Project" organized by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).[6] Being one of a limited number of projects recognized, it was cited for its potential to "reflect the spirit of the times" and provide high-quality cultural content for internet audiences.[7]

Casting

[edit]

On September 5, 2025, the production team officially announced Jing Boran and Sun Qian as the leads, Luan Nian and Shang Zhitao.[8] The pairing received widespread praise on social media, with fans and media outlets such as Yuanbao News highlighting the "cinematic chemistry" and "art-house film" aesthetic between the two actors.[9]

Industry reports as early as June 2025 confirmed the involvement of Zhang Wanyi in a significant role. Due to the intensive filming schedule of The Early Spring, Zhang faced significant scheduling conflicts with his commitment to the variety show Divas Hit the Road Season 7. While reports initially suggested he might withdraw from the variety show to prioritize his role in the drama, the production successfully coordinated a "rigorous timeline" that allowed him to complete both projects.[10]

The supporting cast includes Liu Xiaobei, Qi Tianqing, Zhang Yezi, Ning Xin, Zhao Zhenyu, and Zhang You.[11] The series also features a special appearance by Guo Xiaoting and a guest appearance by Li Chuan, adding to the high-profile nature of the project.[12][13]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography officially began on September 5, 2025, in Beijing.[14] On the first day of filming, the project trended on social media as the casting and the popularity of the original novel sparked heated discussions regarding the adaptation's tone.[15]

After completing the urban workplace segments in Beijing, the production moved to Harbin in November 2025 to film the pivotal winter and hometown story arcs. Filming locations included historic landmarks such as Central Street, the Architectural Art Square (Saint Sophia Cathedral area), and the East Hechang 1917 cultural complex. To capture the "early spring" aesthetic described in the title before the arrival of heavy natural snow, the crew utilized specialized lighting and artificial snow to supplement the landscape. Specific local sites, such as a traditional restaurant in West 13th Street, were transformed into the "Old Couple's Tavern," a central location in the characters' later life.[16] The production officially wrapped filming at Jinlong Mountain on November 26, 2025.[17]

Reception

[edit]

Following the official announcement, the series gained significant traction on social media, driven by the popularity of the source material and the high-profile lead pairing. On November 4, 2025, leaked photos from the production's urban set went viral, with netizens and media outlets such as Yuanbao News praising the "cinematic feel" of the cinematography.[18]

Observers noted that the visual framing and the chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian resembled an "art-house film scene," sparking widespread anticipation for the adaptation's aesthetic quality.[19] Commentators frequently used the phrase "metaphysical chemistry" (氛围感CP) to describe the deep, intangible connection between the leads, suggesting that the production's focus on atmosphere transcended traditional romantic tropes found in modern workplace dramas.[20]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ 优酷 (2025-09-05). "井柏然孙千主演《早春晴朗》优酷独播" ["Early Spring Sunny Days" will be exclusively broadcast on Youku.]. 新浪网 (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  2. ^ "早春晴朗 - 搜狗百科". baike.sogou.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  3. ^ "Youku Annual Film List". weibo.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  4. ^ "The first concept poster for the series was released on Youku". weibo.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  5. ^ Bella (2025-12-10). "網評2025最高期待甜寵陸劇TOP10!《狙擊蝴蝶》才第8，虞書欣《雙軌》第2，冠軍確實必追". beauty美人圈 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  6. ^ "国家广播电视总局 工作动态 国家广播电视总局2024-2025年"网络视听节目精品创作传播工程"扶持节目发布" [NRTA 2024-2025 High-Quality Online Audiovisual Programs Support List]. www.nrta.gov.cn. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  7. ^ "9月网剧备案：热门言情IP《早春晴朗》《双轨》影视化". m.mp.oeeee.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  8. ^ "Early Spring Sunny Official Announcement". weibo.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  9. ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  10. ^ "《花儿与少年7》阵容出现临时变动？ 张晚意、钟楚曦陷入退出传闻" [Are there last-minute changes to the cast of "Divas Hit the Road 7"? Zhang Wanyi and Zhong Chuxi are rumored to be leaving the show.]. finance.sina.com.cn. 2025-06-05. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  11. ^ 腾讯网 (2025-09-05). "早春晴朗官宣孙千井柏然_腾讯新闻". news.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  12. ^ 早春晴朗 (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15 – via movie.douban.com.
  13. ^ "《朝雪錄》李蘭迪熱戀敖瑞鵬紅成爆款劇 兩人火速二搭演毒舌霸總愛上職場菜鳥全網期待 -- 上報". www.upmedia.mg (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  14. ^ 聯合新聞網. "陸劇《早春晴朗》官宣！井柏然、孫千上演職場禁忌愛戀 話題小說改編開拍登熱搜" ["Early Spring Sunny Day" officially begins filming, starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian in a highly anticipated workplace romance adaptation.]. udn 女子漾 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  15. ^ 腾讯网 (2025-08-11). "井柏然孙千《早春晴朗》北京开机 职场爱情长跑引期待_腾讯新闻" ["Early Spring Sunny Day" begins filming in Beijing, starring Jing Boran and Sun Qian.]. news.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  16. ^ 造咖. "2026必追7部小說改編陸劇《難哄》姐妹作｜造咖". 造咖 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  17. ^ "Early Spring Sunny WrapUp Filming". weibo.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  18. ^ 腾讯网 (2025-11-04). "《早春晴朗》路透电影质感，井柏然孙千站在一起就是文艺片画面_腾讯新闻" ["Early Spring Sunny Day" leaked photos showcase Jing Boran and Sun Qian's cinematic chemistry.]. news.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  19. ^ "没《凤凰台上》好评！6部选角让原著粉崩溃剧，将门毒后被骂 - 360娱乐，你开心就好". yule.360.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  20. ^ 陳亮貽 (2025-12-21). "《早春晴朗》線上看7亮點！井柏然、孫千「車內吻」譜禁忌之戀，改編自高人氣小說路透影片曝光登熱搜！" ["Early Spring Sunny Day" goes viral for Jing Boran and Sun Qian’s "car kiss" and forbidden romance.]. 女人我最大 (in Traditional Chinese). Retrieved 2026-01-15.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Early_Spring&oldid=1335435014"