Chinese period romance dramas have been heating up in early 2026 — and Chasing Jade (《逐玉》), also known in English as Pursuit of Jade, has emerged as one of the most anticipated C-dramas set to release in March 2026. With a powerful cast, emotional storyline, and strong industry buzz, this historical romance looks set to become a fan favourite this year.
Here’s everything you need to know before it drops.
Release Date and Platforms
Chasing Jade is confirmed to begin airing in early March 2026, with most reports pointing to March 6, 2026 for the first episodes.
The drama will be available internationally through major platforms, including:
- iQIYI (domestic streaming)
- Tencent Video (domestic/global)
- Netflix (simulcast in many regions)
With episodes being simulcast shortly after their original broadcast in China, global fans won’t have to wait long to watch each new chapter.
Cast and Characters
Chasing Jade stars two of Chinese drama’s most talked-about young actors:
- Zhang Linghe as Xie Zheng — a fallen nobleman driven by revenge and honor.
- Tian Xiwei as Fan Changyu — the strong-willed daughter of a butcher who becomes entangled in political conflict and love.
Supporting cast includes:
- Snow Kong (Kong Xue’er) as Yu Qianqian
- Deng Kai as Qi Min
- Li Qing as Gongsun Yin
- Yu Zhong Li as Qi Shu
This lineup has already drawn attention, both for the leads’ chemistry and for the strong character dynamics expected in the series.
Plot Synopsis
Chasing Jade is a historical romance drama adapted from the novel Zhu Yu by Tuan Zi Lai Xi. It blends love, political intrigue, personal growth, and wartime struggle in a sweeping story of fate and resilience.
Here’s what to expect:
- The story begins when Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter with fierce determination, crosses paths with Xie Zheng, a nobleman whose status was shattered by past political betrayals.
- Through a contract marriage, the two agree to join forces — initially out of convenience rather than affection.
- As they face emotional turmoil, political conspiracies, and the brutality of war, their relationship slowly transforms from a strategic partnership into genuine love.
- The story features battle scenes, emotional reunions, internal intrigue, and personal sacrifice as they each confront their pasts and fight for justice.
With 40 episodes planned, there’s ample room for deep character arcs and layered storytelling.
Why Chasing Jade is Highly Anticipated
There are several reasons Chasing Jade has generated major buzz even before its release:
Massive Pre-Release Reservations
The drama has already amassed more than 4.5 million reservations across platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video — a record number for a series that hasn’t even begun airing.
Strong Lead Chemistry
Both Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei have strong followings and are known for their on-screen presence. Their pairing in a historical romance promises rich emotional depth and compelling character interaction.
Fresh Story Within a Familiar Genre
While the “fake marriage turns to love” trope is popular, Chasing Jade sets it against the backdrop of war, political intrigue, and personal vengeance, elevating the stakes for both characters.
High-Quality Production Team
The director and writers behind the series have experience in visually striking and emotionally resonant dramas, hinting that Chasing Jade will deliver both aesthetic appeal and strong narrative depth.
What Fans Should Watch For
As you wait for the premiere, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Character development: Fans are eager to see how Changyu and Zheng grow both individually and together.
- War and political subplots: These add layers beyond the romance and are certain to keep viewers engaged.
- Visual style and costuming: Early trailers and posters teased cinematic visuals that suggest a high production value.
- OST and music: With releases of theme music already drawing attention, the soundtrack may become a standout feature.
Release Schedule Recap
- Title: Chasing Jade (《逐玉》), also known as Pursuit of Jade internationally.
- Genre: Historical Romance
- Episodes: 40
- Expected Release Date: March 6, 2026
- Platforms: iQIYI, Tencent Video, Netflix (simulcast)
Final Thoughts
Chasing Jade is shaping up to be one of the highlight C-dramas of early 2026, blending deep emotion, romantic tension, and political intrigue into a sweeping historical narrative. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei, or simply love well-crafted historical romance, this series is worth adding to your watchlist.
Stay tuned for official trailers, episode updates, and reactions once the drama begins streaming in March 2026 — it’s already a contender for one of the year’s biggest hits.
