The Early Spring (Jing Bo Ran, Sun Qian) (2026) Chinese Drama

The Early Spring (早春晴朗 / Zao Chun Qing Lang) is a 2026 Chinese metropolitan romance drama starring Jing Bo Ran and Sun Qian. The 24-episode Youku drama follows Shang Zhitao, a newcomer to Beijing who meets creative genius Luan Nian and gradually breaks through his guarded exterior. Their intense, on-again, off-again relationship is tested as Shang Zhitao chooses her career over love, leading both characters on separate paths of growth before they eventually meet again as equals.

Title: The Early Spring

Chinese Title: 早春晴朗 / Zao Chun Qing Lang

Broadcast Date: August 26, 2026

Broadcast Network: Youku

Genre: Metropolitan, Romance

Director: Jiang Ji Zheng

Screenwriter: Gao Xiao Xian, Lv Hui (吕辉), Jian Wen (简文), Can Xiao Xue

Episodes: 24

Watch On: Netflix, Youku, Bilibili

Synopsis

New to Beijing, Shang Zhitao crosses paths with Luan Nian, a true creative genius. Bold and open-hearted, she grows stronger step by step and gradually breaks through the defenses around Luan’s guarded heart. Drawn to each other, they find themselves caught in an intense, on-again, off-again relationship in the urban jungle. To love is to summon all your courage and leave no regrets, to heal each other, and to grow together. But when love and her career pull her in different directions, she puts her career first. When she has come into her own and he has learned to soften his sharp edges, they finally stand as equals, ready to write a new ending together.

Story Breakdown

Shang Zhitao Arrives in Beijing

Shang Zhitao is new to Beijing when she crosses paths with Luan Nian, a creative genius known for his guarded nature. Despite the emotional barriers around him, Shang Zhitao’s bold and open-hearted personality allows her to gradually get closer to him.

An Intense Relationship

As their attraction develops, Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian become involved in an intense, on-again, off-again relationship. Their connection becomes an important part of their personal journeys as they learn to navigate love, emotional vulnerability, and life in the city.

Choosing Her Career

Their relationship reaches a difficult point when Shang Zhitao finds herself caught between love and her career. She ultimately chooses to put her career first, focusing on her own development and becoming stronger in the process.

Growing and Changing

While Shang Zhitao works toward establishing herself, Luan Nian also changes. Shang Zhitao comes into her own, while Luan Nian learns to soften his sharp edges and become more open.

A New Beginning

After their individual growth, Shang Zhitao and Luan Nian eventually stand on equal footing. Having changed through their experiences, they are ready to write a new ending for their relationship together.