The upcoming Chinese drama Love Story in the 1970s is officially set to premiere on February 21, 2026. The show will air on CCTV-8 at 7:30 PM and stream exclusively on WeTV (known as Tencent Video in China) for global audiences .
This 30-episode series brings viewers a “marriage first, love later” story set in the late 1970s, featuring Arthur Chen (Chen Feiyu) and Sun Qian in the lead roles .
Love Story in the 1970s Plot: A Practical Arrangement That Turns Into Real Love
Love Story in the 1970s follows Fei Ni (played by Sun Qian), a young woman working at a hat-making factory who dreams of attending university to change her life. Her classmate Fang Mu Yang (played by Arthur Chen) gets injured while saving someone and becomes a recognized hero .
Fei Ni volunteers to take care of him, hoping that her good deeds might help her get recommended for university admission. But her plans don’t work out as expected. After facing many difficulties, the two eventually get married and share a small space with bunk beds .
The story shows them facing hardships together while encouraging each other to chase their dreams. Through their ordinary but warm life together, real feelings grow between them. In the end, Fei Ni gets to go to university, and Fang Mu Yang achieves his goal of becoming a painter .
The drama also explores different life choices through other characters. Fang Mu Jing and Qu Hua represent how young people of that era navigated careers, family, and relationships .
Love Story in the 1970s Cast: Who Plays Whom in the Drama
The cast brings together both rising stars and experienced actors :
- Arthur Chen Feiyu as Fang Mu Yang – A young worker who becomes a hero after rescuing someone. He is quiet and responsible, and his relationship with Fei Ni starts as a practical arrangement but deepens over time.
- Sun Qian as Fei Ni – A factory worker who wants to attend university to change her future. She is practical but kind-hearted, and her decision to enter a contract marriage leads to unexpected love.
- Cristy Guo Xiaoting as Fang Mu Jing – Fang Mu Yang’s family member who plays a key role in the story.
- Wang Tian Chen as Qu Hua – Another young person whose life choices contrast with the main couple.
- Liu Min Tao in a supporting role.
- Wu Yue in a supporting role .
Additional cast members reported by Chinese media include Hao Wenting and Hou Changrong .
The casting of Arthur Chen and Sun Qian has generated interest as this marks their first collaboration in a leading role. Both actors have built strong followings through previous work. Chen is known for his roles in youth dramas, while Sun gained recognition for her natural acting style .
Love Story in the 1970s Streaming Details: Where to Watch Worldwide
Viewers can watch Love Story in the 1970s on multiple platforms depending on their location :
- China: The drama airs on CCTV-8 at 7:30 PM and streams on Tencent Video.
- International: Global audiences can stream the series on WeTV (the international version of Tencent Video).
- Southeast Asia: The show will be available through WeTV’s regional services.
- North America and Europe: WeTV app and website will carry the series with subtitles.
The show will release two episodes daily, following the standard Chinese drama broadcast pattern. All 30 episodes will be available by mid-March 2026 .
Love Story in the 1970s Is Not Related to the 1970 Film
Some viewers might confuse this drama with the classic 1970 American film Love Story starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal . The Chinese drama is a completely separate production with no connection to the Hollywood movie.
The 1970 film tells the story of wealthy Harvard student Oliver Barrett IV and music student Jenny Cavilleri, whose love story ends in tragedy . That movie, directed by Arthur Hiller, was a major hit and received seven Academy Award nominations .
Love Story in the 1970s is a Chinese period drama that focuses on everyday life in a different cultural context. The similar title simply reflects the time period setting rather than any connection to the earlier film.
Production Quality and Period Details
The production team paid attention to recreating the 1970s atmosphere. The drama shows the spirit of young people from that era—practical yet kind, romantic but still driven to build better lives .
Through multiple storylines running parallel, the series shows how young people of that time balanced their ideals with real-life limitations. The focus on ordinary life details, like sharing a small room with bunk beds, helps viewers connect with the characters’ experiences .
The “marriage first, love later” theme reflects how some couples of that era built relationships based on practical needs before developing deep emotional bonds .
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What to Expect From the Series
Love Story in the 1970s offers a look at how young people navigated love and dreams during a specific time in China’s history. The show combines period details with universal themes of ambition, family pressure, and finding connection with another person .
The 30-episode length allows for gradual development of the central relationship. Viewers can expect to see how Fei Ni and Fang Mu Yang move from a practical arrangement to genuine affection while dealing with external pressures and their personal goals .
For international audiences, the show provides a window into Chinese life during the late 1970s while telling a love story that translates across cultures. The series joins other recent Chinese period dramas that explore how people found love and purpose in earlier decades .
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For more updates on Chinese dramas and entertainment news, keep reading VvipTimes for the latest announcements and release schedules.
