The wait is finally over for fans of heartfelt youth dramas. The upcoming Chinese drama Our Dazzling Days has locked in its premiere date, and it is arriving sooner than you think. Set to transport viewers back to the nostalgic 1990s, this series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the season. With a powerful cast led by Johnny Huang and Guan Xiaotong, and a story rooted in friendship, sacrifice, and the bond to one’s hometown, the show is ready to make its global debut.
The drama will officially air on February 20, 2026, which also marks the fourth day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. This strategic release date positions the show as a perfect watch for the holiday season, offering families a chance to relive memories of a transformative era in China’s history. The series is scheduled to broadcast 30 episodes, airing two episodes back-to-back each evening.
Dual Release on CCTV-8 and iQiyi for Global Access
For viewers wondering where to watch, Our Dazzling Days is taking a dual-platform approach to reach the widest possible audience. In a significant move, the drama will air simultaneously on traditional television and modern streaming services. CCTV-8, one of China’s most prestigious television channels, will broadcast the series every night at 5:35 PM, offering two consecutive episodes .
For international audiences and streaming enthusiasts, the show will be available exclusively on iQiyi. The platform will update episodes simultaneously for its members, ensuring that online viewers are not left behind. This strategy mirrors the successful rollout of other major Chinese dramas, allowing fans in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and across Southeast Asia to watch the show as soon as it airs in China .
The Story: A Nostalgic Look at Factory Kids Growing Up
Set against the backdrop of the industrial transformation in Northeast China during the 1990s, Our Dazzling Days tells the story of three inseparable friends. Adapted from the popular web novel Zidi by Pan Yizhi, the narrative focuses on the lives of children growing up within the confines of the Red Star Machinery Factory in Tiexi City .
The plot follows Zhang Xiaoman, an orphan raised by the factory community; Yan Xiaodan, the bold daughter of the factory manager; and Xia Lei, a sharp and ambitious boy. Their youth is filled with dreams and the simple joys of life in a tightly-knit industrial community. However, as economic reforms sweep through the country, their paths diverge. Xia Lei moves to Shanghai for university and eventually starts a business, while Yan Xiaodan pursues architectural design in Hangzhou and later Italy. Zhang Xiaoman stays behind, tethered to the factory, but eventually also travels overseas for work .
The core of the drama kicks in when fate brings them back to their dilapidated hometown. The former factory kids, now adults with diverse experiences, must decide whether to rebuild the place that shaped them. The story is described as a “love letter” to the generation that witnessed China’s rapid industrial changes, highlighting themes of perseverance and the unbreakable pull of home .
Main Cast: Johnny Huang and Guan Xiaotong Lead Talented Ensemble
The casting for Our Dazzling Days has generated significant buzz, primarily because the lead role was specifically requested by the original author.
Johnny Huang as Zhang Xiaoman
Johnny Huang (Huang Jingyu) takes on the pivotal role of Zhang Xiaoman. Interestingly, the author of the original novel reportedly envisioned only Johnny Huang for this character, leading the production team to delay filming until his schedule cleared . Xiaoman is described as a loyal and resilient orphan who embodies the spirit of Tiexicheng, earning him the title “Son of Tiexicheng” . His character arc is heavy, dealing with layoffs, discrimination, and personal loss, yet remaining fundamentally good-hearted . Fans have already noted the parallel between Xiaoman’s struggles and Johnny Huang’s own real-life journey from a dropout working various odd jobs to becoming a top actor .
Guan Xiaotong as Yan Xiaodan
Guan Xiaotong plays Yan Xiaodan, the factory manager’s daughter. Unlike her previous roles, Guan portrays a brave and assertive young woman who pursues her passion for architectural design abroad. Her character represents the branch that leaves the tree but eventually feels the pull to return and nurture the roots .
Wang Tianchen as Xia Lei
Wang Tianchen rounds out the main trio as Xia Lei, the studious friend who moves to Shanghai. He follows the tide of the times, diving into business ventures. His journey reflects the rapid urbanization and entrepreneurial spirit of the 90s .
Xu Ruohan in a Special Appearance
Adding to the excitement, Xu Ruohan joins the cast as a special guest star, playing the role of Ye Chunchun. Her character is expected to add depth to the emotional dynamics of the story, particularly in her interactions with Zhang Xiaoman later in life .
Supporting roles are filled by seasoned actors Jia Bing and Guo Jinglin, who portray the older generation of factory workers, grounding the story in authentic working-class reality .
Behind the Scenes: Director Huang Wei and Authentic 90s Setting
The production quality of Our Dazzling Days is being handled by director Huang Wei, known for his critically acclaimed work Like a Flowing River, which also dealt with themes of economic reform . Screenwriter Bian Zhihong, who worked on City within a City, ensures the script remains grounded and sharp .
To maintain authenticity, the crew filmed on location at the old FAW factory in Changchun. The set design is meticulous, featuring oil-stained work uniforms, red brick factory buildings, and period-accurate props that scream 1990s nostalgia. Even the soundtrack, featuring an accordion rendition of the classic labor song “We Workers Have Strength,” is designed to evoke the era .
The ending theme song, “Home is Where My Heart Longs For,” is performed by popular singer Mao Buyi. The music video for the track reportedly gained over a million views within its first day of release, with lyrics perfectly capturing the longing for home that drives the characters’ journeys .
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What Viewers Can Expect
Early reviews of the source material suggest that Our Dazzling Days is not a light, fluffy watch. It is described as a “slow burn” drama that deals with heavy emotional themes. The story explores how Zhang Xiaoman faces a series of misfortunes—from being unfairly laid off to being manipulated and even suffering a mental breakdown that leads to hospitalization .
However, it is precisely this grounded, realistic portrayal of struggle that makes the story resonate. The narrative focuses on the “closeness” of a community where everyone knows each other, a stark contrast to modern urban isolation. As one fan blogger noted, the novel hits hard because it depicts the pain of watching your hometown change slowly until you realize one day that the place you grew up is gone .
For international audiences unfamiliar with China’s industrial history, the drama serves as a window into a time when massive state-owned enterprises dictated the rhythm of life for millions. It explains why the concept of the “factory” holds such nostalgic value for an entire generation.
As the February 20 release date approaches, iQiyi has ramped up its promotional efforts, releasing multiple teasers to build anticipation. With its combination of a beloved cast, a bestselling source novel, and high-quality production, Our Dazzling Days is poised to become a must-watch for fans of meaningful youth dramas this season.
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