Sun Qian has become one of the most talked-about Chinese actresses of 2026, thanks to her role in the Netflix hit The Early Spring. The 29-year-old actress from Harbin has built a career spanning youth dramas, historical epics, and modern romances. Her latest workplace romance drama premiered on August 26, 2026, on Youku and Netflix and became the highest-charting Chinese drama in Netflix history, debuting at No. 2 on the Global Non-English TV chart with 2.4 million views and 21.5 million hours watched in its first week. For anyone new to her work, here is a complete guide to Sun Qian’s must-watch C-dramas and what makes each one worth your time.
Key Facts
- Sun Qian was born on April 18, 1997, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
- Her breakout role was Shi Miao in Take My Brother Away (2018).
- The Early Spring premiered on August 26, 2026, on Youku in China and Netflix globally.
- The 24-episode series became the highest-charting Chinese drama on Netflix, debuting at No. 2 globally.
- Sun Qian trained in ballet for seven years before switching to acting.
- She is a brand ambassador for Celine and has participated in Paris Fashion Week.
Who Is Sun Qian?
Sun Qian is a Chinese actress and model who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama with a major in acting. She was raised by a single mother and moved to Beijing at a young age to pursue dance. A knee injury ended her ballet dreams, leading her to acting instead. She signed with Enlight Media and made her official debut in the 2016 film Love the Way You Are, though she gained wider recognition in 2018 through the comedy series Take My Brother Away.
Chinese netizens have nicknamed her the “Northeast Jun Ji-hyun” because of her tall frame (172 cm) and cool on-screen presence.
What Are Sun Qian’s Must-Watch C-Dramas?
Sun Qian has built a surprisingly varied filmography. Here are the dramas that showcase her range and are most worth watching.
The Early Spring (2026)
Where to watch: Netflix (global), Youku (China)
The Early Spring is the drama that brought Sun Qian global attention. She plays Shang “Flora” Zhitao, a small-town newcomer trying to build a career in Beijing’s high-pressure advertising industry. Her boss, Luan “Luke” Nian (played by Jing Boran), is brilliant but notoriously cold. Their professional friction slowly turns into a complicated office romance.
The series became a global phenomenon after its August 26, 2026 premiere. It ranked No. 1 in Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam and entered the Top 10 in 22 markets including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, and Qatar. In China, it recorded 547 million views and topped domestic popularity charts.
Sun Qian said she felt a deep personal connection to Flora’s journey. “Like Flora, I’m from Harbin and moved to Beijing to pursue my career,” she shared. “Her story spans ten years, and this is also my tenth year in the industry. I felt deeply connected to her journey”.
The show also made history as the first C-drama to hire a professional intimacy coordinator, a role still uncommon in Chinese television.
Reception: The drama has divided domestic audiences. Some viewers praised the chemistry between the leads, while others criticized the power imbalance in the boss-employee relationship. Despite the debate, it remains the most successful Chinese drama on Netflix to date.
Love Story in the 1970s (2026)
Where to watch: WeTV, Tencent Video
This 29-episode retro romance stars Sun Qian as Fei Ni, a hat factory worker in the 1970s who dreams of changing her fate through education. She reconnects with her middle school classmate Fang Muyang (played by Chen Feiyu, also known as Arthur Chen), who becomes a local hero after being injured while saving someone. Fei Ni takes care of him hoping it will help her get a college recommendation. What starts as a practical arrangement slowly turns into genuine love.
The drama explores ambition, sacrifice, and love against the backdrop of a socially restrictive era. Sun Qian described her character as someone who charges forward with fighting spirit.
Reception: The series exceeded a popularity index of 28,000 on Tencent and received praise for its warm portrayal of 1970s life. It holds a MyDramaList rating of 8.8.
Legend of the Magnate (2025)
Where to watch: iQIYI, CCTV-8
Set in the late Qing Dynasty, this historical business drama follows Gu Pingyuan (played by Chen Xiao), a scholar who is falsely accused and exiled. He slowly rebuilds his life through business, eventually becoming one of the era’s most powerful merchants. Sun Qian plays Chang Yu’er, Gu’s intelligent and supportive wife who helps him navigate both business and personal challenges.
Sun Qian said she still thinks about the role even two years after filming wrapped. One of her most memorable scenes was when Chang endures the pain of separation from her husband.
Reception: The drama recorded an overall rating of 3.5% on CCTV-8 and exceeded 8,500 popularity index points on iQIYI. It holds a MyDramaList rating of 8.2.
Remembrance of Things Past (2021)
Where to watch: iQIYI
This 12-episode slice-of-life drama follows a group of young people born in the 1980s and 1990s who move to Beijing to chase their dreams. Sun Qian plays Xu Yan, one of the friends navigating life, love, and career challenges in the big city.
Reception: The drama holds an impressive MyDramaList rating of 8.5, making it one of the highest-rated projects in Sun Qian’s filmography. It is a strong pick for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories about friendship and adulthood.
The Guilty (2026)
Where to watch: iQIYI
This 14-episode suspense drama stars Sun Qian as Xia Xue alongside Wei Daxun. The series became a sleeper hit, earning high Douban ratings for its tightly written mystery plot. It holds a MyDramaList rating of 7.8.
Wind Direction (2024)
Where to watch: iQIYI
Sun Qian plays Cheng Miaomiao in this youth drama that marked a shift toward more nuanced, mature roles for the actress. The series holds a MyDramaList rating of 8.0.
Wild Bloom (2022)
Where to watch: iQIYI
This inspirational drama earned critical acclaim and high Douban ratings. Sun Qian played Gao Xinyi / Ye Mao in a supporting role. It holds a MyDramaList rating of 7.8.
Where Can You Watch Sun Qian’s Dramas?
Most of Sun Qian’s recent dramas are available on major streaming platforms:
- The Early Spring: Netflix (global), Youku (China)
- Love Story in the 1970s: WeTV, Tencent Video
- Legend of the Magnate: iQIYI, CCTV-8
- The Guilty: iQIYI
- Remembrance of Things Past: iQIYI
- Wind Direction: iQIYI
- Wild Bloom: iQIYI
Netflix carries The Early Spring in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and most global markets. The series is subtitled in multiple languages and has become one of the most accessible C-dramas for international audiences.
What Is Sun Qian Working on Next?
Sun Qian is currently filming Love Moon with Zhang Yunlong in a seaside town. The story follows a wealthy girl whose family goes bankrupt and who moves in with her aunt, where she falls in love with her aunt’s adopted son.
She also has several completed projects awaiting release, including Detective Hours: In Our Prime, a forensic drama alongside Bai Jingting, and Extreme Punishment Suit, a 30-episode legal drama.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sun Qian’s most popular C-drama?
The Early Spring is Sun Qian’s most popular drama globally. It became the highest-charting Chinese series on Netflix, debuting at No. 2 on the Global Non-English TV chart with 2.4 million views in its first week.
Is The Early Spring suitable for international audiences?
Yes. The Early Spring is available on Netflix in over 190 countries with subtitles. It was specifically praised for its mature, grounded approach to romance, which helped it resonate with viewers outside China.
Where can I watch Love Story in the 1970s?
Love Story in the 1970s is available on WeTV and Tencent Video. The 29-episode series can be streamed with subtitles in multiple languages.
How many dramas has Sun Qian starred in?
Sun Qian has appeared in more than 25 television dramas and films since her debut in 2016, spanning youth, historical, suspense, and romance genres.
Did Sun Qian really train in ballet?
Yes. Sun Qian trained in ballet for seven years at the Affiliated Secondary School of Beijing Dance Academy before a knee injury led her to pursue acting instead. She returned to her ballet roots in 2026 for a special performance at CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala.
Love binge-worthy C-dramas and K-dramas? Explore more cast guides, release schedules, and streaming updates on VvipTimes.
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