The new Chinese drama I Live in Your Time has begun filming in Shanghai, bringing together actors Zhang Ruo Nan and Wang Anyu as the lead couple. Production started on February 13, 2026, and fans of both stars have been eagerly following updates about the project.
The drama, also known by its original title Want to Hide You and Time, comes from a popular novel by Bei Qing. It tells the story of two people who meet by chance, go their separate ways, and find each other again years later. With a strong director attached and an unusual setting involving antique clock restoration, this drama already stands out among upcoming Chinese romance series.
What Is I Live in Your Time About? The Story Explained
I Live in Your Time follows Shen Qian Zhan, a film and television producer played by Zhang Ruo Nan, and Ji Qing He, a clock restoration artisan played by Wang Anyu. Their first meeting happens on a snowy night in Mohe, five years before the main story takes place. That brief encounter leaves a strong impression on both, but life pulls them in different directions.
The real story begins when they meet again after five years. Shen Qian Zhan is now working on a project involving the copyright of a novel called Time, and this work brings her back into contact with Ji Qing He. What makes their reunion interesting is how different they are. Shen Qian Zhan lives in the fast world of entertainment production, always rushing against deadlines. She sets her clock ten minutes ahead just to keep up with work pressure.
Ji Qing He works at the Palace Museum restoring antique clocks, a skill recognized as intangible cultural heritage. His job demands patience and precision. He spends his days fixing old timepieces that have stopped working, preserving time instead of chasing it. This contrast between someone who runs after time and someone who repairs it creates the emotional heart of the drama.
The story explores how these two people, so different in how they handle time, slowly understand each other and help heal old wounds. It is about second chances and learning to live in someone else’s time.
Zhang Ruo Nan and Wang Anyu Play the Lead Roles
Zhang Ruo Nan takes on the role of Shen Qian Zhan, a producer who looks successful on the outside but carries anxiety and hidden emotional pain. She is known for her work in The First Frost, and her film projects have done well at the box office, making her one of the most in-demand actresses of her generation.
Wang Anyu plays Ji Qing He, the quiet clock restorer. He gained wide recognition through variety shows and his performance in Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, where he showed he could carry a romantic lead role. His character in this drama is calm, mysterious, and completely dedicated to his craft.
Fans have wanted to see these two act together for a while. Both actors come from Zhejiang province, with Zhang Ruo Nan from Wenzhou and Wang Anyu from Ningbo. Fans started calling them the light-colored CP after they appeared together at the Weibo Night red carpet, where their interaction sparked hopes of a future drama collaboration.
The production team released double posters called Heartbeat Frequency on February 24, 2026. The posters show both actors with warm, soft lighting and gentle expressions, setting the romantic tone of the drama.
Who Is Making This Drama? The Director and Writer
The creative team behind I Live in Your Time gives the project strong credibility. Director Huang Tian Ren has worked on hit dramas like Someday or One Day and Amidst a Snowstorm of Love. He is known for handling emotional stories with care and creating beautiful visuals. His track record means viewers can expect a love story that feels real and touching.
The script comes from writer Hao Ru, who worked on Sweet Teeth and Private Love. With a director who understands emotional depth and a writer experienced in romance, the drama should focus on character growth and meaningful moments rather than just standard romance scenes.
To make the clock restoration parts authentic, the team brought in Wang Jin, an expert from the Palace Museum, as a professional consultant. This means viewers will see realistic details of how antique clocks are carefully repaired, from fixing tiny springs to restoring delicate mechanisms. The drama is produced by iQiyi and Huace Croton Group, two major names in Chinese entertainment.
Filming Updates and What We Know So Far
I Live in Your Time officially started filming on February 13, 2026 in Shanghai. The production will run for about 100 to 110 days, meaning filming should finish by May 2026. The drama will have around 32 to 36 episodes and will stream exclusively on iQiyi.
The cast includes more than just the two leads. Zhang Yao and Luo Qiu Yun join as featured actors, while Wu Mian and Gu Jia Cheng have special roles. Other cast members include Xu Fang Yi, Li Jiu Lin, and Sun Zu Jun in main roles, with Yang Qiong, Chen Hao Lan, and Wang Jun Hao making appearances.
On February 24, 2026, the production team held the official start ceremony and released character posters along with behind-the-scenes photos. Wang Anyu appeared in work clothes fitting his restorer role, while Zhang Ruo Nan looked professional in outfits suitable for a producer. Their on-set moments, like standing together in sunset light or Wang Anyu helping with Zhang Ruo Nan’s dress, have already become popular topics among fans.
Fan Support and Early Reactions
Even with filming just starting, fans of both actors have shown strong support. Wang Anyu’s fan club sent gifts including flower bouquets, hot drinks, and pizza to the cast and crew. They used a gear interlocking theme that connects to the clock repair elements of the drama. Zhang Ruo Nan’s fans arranged food trucks and care packages to support the production team.
The drama faced some early discussion about billing order. While contracts state that Zhang Ruo Nan and Wang Anyu have equal billing, promotional materials listed Zhang Ruo Nan’s name first. Some fans of Wang Anyu raised questions about this on social media. The production team has not directly responded, instead choosing to release positive content like posters and behind-the-scenes clips to keep attention on the drama.
Before filming began, rumors spread that actress Zhou Ye might replace Zhang Ruo Nan. These rumors turned out to be false. Zhou Ye’s schedule conflicts with film promotions meant she could not take the project, so Zhang Ruo Nan remained confirmed for the role.
What Makes I Live in Your Time Different
I Live in Your Time stands apart from regular urban romance dramas because of its focus on intangible cultural heritage. The clock restoration setting is not just decoration but part of the story’s meaning. Fixing broken clocks mirrors the characters’ journey of healing broken relationships and emotional wounds.
The drama also deals with time anxiety, something many people can relate to. Shen Qian Zhan’s habit of setting her clock ahead reflects the common feeling of always racing against time. Ji Qing He’s work requires slowing down and respecting time, creating natural tension between them.
Another fresh element is the mature approach to romance. The story focuses on two adults with their own careers and emotional baggage, coming together not because of outside obstacles but because they need to understand themselves and each other first.
Also Read:
When and Where to Watch I Live in Your Time
The drama is expected to air on iQiyi later in 2026, though no exact release date has been set yet. For viewers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India, the drama will likely be available on iQiyi’s international platform with subtitles, following the usual release pattern for major Chinese dramas.
As filming continues in Shanghai, more promotional content will come out in the coming months. For now, fans of Zhang Ruo Nan, Wang Anyu, and well-made romance dramas have plenty of reasons to look forward to I Live in Your Time.
For more updates on Chinese dramas and entertainment news, keep visiting VvipTimes for the latest stories from the Asian entertainment industry.
