The Early Spring Plot: What the Story Is About
Shang Zhitao arrives in Beijing with little more than determination and a willingness to learn. She is straightforward and warm, the kind of person who says what she feels. Then her path crosses with Luan Nian, a creative talent whose brilliance is matched only by how carefully he keeps people at arm’s length.
The Early Spring (original title: 早春晴朗) is a workplace romance built on the dynamic between a demanding, sharp-edged professional and a newcomer who is still finding her footing. Her openness slowly tests the walls he has built around himself, and both are pushed to look at what they really want from love and from work.
Against the fast pace of a big city, the drama explores ambition, emotional vulnerability and personal growth. Shang Zhitao’s journey is as much about becoming confident in her career as it is about her feelings for Luan Nian. That makes this a story about two people learning to meet each other halfway, not just a simple office love story.
What Makes The Early Spring Notable
Cast: The drama is led by Jing Boran as Luan Nian and Sun Qian as Shang Zhitao. The supporting cast includes:
- Qi Tianqing as Sun Yu
- Zhang Yezi as Lumi
- Liu Xiaobei as Sun Yuanzhu
- Peng Yang as Liang Xin
- Zhao Zhenyu as Tan Mian
- Li Chuan as Alex
- Zhang You as Zhang Lei
- Pang Hanchen as Song Qiuhan
Behind the scenes: The series is directed by Chi-Cheng Chian and written by Gao Xiaoxian. It is based on a web novel.
Broadcaster and format: The Early Spring is a Chinese drama that premiered on Youku on August 26, 2026. It has one season of 24 episodes, each running about 43 minutes, and the series has finished airing.
For readers searching for a review: This page gives the essentials to help you decide whether the drama fits your taste. It covers the premise, the genre, the cast and the format. It does not give a personal verdict.
Who Will Enjoy The Early Spring
- Fans of workplace romances built around a boss-and-employee dynamic
- Viewers who like a reserved, prickly male lead paired with a bold, sincere heroine
- Anyone who enjoys C-dramas adapted from web novels
- Viewers who prefer stories where career growth matters as much as the romance
- Jing Boran and Sun Qian fans looking for their latest series
Where to Watch The Early Spring in the Philippines
In the Philippines, The Early Spring is listed on Netflix, which requires a paid subscription. For the best viewing experience and to support the people who made the show, stick to official platforms. Release timing in the Philippines may differ from the original Youku premiere in China, so check Netflix directly for current availability.
Trailer
Cast
Jing Boranas Luan Nian24 episodes
Sun Qianas Shang Zhitao24 episodes
Qi Tianqingas Sun Yu19 episodes
Zhang Yezias Lumi19 episodes
Liu Xiaobeias Sun Yuanzhu14 episodesSee credits →
Peng Yangas Liang Xin13 episodes
Zhao Zhenyuas Tan Mian10 episodes
Li Chuanas Alex8 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired | |
| 1 | 9 | Aired | |
| 1 | 10 | Aired | |
| 1 | 11 | Aired | |
| 1 | 12 | Aired | |
| 1 | 13 | Aired | |
| 1 | 14 | Aired | |
| 1 | 15 | Aired | |
| 1 | 16 | Aired | |
| 1 | 17 | Aired | |
| 1 | 18 | Aired | |
| 1 | 19 | Aired | |
| 1 | 20 | Aired | |
| 1 | 21 | Aired | |
| 1 | 22 | Aired | |
| 1 | 23 | Aired | |
| 1 | 24 | Aired |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does The Early Spring have?
- The Early Spring has 24 episodes in one season. Each episode runs about 43 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Early Spring legally in the Philippines?
- In the Philippines, The Early Spring is listed on Netflix, which is available with a paid subscription.
- Who is in the cast of The Early Spring?
- Jing Boran plays Luan Nian and Sun Qian plays Shang Zhitao. The supporting cast includes Qi Tianqing, Zhang Yezi, Liu Xiaobei, Peng Yang and Zhao Zhenyu.
- When was The Early Spring released?
- The Early Spring premiered on Youku in China on August 26, 2026. Check Netflix for its availability in the Philippines.
- What genre is The Early Spring?
- It is a Chinese romantic drama with a workplace setting, based on a web novel.
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