【LaLa TV August】A Stellar Cast of Handsome and Beautiful Stars! Three Chinese Historical Dramas to Air: 'The Pearl Song,' 'Along the River During Qingming Festival: Hidden Code,' and 'Love Mission in the Starry River'

Discovery Japan Co., Ltd., which operates 'LaLa TV'—a channel delivering the latest Korean, Chinese, and international dramas, classic films, and lifestyle programs on food, travel, and wellness—will begin airing 'The Pearl Song' on Thursday, August 13. This grand historical drama stars Chao Lusi, China's top young actress known for 'Starlight Splendor,' and follows the journey of a pearl-diving slave who rises to become a legendary female merchant.

Additionally, LaLa TV will present 'Along the River During Qingming Festival: Hidden Code,' a thrilling human mystery drama set in the world of China's artistic masterpiece 'Along the River During Qingming Festival,' and 'Love Mission in the Starry River,' a heart-fluttering romantic historical drama starring the beloved on-screen couple Yu Shuxin and Ding Yuxi from 'Moonlight.' Don't miss these three recommended Chinese dramas on LaLa TV this August.

<Featured Programs for August 2026>

Chinese Drama: 'The Pearl Song'

©2024 Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

A grand historical drama starring Chao Lusi, China's No.1 young actress from 'Starlight Splendor'!

The drama broke 4 million pre-registration viewers before broadcast. Immediately after launch,热度 surged across platforms, setting a record as the fastest drama in 2024 to surpass 10,000热度 on Youku. It also topped Maoyan's Drama Heat Ranking within just two hours of release and claimed first place on the overall debut day ranking.

Following hits like 'Starlight Splendor' and 'Hidden Love,' this marked Chao Lusi's first drama centered on a woman's coming-of-age journey. As the series progressed, her nuanced performances—portraying a resilient, powerful character unlike her previous roles—delivered authentic emotions to viewers, showcasing her exceptional acting skills. Her tearful scenes, in particular, moved countless viewers and were widely praised.

As a result, both cumulative views and character popularity rose, achieving top-tier results across all metrics—buzz, viewership data, and advertising value—dominating China's period drama market by the end of 2024.

©2024 Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Chao Lusi reunites with Liu Yuning from 'A Journey of Love'!

Their first collaboration since the popular 2021 drama 'The Long Ballad,' which earned them fame as the 'most adorable height-difference couple,' Chao Lusi and Liu Yuning from 'A Journey of Love' reignite their romantic chemistry.

In this drama, Liu Yuning plays a wealthy merchant from the Western Regions seeking revenge after his family was murdered in childhood. His relationship with Chao Lusi's protagonist begins coldly but evolves into mutual understanding and support. The slow transformation from a bond resembling friendship and master-disciple dynamics into a fated romance captivates audiences.

Known also as an OST singer for 'Word of Honor' and 'The Lotus Lantern,' Liu Yuning impresses viewers with his acting evolution in this role. Through subtle glances, delicate expressions, and small gestures, he brings remarkable depth to the character, allowing viewers to sense his inner conflicts and dilemmas. His portrayal of coldness tempered by resilience and strength has been highly acclaimed. His lead role in the 2025 drama 'Bending the Waist' further boosted his popularity, making him one of today's hottest actors.

©2024 Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Tan Songyun, known for 'Love Like a Jewel' and 'You Are the Starlight,' portrays another key male character supporting the protagonist, alongside other compelling figures enriching the story.

Tan Songyun, who rose to fame in 'Warm Romance' and 'Conquering the Prince's Heart,' and solidified her career in 'Love Like a Jewel' and 'You Are the Starlight,' plays a gentle nobleman who kindly supports the protagonist. She powerfully embodies a wise, justice-driven young man.

Meanwhile, newcomer actress Xie Ke’er plays a rival character contrasting the protagonist. Though ruthless in action, she portrays a cross-dressing woman who defies fate, showcasing strength and intelligence throughout the story. Together with the protagonist, these richly individualized characters add depth and complexity to the narrative.

©2024 Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

[Program Overview]

In Hepu, where the Cui family has presented pearls to the imperial court for three consecutive years, female slaves known as 'pearl slaves' are forced to dive into the sea at great risk to harvest pearls. One such slave, Duanwu (Chao Lusi), who risks everything for freedom, is rescued by a mysterious scholar, Zhang Jinran (Tan Songyun), and later hired by Yan Zijing (Liu Yuning), a wealthy merchant from the Zhaowu Kang Kingdom. Her goal is to recover the 'blood pearl,' a clue to her true identity. This sets her on a path where she crosses fates with two men, each harboring secret ambitions.

©2024 Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Program Information

'The Pearl Song' <First CS Basic Broadcast>

Broadcast Schedule: Starting Thursday, August 13, weekly Monday to Friday, 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Cast:

Chao Lusi ('Starlight Splendor')

Liu Yuning ('A Journey of Love')

Tan Songyun ('You Are the Starlight')

China / 2023 / 40 episodes / HD / Stereo

Chinese Drama: 'Along the River During Qingming Festival: Hidden Code'

© YOUKU INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Beijing) CO., LTD.

Is the truth hidden within a masterpiece? Set in the world of the Song Dynasty's artistic treasure 'Along the River During Qingming Festival,' this human mystery historical drama brings to life fantastical mysteries, dramatic events,

and vivid depictions of everyday civilian life.

As a crowd gathers on the riverbank, a boat that should have passed under the bridge suddenly vanishes—this drama begins with such a surreal incident.

Centered on Zhao Buyou, a kind man stripped of his official post, and his family, the story masterfully blends the thrills of a mystery period drama with the emotional depth of human drama, making it a must-watch for fans of Chinese entertainment. Inspired by the scroll painting 'Along the River During Qingming Festival,' hailed as the pinnacle of Chinese art history, the drama not only features the painter Zhang Zeduan but also visually recreates scenes from the masterpiece. With humorous and academic mini-segments at the end of each episode introducing Song-era culture and daily life, it’s an engaging and educational experience.