Plotline & Core Events
Intersection of Fates
Xu Xian’s arc (played by Zhang Yishan): A young man from Hangzhou, Xu Xian becomes obsessed with finding Zhou Tong—an unfamiliar man who looks 70% like him, whom he meets by chance in a downpour. After a matchmaking introduction to Shi Diandian (actress undisclosed), they travel together to Beijing to watch the ballet The Legend of the White Snake.
Wen Xiaoyao’s arc (played by Qin Li): Ballet dancer Wen Xiaoyao stars in The Legend of the White Snake with her partner Qiao Mi (played by Ruan Ju). Her boyfriend, Zhou Tong (played by Lian Yiming), suffers a car accident on his way to the theater, dramatically altering the fate of both couples on opening night.Emotional Turning Points & Growth
During their search for Zhou Tong, Xu Xian and Shi Diandian evolve from reluctant partners into emotional supports, helping him confront childhood trauma caused by his mother’s death.
Wen Xiaoyao, after experiencing her darkest moment, finds new life through artistic dedication—transforming from mere dancer into true artist.
Zhou Tong’s accident serves as the pivotal key that unravels the mystery behind their intertwined destinies.
Production Highlights & Narrative Structure
Dual-Track Timeline & Visual Contrast
Scenes of everyday life in Hangzhou (Xu Xian's humble routine) are juxtaposed with the theatrical lighting of Beijing (Wen Xiaoyao’s artistic realm). Symbolic events such as the torrential rain and car crash drive the fate connection between the two storylines.Narrative Role of Ballet
The White Snake ballet serves as a narrative metaphor—e.g., “Flooding the Golden Mountain” mirrors emotional release.
Qin Li underwent three months of ballet training; long takes of pointe-foot rotations enhance authenticity.
Ensemble Cast Development
Niu Li plays Xu Xian’s relative; Wan Qian makes a special appearance as an art mentor; others expand on the themes of life’s varied experiences.Broadcast & Cast Details
Lead Cast:
Zhang Yishan as Xu Xian (a withdrawn young man whose body language is restrained)
Qin Li as Wen Xiaoyao (a ballet dancer with emotionally intense scenes)
Special appearances: Wan Qian, Yin Fang, and Cao Xiwen play key figures in the art world.
Platforms & Release Date: Premieres simultaneously on Tencent Video and iQIYI starting June 30, 2025.
Social Significance & Artistic Exploration
Youth Psychological Themes: Xu Xian’s obsession with his doppelgänger reflects identity anxiety among contemporary youth; Wen Xiaoyao’s artistic rebirth aligns with universal themes of rebuilding after adversity.
Traditional Art Representation: The adaptation of The Legend of the White Snake ballet and the ballet troupe’s survival challenges mirror the real-world struggles of preserving classical art in modern times.
Sources:
National Radio and Television Administration filing (Drama Title Registration No. G2025‑0087)
Tencent Video release announcement
Director Xu Bing’s public interviews (Information current as of June 30, 2025)- Release Date2025 年 6 月 30 日
- Release Dates
- 2025 年 6 月 30 日
- Languages
- Regions
- Filming Locations
- Beijing, Qingdao
- Filming Dates
- 2020 年 10 月 22 日 - 2021 年 1 月 31 日
- Runtime0 hour 45 minute
- Picture Format
- User Reviews
- IMDb Rating