The final Yunhe viewership figures for The Early Spring have officially been released. After completing its peak broadcast period, the drama recorded an average of 44.68 million views, further cementing its status as one of the standout Chinese romance dramas of the year.
With this achievement, The Early Spring has temporarily become Youku’s No. 1 drama of 2026 in terms of average Yunhe views. Even more impressively, the series has set a new historical record for the highest average Yunhe viewership among modern romance dramas on the platform.
There is little doubt that The Early Spring enjoyed an exceptionally successful run. In addition to generating significant discussion across social media, the drama delivered strong online streaming numbers, performed well in television ratings, and also achieved impressive rankings on Netflix.
The Early Spring follows a romance that unfolds over several years between creative director Luan Nian and employee Shang Zhi Tao. Shang Zhi Tao, played by Sun Qian, is an ordinary young woman who leaves her hometown for Beijing and begins working at leading advertising company LIME. Luan Nian, played by Jing Boran, is a highly capable creative director who may appear cold and sharp-tongued but consistently protects the interests of those working under him.
Beyond its romantic storyline, one of the biggest reasons The Early Spring became such a hit is the undeniable chemistry between Jing Boran and Sun Qian. The two stars look exceptionally well matched on screen, interact naturally, and convincingly capture the intimacy of a real couple. From lingering glances and affectionate gestures to their more intimate moments, their romantic scenes consistently became highlights of the drama.
Jing Boran, in particular, delivers a convincing take on the familiar domineering CEO archetype. His Luan Nian possesses many of the characteristics audiences associate with powerful male leads in Chinese romance dramas, yet his performance avoids feeling exaggerated or overly slick.
With his restrained expressions and striking physique, Jing Boran gives Luan Nian both the commanding presence of a successful professional and the appeal of an ideal romantic partner. Some viewers have even affectionately dubbed the character “the most handsome man in Beijing.” His performance has consequently been praised as one that helps breathe new life into the often overused CEO archetype in Chinese dramas.
Sources: kenh14