Contenders (2025)
A gripping Chinese period drama set in the late 1940s, tracing the Shanhai Gang's struggle for power, survival, and identity.
Contenders - Series Information
- Original Title: 狮城山海
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 20 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 49
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: CCTV-8, Tencent Video
- Production Companies: GHY Culture & Media 长信传媒
- Production Countries: China
Contenders - Plot
In the late 1940s, the Shanhai Gang rises as a key force in the local Chinese community. Retired leader Cheng Hui returns to rebuild the gang amid external threats, internal power struggles, and colonial interference, shaping its fight for survival and legacy.
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Contenders - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Wei Zi
- Yang Xuwen
- Wang Ziwei
- Yue Lina
- Eason Hung Chun-Ga
- Zhao Hengxuan
- Gu Jing
- Zhang Liming
- Mao Jianglong
- Tay Ping-Hui
Writers
- Guo Jingyu
Executive Producers
- Guo Jingyu
Contenders - FAQs
What is Contenders about?
Set in the late 1940s, Contenders follows the Shanhai Gang, a powerful force within the local Chinese community. When retired leader Cheng Hui returns, he must navigate fierce internal power struggles, mounting external threats, and the pressures of colonial interference to secure the gang's survival and shape its lasting legacy.
Who are the main actors in Contenders?
The series stars Wei Zi as Cheng Hui, Yang Xuwen as Liu Zhendong, Wang Ziwei as Cheng Nanping, Yue Lina as Hong Yan, Eason Hung Chun-Ga as Huang Zhongxin, Zhao Hengxuan as Zhao Tiehan, Gu Jing as Liu Suibian, Zhang Liming as Elder Zhuang, Mao Jianglong as A Qi, and Tay Ping-Hui as He Yaohui.
How many episodes does Contenders have?
Contenders consists of 49 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 20 minutes. The series aired on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video and concluded in 2025.
Where was Contenders filmed and set?
Contenders is a Chinese production produced by GHY Culture & Media and 长信传媒. The story is set in a Chinese community during the late 1940s, evoking the turbulent social and political atmosphere of the era, though specific filming locations have not been widely publicized.
Is Contenders based on a true story?
Contenders is a work of fiction, though it draws heavily on the historical atmosphere of late-1940s China. The story of the Shanhai Gang and its characters are fictional creations, but the backdrop of colonial pressures and community power struggles reflects real tensions of that turbulent period.
What genre is Contenders?
Contenders is a period drama. Set in the late 1940s, it blends themes of power, loyalty, survival, and community identity within a richly detailed historical setting, making it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven historical storytelling.
What are shows similar to Contenders?
If Contenders appeals to you, consider exploring House of Guinness (2025), Ridley Road (2021), Bleak House (2005), or Into the Flames (2014) for similarly gripping period dramas. For editorial picks in the same vein, Expats (2024), Tell Me Lies (2022), and The Bonfire of Destiny (2019) are also worth your time.
Where can I watch Contenders online?
Contenders originally aired on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video in China. For the most up-to-date streaming availability in your region, JustWatch is the best place to check current viewing options across all platforms.
More About Contenders
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