Like a Flowing River (2018)
A landmark Chinese drama tracing three men's intertwined destinies through the turbulent economic reforms reshaping modern China.
Like a Flowing River - Series Information
- Original Title: 大江大河
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Kong Sheng, A Nai
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 119
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Beijing Television 北京卫视, Dragon Television 东方卫视, iQiyi, CCTV-1, Youku, Tencent Video
- Production Companies: Daylight Entertainment Co., Ltd., SMG Pictures, Shanghai Media Group 上海文化广播影视集团 (SMG)
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: 大江大河 (CN), Как текущая река (RU), Like a Flowing River (US)
Like a Flowing River - Plot
The story of Song Yunhui, Lei Dongbao, and Yang Xun as they take part in China's economic reform from the 1980s to the 1990s.
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Like a Flowing River - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Kong Sheng
- A Nai
Main Cast
- Wang Kai
- Yang Shuo
- Dong Zijian
- Zhou Fang
- Zhao Da
- Yang Caiyu
- Lian Shumei
- Wu Qijiang
- Li Wei
- Yang Lixin
Writers
- Yuan Keping
Executive Producers
- Xiaonan Ma
Like a Flowing River - FAQs
Is Like a Flowing River based on a novel?
Yes, Like a Flowing River is adapted from the novel of the same name by Chinese author A Nai. The novel chronicles China's sweeping economic reforms through the intertwined lives of three men from different social backgrounds, spanning the 1970s through the 1990s.
Where can I watch Like a Flowing River online?
Like a Flowing River is available to stream on iQiyi and Youku, among other platforms. It originally aired on Beijing Television (北京卫视), Dragon Television (东方卫视), and CCTV-1 in China. Use JustWatch to compare all current streaming options available in your region.
Who are the lead actors in Like a Flowing River?
The series stars Wang Kai as Song Yunhui, Yang Shuo as Lei Dongbao, and Dong Zijian as Yang Xun. Supporting cast includes Zhou Fang, Yang Caiyu, Lian Shumei, Wu Qijiang, Li Wei, Yang Lixin, and Tong Yao, among others.
How many seasons and episodes does Like a Flowing River have?
Like a Flowing River has 3 seasons and a total of 119 episodes. Season 1 contains 47 episodes, Season 2 has 39 episodes, and Season 3 wraps up the saga with 33 episodes, covering the characters' journeys through decades of Chinese economic transformation.
What is Like a Flowing River about?
Like a Flowing River follows three men — Song Yunhui, Lei Dongbao, and Yang Xun — navigating China's dramatic economic reforms from the late 1970s through the 1990s. Each represents a distinct path: the state sector, rural enterprise, and private business, reflecting the era's social upheaval and personal ambition.
Is Like a Flowing River cancelled or has it ended?
Like a Flowing River has officially ended. The series concluded with its third season in 2024, completing the full narrative arc across all three seasons. The show ran from its debut in 2018 through to its finale, spanning six years of production.
Who created and wrote Like a Flowing River?
Like a Flowing River was created by Kong Sheng and A Nai, with the screenplay written by Yuan Keping. The series was produced by Daylight Entertainment Co., Ltd., in association with SMG Pictures and Shanghai Media Group, and executive produced by Xiaonan Ma.
How was Like a Flowing River received by critics and audiences?
Like a Flowing River was widely praised in China for its nuanced portrayal of economic reform-era society and its strong ensemble performances, particularly Wang Kai's lead role. It became one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of its debut year and earned recognition at multiple domestic television awards.
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