Northward (2025)
A sweeping Chinese drama about childhood friends reuniting along the canal, rediscovering hope after years of separation and life's relentless pressures.
Northward - Series Information
- Original Title: 北上
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Xu Zechen
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 38
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: March 3, 2025 (South Korea - 12)
- Networks: iQiyi, CCTV-1
- Alternative Titles: Bei Shang (CN)
- Production Companies: iQIYI, China Central Television 中央电视台 (CCTV), 东阳启蒙影业有限公司
- Production Countries: China
Northward - Plot
The story revolves around several boys and girls who grew up together along the canal, after leaving to make their own growth, reunite after many years. After experiencing competition and the pressures of life, they rediscover the hope for a new life.
Northward - Trailer
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Northward - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Xu Zechen
Main Cast
- Bai Lu
- Ou Hao
- Tu Ling
- Zhai Zilu
- Gao Zhiting
- Vanda Margraf
- Liu Hengfu
- Li Naiwen
- Hu Jun
- Yue Yang
Writers
- Zhao Dongling
Northward - FAQs
What is Northward about?
Northward follows a group of childhood friends who grew up together along a canal and go their separate ways to pursue their own lives. Years later, they reunite and must navigate the weight of competition, personal setbacks, and the passage of time as they search for renewed hope and meaning.
Who are the main actors in Northward?
The series stars Bai Lu as Xia Fenghua and Ou Hao as Xie Wanghe in the lead roles. The ensemble cast also includes Tu Ling, Zhai Zilu, Gao Zhiting, Vanda Margraf, Liu Hengfu, Li Naiwen, Hu Jun, and Yue Yang in key supporting roles.
Is Northward based on a novel?
Northward is adapted from a novel. The series is based on the literary work by Xu Zechen, who also serves as the creator of the TV adaptation. Xu Zechen is a celebrated Chinese author known for his vivid portrayals of ordinary people navigating urban and social change.
When did Northward first air?
Northward premiered on March 3, 2025. The series aired on iQiyi and CCTV-1 in China, spanning a single season of 38 episodes before concluding in 2025.
How many episodes does Northward have?
Northward consists of 38 episodes across its single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The series concluded in 2025 after its full run on iQiyi and CCTV-1.
What network airs Northward in China?
Northward aired on two major Chinese platforms: iQiyi, one of China's leading streaming services, and CCTV-1, the flagship channel of China Central Television. This dual broadcast gave the series wide reach across both digital and traditional television audiences.
Is Northward cancelled or has it ended?
Northward has concluded its run. The series ended in 2025 after completing its single season of 38 episodes. It was not cancelled — it simply told its full story and wrapped up as a limited drama series.
What are shows similar to Northward?
If Northward resonated with you, consider exploring From Scratch (2022) and Sullivan's Crossing (2023) for similarly heartfelt reunion and life-journey narratives. Blossom (2024) and Love Story (2026) also offer emotionally rich character-driven drama with themes of personal growth and reconnection.
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