River Sunset (2026)
A gripping Chinese WWII spy thriller where a downed Allied plane ignites a deadly race to recover top-secret documents from occupied territory.
River Sunset - Series Information
- Original Title: 长河落日
- First Air Year: 2026
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Politics
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 44
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: Beijing Television 北京卫视, Zhejiang Television, iQiyi, Tencent Video
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: River Sunset (US), 长河落日 (CN)
River Sunset - Plot
After an Allied plane carrying a top-secret WWII bombing plan is shot down behind enemy lines, a wounded survivor hides on a Japanese-occupied island while military intelligence races to recover the documents before they doom the entire operation.
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River Sunset - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Zhang Luyi
- Janine Chang Chun-Ning
- Morning Chang
- Zhang Songwen
- Casper Van Dien
- Wang Shuangbao
- Shao Tong
- Shen Xuewei
- Feng Qian
- Meng Zhaozhong
River Sunset - FAQs
What is River Sunset about?
River Sunset follows the desperate aftermath of an Allied plane being shot down over Japanese-occupied territory during WWII. A wounded survivor must stay hidden while military intelligence operatives race against time to retrieve top-secret bombing documents before they fall into enemy hands and destroy the entire Allied operation.
Who are the main actors in River Sunset?
The series features Zhang Luyi in the dual role of Lin Sen and Ichiro Takeki, alongside Janine Chang Chun-Ning as Ye Biying, Zhang Songwen as Director Shen, Morning Chang as Ye Degong, and Casper Van Dien as James Doolittle. Wang Shuangbao, Shao Tong, Shen Xuewei, Feng Qian, and Meng Zhaozhong round out the principal cast.
Is River Sunset based on a true story?
River Sunset is a fictional drama, though it draws heavily from the real historical context of WWII in the Pacific. The inclusion of a character named James Doolittle — played by Casper Van Dien — references the legendary American aviator famous for the 1942 Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, lending the story a grounded historical atmosphere.
Why does Zhang Luyi play two roles in River Sunset?
Zhang Luyi portrays both Lin Sen and Ichiro Takeki, a dual role that sits at the heart of the series' spy thriller tension. The double identity device — a Chinese operative and a Japanese persona — is a classic wartime espionage narrative technique, and Zhang's performance in both roles has been a major talking point among viewers.
How many episodes does River Sunset have?
River Sunset consists of 44 episodes across its single season. The series aired in 2026 and has since concluded, with all episodes available on Chinese streaming platforms iQiyi and Tencent Video, as well as on broadcast networks Beijing Television and Zhejiang Television.
Where can you watch River Sunset online?
River Sunset is available to stream on iQiyi and Tencent Video, two of China's leading streaming platforms. The series also aired on Beijing Television (北京卫视) and Zhejiang Television. Availability outside mainland China may vary depending on regional licensing arrangements.
What makes Zhang Songwen's role in River Sunset notable?
Zhang Songwen plays Director Shen, a senior intelligence figure whose presence adds considerable dramatic weight to the series. Following his acclaimed performance in The Knockout, Zhang's casting in River Sunset generated significant anticipation, and his portrayal of a morally complex wartime spymaster has drawn strong audience interest.
What are similar shows to River Sunset?
If River Sunset appeals to you, consider World on Fire, Masters of the Air, or A Spy Among Friends for wartime drama and espionage intrigue. No Man's Land and The Ipcress File offer sharp spy thriller atmospheres, while Greatest Events of World War II in Colour and World War II: From the Frontlines provide compelling historical context.
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