The Longest Day in Chang'an (2019)
A pulse-pounding Tang Dynasty thriller where one disgraced soldier has just 24 hours to save China's greatest city from destruction.
The Longest Day in Chang'an - Series Information
- Original Title: 长安十二时辰
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Ma Boyong
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 48
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- First Air Date: June 27, 2019 (Canada - PG)
- Networks: Youku
- Production Countries: China
- Alternative Titles: 장안12시진 (KR), 长安十二时辰 (CN), The Longest Day In Chang'an (US), 長安十二時辰 (TW)
The Longest Day in Chang'an - Plot
Chang'an. The city of Eternal Peace. China's ancient imperial capital and the world's most magnificent metropolis. Its treasures and wealth are now under siege from a mysterious army. In 24 hours the enemies will launch a devastating attack. While the nobles panic and flee, the city's most notorious criminal will be its savior!
The Longest Day in Chang'an - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the grandeur of Tang Dynasty Chang'an come to life.
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The Longest Day in Chang'an - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ma Boyong
Main Cast
- Lei Jiayin
- Jackson Yee
- Zhou Yiwei
- Rayzha Alimjan
- Han Tongsheng
- Li Yuan
- Wang Herun
- Lu Fangsheng
- Jiang Yi
- Djimon Hounsou
Executive Producers
- Xie Ying
The Longest Day in Chang'an - FAQs
What is The Longest Day in Chang'an about?
Set in Tang Dynasty China, the series follows a disgraced prisoner named Zhang Xiaojing who is recruited to help stop a mysterious enemy plot threatening the imperial capital of Chang'an. The entire story unfolds over a single day — 24 tense hours — blending political intrigue, action, and mystery in a richly detailed historical setting.
Is The Longest Day in Chang'an based on a true story?
The series is based on a bestselling novel by Ma Boyong, not a direct historical account. While it draws heavily on the atmosphere, culture, and political landscape of Tang Dynasty Chang'an, the central plot and characters are fictional. The show's meticulous production design, however, brings the era to life with remarkable authenticity.
Who are the main actors in The Longest Day in Chang'an?
The series stars Lei Jiayin as the rugged ex-soldier Zhang Xiaojing and Jackson Yee as the sharp young official Li Bi. The supporting cast includes Zhou Yiwei, Rayzha Alimjan, Han Tongsheng, Li Yuan, Wang Herun, Lu Fangsheng, Jiang Yi, and Djimon Hounsou in a notable international role.
Where can you stream The Longest Day in Chang'an?
The Longest Day in Chang'an is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, both with a subscription and with ads on the free tier. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video. Availability may vary depending on your region.
Why does the story unfold in just 24 hours?
The 24-hour structure is central to the show's identity — the title itself references the twelve two-hour periods of the traditional Chinese day. This real-time tension device, reminiscent of Western thrillers, creates relentless urgency as Zhang Xiaojing and Li Bi race against the clock to uncover and neutralize the threat before Chang'an falls.
How many episodes does The Longest Day in Chang'an have?
The series consists of 48 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. Despite the large episode count, the tight real-time premise keeps the pacing consistently engaging throughout the run.
Is The Longest Day in Chang'an worth watching?
For fans of historical drama and high-stakes thrillers, it's a compelling watch. The series earned widespread praise for its stunning production design, intricate plotting, and strong performances from Lei Jiayin and Jackson Yee. Its real-time storytelling structure sets it apart from most Chinese period dramas and gives it a distinctive cinematic energy.
What are some shows similar to The Longest Day in Chang'an?
If you enjoyed this series, Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty and Word of Honor offer similarly immersive Chinese historical storytelling. Alchemy of Souls brings fantasy flair to a period setting, while I Remember You and Yong Pal deliver gripping mystery and thriller elements for viewers drawn to the investigative side of the show.
More About The Longest Day in Chang'an
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