White Deer Plain (2017)

A sweeping Chinese historical epic tracing two rival families through decades of war, revolution, and transformation in rural Shaanxi Province.

White Deer Plain - Series Information

  • Original Title: 白鹿原
  • First Air Year: 2017
  • Last Air Year: 2017
  • Created by: Chen Zhongshi
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: War, Politics, Drama
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 77
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin
  • First Air Date: April 16, 2017 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: LeTV, Jiangsu Television 江苏卫视, Anhui Television
  • Alternative Titles: Bai Lu Yuan (CN)
  • Production Countries: China

White Deer Plain - Plot

Set in the eponymous White Deer Village in Shaanxi Province where the two most important families – Bai and Lu – and their sons have always lived together in peace. But the turmoil leads to a fierce struggle for land ownership. A young woman new to the village soon finds herself caught between the two camps. Director Liu Jin uses the story of these two families as a metaphor for the fate of the Chinese people as first Chinese war lords are overrun by Japanese invaders, then civil war follows hot on the heels of the Second World War and finally the victorious Maoists begin waving their red flags. The drama is based off the novel by Chen Zhong Shi.

Where to Watch White Deer Plain

Looking for where to watch White Deer Plain?

White Deer Plain - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Chen Zhongshi

Main Cast

  • Zhang Jiayi
  • He Bing
  • Qin Hailu
  • Liu Peiqi
  • Li Hongtao
  • Ge Zhijun
  • Lei Jiayin
  • Zhai Tianlin
  • Li Qin
  • Ta Ji

Writers

  • Chen Zhongshi
  • Shen Jie

White Deer Plain - FAQs

Is White Deer Plain based on a novel?

White Deer Plain is directly adapted from the celebrated novel of the same name by Chen Zhongshi, published in 1993. The book is widely regarded as one of the great works of modern Chinese literature and won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, China's most prestigious literary award.

What historical period does White Deer Plain cover?

The series spans several decades of turbulent Chinese history, from the warlord era through the Japanese invasion of World War II, the ensuing civil war between Nationalist and Communist forces, and finally the establishment of the People's Republic under Mao Zedong — all seen through the lives of two rural families.

Who are the main actors in White Deer Plain?

The principal cast includes Zhang Jiayi as Bai Jiaxuan, He Bing as Lu Zilin, Qin Hailu as Xian Cao, Liu Peiqi as Sir Zhu, Li Hongtao as Lu San, Lei Jiayin as Lu Zhaopeng, Zhai Tianlin as Bai Xiaowen, Li Qin as Tian Xiao'e, Ta Ji as Hei Wa, and Ge Zhijun as Lu Taiheng.

How many episodes does White Deer Plain have?

White Deer Plain consists of 77 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The generous episode count allows the drama to faithfully explore the novel's sprawling multi-generational narrative and richly drawn ensemble of characters.

When did White Deer Plain first air?

White Deer Plain premiered on April 16, 2017, broadcasting across multiple Chinese platforms including LeTV, Jiangsu Television, and Anhui Television. The series concluded its run in 2017, completing its single season of 77 episodes.

What is White Deer Plain about?

Set in a Shaanxi village, the drama follows the Bai and Lu families whose peaceful coexistence is shattered by land disputes and sweeping historical upheaval. A young woman caught between the two clans becomes a lens through which decades of Chinese history — war, invasion, revolution — unfold with devastating human cost.

What are shows similar to White Deer Plain?

Fans of White Deer Plain may enjoy Winter Begonia (2020), a richly produced Chinese period drama, The Flower in Prison (2016) for its historical sweep, or Tenko (1981) for wartime drama with strong female characters. Ridley Road (2021) and Ekattor (2020) also explore political conflict through intimate family stories.

Where can I watch White Deer Plain online?

Streaming availability for White Deer Plain varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch, rent, or purchase the series in your country, JustWatch is the most reliable resource to check current platform availability.

More About White Deer Plain

Explore further details, cast information, and community reviews for White Deer Plain on these trusted resources.

Help Us Keep Our Content Accurate.

Report an Error