“Northward” is a drama adapted from Xu Ze Chen’s novel of the same name, telling the poignant story of a group of teenagers living along the canal. Their journey unfolds as they transition from acquaintances to close companions, experiencing separation and eventual reunion, while reflecting on their connection to national culture and the spirit of their heritage. The narrative highlights how they give back to their hometown and society.
Set against the backdrop of Huajie Street by the canal, the story follows a close-knit group of young people who travel from their humble origins to the bustling city of Beijing. As they grow up and navigate the challenges of starting a business, they confront the complexities of adulthood, marked by both triumphs and failures. After achieving varying degrees of success, they return to Huajie Street to rediscover themselves and search for the true meaning of life.
In the early 2000s, six families lived closely together in a small courtyard on Huajie Street, near Honghuai City. Childhood friends Xia Feng Hua (Bai Lu), Xie Wang He (Ou Hao), Shao Xing Chi (Zhai Zi Lu), and Zhou Hai Kuo (Gao Zhi Ting) forge a deep bond with the newcomer Ma Si Yi (Vanda Margraf) and their classmate Chen Rui (Liu Heng Fu). The narrative captures their experiences as they grow up together amidst the changing landscape of their hometown.
As the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway nears completion, the decline of the shipping trade presents new challenges for the six families. While navigating their youth, the friends witness the evolution of their beloved canal. In 2014, as the internet era sparks a wave of entrepreneurship, Xia Feng Hua, Xie Wang He, Shao Xing Chi, and Zhou Hai Kuo journey north to seize new opportunities.
Years later, Xia Feng Hua finds success in the logistics industry as the head of a delivery station. Wang He invites Xing Chi and Hai Kuo to join him in expanding their thriving business. However, as they achieve newfound success, they also face workplace conflicts, disagreements, and crises that challenge their relationships. The innocent youths from Huajie Street are now confronted with difficult choices in their lives.
Ultimately, after the Grand Canal is officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the friends reunite on Huajie Street. Through their entrepreneurial journeys, they confront their inner conflicts and rediscover the essence of life. Like the revitalized canal itself, they embrace a new chapter filled with hope and possibilities.
“Northward” premieres on March 3 and will be available for streaming on iQIYI.