As the moon rises over the production sets of 2026, the C-drama world is buzzing with the latest reveal from Tencent Video’s massive S+ production, The Road to Glory (also known as Gui Luan / 归鸾).

The internet went into a frenzy within the last 24 hours as the first official look at the lead pairing—Zhang Linghe and Lin Yun—hit social media, promising a visual feast for fans of high-budget costume dramas.

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The wait for the “King of Period Dramas” is officially over. New stills and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set of The Road to Glory have surfaced, showcasing the breathtaking transformation of Zhang Linghe and Lin Yun. This drama, which has been under tight wraps, is already being hailed as one of the most visually stunning productions of 2026.

The Power Couple: Regality Meets Grace

In the newly released “First Look” images, Zhang Linghe radiates a commanding, icy elegance. Dressed in intricate, dark-hued robes with silver embroidery, he embodies the role of a formidable and strategic leader. This role marks a significant step for the actor, who continues to solidify his “S-tier” status in the historical genre.

Opposite him, Lin Yun (Jelly Lin) looks ethereal in flowing, vibrant silks that contrast beautifully with Zhang’s darker palette. Fans have noted that her “regal yet resilient” aura in these stills perfectly captures the essence of a heroine navigating the treacherous waters of palace intrigue and war.

What We Know About ‘The Road to Glory’ (Gui Luan)

Based on the high-profile novel Gui Luan, the series is a sprawling epic that blends political maneuvering with a deeply emotional romance.

• The Plot: The story follows the journey of a fallen noblewoman (Lin Yun) who must reclaim her family’s honor. Along the way, she becomes entangled with a powerful, calculating prince (Zhang Linghe). Their relationship is a high-stakes game of “enemies-to-lovers” where trust is the ultimate currency.

 

• The Production: As a Tencent S+ project, the budget is evident in the set designs and costumes, which draw inspiration from the Tang and Song dynasties with a modern, high-fantasy twist.

Social Media Reactions: The “Visual Explosion”

The hashtags #ZhangLinghe and #LinYun trended on Weibo and X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the leak. International fans are particularly excited about the height difference and “eye contact chemistry” displayed in the leaked clips from the first script reading and outdoor shoots.

Industry insiders suggest that the filming is progressing rapidly, with the production team aiming for a late 2026 release to anchor Tencent’s year-end lineup.