The Dream Maker: A Glimpse into China’s Reform Era with Zhao Liying and Huang Xiaoming
Special Note, January, 2026: Ignore that all the posters name the drama The City Maker, as that was its original English title until it was changed right before premiere.
My anticipation is building for the upcoming Chinese drama The Dream Maker (造城者), which is being sold as a compelling tale set against the backdrop of China’s transformative 1980s.
Especially as the Chinese drama wrapped up filming recently (end of April — see above photos), and because it has a truly unique plot.
Starring renowned actors Zhao Liying (The Legend of Shen Li) and Huang Xiaoming (Alliance), that’s because the series promises to delve into the challenges and triumphs of urban development during a pivotal era of Chinese development that helped change much of China to what it is today — the 1980s.
Something that you don’t often get to see in a C-drama.
The Dream Maker plot
Adapted from Zhu Xiaojun’s novel Chinese Farmers City (中国农民城), C-drama The Dream Maker chronicles the ambitious goal of establishing and building Donggang Town in Pinghai County.
According to Chinese entertainment news, the plot follows visionary cadres Li Qiuping (played by Zhao Liying) and Zheng Decheng (Huang Xiaoming) as they kick off a grassroots movement to construct a modern city on coastal wetlands.
All while faced with extremely limited resources, and not being able to access government money.
The hard work and perseverance that ensues embody the spirit of the idea of “People’s City, People’s Construction,” as the collective effort of thousands of determined farmers manages to transform barren and useless land into a thriving urban hub.
The Dream Maker cast and staff
Zhao Liying takes on the role of Li Qiuping, a capable and virtuous cadre dedicated to the development of the rural area.
Meanwhile, Huang Xiaoming stars as Zheng Decheng, a man whose unwavering commitment to reform and progress complements Li Qiuping’s vision.
If you have watched any of their previous work (him in the recent Abyss Dweller and her in The Legend of Shen Li), I will not be surprised if the on-screen chemistry of the two actors is a highlight of the planned 36-episode series.
The Chinese drama is directed by Sun Hao, known for his work on the smash-hit series Joy of Life and Who is the Murderer, and written by Yuan Keping (Like a Flowing River).
With that kind of team, I anticipate a standout both in an intelligent script and solid directing.
Themes and their significance
From first glances, my guess is The Dream Maker could be uniquely interesting as it appears to be more than just a historical recount, but instead is a tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of ordinary individuals.
People who contributed massively to China’s rapid modernization, and helped build the country to where it is today.
Because, yep, no matter what your own personal opinions are about the CCP, you have to admit they have done an astounding job modernizing the country and bringing hundreds of millions out of poverty in the last few decades.
No word yet on when The Dream Maker is likely to premiere (Update: The C-drama premieres on January 10th, 2026), nor much of anything else except photos from its filming wrap, as the production details of the drama have been kept quite secret until now.
Then again, that just means it will probably be a massively wonderful surprise when the Chinese drama does premiere. Fingers crossed.
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