Chinese Title: 大生意人 (Da Sheng Yi Ren)
English Title: Legend of the Magnate
Also Known As: The Tycoon
Genre: Historical
Episodes: 40
Director: Zhang Ting
Screenwriters: Zhang Ting (also director)
Original Work: Adapted from the novel “Da Sheng Yi Ren” (大生意人) by Zhao Zhi Yu (赵之羽)
Plot Synopsis
Born in a chaotic world, Gu Pingyuan (played by Chen Xiao) is exiled to Ningguta due to a wrongful conviction. He survives in the cracks of society, but turns the tide towards himself and against the odds.
From a weak scholar to a tea merchant, he makes his fortune in salt and then unites merchants from all over the country to save the country and the people. He then completes his transformation from a convict to a business tycoon.
In the process of becoming the “King of Merchants”, Gu Pingyuan (played by Chen Xiao) meets Chang Yu’er (played by Sun Qian) , Li Qin (played by Luo Yizhou ) , Chang Si (played by Cheng Taishen), Li Wantang (played by Huang Zhizhong) , Su Zixuan (played by Li Chun) , Li Cheng (played by Zhu Yawen) , Bai Yimei (played by Xiang Hanzhi) , Wang Tiangui (played by Wu Yue) and others.
Together they create a complex, three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood legendary group of people in the late Qing Dynasty.
Main Cast & Characters
Lead Cast
- Chen Xiao as Gu Ping Yuan
- Sun Qian as Chang Yu Er
Supporting Cast
- Luo Yi Zhou as Li Qin
- Cheng Tai Shen as Fourth Aster Chang
- Huang Zhi Zhong as Li Wan Tang
- Li Chun as Su Zi Xuan
- Zhu Ya Wen as Li Cheng
- Julia Xiang as Bai Yi Mei
- Wu Yue as Wang Tian Gui
- Ke Lan as Grandma Jin
- Zhu Yin as Mrs. Gu
- Liang Guan Hua as Rui Lin
- Wang Zi Xuan as Miss Liao
- Liu Pei Qi as Master Liao
- Yang Zi Hua as Old Master Hu
- Wang Yong Quan as Mr. Bai
Production Details
Original Work: Adapted from the novel “Da Sheng Yi Ren” (大生意人) by Zhao Zhi Yu (赵之羽)
Production Company: iQIYI and Haitangguo Pictures
Filming: Filming started on April 15th, 2024 and ended on August 16th.
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes: 40
- Episode Length: 45 minutes
- First Aired: November 25th, 2025
- Final Episode: December 11th, 2025
- Original Network / Platform: iQIYI and CCTV
Where to Watch
China:
- iQIYI and CCTV.
International Platforms:
- iQIYI international
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