Michelle Topham 
The City Maker: A Glimpse into China’s Reform Era with Zhao Liying and Huang Xiaoming
Anticipation is building for the upcoming Chinese drama The City Maker (造城者), 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 — the 1980s.
Something that you don’t often get to see in a C-drama.
The City Maker plot
Adapted from Zhu Xiaojun’s novel Chinese Farmers City (中国农民城), C-drama The City 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 City 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.
RELATED: Character posters drop for The City Maker as it premieres this week
The on-screen chemistry of the two actors is anticipated to be 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).
Themes and their significance
From first glances, The City Maker looks like it 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.
No word yet on when The City 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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