Michelle Topham 
Chinese Title: 与晋长安 / Yǔ Jìn Cháng Ān
English Title: Shadow Love
Also Known As: Yu Jin Chang An, With Jin in Chang’an
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Episodes: 38
Director: Deng Ke and Gao Cong Kai
Screenwriters: Nan Zhen
Based on: Yu Jin Chang An (与晋长安) by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang
Production Companies: iQIYI, Linmon Media
Plot Synopsis
Li Shuang is a fearless and highly respected female general serving the state of Jin. Known for her strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, she has dedicated her life to protecting her homeland on the battlefield.
During one of her missions, Li Shuang discovers a severely injured man suffering from amnesia. With no memory of his past or identity, he is taken in and given the name Jin An. As he recovers under her protection, Jin An proves himself capable, loyal, and compassionate. Over time, the two develop a close emotional bond that gradually deepens into love.
However, their relationship faces devastating challenges when Jin An regains his memories and discovers his true identity as a prince of a rival kingdom, ie: an enemy of Li Shuang’s nation. Suddenly forced onto opposite sides of a political and military conflict, both must confront painful choices between their love for each other and their duty to their respective people.
As war intensifies and hidden conspiracies emerge, Li Shuang and Jin An must navigate betrayal, sacrifice, and impossible decisions that will determine both their personal fate and the future of their nations.
Main Cast and Characters
LEAD CAST
- Song Yi as Li Shuang
- Cheng Lei as Jin An / Prince Xiao Jin
- Bi Wenjun as Crown Prince Su Mu Yang
- Shi Ce as Lu Xin
SUPPORTING CAST
- Darren Chen as Mo Yin
- Gao Mao Tong as Ji Ran
- Ji Xiao Bing as Su Mu Li
- Wei Zi Xin as Jin Wu Jian
- Ni Da Hong as Emperor of Taijin
- Zhao Yuan Yuan as Empress Dowager Qin
- Du Chun as Duan Ao Ze / Emperor Wencheng
- Tu Dou as Luo Teng
- Zhou Xiao Chuan as Qin Lan
- Tan Kai as Li Wei
- Wu Yu Heng as Li Ting
- Lu Xiao Yu as Qiao Er
- Liu Yi Hong as Ouyang Jun
- Zhang Jin Ming as Huai En
- Liu Yu as Tong Rui
- Zhang Ting Fei as Cui Yun
- Feng Hui as Ji Lan
- Chang Su Sheng as Ling Er
- Shi Dan Jiang as Wang Meng
Production Details
The drama is adapted from the popular historical romance novel Yu Jin Chang An by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The original work gained popularity for its compelling portrayal of romance set against political and military conflict.
Produced by iQIYI and Linmon Media, the series features high production values, detailed historical costumes, large-scale battle sequences, and strong cinematography. The production emphasizes emotional storytelling while maintaining an immersive historical atmosphere.
Filming took place at Hengdian World Studios, China, utilizing elaborate sets and scenic locations to authentically portray the historical setting.
Filming started on May 13th, 2024 and ended a long filming schedule on September 2nd. The Chinese drama earned its distribution license on December 26th.
Episodes and Airing Information
- Total Episodes: 38
- Episode Length: 45 minutes
- Premiere Date: August 24th, 2025
- Final Episode: September 7th, 2025
- Original Platform: iQIYI
Where to Watch
China – iQIYI (Official domestic streaming platform)
International – iQIYI International (available with subtitles in the language of supported regions)
Why Watch Shadow Love?
Compelling Storytelling – The drama delivers an emotionally powerful narrative centered on what is classified as love, identity, and loyalty during wartime.
Strong Lead Performances – Song Yi and Cheng Lei bring emotional depth and believable chemistry to their roles, enhancing the drama’s emotional impact.
Immersive World-Building – Detailed costumes, historical settings, superb fight choreography, stunning cinematography, and strong production design create a vivid and authentic viewing experience.
Emotional and Thematic Depth – The series explores universal themes such as sacrifice, duty, forbidden love, and the struggle between personal happiness and national responsibility.
Articles About Shadow Love
Cheng Lei and Song Yi’s Shadow Love exceeds 1 million pre-orders – watch C-drama’s trailer
A slew of Shadow Love character posters drop as Song Yi and Ryan Cheng drama premieres this week
Shadow Love exceeds 2.5 million pre-orders, gets pretty poster, premieres on August 24th
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