The Long Way Back (归队 / Guī Duì)

Chinese Title: 归队 / Guī Duì
English Title: The Long Way Back
Also known as: Gui Dui
Genre: Historical, War, Drama
Episodes: 34
Director: Zang Xi Chuan, Zhao Yang
Screenwriters: Gao Man Tang, Li Li, Ru Sheng, Li Zhou
Based on: Original screenplay commissioned to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War
Production Companies: CCTV-8, Tencent Video

Plot Synopsis

In the winter of 1937, after the Japanese Kwantung Army launches the “Sanjiang Great Crusade” against the Northeast Resistance League, the fight against the invaders enters its most brutal phase. A small detachment of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army suffers heavy losses in fierce combat and becomes isolated from the main force.

Before their separation, the platoon leader — known as Old Shandong — makes a pact with his men: those who survive will carve their personal mark on the “Eight Pines” outside Mudanjiang Pine Forest and reunite to continue the fight.

From that moment on, Old Shandong and five other resistance fighters embark on a perilous journey to return to their unit, facing starvation, injury, betrayal, and fragmentation along the way. Some fall, some survive, and others join the 88th International Brigade to continue fighting for liberation.

By 1945, as the war nears its end, three of these soldiers, now part of the 88th International Brigade, return to the Northeast on a secret mission. They work tirelessly to rekindle their comrades’ fighting spirit and reunite the scattered fighters, honoring the pledge made years earlier and completing the grueling journey back to the squad.

Main Cast and Characters

LEAD CAST

Hu Jun as Lu Chang Shan
Li Nai Wen as Tang Deyuan
Chen Jing Ke as Tian Xiao Gui
Yuan Shan Shan as Hua’er
Gao Yun Hu as Gao Yun Hu
Song Jia Teng as Fu Qing

Supporting Cast

Jiang Xin as Da Kuo Ji
Lin Yong Jian as Xiao Tielin
Gao Zi Feng as Zhao Qing Tian
Guo Jin Shan as Dong Ai
Liu Pei Qi as Liu De Hai
Ni Dahong as Old Lu Zi
Liu Peiqi as Ba Ye
Ai Liya as Tie Liang Niang
Li Hong Tao as Wang Yishan
Wang Jian Guo as Father Tang
Liu Liu as Bao Zhang
Zhang Xiao Yang as Xiao Lu Zi
Shen Tai as Li Zheng Hao
Tang Xu as Pang Si Hai

Production Details

The series was developed to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–1945) and the wider World Anti-Fascist War.

It reflects the 14-year nationwide struggle following the “September 18 Incident,” focusing on the arduous chapter of the Communist Party-led Northeast Anti-Japanese United Forces and the people’s relentless fight against Japanese imperialist invasion.

Xcreenwriter Gao Man Tang visited more than 30 Anti-Japanese United Army soldiers as well as some of the descendants of many national heroes and, combined with first-hand interview materials, he then wrote the script over a three year period.

Filming took place in Baishan City, Jilin Province, China, with the production emphasizing authentic portrayals of wartime hardship, human endurance, and emotional depth.

Episodes and Airing Information

Total Episodes: 34
Episode Length: 45 minutes
Premiere Date: August 25, 2025
Final Episode: September 9, 2025
Original Platforms: CCTV-8 and Tencent Video

Where to Watch

China – Tencent Video (Official domestic streaming partner) and CCTV-8 (Television broadcast partner).

International – Availability may vary by region; international platforms with subtitles may carry the series post-release.

Why Watch The Long Way Back?

Powerful Wartime Storytelling – The series vividly portrays ordinary soldiers’ resilience, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit under immense pressure and despair.

Strong Ensemble Cast – Veteran actors like Hu Jun and Li Nai Wen deliver compelling performances that bring gravitas and emotional nuance to the gritty historical narrative.

Historical and Emotional Depth – By focusing on personal struggles and small moments of human connection amid the horrors of war, the drama offers both educational and emotional resonance.

High Production Values – Detailed set design, costumes, and battle sequences create an immersive world that honors real-world history while telling a character-driven story.

Douban Score — The Long Way Back earned an 8.0 out of 10 score on Douban, which signifies it is thought of by critics and viewers alike as “superb”.