Michelle Topham 
Chinese Title: 太平年 (Hua Gan Ge Wei Yu Bo)
English Title: Swords into Ploughshares
Also Known As: Tai Ping Nian
Genre: Political, Historical, War
Episodes: 48
Director: Yang Lei and Min Guo Hui
Screenwriters: Dong Zhe
Original Work:
Plot Synopsis
In 941 AD, King Qian Yuanguan of Wuyue passed away, and a young man ascends the throne, plunging the Wuyue royal family into internal and external troubles. Five years later, the king’s younger brother, Qian Hongchu, volunteers to accompany an envoy north to Bianliang (Kaifeng) to offer New Year’s greetings.
However, Bianliang is a scene of devastation: the Khitan army is at the gates, Emperor Shi Chonggui has submitted to the Khitan, and Prime Minister Feng Dao is caught in a precarious situation, balancing the interests of all sides.
During this journey, Qian Hongchu witnesses the bleak state of the north, a nation torn apart and society in disarray. In this crisis, he forges a deep friendship with Guo Rong (Chai Rong) and Zhao Kuangyin.
Upon returning to Wuyue, Qian Hongchu changes his previously carefree personality, displaying great talent in the court, eliminating treacherous officials and fighting against powerful clans, and shouldering the heavy responsibility of the ruler during a time of political turmoil.
Meanwhile, in the north, Zhao Kuangyin inherits Guo Rong’s unfinished work, establishes the Northern Song Dynasty, and launches a southward campaign.
Main Cast & Characters
Lead Cast
- Bai Yu as Qian Hong Chu / Wen De / Qian Chu
- Zhou Yu Tong as Sun Tai Zhen / Zhen Niang
- Zhu Ya Wen as Zhao Kuang Yin / Yuan Lang
- Yu Hao Ming as Guo Rong / Jun Gui / Chai Rong
- Dong Yong as Feng Dao / Ke Dao
Supporting Cast
- Ni Da Hong as Hu Jin Si
- Bao Jian Feng as Shuiqiu Zhao Quan
- Hao Ping as Zhao Hong Yin
- Jiang Kai as Guo Wei
- Liu Chang as Sun Ben / Qian Hong You / Marquis Xi’an
- Wu Hao Chen as Qian Hong Zuo / King Zhongxian
- Zhu Jia Qi as Qian Hong Zong
- Wang Shuo as Yuan De Zhao / Ming Yuan
- Gao Yu Qing as Hu Jing
- Jason Wang as Shen Yin / Hu Zi
- Zhao Zheng as Shen Wen Qi / Ru Yu
- Tian Lei as Cui Ren Ji
- Edward Zhang as Li Yuan Qing / Yun Qing
- Jia Hong Wei as Zhang Yan Ze
- Zhao Jian as Cheng Zhao Yue
- Wang Zhi Peng as He Cheng Xun
- Ren You Lun as Shi Chong Gui / Prince Qi
- Mei Ting as Lady Yu
Production Details
Original Work:
Production Company: China Media Group, Huace Group, and Zhejiang Radio & Television Group
Filming: Filming began on October 27th, 2024 in Hengdian and ended on on January 25th, 2025.
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes: 48
- Episode Length: 45 minutes
- First Aired: January 23rd, 2026
- Final Episode: February 12th, 2026
- Original Network / Platform: CCTV, iQIYI, Tencent Video, Mango TV
Where to Watch
China:
- CCTV, iQIYI, Tencent Video, Mango TV
International Platforms:
- Mango TV and Viki — China Huace TV YouTube channel
Why It’s Worth Watching
- The production team paid close attention to historical details in the props and art design, incorporating a wealth of cultural relics elements.
- The Chinese drama is critically acclaimed, and received a very high 8.1 out of 10 on Douban.
- It is an epic drama featuring many of China’s best veteran actors.
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