Liu Yu Ning to star in ‘Why Not Cross by Boat?’ on Tencent? Here’s what we know so far
Michelle Topham 
Chinese entertainment news media is reporting actor Liu Yu Ning, who just finished starring in The Prisoner of Beauty, may already have a new project lined up.
That project is the upcoming C-drama adaptation of the historical romance novel Why Not Cross by Boat (aka He Bu Tong Zhou Du or 何不同舟渡) and, if they are correct, and he accepts an offer, the 35-year-old actor will be male lead opposite Zhang Miao Yi (Guardians of the Dafeng).
This one has been a while in the works but, if this pairing turns out to be true, we might just get another Chinese drama that ticks all the boxes, eh? Especially when you know how cool the plot sounds (read below).
The Why Not Cross by Boat plot?
The 32-episode Tencent drama is based on the web novel written by Xian Yu Ke (羡鱼珂.
The Why Not Cross by Boat plot goes something like this:
Amidst the chaos of war and a shattered nation, a disgraced general endures humiliation to survive. He takes in a desperate young beggar—a child of the turbulent times—and trains her to become a double agent.
In giving her purpose, courage, and a newfound strength, the two slowly kindle a bond that transcends their initial hatred and rivalry, forging a love that withstands life and death.
Together with a group of righteous patriots, they embark on a perilous mission of sacrifice and redemption, striving to save their crumbling homeland.
Defiant in love and war, they navigate treacherous politics and torn loyalties, standing unyielding against fate. In their darkest hour, they pledge: “Through storm and ruin, we share the same boat.”
A tale of lofty ideals, this story weaves heroism with heartbreak, portraying how love and duty intertwine in the face of a nation’s collapse.
Hell, yeah, this one sounds epic, doesn’t it?
Not a huge amount is known about the new Tencent drama as yet, except that it is being produced by Li Zheng Studio and we may have the main leads cemented in.
Chinese news media also has it premiering on Tencent in 2030. If that does turn out to be true, yikes, we have a long wait ahead of us.
We will keep you posted here at Baozi Buns as more information about Why Not Cross by Boat, and Liu Yu Ning’s possible involvement in it, drops. (Update: Rumor in China now has it the C-drama will begin filming in mid-January, 2026 with the English title ‘Dancing with the Tide‘, but I’ll wait for confirmation before updating that.)
Zhang Miao Yi, by the way, is confirmed as female lead.
Meanwhile, if you understand Mandarin Chinese, and like the sound of that cool plot, you can read the novel the C-drama is adapted from here.
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