C-drama Reborn (焕羽)

Chinese Title: 焕羽 (Huàn Yǔ)
English Title: Reborn
Also Known As: Huan Yu
Genre: Youth, Romance, Suspense, Mystery
Episodes: 23
Director: Liu Zi Wei
Screenwriters: Qian Jing Jing, Xu Zi Yuan
Original Work: Adapted from the novel Huan Yu by Qiang Yu
Original Platforms: Tencent Video

Plot Synopsis

Reborn is a poignant coming-of-age mystery drama set in 2007 that centers on Qiao Qingyu, a 16-year-old girl whose life is upended when her family is forced to relocate to the provincial capital Huanzhou after constant rumors about her sister Qiao Beiyu’s earlier death.

Seeking to rebuild their life and restore honor to their name, Qingyu becomes determined to discover the truth behind her sister’s suspicious death, which is widely whispered to have involved their entire village.

With the reluctant help of her schoolmate Ming Sheng, a seemingly aloof but insightful classmate, Qingyu begins sifting through fragments of the past, uncovering injustice, buried secrets, and complicated truths about Beiyu’s fate.

As the two grow closer through adversity, friendship deepens and transforms. Thus, offering both of them a chance at healing, self-discovery, and redemption.

Main Cast & Characters

Lead Cast

Zhang Jing Yi as Qiao Qingyu
Zhou Yi Ran as Ming Sheng

Supporting Cast

Wu You as Qiao Beiyu
Huang Xi Yan as Qiao Jin Rui
Liu Dan as Li Fang Hao
Wang Yidi as Wang Mu Mu
Sun Tianyu, He Liao Lu Yun, Cao Weiyu, Lu Xiaolin, and Huang Yi — Additional supporting roles enriching the ensemble.

Production Details

Adapted From: The series is based on the novel Huan Yu by Qiang Yu — a coming-of-age mystery that blends youth narrative with emotional depth.

Filming: Production ran from September 23, 2023 to December 21, 2023.

This drama integrates nostalgic elements of the early 2000s, suspenseful investigation threads, and character growth, giving the story both atmospheric depth and emotional resonance.

Episodes & Airing

Total Episodes: 23
Episode Length: 45 minutes each
First Aired: June 19, 2025
Final Episode: June 28, 2025
Original Platforms: Tencent Video & iQIYI
International Platforms: WeTV, Viki (with subtitles)

Where to Watch

China:

Tencent Video — Primary domestic streaming partner.
iQIYI — Also streams the drama.

International Platforms:

WeTV — Carries the series with English subtitles in supported regions.
Viki — Available with multilingual subtitles in various territories.

Why It’s Worth Watching

Gripping Teen Mystery: Reborn moves beyond typical youthful romance by weaving a layered murder investigation with character growth.
Relatable Leads: Qingyu’s emotional journey and Ming Sheng’s support make for a compelling, grounded youth dynamic.
Atmospheric Storytelling: Strong visuals, 2000s nostalgia, and slow-burn suspense give the drama depth and mood.
Youth Meets Truth & Justice: Themes of family reputation, buried secrets, and personal resilience enrich the narrative beyond a simple school setting.