Netflix Picks Up Chinese Period Drama ‘Pursuit of Jade’ for Simulcast Release Throughout March 2026

Netflix has secured the rights to the highly anticipated historical romance Pursuit of Jade (known locally as Zhu Yu). New episodes will begin dropping on the service globally starting next week, March 6th, 2026, in most regions of Netflix, including the United States.

While Netflix has long been the home of K-Dramas, 2025 and early 2026 have seen a massive surge in simulcast C-Dramas. Following the success of recent acquisitions, Netflix is partnering with WeTV/Tencent to bring Pursuit of Jade to international audiences mere hours after its domestic broadcast. Netflix has also recently picked up the simulcast rights to Unveil: Jadewind and weekly episodes of The Vendetta of An back in December. 

The series is helmed by director Zeng Qing Jie (known for his distinct visual style in hits like Provoke) and features a script by Zou Yue.

Here’s everything we know about Pursuit of Jade on Netflix.

When will Pursuit of Jade be on Netflix?

You won’t have to wait long. Netflix has confirmed that the first batch of episodes for Pursuit of Jade will be available to stream starting Friday, March 6th, 2026.

According to the release schedule, the show consists of 40 episodes. As this is a simulcast, we expect a daily release schedule or multi-episode weekly drops throughout March and April, mirroring the broadcast pattern in China.

What is the plot?

Based on the web novel Zhu Yu by Tuan Zi Lai Xi, this isn’t your typical “damsel in distress” historical drama. The story follows Fan Chang Yu, the daughter of a butcher who is far from a delicate flower—she knows how to wield a knife. She crosses paths with Xie Zheng, a fallen noble determined to clear his name and seek revenge.

To navigate a treacherous political landscape, the two agree to a “fake marriage.” However, as is tradition in the genre, the arrangement turns into true love. Their romance is cut short when war tears them apart. In a twist on gender roles, Fan Chang Yu takes her butcher’s knife to the battlefield to fight for justice and find her husband. Meanwhile, Xie Zheng fights to reclaim his title and protect the country.

Who is in the cast?

This series boasts a true “power couple” casting that has social media buzzing.

Zhang Ling He plays the male lead, Xie Zheng. One of China’s busiest actors, most know him from his work on Story of Kunning Palace and Love Between Fairy and Devil. Tian Xi Wei plays the female lead, Fan Chang Yu. Known for her expressive eyes and comedic timing in New Life Begins and Romance on the Farm.

Rounding out the cast are Snow Kong (The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) as Yu Qian Qian, along with Deng Kai, Li Qing, and Yu Zhong Li.

Are you excited to watch Pursuit of Jade on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below, and add the title to your queue here.