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Northward Breaks 16-Year Record on Chinese TV! 🌟
Northward (北上), the emotional family drama led by stars Bai Lu and Ou Hao, is officially the biggest TV hit of the year in China — and it’s breaking records like never before!
According to the deputy director of the drama projects department at the China Media Group, Northward has smashed the average viewership share with a staggering 8.55%, the highest across all time slots and all Chinese dramas aired on satellite TV in 2025 so far.
This impressive feat also helped CCTV-1 set a new record not seen since the first quarter of 2009 — a 16-year milestone reset by a single drama!
Adding to its accolades, Northward scored a phenomenal premiere audience, reaching 670 million households across China when it aired on 3 March 2025.
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The drama has maintained consistent popularity with an average episode rating of 3.615% based on CVB TV data — officially making it the second-highest-rated prime-time series in CCTV-1 history.
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Bai Lu
Actress of “Xia Fenghua” in this drama
"I grew up by the canal, and in my eyes, the Grand Canal is just as it’s portrayed in the drama — a place filled with the vibrancy of everyday life, witnessing countless twists of fate and carrying the full spectrum of the canal people’s lives. So, to be part of a drama connected to my hometown makes me feel incredibly fortunate.
I also feel deeply honoured to portray Xia Fenghua — to experience her journey, and to feel that long, arduous return to one’s true self. I hope to give my utmost to convey her perseverance and courage to every viewer, and bring strength to those who may be going through difficulties. I want the audience to feel hope and warmth — that, to me, is the responsibility of being an actor."
Ou Hao
"Actor of “Xie Wanghe” in this drama
To truly express the spirit and emotions of the canal people took a lot of effort and research. The canal’s waters have flowed for a thousand years because so many people were willing to become its waves — sometimes powerful, sometimes calm — but always pushing forward.
I hope this drama can become a small wave in that current, carrying forward the spirit of the Grand Canal across time and space. It’s my honour to be part of a work like this. In the future, I will continue to listen to every story with care, feel every character with sincerity, and perform each role with heart — to create more outstanding and meaningful film and television works."
But numbers aside, what truly captivates viewers is its heartfelt storytelling.
Set along the historical Grand Canal, Northward follows the intertwined lives of childhood friends who drift apart and later reunite, each scarred by time but bound by memories.
Through their perspectives, the drama portrays not only their personal growth but also the transformation of their town and society.
The narrative unfolds in three beautiful stages — childhood, teenage years, and adulthood.
Each generation of actors captures the essence of growing up with touching authenticity.
It’s a gentle but powerful reminder of how our dreams evolve, friendships mature, and love adapts.
Viewers are loving the emotional layering — from young dreams beneath willow trees to bittersweet reunions as adults grappling with the complexities of life.
Northward is directed by Yao Xiao Feng and Zhou Nan, with a compelling script penned by Zhao Dong Ling.
It features a rich mix of genres: coming-of-age drama, family bonds, small-town charm, and a hint of nostalgia that hits right in the heart.
Aired across the week on both CCTV and iQiyi, its 40-episode run continues to captivate nationwide audiences.
Congratulations are pouring in for the cast and crew, and rightly so. Northward is more than just a TV series — it’s a resonant cultural moment that’s made history.
A round of applause for Northward. It’s not just a drama — it’s a national sensation!