Northward

Plot Synopsis

"Northwards" (Chinese title: "北上") is a Chinese drama series that offers a captivating look at the lives of a groupof friends growing upalongside China's Grand Canal. The story begins in the early 2000s in the quaint Flower Street community of Honghuai City. Here, we meet Xia Fenghua (played by Bai Lu), Xie Wanghe (played by Ou Hao), Shao Xingchi (played by Zhai Zilu), Zhou Haikuo (played by Gao Zhiting), and newcomer Ma Siyi (played by Li Wanda). Along with their classmate Chen Rui (played by Liu Hengfu), these six young individuals form a tight-knit group, sharing the joys and challenges of adolescence.

The dramaportrays two distinctperiods. The first, set in the early 2000s, focuses on their carefree youth in a time of significant change, as the impending completion of the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway threatens the traditional, canal-based way of life. The families face economic hardshipdue to declining boat traffic, but the children still relish their close friendships.

The secondperiod jumps to 2014, where the entrepreneurial spirit of the internet age has taken hold of Beijing. Xia Fenghua, Xie Wanghe, Shao Xingchi, and Zhou Haikuo have all journeyed north topursue their dreams. Xia Fenghua finds herself managing a courier station, while Xie Wanghe starts a food delivery business, bringing Xingchi and Haikuo on board. The series doesn't shy away from depicting the realities of startuplife, showcasing the conflicts, setbacks, and tough decisions these young adults face in the bustling metropolis.

Ultimately, "Northwards" is a story of growth, resilience, and the enduringpower of connection. The successful application for the Grand Canal to become a UNESCO World Heritage site draws the friends back to Flower Street. Having navigated the complexities of their individual journeys, they confront theirpast uncertainties and rediscover the true meaning of their lives, mirroring the revitalization of the ancient canal itself. The drama is not only aboutpersonal evolution but also about thepreservation and evolution of Chinese culture, specifically the heritage of the Grand Canal, and how it is embraced and carried forward by a new generation. The show is directed by Yao Xiaofeng and Zhou Nan, and it is adapted from the novel "Bei Shang" by Xu Zechen. It began airing on March 3, 2025, with 40 episodes on CCTV and iQiyi.

Bai Lu
Xia Fenghua

Tu Ling
Li Yan

Ou Hao
Xie Wanghe

Chu Shuanzhong
Xia Maotian