Chinese Fantasy Drama “To the Mountains and Seas” Locks in September 11 Premiere, Showcasing Cheng Yi’s Triple‑Role Debut

“To the Mountains and Seas” is an adaptation of Malaysian author Wen Ruian’s novel 《神州奇侠》 (“Shenzhou Qixia”), a tale that explores the thin line between destiny and self‑determination. The drama’s premise follows Xiao Mingming, a devoted reader of martial‑arts novels who is unexpectedly pulled into the very world she has been devouring on the page. Within the fictional realm she becomes Xiao Qiushui, the story’s heroic protagonist, and is forced to confront forces that threaten to rewrite both the narrative of the novel and her own fate.

The series’ most striking casting choice is Cheng Yi, who will portray three distinct characters: the real‑world Xiao Mingming, her in‑world alter ego Xiao Qiushui, and the enigmatic Li Chenzhou. Cheng’s triple performance has already sparked a wave of discussion on Weibo, where the hashtag #赴山海定档预告# has amassed millions of views. “Seeing Cheng Yi embody three identities is both daring and exciting,” wrote one user, who identified only as “Sea‑Lover84.” The same thread notes that the show’s “破命重生版” (Breaking Fate and Rebirth edition) trailer, released alongside the date announcement, underscores the series’ central theme of challenging predestination.

Beyond Cheng Yi, the promotional material highlights Bai Lu and Cheng Lei—both of whom were showcased in a separate Qixi Festival spot—as key figures associated with the project. While neither appears to be listed among the main trio of roles, their involvement signals a broader ensemble that may include Li Xiaoqian and Shen Jiayu, whose specific characters remain under wraps. Industry insiders suggest that the producers are leveraging these popular stars to widen the show’s appeal across demographics.

The response from Chinese viewers is unmistakably enthusiastic. iQIYI and Tencent Video have reported that reservations for the series exceed ten million, a figure that places “To the Mountains and Seas” among the most pre‑ordered dramas of the year. Daily updates, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time beginning on the premiere date, will keep audiences engaged as the storyline unfolds. The combined reach of the two platforms, which together command a significant share of China’s streaming market, ensures that the series will be accessible to both mainland and overseas viewers.

“Finally, a date! I’ve been checking the reservation list every week,” said Zhang Wei, a self‑described “novel‑to‑screen” enthusiast on a fan forum. “The trailer looks polished, and Cheng Yi’s triple role could be a game‑changer for how we think about character in TV dramas.”

The path to this moment has not been without obstacles. Earlier reports hinted at financial strains that could have jeopardized the production and affected cast members such as actor Wu Qilong and actress Li Kaixin. However, the official date announcement and the swift rollout of promotional material suggest that those concerns have been resolved and the project is now back on track.

Given the novel’s Malaysian origins and the drama’s emphasis on cross‑cultural mythic motifs, “To the Mountains and Seas” also carries a symbolic weight for the region’s entertainment industry. As one commentator noted on a Shanghai cultural blog, “The successful adaptation of a non‑Chinese author’s work signals a growing openness to stories that traverse borders while retaining a distinctly Chinese aesthetic.”

The September 11 premiere will be a litmus test not only for the series’ storytelling ambitions but also for the evolving dynamics of Chinese streaming competition. With iQIYI and Tencent Video locked in a race to attract and retain viewers, “To the Mountains and Seas” could become a flagship example of how high‑budget fantasy can capture mass audiences in the era of on‑demand viewing.

As the countdown begins, fans worldwide are polishing their watchlists and sharing theories about how Xiao Mingming’s love of martial‑arts literature will translate into on‑screen heroics. Whether the series lives up to its lofty promises remains to be seen, but the momentum generated by the 定档预告 is undeniable. For now, the only certainty is that, on September 11, 2025, China’s streaming platforms will open the gates to a world where mountains and seas are no longer just geographic markers but realms of destiny waiting to be rewritten.