Our Generation (Chinese TV series)

Our Generation (Chinese: 樱桃琥珀; pinyin: Yīngtáo Hǔpò) is a 2025 Chinese coming-of-age television series directed by Zhang Kaizhou and written by Zeng Lu. Based on the novel Ying Tao Hu Po (樱桃琥珀) by Yun Zhu (云住), it stars Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe. The series follows a group of friends growing up in a 1990s mining town. It premiered on Youku in July 14, 2025.^[1]

In the early 1990s, nine-year-old Lin Qile (nicknamed "Cherry") lives a carefree life at the Mount Qun electric power construction site, surrounded by a loving family and a close-knit group of friends. Her world is disrupted by the arrival of Jiang Qiaoxi, a transfer student from the provincial capital. Jiang is a mathematical prodigy who is treated by his cold and overbearing mother as a surrogate for his deceased older brother.

Despite Jiang's aloof demeanor, Qile's warmth and the genuine affection of her family slowly integrate him into their "mountain group." However, as they enter adolescence, circumstances force the friends to part ways. Years later, they reunite at a provincial experimental high school, where they must navigate the pressures of the Gaokao, family expectations, and their developing romantic feelings. The series concludes with the characters transitioning into their thirties, reflecting on the "amber-like" memories of their shared youth.

• Zhao Jinmai as Lin Qile / Lin Ying Tao (Cherry)
  • Feng Xue Ya as Lin Qile [Teen]
  • Xiao Qi as Lin Qile [Young]

A girl raised in a worker's village during the 1990s. The narrative follows her development from childhood into her professional adult life. Her character is depicted as the primary social connection between the various members of the "Mountain Group" and serves as a long-term companion to Jiang Qiaoxi.

• Zhang Linghe as Jiang Qiaoxi
  • Lin Ziye as Jiang Qiaoxi [Teen]
  • Zhou Yu Chen as Jiang Qiaoxi [Young]

A student with an aptitude for mathematics who transfers to the local school from an urban center. His storyline focuses on his academic progression, his relationship with his mother and his integration into Lin Qile's social circle despite his introverted nature.

• Dong Jie as Zhao Shengjuan: Lin Qile's mother.
• Bao Jianfeng as Lin Haifeng: Lin Qile's father and an electrician at the local plant.
• Dong Xuan as Liang Hongfei: Jiang Qiaoxi's mother who manages his academic schedule.
• Zhang Duo as Jiang Zheng: Jiang Qiaoxi's father and a manager at the power company.
• Carman Lee as Zhuo Ya Lin: An acquaintance of the families who appears in the later timeline.
• Michael Tong as Jiang Ruocheng: A relative of the Jiang family.

• Jeremy Zuo as Cai Fangyuan
  • Wang Si Yao as Cai Fangyuan [Young]

A childhood friend of Lin Qile and the son of the local site manager. He later pursues a career in computer networking.

• Ma Qiyue as Du Shang: A member of the childhood friend group who later trains as a medical doctor.
• Wu Sheng as Yu Qiao
  • Xia Tian as Yu Qiao [Young]

A member of the "Mountain Group" and son of Yu Zhengfeng.

• Shen Jiayu as Qin Yeyun
  • Huang Qi Lin Er as Qin Yeyun [Teen]

Lin Qile's childhood neighbor and friend.

• Hu Jia Xin as Cen Xiao Man: A student who enters the social circle during the characters' school years.

• Wang Mao Lei as Qin Da Yong: A local resident and father of Qin Yeyun.
• Zheng Qi as Cai Yu An: A village resident related to the Cai family.
• Zhao Zheng Yang as Yu Zheng Feng: A worker in the village and father of Yu Qiao.
• Yuan Xiao Xu as Cao Shuang Yuan: A local resident.
• Ren Dong Lin as Du Yong Chun: Du Shang's father.
• Liu Qing as Kang Bao Yi: A resident of the worker's village.
• Li Yi Nan as Chen Ming Hao: A classmate of the main characters.

• Wang Zhi Min as Principal Xu: The head of the local school attended by the protagonists.
• Li Bo as Teacher Qi: A faculty member involved in the characters' early education.
• Zhu Wei Wei as Principal Sun: A school administrator.
• Yao Qing Ren as Teacher Feng: A teacher who interacts with Jiang Qiaoxi regarding his academic performance.
• Chai Juan Zhe as Physical education teacher: An instructor at the local school.

• Wei Wei as Doctor: A medical professional who treats a member of the main cast.
• Liu Xiao Hui as School nurse: A healthcare provider at the characters' school.
• Shi Tie Ying as Hospital uncle: A patient or staff member encountered in a medical setting.
• Chang Hai Bo as Secretary Li: A local official.

• Alan Wu as Han Yin: An individual encountered by the main characters in the city.
• Gou Xue Ying as Busking girl: A street performer encountered during the characters' youth.
• Bai Ru as Landlady: The owner of a property rented by the characters during their adult years.
• Randal Tsang as Man in suit: A professional figure encountered in a business context.
• Ying Zhen Nan as Confession boy: A student who expresses romantic interest in a main character.

On March 11, 2024, the series was officially announced by Daylight Entertainment at the at the 28th Hong Kong International Film & Television (FILMART) as part of their upcoming production slate.^[2] On September 10, 2024, the drama was featured in Youku's 2025 annual film and series lineup.^[3]

The series is a co-production between Daylight Entertainment and Youku. It is directed by Zhang Kaizhou and written by Zeng Lu, with Hou Hongliang as the producer. While the project was initially registered with the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) with a 40-episode plan, the production team adjusted the project to 24 episodes prior to filming to ensure a more concise narrative structure.^[4]

The lead roles were assigned to Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe. The production utilized separate sets of actors to portray the characters during different life stages, with child actors covering the childhood segments and the lead stars portraying the characters from their late teens into adulthood. Supporting roles include performances by Dong Jie, Bao Jianfeng, and Ren Ke.

Principal photography began in August 2024 and wrapped on November 24, 2024. The series was primarily filmed in Weihai, Shandong, with many scenes set in the Huancui District. Notable filming locations include the Harbin Institute of Technology (Weihai campus), Weihai No. 1 High School, and the Gushan 2nd Alley, which were utilized to recreate a 1990s aesthetic.^[5]

The official soundtrack for Our Generation includes theme songs and background music produced for the series by various artists.^[6]

The series was released globally across multiple streaming platforms starting in mid-2025. In China, it premiered as a Youku original on July 14, 2025, with a "VIP" release schedule that offered early access to subscribers. Internationally, the drama was distributed by Netflix, which began streaming the series on the same day as the Chinese premiere in several regions, including North America and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the series was made available for international audiences on Rakuten Viki beginning on July 15, 2025, featuring subtitles in multiple languages.

Our Generation was praised for its production quality and the chemistry between Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe, marking their second collaboration after The Princess Royal.^[7]

• Our Generation on Netflix
• Our Generation at IMDb
• Our Generation on Weibo (in Chinese)