If you love emotionally intense youth dramas layered with mystery and healing, “Rebirth” (焕羽) deserves a spot on your watchlist. Led by the incredibly talented Zhang Jingyi, this Chinese drama blends suspense, coming-of-age struggles, and slow-burn emotional growth into one deeply moving story.
More than just a school drama, Rebirth explores trauma, family secrets, and the quiet strength of a young girl determined to uncover the truth — no matter how painful it may be.
Quick Drama Facts
- Drama Title: Rebirth
- Chinese Title: 焕羽 (Huan Yu)
- Genre: Youth, Romance, Suspense, Mystery
- Episodes: 23
- Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes per episode
- Director: Liu Ziwei
- Writers: Qian Jingjing, Xu Ziyuan
- Based On: Novel Rebirth by Xiangyu
- Main Cast: Zhang Jingyi, Zhou Yiran
- Streaming On: WeTV, Viki, iQIYI (availability may vary by region)
The story follows Qiao Qingyu (Zhang Jingyi), a 16-year-old girl who transfers to a new school after her family relocates. But this move isn’t just about a fresh start — it’s about uncovering the hidden truth behind her older sister’s mysterious death six years ago.
Rumors once shook their entire village, and whispers of murder never fully disappeared. Determined to clear her sister’s name and find answers, Qingyu begins her own investigation.
Along the way, she finds unexpected support in Ming Sheng (Zhou Yiran) — a rebellious yet kind-hearted classmate who slowly becomes her biggest ally. As secrets unravel, so do layers of pain, guilt, and buried emotions. Together, they navigate friendship, trust, and healing in a journey that is both heartbreaking and empowering.
Rebirth isn’t just about solving a mystery — it’s about reclaiming one’s voice and identity after trauma.
Cast and Characters
Zhang Jingyi as Qiao Qingyu: Zhang Jingyi delivers one of her most emotionally layered performances as Qingyu — a quiet but resilient girl driven by love and determination. Her portrayal beautifully captures vulnerability, anger, and strength all at once.
Zhou Yiran as Ming Sheng: Zhou Yiran plays the charming yet misunderstood Ming Sheng. Beneath his rebellious exterior lies a loyal and compassionate friend who stands by Qingyu during her darkest moments.
The drama also features a strong ensemble cast portraying family members, classmates, and villagers whose hidden secrets shape the unfolding mystery. Each character adds emotional depth and complexity to the story.
Why “Rebirth” Is Worth Watching
- Strong Female Lead: Qingyu’s journey is raw, powerful, and deeply relatable.
- Emotional Storytelling: The drama balances suspense with heartfelt moments.
- Slow-Burn Chemistry: The connection between Qingyu and Ming Sheng feels natural and meaningful.
- Psychological Depth: It explores trauma, stigma, and the impact of rumors in small communities.
- Cinematic Feel: Beautiful visuals and atmospheric storytelling elevate the mystery.
Rebirth stands out among youth dramas because it dares to go deeper. It doesn’t rely only on romance or school tropes — instead, it tells a story about grief, courage, and emotional rebirth. With Zhang Jingyi’s compelling performance at its heart, this drama is both haunting and healing. If you’re looking for a series that makes you think, feel, and stay invested until the very end, Rebirth is absolutely binge-worthy.
