Chinese streaming platform Tencent Video has ignited screens with its new costume drama, Voyage to Haihun (海昏行). Premiering its first eight episodes on August 30, 2025, the series rapidly captivated audiences, trending fiercely with viewership soaring past the ten thousand mark. Blending time-travel, infinite loop mechanics, and historical legend, it thrusts modern disillusionment into the heart of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD).
The story follows Wang Heng (王衡), a down-on-his-luck contemporary man catapulted into the past by a mysterious bronze Qilin (麒麟, mythical Chinese creature). Finding himself entangled with the fierce female warrior De Jiu (得九) and the complex nobleman Liu He (刘贺), Wang Heng navigates treacherous historical currents, armed with future knowledge and an uncanny ability to reset fate. This potent mix has sparked fervent debate, leaving audiences divided on its merits.
Beyond Time Travel
The show's explosive debut hinges on its audacious central mechanic. Wang Heng possesses a "rebirth after death" ability, akin to reloading a saved game. This "retry" function creates intense immersion as he repeatedly alters his path. Early episodes showcase desperate, often comedic, attempts by Wang Heng and Liu He to escape their initial confinement – stealing seals, plotting elaborate horse races – each failure erased and reattempted. The narrative takes a sharp turn when Liu He is unexpectedly summoned to the capital, Chang'an, following the Emperor's death, catapulting him onto the throne. What seemed like futile effort suddenly pivots into high-stakes court intrigue, proving the setup's strength lies in its capacity for shocking reversals.
Wang Heng’s collision of modern pragmatism with ancient power structures drives the conflict. His knowledge of future events and his unique "save point" power become tools for survival and manipulation within the perilous imperial court. Partnering with Liu He, he battles political machinations, using his resets to evade disaster and influence outcomes. This fusion of gaming logic with historical drama offers a distinctly fresh take on the well-worn time-travel genre.
Casting Alchemy
Voyage to Haihun shines brightly through its ensemble cast. Young actor Mao Zijun delivers a compelling performance as Wang Heng, masterfully balancing the character's modern cynicism and resourcefulness with moments of vulnerability and deep emotion. Huang Riying (黄日莹) transforms into the lethal De Jiu. Her high ponytail and steely gaze project cool authority, a stark departure from previous gentler roles. Huang imbues De Jiu with formidable physicality and sharp intelligence, making her a standout presence.
Geng Yeting (耿业庭) portrays Liu He with captivating nuance, capturing the character's aristocratic pride, inherent melancholy, and desperate ambition to rewrite his destiny. Veteran actor Shen Baoping (沈保平) commands the screen as the powerful minister Huo Guang (霍光), his mere presence radiating the tense, treacherous atmosphere of the Western Han court. The dynamic interplay between the energetic younger leads and Shen's gravitas provides a solid foundation for this sprawling historical tapestry.
Heritage in Frame
The series demonstrates a tangible commitment to historical texture, partially filmed on location at the archaeological site of the Haihunhou (海昏侯) State in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. Meticulous attention is paid to set design, costumes, and props. Iconic artifacts like the horse-hoof gold ingots, the Confucius mirror, and the turtle-shaped jade seals are woven into the narrative fabric. From the intricate details of Han Dynasty attire to the layout of palace architecture and everyday utensils, the production strives for authenticity.
This immersive approach offers viewers a visceral connection to Western Han aesthetics and daily life. By integrating these tangible elements of the Haihunhou legacy into a popular drama format, the show facilitates broader public engagement with this specific historical period, showcasing a valuable pathway for cultural dissemination through entertainment.
When Fiction Stumbles
Despite its strengths, Voyage to Haihun faces significant criticism. Plot logic is a frequent complaint. The elaborate six-episode arc focused on Liu He's escape attempts culminates abruptly with his ascension due to the Emperor's death, rendering the preceding struggles seemingly pointless for many viewers. This narrative whiplash creates frustration and a sense of wasted time, undermining the initial investment.
Furthermore, while using the historical figure Liu He (later known as the deposed Marquis of Haihun) as a springboard, the series liberally blends speculative fiction tropes – time travel, loops, and overtly modern anachronisms. A horse race sequence featuring elements resembling contemporary live-streaming gimmicks, voting systems, and even a "top donor" reference feels jarringly out of place. Critics argue such choices trivialize a complex historical context, crossing the line from creative license into disrespectful farce.
Voyage to Haihun stands as a bold, visually ambitious experiment. Its innovative premise, strong central performances, and dedication to historical ambiance offer undeniable appeal. Yet, its narrative inconsistencies and anachronistic liberties pose significant hurdles. Whether it ultimately emerges as a groundbreaking genre hybrid or a flawed spectacle remains a verdict each viewer must reach alone.
