Chinese Drama The Vendetta of An Hits Big, Surpassing 1 Billion Views

Kapanlagi.com - The Chinese drama The Vendetta of An has achieved extraordinary success in early 2026. This series has officially surpassed 1 billion views, making it the first phenomenal drama in the drama market this year. This achievement was certified directly by Maoyan Professional Edition on January 8, 2026, and immediately sparked widespread discussion on various online platforms.

According to Maoyan data as of January 8, 2026, The Vendetta of An has garnered over 1 billion effective views across the network. The average views per episode reached 35.714 million views, setting a record for the highest average views per episode for dramas in the platform Youku over the past three years. This figure reinforces its status as the most shining Chinese drama in early 2026.

1. What is the Chinese Drama The Vendetta of An About?

The Chinese drama The Vendetta of An is set during the Wude era, when the Huben Dark Guards controlled Chang'an. However, power drastically changes when the warlord Xiao Wu Yang seizes the throne. As the empire collapses, the Huben Dark Guards disappear along with the deposed emperor. Rumors circulate that their leader, Yan Feng Shan, plans to exploit the fallen emperor for his personal ambitions.

Xiao Wu Yang then assigns Xie Huai An, a genius official from Huainan, to eliminate the Huben Dark Guards. For Xie Huai An, this mission is not just a state duty, but a golden opportunity for revenge. His father was killed by Yan Feng Shan, and he has been preparing for this retaliation for over a decade.

By making the deposed emperor both a pawn and an ally, Xie Huai An forms a secret alliance with General Gu Yu, swordsman Ye Zheng, and other powerful figures. Together, they launch a shadow war against the Huben Dark Guards, a major conflict that will determine the future of the empire.

2. Cast List of the Chinese Drama The Vendetta of An

The Vendetta of An - mydramalist

This drama is known for its star-studded cast and is supported by a lineup of top actors.

Main Cast

Cheng Yi as Xie Huai An / Liu Zhi

Liu Yi Jun as Xiao Wu Yang

Wang Jin Song as Wu Zhong Heng

Zhou Qi as Xiao Wen Jing / Zhang Mo

Tong Meng Shi as Ye Zheng

Xu Lu as Bai Wan

Supporting Cast

Ye Zu Xin as Gu Yu

Zhang Han Yu as Yan Feng Shan

Ni Da Hong as Cen Wei Zong

Cheng Tai Shen as Zhi Zhi Long

3. What Makes the Chinese Drama The Vendetta of An So Popular?

The Vendetta of An - mydramalist

1. A Complex and Mature Political Plot

One of the main strengths of the Chinese drama The Vendetta of An lies in its dense and politically intricate storyline. The conflict over power, betrayal, and strategic maneuvers are presented neatly without feeling confusing. Each character has their own interests and agendas that collide with one another. This keeps the audience continuously curious about the story's developments in each episode. The mature narrative serves as the main selling point for fans of serious historical dramas. It's no wonder this drama has been able to consistently maintain high ratings.

2. Solid Acting from the Main Cast

Cheng Yi delivers a very convincing performance as Xie Huai An, a genius character who is cold yet deeply wounded. His emotional transformation feels natural and touching, especially when confronting his dark past. Liu Yi Jun also shines as a charismatic antagonist with a cruel ruler's aura. The interactions between characters feel alive due to the balanced acting quality. No role feels like a mere addition; even supporting characters have depth. This is what keeps the audience engaged with the drama until the end.

3.High-Quality Production

In terms of visuals, The Vendetta of An showcases top-notch production standards. The artistic design, cinematography, and costumes are crafted with very meticulous detail. The dark atmosphere typical of political intrigue is strongly felt in every scene. The use of lighting and camera angles successfully enhances the emotional weight of the story. Small details like the palace set and war props also look convincing. This production quality significantly elevates the viewing experience.

4.Characters with Strong and Relatable Motivations

Each character in this drama has a clear background and motivation. The audience does not just see the battle between good and evil, but also realistic inner conflicts. Xie Huai An is not a perfect hero, but rather a figure grappling with vengeance and morality. Characters like this feel more human and are easier to relate to the audience's emotions. This is what makes the story feel deeper and more memorable. This factor also contributes to the high rewatch rate.

5. Global Appeal and Cultural Export Value

The Vendetta of An has not only succeeded in the domestic market but has also captured the attention of international viewers. The themes of power, revenge, and loyalty are universal. Its modern presentation, while still rich in cultural elements, makes this drama easily accepted across countries. This cultural export value has also contributed to a surge in global viewership. This success strengthens the position of Chinese dramas in the international market.

(kpl/chn)