SHANGHAI — The highly-anticipated third installment of the popular historical mystery franchise, Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty: Chang’an, premiered exclusively on iQIYI on October 8, bringing detective duo Su Wuming and Lu Lingfeng back to the perilous political landscape of the imperial capital. The 40-episode series, starring Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang, plunges viewers into a volatile early Tang Dynasty where the pair must navigate the intense power struggle between the Emperor and the formidable Grand Princess while solving eight complex and bizarre cases drawing inspiration from classic Chinese folklore.
The latest season of the critically acclaimed series, which has already shattered streaming records, sees Jinwu Guard Commandant Lu Lingfeng (Yang Xuwen) and Su Wuming (Yang Zhigang), a direct disciple of the legendary investigator Di Renjie, return to Chang’an. Their mission, ostensibly to escort a tribute of golden peaches from the Kingdom of Kangs, is soon derailed by court intrigue and a series of deadly supernatural-tinged events.
Political Intrigue and Ancient Lore
Following the Emperor’s ascension, the political climate in Chang’an remains treacherous, largely dominated by the influence of the Grand Princess. To maintain impartiality amid the escalating imperial rivalry, the investigative team—six members strong, including Pei Xijun (Gao Siwen), Fei Jishi (Chen Chuang), Chu Yingtao (Sun Xuening), and the new addition Xue Huan (Shi Yue’anxin)—focuses its energy on solving local crimes throughout the city’s various districts.
The central narrative drive revolves around eight extraordinary cases, which producers confirm are adapted from the historical and supernatural anecdotes found in the Tang Dynasty classic Youyang Zazu. These eight mysteries include tantalizing episodes titled “The Golden Peaches of Kang,” “The Cries of Chengfo Temple,” and “The Trails of the Baize,” offering a rich historical backdrop that educates audiences on the culture and customs of the period.
Early episodes thrust the team directly into the political danger zone. While escorting the golden peaches, which secretly contain a critical Western Region map, the investigators find themselves caught between factions. A subsequent attack on the Emperor, involving a supposedly ferocious bird, leaves an imperial guard blinded. Lu Lingfeng’s struggles to warn his powerful mother, the Grand Princess (portrayed by Yue Lina), about the poisoned fruit underscore the devastating personal costs of court ambition.
New Director, Familiar Faces Fuel Excitement
A significant shift for the third season is the change in directorial leadership. While the previous director, Bo Shan, transitions to a supervisory role due to scheduling conflicts with another project, the mantle passes to Ju Xingmao. Ju Xingmao is renowned for his work on the popular supernatural series Soul Ferry, a pedigree that has heightened anticipation among fans eager to see his unique visual style applied to the Tang Dynasty setting. This transition also sees actors Liu Zhiyang and Yue Lina, who have previously collaborated with Ju Xingmao on his projects, take on crucial roles as the Prince and Grand Princess, respectively.
The continuity of the lead cast, particularly the reliable “Double Yang” pairing of Yang Xuwen and Yang Zhigang, along with the returning supporting cast of the detection squad, has been a major draw. Critics and fans alike cited the cast chemistry as a foundational strength of the series.
The fervor surrounding the release is palpable. The franchise has firmly established itself as a flagship intellectual property for iQIYI, with the first two seasons garnering over two billion views collectively. Within the first 24 hours of its October 8 debut, Strange Tales of the Tang Dynasty: Chang’an quickly achieved a platform heat index exceeding 9,500, a measurement signaling exceptional immediate popularity and high fan engagement for the continuation of this historical saga.