THE WHITE OLIVE TREE (2026): A POIGNANT WAR DRAMA ROOTED IN LOVE, LOSS, AND HEALING

Set against the devastation of war and the quiet strength of human connection, The White Olive Tree (2026) emerges as one of the most emotionally resonant Chinese war dramas of the year. Adapted from Jiu Yuexi’s acclaimed novel and directed by Hai Tao and Chun Huang, the 38-episode series blends military realism with intimate storytelling, offering a moving portrait of resilience amid conflict.

The story follows Song Ran (Liang Jie), a fearless and principled reporter from Liang City Satellite TV who volunteers for a dangerous assignment in the war-torn East Country. Determined to document the truth, Song Ran finds herself navigating constant danger, moral dilemmas, and the psychological toll of witnessing violence firsthand. It is during this mission that she meets Li Zan (Chen Zhe Yuan), a Chinese explosive engineer volunteering in the region.

Li Zan stands in quiet contrast to the chaos surrounding him. Gentle, sincere, and marked by a childlike innocence, he is deeply committed to protecting lives rather than destroying them. His compassion leaves a profound impression on Song Ran, and amid the ruins of war, a tender romance begins to take shape. Their connection offers rare moments of warmth and humanity in an environment defined by fear and uncertainty.

That fragile peace is shattered by a sudden bombing attack. The violence not only ends their time together but leaves lasting scars. Forced to return to China, both carry emotional wounds they struggle to confront. Li Zan is consumed by grief after losing a close friend in the explosion, while Song Ran faces intense public backlash over a photograph she captured during the attack—a moment that places her ethics and intentions under harsh scrutiny.

Fate eventually brings them together again. This reunion marks the beginning of a slow, painful process of healing, as both characters confront guilt, trauma, and unanswered questions. The act of planting a white olive tree becomes a powerful symbol within the narrative—representing peace, hope, and the possibility of renewal after destruction.

With a strong supporting cast including Wang Tian Chen, Gu Zi Cheng, and Zheng Ying Chen, The White Olive Tree expands its emotional scope beyond romance, exploring the broader human cost of war. Themes of resilience, love, moral responsibility, and recovery are woven throughout the series, grounding its wartime setting in deeply personal experiences.

Streaming exclusively on iQIYI International, The White Olive Tree stands as a poignant reminder that even amid the chaos of war, compassion can take root—and that healing, like the olive tree itself, grows slowly but endures.