I wished it was more than 38 eps, i can watch it many times without getting bored.
This is one of the best slice of life drama I’ve ever watched, i don't watch this genre that much but since i like bailu i guve a try when i first heard there will be 38 eps, I was worried there might be filler ep but I was wrong. Each and every eps were interesting. The camera work, scenery, script, acting, everything was flawlesAll the actors delivered outstanding performances and it didn’t feel like acting. The drama was so fresh, realistic and pure. It teaches you how to live life as it is and to find stability. It also shows how strong the bonds between their childhood friendships and their familiesAt first, XWH was desperate to succeed and forgot about humanity and had no empathy but XFH helped him realize success wasn’t everything and to live and love life. And that there’s nothing wrong with failing and that anyone could get up again, Bailu delivered her best and did really well although she usually don’t act in modern realistic dramas. Her acting was raw and her eyes were filled with emotions. She even cut her hair, put on heavy tanned makeup, wore braces although it was uncomfortable without any complaints.
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An Extraordinary Piece
I already knew I was going to like this drama after watching the first trailer released for it, and the more materials that were released the more my conviction strengthened. I had said this was going to be a great watch, a well made drama, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. The drama met and exceeded my expectations. As someone who hardly watches ‘Slice of Life’ dramas, I'm very glad I tuned in to Northward. There's a lot I'd want to say, but too many words will only diminish the true value of this drama, so I'll keep it short.Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses I think this drama had:
Strengths:
1. Plot & Screenwriting: I particularly think the plot was excellent. Teacher Zhao Dongling definitely left a deep impression on me, and she has officially become the first screenwriter that I have named a favourite. I loved how she wrote every character, even down to the characters that seem insignificant. The point of the characters having opinions, seemed new to a few people, which I find shocking as it is quite normal for characters to have opinions, but anyway, I loved how she made the audiences understand the differences between the opinions of a character, and the actual plot. The plot, right from the first scene of the drama to the last scene was intricate. The relation of the Grand Canal and the Six families and how its changes affected the lives of each member in the courtyard; the losses, the gains, the celebration and the mourning. Every detail, every event was perfectly written.
2. Direction: Director Yao Xiao Feng excellently delivered the best cinematography I've seen in a modern Chinese drama. From the lightning, the framing, the angles and movements, the directing of every scene was just splendid. The use of different colour grading for different scenes and different eras, every single scene left me in awe. And I can only say, I'm deeply grateful that he was chosen to direct this play.
3. Performance: Every actor came to work. No one was slacking. Every performance felt alive, every character in this play were all living through the performances of every actor. And this isn't only limited to the main casts, but also the supporting cast and the extras. At some point, I forgot I was watching a play. I thought it was a documentary, because of how realistic and live like each character felt.
4. Music/Sound: The use of the original soundtracks was nicely done, it wasn't overused, but was used appropriately. I especially loved the use of background noise to highlight the liveliness and realism of the play. Using the sound to depict the hustle and bustle of the big city of Beijing and the warmth of home of Flower Street.
I couldn't find a weakness, I tried so hard to find one, but if I pushed too hard, that would just be me nitpicking. Even the blooper of the camera man appearing on screen, I wouldn't consider a weakness because of how smartly they cut that scene.
In conclusion, Northward is an excellent drama piece that I wish more people would watch. And I want to thank everyone in the making of Northward, from the director, screenwriter, novel writer, producer, cameraman, actors to every crew member who was involved in this project, they all worked hard, and it definitely paid off. I hope to see more of such excellent projects in the Chinese entertainment industry.
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When you start you can't stop
Unlike idol dramas, where the protagonist naturally takes center stage, ensemble dramas focus more on the passage of time and the enduring strength of a collective spirit. Xia Fenghua embodies the "Hua Street spirit"—the resilience and legacy of the Grand Canal. Her journey is shaped by time, making her the perfect representation of Northward's central theme. This role comes with a dual narrative responsibility:
•Preserving the "Hua Street spirit" – Ensuring that the values and legacy of the Grand Canal continue to thrive in a new era.
• Demonstrating resilience – Showcasing personal growth and perseverance, emphasizing the profound impact of time on an individual’s journey.
For any young actor, these demands are incredibly challenging. The role requires deep emotional engagement, a thorough understanding of the story’s essence, and a flawless execution of character development.
After watching Northward, it’s impossible not to be impressed by Bai Lu’s performance. Her portrayal of Xia Fenghua is deeply moving, marking a significant breakthrough in her career. Not only does she bring a new depth to the character, but she also changes how audiences perceive her as an actress
Ouhao did a great job too, his character was annoying at some moments but it's understandable.
Very good slice of life drama.
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TRUE DEFINITION OF SLICE OF LIFE DRAMA!!!
Tried watching multiple realistic/ slice of life dramas but honestly nothing has or will ever compare to Northwards!!! The story follows a beautiful and unique story about 5 families, with each family’s history being soooo unique each with their own stories and spotlight!!!Special mention to Bai Lu!!! Bai Lu absolutely devoured her role as Xia FengHua/ HuaZi, it’s not only the way she delivers the uniqueness of the character through her voice but her eyes!!! The way her eyes just make you travel into the story is indescribable!!! She’s also so committed to playing the character from wearing braces, cutting her hair short, applying a tan everyday to work just proves her hardwork and her love for this character!! Ever drama Bai Lu proves herself, proves that she is an actress who dares to push the boundaries trying different genres everytime and just serving it as always!!! Bai Lu will truly accomplish much greater success in the future!!!
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It is a good melodrama about growing youths. It is nice to see Bai Lu doing something different
Northward is a melodrama about the lives of these young Jiangnan youths who grow up seeing the hardships their parents went through, the changes in their lives, and the economy booming in their town after they experience hardships working and living in the cosmopolitan city of Beijing. Eventually, they all return home after they find it difficult to make it in the big city.The entire cast's acting is phenomenal, and it is nice to see Bai Lu acting in something different from her usual idol dramas. It stretches her acting talents, and Vanda Margraf has the potential to be a great actress. It is too bad that she misses most of the drama after her character decides to leave Jiangnan, only to reappear in the last two episodes at the end.
Ou Hao and Zhai Zi Lu did a great job as well. The pace of the drama is good, and the story is good. Overall, it is enjoyable to watch.
Synopsis: The story revolves around several boys and girls who grew up along the canal. After parting ways to forge their paths, they reunite years later, navigating the struggles of competition and life's pressures while rediscovering hope for a new beginning. Through the perspective of these Jiangnan youths, the audience witnesses their growth and experiences the historical transformations of the Grand Canal, which has evolved over a century from dry spells to rejuvenation.
My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2, Script: 8
3, Music/OST: 8
4, Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 8
6. Rewatchable: 8
7. Onscreen Chemistry: 8
Overall Rating: 8
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Heartwarming story with the themes of youth, nostalgia, friendship and family.
I am happy that I came across watching Northward. It feels nostalgic of a time that i wasnt’t even born. However, i can’t help but feel warm watching the happy days of the characters teens era in 90's.The series captures the essence of the 90's, evoking a sense of nostalgia through its portrayal of daily life, cultural references, and social dynamics. The attention to detail in the settings of the drama creates a vivid backdrop that resonates with audiences, especially those who experienced that era.Each character is well-developed, with relatable struggles, dreams, and relationships. This drama emphasizes the importance of family bonds and friendships. It beautifully portrays the warmth and support found in these relationships, highlighting both the joys and challenges of growing up and the emotional scenes of the series resonate with universal experiences of love, loss, and growing up. This drama showcases the unique aspects of culture, from food to traditions, offering viewers a glimpse into a specific time and place.
Overall, Everything about Northward is great. The cast, the acting, the friendship, the family, everything. It lowkey made me feel at home, like I felt I was a part of the show. I just loved it..
This show is a must watch for everyone.
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So beautiful and warm drama, i appreciate my family more and more now
This drama is so well written and i'd give my everything just to experience it for the first time again.The cinematography is breathtaking. That canal's landscapes, the river views make everything feel so nostalgic and peaceful. The acting? Perfect, it doesn't even feel like acting. The drama is a bit slow sometimes, but in a way that makes you want to soak in every second. It's not just about romance; it's about family, resilience, and the things we leave behind to chase our dreams.It isn't just about love; it's about life, the struggles, the sacrifices, and the quiet moments that shape us. If there's a drama that perfectly captures our minds, so this is the best example and choice. I watched it with my grandmother and sister which make this so much special for me. Watching this gave me comfort and sadness at the same time. We are too busy growing up to realise that our parents are growing old too and that family is so important.It's the kind of drama that makes you feel warm and sad at the same time. It doesn't give you dramatic plot twists or unrealistic love stories. It just feels real.Was this review helpful to you?
I loved it, it's better than my expectations.
When drama was still in filming process, i was a bit curious about the original novel and the relationship of the grand canal with this story so i checked it and read about it and some articles about the canal as a way of knowledge and entertainment in the same time, so Northward shifts focus from the past to the present and future, while the novel takes a reflective approach, the adaptation embraces a broader theme of "going to the world," emphasizing modern relevance. The historical narrative once central now serves as a backdrop with the canal culture evolving into a symbol of continuity and renewal.By the 22nd episode, Chen Rui's discovery of an old notebook at the Grand Canal Culture Exhibition reveals deep ties between historical figures and his own ancestry. As the mystery unfolds, the series diverges significantly from the novel’s original storyline opting for a fresh narrative approach. The adaptation’s structure initially obscures these connections, allowing them to resurface gradually much like a sunken ship slowly revealing itself.
The drama Northward takes even greater liberties, reducing the historical scope and shifting focus to everyday life. It chronicles the evolution of six major families along the canal from ancient times to 2014, compressing history into a single, vivid portrait. The opening scene briefly nods to the past before transitioning into the daily realities of canal life. This transformation from "historical narrative" to "realistic narrative" creates a striking contrast, leaving fans of the original novel surprised( me too but i find the drama more good and lively) by the shift in perspective. The book intricately weaves historical and contemporary( there is a part from the story is set in an old dynasty not sure but when i searched i found this info) narratives, but the adaptation significantly trims the historical aspects. In the novel, an Italian named "Little Polo" embarks on a journey through China’s canal cities, searching for his lost brother and ultimately becoming part of local history. His story, filled with encounters, struggles, and love, forms the backbone of the book. Meanwhile, the present-day storyline follows a journalist retracing these historical connections.
The TV adaptation, however, streamlines this complex dual narrative. While it retains echoes of the past, its focus is firmly on the present, redefining the canal’s legacy for a new generation. The result is a reimagined tale that while controversial to purists offers a fresh perspective on history, culture, and identity.
You can read the novel if you liked the drama especially if you like the novels where you can learn many things about differents cultures and traditions... The drama seriously is better than i expected but i think it's for the mature people, or people who will understand the background of the story..
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Heartwarming drama, so beautiful.
In our mundane world of everyday life amid a time of decline swept along by a great current—“Northward ” unfolds at a gentle pace, its prose fresh and flowing like the steady trickle in an ordinary person’s life. It allows us to occasionally catch glimpses of light and shadow in the routine of daily life. Heavy like a descending night, it nevertheless emits a faint glow; the tones are deep and full of tension.
It has been a journey of the soul. In the “sea mirror” conjured by the atmosphere, I felt the canal’s warmth. Those writings, which speak from the perspective of bystanders rather than participants, are mostly detached, yet they embed themselves within it all the same... Good watch.
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So Good!
This was such a heart warming watch. I definitely enjoyed the Flower Street Families and their stories. One of my top watches so far for 2025.What I loved:
I was so invested in everyone and their stories. Not a dull moment from each character. I rooted for all of them and wanted to see them at their best, though I appreciated that they showed us them at their worst. Made for an amazing story of growth. I loved how real this show was. The characters were flawed, normal. Like your everyday people and strived for happiness and success. It made them so relatable. It was easy to connect with each character because the plot was so strong and executed so well. Such strong acting all around. I loved the story about their roots. I trace my own roots so that sat very well with me, as I too find excitement in learning more about my past.
What I didn’t like:
One major gripe was the music. I loved it but sometimes the music came in too loud and overshadowed the talking. It’s like they had the volume too high in some scenes. My only other issue was Siyi’s story. I wish we could have gotten more from her during her time away instead of at the very end.
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very touching and relive our teenage years of the same period.
the story started slow but it becomes really good after they started to go to Beijing.the story revolves around the grand canal and it was given a unesco status. hence there is some good history to it.
The FL is also one of the best actress and she did really well
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the oldest and longest man-made canal in the world to date. It begins in Beijing, China, and stretches 1,115 miles to the southern city of Hangzhou. It links 5 rivers and snakes across 5 different provinces
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Love it So Much!
Northward is a beautifully shot and emotionally resonant Chinese TV drama that explores the complexities of family, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of post-war China. The story follows several families as they migrate north in search of a better life, weaving together personal struggles and broader social changes with a touching sense of realism.The performances are incredibly strong—especially from the lead actors, who bring depth and nuance to their roles. The pacing can feel a bit slow at times, especially in the middle episodes, but it pays off in the emotional weight the series builds over time. The cinematography and costume design are top-notch, immersing viewers in the era with great attention to detail.
What really stands out is the emotional honesty of the show. Northward doesn’t shy away from difficult moments or moral ambiguity, which gives it a sense of gravity and authenticity that lingers long after the final episode.
Highly recommended for viewers who enjoy character-driven historical dramas with heart.
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