Rush to the Dead Summer () is a 2017 Chinese television series based on Guo Jingming's novel of the same name; starring Chen Xuedong, Zheng Shuang and Bai Jingting. On 11 June 2017, the series aired on Hunan TV. The drama was acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of youth and campus life, along with striking cinematography.
Li Xia (Zheng Shuang), a hardworking girl from a poor family, earns a scholarship to the prestigious Qian Chuan Secondary School. There, she befriends Fu Xiaosi (Chen Xuedong), a reserved, talented artist, and Lu Zhiang (Bai Jingting), a lively and charismatic student who acts as a loyal âÂÂguardian angelâ to them both. Along with friends Cheng Qiqi (Chai Biyun) and Yu Jian (Xia Zitong), they share a vibrant high school life full of dreams and romance.
After graduation, their lives take different paths: Fu Xiaosi becomes a famous painter with Li Xia as his assistant and partner; Cheng Qiqi rises as a popular idol; and Yu Jian pursues singing overseas. But hardships soon followâÂÂLu Zhiang faces his motherâÂÂs death and imprisonment, Cheng Qiqi betrays the group, and Li Xia leaves, causing the bright âÂÂsummerâ of their youth to fade. Lu ZhiangâÂÂs once cheerful spirit turns somber as he struggles through loss. Over ten years, the story explores the fragility of friendship and the lasting power of memories amid growth and change.
The actors' original voices are used in this drama, with no dubbing. Filming began on August 5, 2016 at Guankou Middle School and ended on November 24. Guo Jingming acts as the artistic director of this series.