A River Runs Through It
上游
Completed · Premiered 2021-08-02 · 36 episodes · ~45 min/ep
About this drama
After transferring to a new school just before her final exams, Xia Xiaoju struggles to adapt until she befriends a group of classmates, including the compassionate Cheng Lang and the mischievous Lu Shiyi. The story spans their youth into adulthood, exploring the complexities of hidden crushes and enduring friendships. As they navigate university and life's challenges, Xiaoju remains oblivious to the growing feelings of her constant protector, Lu Shiyi.
Who this is for
Suits viewers who like slice-of-life coming-of-age stories that follow a friend group from high school into adulthood, with a devoted male lead pining in the background. Skip it if you want lots of couple time, or if long misunderstandings and a years-long separation frustrate you.
Our take
Reviewers like the cast, especially Richards Wang's quietly devoted male lead, and the pretty scenery and focus on friendship and family. The story is more coming-of-age than romance for most of its run, which pleases some viewers and disappoints those expecting a sweet love story. The most repeated complaint is that the couple gets very few happy scenes together: misunderstandings and a long separation fill much of the back half, and the reconciliation feels compressed into the last episodes. Some side plots are also called unnecessary.
Pacing & content notes
Episodes 1-8 are mostly high-school slice of life with little romance; university arcs build interest around 9-16; episodes 17-24 bog down in misunderstandings; 25-36 bring time skips and a late, compressed romantic payoff.
Heads up
- Long one-sided pining and misunderstandings
- Multi-year separation late in the story
- Very little couple screen time
- Rushed final episodes
Where to watch
- Youku · Official title pageAvailability varies by region; check the platform.
Cast
Directed by Sha Weiqi
- Richards Wang as Lu Shiyi
- Hu Yixuan as Xia Xiaoju
- Chen Bohao as Cheng Lang
- Judy Qi as Lin You
Your Watchlist
Your personal rating (optional)
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Should I watch?
- Romance carries the main plot
- Modern setting
- There is a love triangle
Story traits
- Romance
- 9 / 10
- Angst
- 5 / 10
- Comedy
- 5 / 10
- Pacing
- 4 / 10
Traits and editorial notes are researched from published sources with AI assistance and editorially checked (how we review).
Tags
- Comedy
- Drama
- Romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
Ending
The leads end together, but many viewers felt the payoff came late and was rushed.
Ending classification & spoiler details (optional reveal)
Reveals the ending classification (happy, sad, bittersweet or open) and ending details if available.
Frequently compared with
- Reply 1988
- A Love So Beautiful
- With You
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