Chongqing - During the recent Spring Festival holiday, actor Yang Ke’s latest time-travel business drama premiered on Hongguo and quickly gained traction, surpassing a popularity index of 41 million. Eight years ago, Yang was a law graduate unsure of his path; today, he has starred in seven productions and become one of the rising faces in China’s booming short-drama industry.
Few viewers realize that Chongqing has quietly emerged as a major production hub. The city has ranked third nationwide in short-drama popularity, and many viral titles circulating online are now “Made in Chongqing.”
From Career Gamble to Breakout Moment
At 32, Yang Ke’s career path has taken several unexpected turns. After graduating with a degree in international economic law from Sichuan International Studies University, he was expected to pursue a legal career. Instead, he followed his passion for acting, moving to Beijing to take minor roles in traditional TV dramas. Progress was slow, and he once found himself at a professional crossroads.
After returning to Chongqing in 2022, Yang first gained attention as a Douyin content creator before fully committing to short dramas. The fast-paced format proved a perfect fit.
He recalls filming a martial-arts scene in Jiangjin District when an unexpected rainstorm broke out just as the crew prepared to wrap for the night. Rather than stopping filming, Yang suggested incorporating the rain into the scene. The improvised sequence later became one of the highlights of the drama, which eventually surpassed 40 million in popularity.
Yang Ke prepares for a short-drama shoot. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
Unlike traditional TV productions, short dramas provide immediate audience feedback through real-time data. For Yang, success is no longer defined by starring in big films.
“Being able to create something seen by hundreds of millions of viewers in such a short time — that’s my highlight,” he said. Today, he maintains a pace of two to three productions per month and aims to bring cinematic quality to every short drama he makes.
A Fast-Growing Industry Powered by Young Creators
Behind actors like Yang is a rapidly expanding creative ecosystem. One key player is Maiya Media, a leading company in China’s short-drama sector.
Founded in 2015 as an MCN agency specializing in online content operations, the company pivoted quickly when the short-drama market surged. By 2025, Maiya Media had produced about 800 short dramas in a single year. Its online platforms now reach more than 800 million followers, while one of its hit dramas has surpassed 3 billion views.
The company employs more than 2,000 staff members, with an average age of under 26. Writers, editors, and digital operators work at a rapid pace to keep up with the industry’s demand for fresh content.
Group photo of Maiya Media staff. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
“The internet has created opportunities for cities like Chongqing to develop new forms of film and television production,” said Tang Huiyu, the company’s director of public affairs. “But long-term success still depends on strong storytelling and high-quality content.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Maiya Media plans to produce over 1,000 short dramas while introducing AI technology to improve efficiency and push toward more refined, premium storytelling.
Why Chongqing is Becoming a Short-Drama Hub
Chongqing’s rise in the short-drama industry is driven by a combination of natural advantages and policy support.
The city’s layered skyline, riverside bridges, and historic neighborhoods provide diverse filming locations, making it a natural “open-air studio.” Government initiatives have also encouraged the growth of digital content industries, including policies supporting online audiovisual production and technology-driven filmmaking.
Across the city, different districts are building a growing industry ecosystem — from high-quality content development to AI-assisted virtual production and dedicated filming bases.
Behind the scenes of a short-drama production. (Photo provided by the interviewee)
The economic impact is already visible. A typical short-drama crew of around 40 to 50 people spends seven to ten days filming locally, generating significant demand for accommodation, transport, and catering. With roughly 100 productions each month, the industry is estimated to drive over 100 million yuan (about 14.52 million USD) in annual tourism-related spending.
For Chongqing, short dramas are becoming more than just entertainment. They are helping showcase the city’s culture and scenery to millions of viewers — and turning a new generation of creators into storytellers for the digital age.