Zhang Guoli (left), Jiang Shan(right) and Zheng Kai star a family in the TV drama Long Time No See. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Veteran actors Zhang Guoli and Jiang Shan are teaming up the first time to play a couple on the small screen in the 42-episode television series, Long Time No See.

In the series, actor Zheng Kai and actress Yang Zishan to play their son and daughter-in-law.

The drama will air on Beijing Satellite TV and the video-streaming sites iQiyi, Tencent Video and Youku from March 26.

The story covers a period starting from 2003, which encompasses the surge of China's economy.

Major events in China from the past 10 years are featured in the series, including Liu Xiang's unprecedented victory in the Men's 110m Hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Scriptwriter Wang Wanping, known for popular TV series such as Jin Hun (2007, Golden Wedding Ceremony), says that she was partly inspired by Hong Kong singer Eason Chan's hit song Long Time No See.

"When I heard the song, it gave me an impetus to build a story," said Wang during a recently promotional event in Beijing.