The 21st century has been a huge year for entertainment platforms, among which China’s contribution has been the strongest. In this article, we have handpicked the best Chinese drama series that every C-drama fan should watch at least once in their lifetime. To make your search more convenient, the list includes all the information about the rated series, including rating, release date, synopsis, number of seasons, and available period.
Sometimes you just want to binge watch an intriguing drama, and thankfully, Chinese dramas let you do just that. From now-OTT classics (like Hidden Love) to historical gems (like Story of Kunning Palace), Chinese dramas are home to some of the most intriguing and beautifully crafted language series of all time. Check out our compiled list of the best Chinese dramas of all time and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below.
About Chinese Drama
Also known as Chinese TV dramas or C-dramas, these are Chinese-language television drama series originating from mainland China or greater China.
The famous genres of Chinese dramas are fantasy romance, period drama, thriller and contemporary drama since the first TV show (One Piece of Cake) was aired in 1958. Chinese language dramas or C-dramas are distributed all over the world, but the main audience is in Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.
The most interesting Chinese dramas right now
10. Hello, I can help you
- Release year: 2023
- Starring: Xu Lu, Wei Zheming, Liu Runnan, Zhang Baijia
- Season: 1
- Available on: Rakuten Biki
The 2023 Chinese drama series is a romantic drama about two office lovers in a romantic relationship. Based on the novel of the same name by Bu Yi Ma Qi, the series has received high ratings of 7.8/10 on MyDrama List, 9.2/10 on Rakuten Viki, and 9.6/10 on iQIYi.
Synopsis:
As a top customer service representative, Dong Dong En has made a name for herself at work. With her wit, charm and courage, Dong En can solve any problem that comes her way. But when fatefully Lou Yuan (Wei Jiemin) comes into her life, things at work get a little more complicated.
9. Sunshine beside me
![The Sun is by My Side Best Chinese Drama Series](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sunshine-By-My-Side-.jpg)
- Release year: 2023
- Starring: Xiao Zhan, Bai Bai He, Tian Yu, Chu Chu
- Season: 1
- Available on: Rakuten Biki
The 2023 Chinese drama series is a comedy-drama that depicts the romantic relationship between two graphic designers. Based on a Chinese novel of the same name, the series has received positive ratings of 7.8/10 on MyDrama List, 9.2/10 on Rakuten Viki, and 9.6/10 on iQIYi.
Synopsis:
Shenyang (Xiao Zhan) is a hardworking new designer whose life changes when he meets Jian Bin (Bai Bai He), a well-known and experienced advertising director. Though she is much older than Shenyang, the two are attracted to each other. She has just gotten out of marriage and is depressed, but Shenyang makes her feel alive, loved and special. However, they face insurmountable obstacles. At work, her colleagues tell Jian Bin that Shenyang is just an opportunist looking for a fast track to the top of the industry, while their families are vehemently against their marriage.
Also Read – Top 10 Total Drama Girls of All Time
8. When I fly towards you
![When I fly towards you](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/When-I-Fly-Towards-You.jpg)
- Release year: 2023
- Starring: Zhou Yiran, Zhang Miaoyi
- Season 1
- Available on: NetflixViki
“I Fly Toward Me” is a Chinese coming-of-age romantic web series based on Zhu Yi’s novel “She’s a Little Crazy”. A huge success in China, the series has garnered great reviews from critics and fans. The romantic series “I Fly Toward Me” follows the relationship between two students, Su Zaizai and Zhang Lulang. The series has garnered great reviews of 9/10 on MyDramaList, 9.7/10 on Viki, and 8.5/10 on IMDb.
Synopsis:
After a delightful chance encounter, 16-year-old Su Zaizai finds himself hopelessly drawn to his intelligent, charming but aloof classmate, Zhang Lulang.
7. A Beautiful Love
![Beautiful Love Best Chinese Drama Series](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-Love-So-Beautiful-.jpg)
- Release year: 2017
- Starring: Hu Yitian, Shen Yue, Gao Zhiting, Wang Wei
- Season 1
- Available on: NetflixViki
One of China’s top-rated TV series, “Love Is So Beautiful” has garnered over 10.5 billion views on online streaming platforms. Based on the novel “To Our Pure Little Beauty”, the series depicts the love story of two high school students, Chen Xiaoxi and Jiang Chen. As of 2024, the series has garnered 8.3/10 ratings on MyDramaList, 8/10 on IMDb, and 9.4/10 on Viki.
Synopsis:
Love is sweet and tough for teenagers who fall in love, and their relationships with their neighbors change as they grow into adults.
6. Romance of the Tiger and the Rose
![Romance of the Tiger and the Rose](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Romance-of-Tiger-and-Rose-.jpg)
- Release year: 2020
- Starring: Ding Yuxi and Zhao Rushu
- Season 1
- Available on: Viki
The Chinese streaming television series “The Tiger and the Rose” depicts the historical love story between Zhao Lusi and Ding Yuxi. It has been rated as one of the top Chinese drama series on social media, with over 3 billion hits on Weibo and over 897 million viewers. Additionally, “The Tiger and the Rose” has received 8.6/10 ratings on MyDramaList, 9.5/10 on Viki, and 7.9/10 on IMDb.
Synopsis:
Chen Xiaochian (Zhao Lusi) has dedicated her entire life to fulfilling her dream of becoming a respected screenwriter. Standing on the set of the epic drama she’s written with endless blood, sweat and tears, Xiaochian can hardly believe what she’s seeing.
Also read – Top 10 Adult Animated Shows to Watch Right Now
5. Hidden Love
![Hidden Love Best Chinese Drama Series](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hidden-Love-.jpg)
- Release year: 2023
- Starring: Zhao Lusi, Chen Zheyuan, Victor Ma
- Season 1
- Available on: Netflix
Ranked among the top 5 Chinese drama series, “Hidden Love” is based on the Chinese novel “Secretly, Secretly, But Cannot Be Hidden” by Zhu Yi. The Chinese drama, which depicts the romantic relationship between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaoxu, has garnered global recognition with over 10 million views. Meanwhile, the 2023 series received a 9/10 on MyDramaList and 8.6/10 on IMDb.
Synopsis:
Since their high school days, Kuang Zhi has had a crush on Duan Jia Xu, and when fate brings them together again, they have the chance to build a sweet relationship.
4. Go Go Squid
![Go Go Squid](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Go-Go-Squid-.jpg)
- Release year: 2019
- Cast: Li Xian, Yang Zi, Hu Yitian
- Season 1
- Available on: Viki
The e-sports romance comedy drama TV series “Go Go Squid” is based on the novel “Honey Stewed Squid” by Mo Bao Fei Bao. The series, which depicts the story of Han and Hang Shangyan, won the title of Best Chinese Drama Series in the Yien Broadcasting Index TV series list. Go Squid received a rating of 8.4/10 on MyDramaList, 9.6/10 on Viki, and 7.7/10 on IMDb.
Synopsis:
Long after his retirement, Han-Shan Yang, a former legend in the CTF cybersecurity e-sports world, founded the e-sports club K&K to train teenage boys to become professional e-sports players.
3. I love O2O
![Love O2O Best Chinese Drama Series](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Love-O2O-.jpg)
- Release date: 2016
- Starring: Yang Yang, Chen Shuang, Bai Yu, Mao Xiaotong
- Season 1
- Available on: MX PlayerViki
One of China’s most famous dramas, “Love O2O” is a TV drama based on the novel of the same name. The romantic comedy series tells the story of two gamers, Bei Weiwei and Yixiao Naihe, and has attracted a massive 25.2 billion viewership, making it one of China’s most commercially successful dramas.
However, in August 2021, the drama was officially banned by the Chinese People’s Government in mainland China because the lead actress was deemed an “actor of good conduct.”
Synopsis:
Bei Weiwei (Zheng Shuang) has both beauty and brains. A computer goddess, she aspires to become an online game developer. In her spare time, she plays her favorite role-playing game, “A Chinese Ghost Story”. After being dumped by her online husband, Zhenshui Wuxian (Zhang Yu), she receives a message from the number one player, Yixiao Naihe, asking her to be his online husband.
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2. Nirvana in the Fire
![Nirvana in the Fire](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nirvana-In-Fire-.jpg)
- Release year: 2015
- Starring: Hu Ge, Wang Kai, Liu Tao
- Season 1
- Available on: Viki
The Chinese historical drama “The Battle of Nirvana” is based on the novel “The Wolf’s Fang” written by Hai Yan. The series, which follows the story of Lin Shu, has become one of China’s most commercially successful dramas, garnering over 100 million views within two days of its premiere and generating over 3.2 billion posts on Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo. The series has received 13.2 billion views and a rating of 9.1/10 on MyDramaList, 8.9/10 on IMDb, and 9.6/10 on Viki.
Synopsis:
Ancient China was being torn apart by the violent feudalism of the Northern Wei and Southern Liang dynasties. With the help of a Liang general and his 19-year-old son, Lin Shu (Hu Ge), the Liang state won a famous victory over the Wei. But instead of reward, the Lin family faced betrayal.
1. Shanshanrayre
![The best Chinese drama series](https://thenexthint.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/5cffcded45-1-1920x1073.webp)
- Release year: 2014
- Starring: Hans Chan, Zhao Liying
- Season: 2
- Available on: Viki
“Shanshan Lei”, also known as “Boss & Me” and “Shanshan Comes to Eat”, is one of the hit Chinese series that topped the charts around the world. Based on Gu Man’s novel “Shanshan Comes to Eat”, it tells the story of a wealthy heir (Fen Teng) and his sister Fen Yue. The series not only topped the charts in China, but also in Russia and South Korea. The series has garnered 8/10 ratings on MyDramaList, 7.7/10 on IMDb, and 9.2/10 on Viki.
Synopsis:
As the president of a huge conglomerate, Feng Teng (Zhang Han) has a lot of responsibilities to fulfill. All he can think about is that Feng Yue is now in need of a blood transfusion, having been born with a rare blood type. Determined to find a donor for his sister, Feng Teng’s desperate search leads him to one of his employees, Xue Xiang Xiang (Zhao Li Ying).
Conclusion
The Chinese entertainment industry has provided the world with some of the best movies and series for a perfect binge-watching session. Among the several web series genres, drama has been significantly dominated by Chinese web series. The above list compiles a list of the top 10 best Chinese dramas that all C-drama lovers should look out for.