Are you thinking of watching your very first Chinese drama but don’t know where to begin? This can be quite a challenging task due to the overwhelming genres and multiple recommendations from friends, family and online reviews: romance, fantasy, historical, modern – literally everything and anything that’s ever been written about finds its place in a Chinese drama, or at least that’s how it seems when one is new to the Chinese entertainment universe. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you figure out where to begin.
Before you can start watching Chinese dramas, we advise starting safe – it is best to first choose some of the most popular, easy-to-follow Chinese dramas with established fan bases. Once you begin watching a few of these, the genres will (hopefully), grow upon you and you will gradually discover the types of stories you enjoy. Here are five C-dramas that are entertaining, emotional and that you are sure to binge-watch – because so may have already! Each one has a slightly different vibe, so you get a mix that fans away the boredom and also keeps you invested.
1. The Untamed – Intense Drama, Betrayal & the Power of Love
Wei Wuxian, who is referred to in the show “The Untamed” as an extraordinary but much-discussed cultivator, gains fame through his use of resentful energy/dark arts. After his fall from grace due to betrayal, scapegoating, and being forced into an isolated life, he dies under disastrous circumstances leaving behind many unanswered questions and damaged relationships, particularly with Lan Wangji, a peaceful and noble cultivator who sought to return Wei to the path he once followed.
Now, sixteen years have passed since then, and Wei is brought back to life in a different body, only to discover that the world he’s known has changed significantly. As he reconnects with the people he loved in his previous life – especially Lan Wangji – he begins to put together the pieces of many betrayals, plot twists, and misunderstandings that led to his ruin over the last 16 years. And surprisingly enough, this show is more than a mystery and lots of fighting…it’s also about love, loyalty, and a connection that survived even after death.
If you enjoy watching shows that tell emotional stories about friendship, and slow-build attractions, then this could be the perfect fit for you!
2. Love 020 – Where Real & Virtual Lives Meet
Bei Weiwei is an incredibly talented computer science student who wants to be a game developer by playing video games (specifically online games). She has an online username called “Luwei Weiwei” which she represents in a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game). One day, her in-game husband leaves her unexpectedly, and she receives a shocking offer from the top-ranked player in the game, Yixiao Naihe – not only to partner with him in the game but also to marry him in the game so they can compete as partners in tournaments together.
The kicker is that Yixiao Naihe is actually the same person as Xiao Nai (the character’s real-life counterpart), who happens to be one of the most popular, talented seniors at Weiwei’s university. As the two begin working together as an in-game couple and their in-game relationship begins to transition into a real-life relationship, Xiao Nai steadily wins over Weiwei’s heart as they navigate through their budding romance and a few small misunderstandings along the way. The drama is lighthearted and very addicting; it will make you smile from beginning to end!
3. Eternal Love – Romance With All the Drama
Eternal Love (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) is an epic story about two lovers who will spend eternity together and endure the recurring trials of their love over multiple generations. A perfect example of an eternal love story told across time through Bai Qian – a goddess of great power – and Ye Hua, a prince, as they meet one another in various forms and across several realms. Bai Qian’s beginning occurs as a male disciple, going through extensive training, fighting in wars, experiencing emotional heartbreak and the loss of a loved one at the hands of her enemy during a massive battle. Through these devastation and traumatic aftermath, she chooses to bury her memories and live her life in peace, having left behind all ties to her past.
Bai Qian will one day become mortal by the name Su Su. While living as Su Su, Bai Qian meets Ye Hua again without remembering their prior meeting; they will develop an incredibly romantic relationship; ultimately getting married and having a child. Yet, they will be separated as a result of betrayal, actual jealousy, and fate; once again they are forced to endure loss and sacrifice. Bai Qian will regain her true identity as Bai Qian but will have forgotten her past. Eventually, time, fate and destiny will place her and Ye Hua together once more to experience love for the last time.
If you’re a fan of emotional, dramatic, “love across lifetimes” kind of stories… this one will absolutely destroy you (in the best way).
4. Go Go Squid – Sweet Romance
The plot of Go Go Squid centers on the bright and hardworking Tong Nian, a computer science student, who accidentally meets Han Shangyan,a serious and emotionally distant e-sports team leader. While Han’s only focus is to win a World Championship for China, he has difficulty communicating with anyone, including his own team.
However, after she enters his life, Tong Nian’s warmth, patience, and quiet support begin to break down his emotional barriers and allow him to become reconnected with his team and family. In addition, Han becomes a motivation for Tong Nian, as they inspire each other to reach their dreams and improve themselves – not only romantically but also in life overall.
If you’re into a sweet, slow-burn romance where a warm, determined girl slowly helps a cold, emotionally distant man open up and rediscover connections, this one is for you.
5. The Pursuit Of Jade – Real Love, Strong Female Lead & A Winning Story
During a harsh snowstorm, Fan Changyu (the butcher’s daughter and orphan trying to help her family survive) meets Xie Zheng (the fallen nobleman with a hidden identity) unexpectedly. On the surface, she’s just trying to survive by running her butcher shop, while he is quietly planning revenge for a long and bloody family feud that destroyed his life.
They get married in order to both solve their problems. The marriage is originally practical and without emotion, but as they continue to be around each other, they begin to develop an emotional attachment based on trust, support, and hard work. Both characters think they are in control of the situation until they start developing feelings for each other.
And if you’re into slow-burn romance, strong female leads, and that “fake marriage to real love” trope, this one already has a growing fandom that’s super excited for it. Fans are especially hyped about the chemistry, emotional tension, and the intense revenge-meets-romance storyline – it’s definitely one to keep on your radar.
If you’re new to C-dramas, don’t stress about choosing the “perfect” one. Just pick any from this list and start watching. And honestly, once you start one… there’s a very high chance you’ll end up watching way more than you planned.
Did you watch any of these already? Let us know in the comments below!
