LIST: 7 Chinese dramas worth binge-watching this Lunar New Year
While there’s no doubt Filipinos are obsessed with K-dramas, last year saw a renewed interest in Chinese-language dramas or C-dramas, thanks in part to Hidden Love, a romantic, coming-of-age story that hit us right in the feels with its relatable plot.
If you’re looking for a new series to binge-watch, you should definitely give C-dramas a chance—from the wuxia (martial heroes) genre to modern romances, their titles are packed with interesting storylines, eye-candy but talented leads, and catchy soundtracks that will tug at your heartstrings.
Ready to dive into the world of C-dramas? Here are must-watch titles to add to your list!
A Love So Beautiful
Where to watch: Netflix, Viu
This coming-of-age, “opposites attract” drama follows the story of bright and cheerful Chen Xiaoxi (Shen Yue) as he falls in love with her aloof classmate, Jiang Chen (Hu Yitian). The two have been neighbors since kindergarten and while Xiaoxi openly shows affection for Chen, the latter is indifferent towards her. When another classmate, national swimmer Wu Bosong (Gao Zhiting) starts to harbor a crush on Xiaoxi, Chen begins to realize his feelings towards his childhood friend. It’s a familiar story of first loves, beautiful friendships, and character growth that you can’t help but watch. This 2017 drama was such a hit that it even inspired a Korean remake!
Hidden Love
Where to watch: Netflix
Considered a gateway show for people who have never watched C-dramas before, this modern romance immediately had people hooked with its kilig-inducing scenes and stunning leads.
The 25-episode series starts with 8th-grader Sang Zhi (Zhao Lusi) developing a crush on her brother’s friend, Duan Jiaxu (Chen Zheyuan), who treats her kindly unlike her older brother, Sang Yan. The crush continues until Zhi is in high school but ends in heartbreak as she learns that Jiaxu already has a girlfriend. When the two meet again a couple of years later, Zhi swears she’s already over her first love, but what happens when Jiaxu finally sees her in a different light?
Destined
Where to watch: iQiyi
If you’re into period dramas, this series won’t leave you disappointed as it mixes romance with history (it’s inspired by the Tang and Song dynasties).
Liu Yuru (Song Yi) is the legitimate eldest daughter of a merchant who trains hard to become the perfect lady so she can marry into a good family, take care of her sick mother and finally escape her neglectful father and his cruel concubine. When she marries Gu Jiusu (Bai Jing Ting), Yuru thinks she has succeeded—the only problem is, her husband despises her. Not one to give up, Yuru takes matters into her own hands and transforms the pampered young master into a brave, honest, and righteous man while earning her place in her new family. You’ll love seeing the main couple’s relationship evolve from a business transaction marriage to genuine affection, while also unraveling the drama’s darker tones revolving around palace politics and a fight for the throne.
When I Fly Towards You
Where to watch: Netflix
Another sweet, coming-of-age romantic comedy! Su Zai Zai (Zhang Miaoyi) is a high school transferee who meets the cool and aloof Zhang Lurang (Zhou Yiran) and falls in love with him at first sight. Thanks to her bubbly personality, Lurang slowly opens up to her and despite their opposite personalities, the two become closer. As their friendship deepens, they help each other heal and get through life’s challenges. But will it blossom into something more?
The Love You Give Me
Where to watch: WeTV
This heartwarming drama made a splash in 2023 and for good reason! It follows the story of Min Hui (Wang Yu Wen) and Xin Qi (Wang Zi Qi) former lovers who broke up due to a misunderstanding. Years later, Hui is a single mom working as an R&D director at a tech firm while Qi, a successful CEO, remains a bachelor. Of course, fate brings these two back together and the swoon-worthy scenes (with their adorable kid added to the mix!) makes this lighthearted romance a fun watch!
Fireworks of My Heart
Where to watch: Viu
If you’re into medical dramas with a dash of romance then this series might be your cup of tea. It follows the story of Song Yan (Yang Yang) and Xu Qin (Wang Chu Ran), childhood sweethearts whose relationship was torn apart by their families. Ten years later, they are successful in their chosen fields—Yan is a fire chief while Qin is an emergency doctor—and are forced to work together after a chance meeting. Will this reunion lead to a second shot at love? Watch and find out!
Mr. Bad
Where to watch: iQiyi
If you were captivated by Chen Zheyuan in Hidden Love, then you might want to give this fantasy rom-com a chance. It stars Shen Yue as Nan Xing, an online novel writer who creates stories based on her real-life idol. One day, she wishes for an “unforgettable love” and is surprised when the villain in her latest story, Xiao Wu Di (Chen Zheyuan), suddenly comes to life and appears before her! Wu Di convinces Xing to take care of him while they figure out a way to get him back to his world, and while they bicker back and forth, sparks also start to fly. It’s the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but we’re not complaining!