I’m making a list of my faves. In random order:
Love O2O (2016)
-but it’s hard to rewatch it after finding out about the female actress’ messy life
Hidden Love (2023)
-I still have to finish the last two episodes
Forever and Ever (2021)
-This is like comfort food to me. I like Bai Lu and Ren Jialun together. The romance may be slow and bland, but it soothes – and suits – me. I MUST write about this next to explain why it’s better than its prequel “One and Only.”
Are You the One? (2024)
-Very witty plot. Loved how the male lead is constantly hoist on his own petard. I still remember so many of his schemes that boomeranged on him….and the girl wasn’t even trying to outwit him.
Go Go Squid (2019)
-kinda cringe-y to watch, but I enjoyed it for the role reversal: the FL chases after the guy and wins him against his better judgment. This is the only Yang Zi drama where I was able to tolerate her baby face/voice/acting till the end. Introduced me to the world of esports. The flagrant Chinese nationalism was hard to watch but Li Xian made it worthwhile. lol.
The Prisoner of Beauty (2025)
-work in progress
Legally Romance (2022)
-it’s my rule to avoid shows involving attorneys but I’m glad I made an exception for this one. This is one of those rare dramas where the time-loop/time-travel is done well. I love that the idea of the lover sitting at the beloved’s bedside, passing time by telling stories of their past and correcting their misunderstandings… and all the while, fervently hoping that consciousness comes soon. It reminds me of “Sleeping Beauty” except the Prince Charming did more than just kiss a comatose.
What’s yours? Do you have any recommendations for me?
@Packmule,
Many of yours are in my favourites list too.
In addition – these are just some of the many shows I have enjoyed:
I have mentioned that I also enjoyed ‘The Story of Kunning Palace’ – and it stars Bai Lu so that should add to its appeal. It’s a well-constructed and engaging drama with great twists and turns as the story and backstory are revealed. It is a re-do your life show that is worth watching even if you have already seen a number. I am often bored but was not bored in this show because it didn’t operate too predictably.
I enjoyed the Chinese version of ‘Scarlet Heart’ – set in a different era from the K-drama – this time the Qing Dynasty. [The K-drama was adapted from the Chinese novel]. Not everyone enjoys partially bald male leads – but the costumes for the female characters are beautiful.
‘Boss and Me’ – a comfort food show and I can’t quite explain whey. I love Zhau Li Ying’s performance in this show. Comedy gold and radiant. She makes the show work. I know that the actor playing the ML is not top of the popularity charts but I still enjoy this show.
I also enjoyed ‘Princess Agents’ – again with Zhau Li Ying – its ‘Hunger Gamesesque’ beginning really appealed to me. There is a lot of bloodshed. It is set in ancient Chinese history where life was precarious and wild. But if you are in the right mood it is a flawed but great show with ancient James Bond aspects! They are shooting the sequel at the moment. I hope it is as good!
More recently a show that had great reviews and many of us enjoyed was ‘The Double’. It was an impressive, well-paced, visually elegant, compelling costume drama. Great female lead.
Just a quick comment because I am short on time right now.
Many of these dramas are in my favorites. I would like.
To include story of minglan- Many episodes but well worth it! I know it is also one of @kate’s favorites.
1 – Love O2O and Hidden Love tie for first place for me. Yang Yang And Lusi will always be my favourite Chinese actor/actress. ❤️
2 – The Prisoner of Beauty. It’s not perfect but I really love that there’s a lot of growth and plenty of scenes for the main couple. They had me at their first meeting. 🥰
3 – Blossom. Li Yun Rui really showed growth as an actor here and I like his pairing with Meng Zi Yi. ☺️
4 – Meteor Garden. The OST stood out a lot for me in this drama. After watching, I became a fan of Dylan Wang. 😃
I think I can only think of my top 3.
Sorry, top 4. 😂
I can’t think of any other cdramas at the moment except for those.
You mean five. 😂😂😂 You have two #1s.
For many of us, Love O2O acts like a “gateway drug.” It introduced us to cdramas and we were hooked on another bad habit.
Re. Story of Minglan
You know I sat through all 60, 50 episodes but for the life of me, I can’t remember any of the romantic scenes now. 🤦🏼♀️
@Kate,
I thought you would have more on your list! You watch so many cdramas. 😂
As I recall, A lot of the romance was suppressed emotion. But so implied!
As in Prisoner of beauty, The
Female Lead character was admirable for her strength Of character.
More in the historical category
A drean of Splendour
A Journey to Love
One and Only
The Imperial Coroner
Under the Power
My Comment above is in response to @packmule about story of minglan.
@Packmule,
I will add more! I am trying to be restrained! Haha
Yes, thank you @Monmor, I highly rate ‘The Story of Minglan’ – how could I have left it out ?! It is a high quality, well-written costume drama with nuanced, sometimes wistful, story telling, intelligent dialogue, and interesting characters. Visually too, I enjoyed it. Lots of slice of life + adventure + comedy. Another strong performance from Zhau Li Ying playing the ‘strategic underdog’ female lead. It’s a long show but truly draws you in. A must watch if time allows.
I really got completely sucked into ‘Lost You Forever ‘ – a magical watch thanks to the performances of Yang Zi and Tan Jianci. @Growing Beautifully helped fuel the obsession…haha. I don’t recommend the Part Two. I only managed a couple of episodes.
On a more modern note, I like and sometimes re-watch ‘Find Yourself’. I don’t usually like Victoria Song’s work but I do like her in this show with younger star Song Weilong. I know not everyone likes older woman younger man romances but I did like this show and was able to suspend disbelief about the way things unfolded – escapist as it was. We saw Esther Yu in an early comedy role also. A comfort watch.
I must mention ‘You are My Hero’ too – unfolding romance between (the charming) Bai Jingting and Sandra Ma, amidst adventure and medical work. is very re-watchable.
I will think of others…
@kate yes to “Find yourself and “you are my hero”
Go Ahead
the first half of my life
the rationale Life
!Love Scenery!
@Packmule, I missed your comment about ‘The Story of Minglan’.
On reflection, the romance does have to compete with many, many other aspects of an epic plot so it does leave a fleeting impression in some ways and might not remain in one’s memory.
I did like the the way the romantic stories wove themselves in to the plot, that said, and the romantic choices that Minglan was faced with…
I am really tempted now to re-watch again!
@Monmor
Yes to ‘Go Ahead’. A very strong family drama – youngish Seven Tan in fine form and great cast.
In “you are my hero”, The scene where they meet is so good.
The three grouped dramas above all have an element of romance that some may not like-watcher beware!
Love Scenery is also older womann younger man but I loved it. I really enjoy dramas where music is a major component. On that note, I enjoyed “the brightest star in the sky”although many do not like the main lead , who was also the main lead in legally romance. One of the complaints is that he just plays himself.But I like the actor(he is a rapper and a singer too) for his quirkiness.
“Crush” Is another romance drama with a disabled lead Who is also a musician in the story and in real life.
I alao enjoyed Light Chaser Rescue-action romance with earthquakes, Janice Wu and Luo Yun Xi.
@agdr03 – what about ‘Love Like a Galaxy’?
I loved it but would not necessarily re-watch.
As I think about these dramas, There are a number.I would not necessarily rewatch or have tried to reWatch unsuccessfully.
Maybe because they are so long the Rewatch appeal is not like with korean dramas. Some dramas just do not hold up to rewatch.
So some I have listed I really enjoyed the first time around and have not rewatched.