2018 Chinese Drama Recommendations


Here is our ongoing list of c-drama recommendations. It is based on dramas that achieved good ratings along with some of our own picks.

Heavy Sweetness Ash-like Frost

Top Chinese fantasy romance series 2018 Ashes of Love

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?



Rate this (246 Votes)


Title: Heavy Sweetness Ash-Like Frost / Ashes of Love / Xiang Mi Chen Chen Jin Ru Shuang / 香蜜沉沉烬如霜
Episodes and Genre: 60, Fantasy, Romance
Broadcast Period: Aug 2, 2018 Jiangsu TV, Youku, iQiYi, Tencent
Starring:
Andy Yang Zi as Jin Mi 
Deng Lun as Xu Feng 
Luo Yun Xi as Run Yu

Synopsis:
A story of many lifetimes of romance between the flower deity and the fire deity. Jin Mi was given the unfeeling pill as an infant to stop her from ever experiencing love. Thousand of years later, the fire deity who is also the second son of the Heavenly King stumbles into Shui Jing because of a trap laid out by his enemies. He is saved by Jin Mi and slowly, the two fall into a romance. 

Bloody Romance

Top Chinese wuxia series 2018 Bloody Romance

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (117 Votes)


Title: Bloody Romance / Mei Zhe Wu Jiang / 媚者无疆
Episodes and Genre: 32, Romance, Wuxia
Broadcast Period: July 24, 2018 Youku
Starring:
Li Yi Tong as Wan Mei
Qu Chu Xiao as Chang An
Wang Duo as Gong Zi 
Puff Guo as Liu Guang

Synopsis:
A story about a young woman who was exploited in the past, having gone through hell and back to become an assassin.

Story of Yanxi Palace

Top Chinese series 2018 Story of Yanxi Palace

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (98 Votes)


Title: Story of Yanxi Palace / Yanxi Gong Lue / 延禧攻略
Episodes and Genre: 50, Palace, Historical
Broadcast Period: Jul 19, 2018 iQiYi
Starring:
Wu Jin Yan as Wei Ying Luo
Qin Lan as Empress Fu Cha 
Nie Yuan as Qian Long 
Charmaine Sheh as Xian Fei

Synopsis:
A story revolving around a palace maid with a plucky attitude, street smarts and a good heart as she maneuvers the dangers in the palace to become a concubine of Emperor Qianlong.

Meteor Garden

Meteor Garden 2018 Best Dramas
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (311 Votes)


Title: Meteor Garden / Liu Xing Hua Yuan / 流星花园
Episodes and Genre: 48, School, Idol, Romance
Broadcast Period: July 9, 2018 Hunan TV
Starring:
Shen Yue as Shan Cai 
Dylan Wang as Dao Ming Si 
Darren Chen as Hua Ze Lei 
Caesar Wu as Xi Men 
Connor Leong as Mei Zuo Ling

Synopsis:
An ordinary girl is admitted to the most prestigious school in the country where she encounters F4, the four wealthiest and most handsome boys in the school.

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams 2018 Chinese TV Series
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (196 Votes)


Title: Sweet Dreams / Yi Qian Ling Yi Ye / 一千零一夜
Episodes and Genre: 48, Romance, Idol
Broadcast Period: June 25, 2018 Hunan TV
Starring:
Dilraba Dilmurat as Ling Ling Qi 
Deng Lun as Bai Hai 
Zhu Xu Dan as Zhou Xin Yan 
Chen Yi Long as Mo Nan

Synopsis:
A story between Ling Ling Qi and Bo Hai as they meet due to a chance encounter and accidentally spark a fairytale romance.

Legend of Yun Xi

Legend of Yunxi 2018 Chinese web series
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (300 Votes)


Title: Legend of Yun Xi / Yun Xi Zhuan / 芸汐传
Episodes and Genre: 48, Romance
Broadcast Period: June 25, 2018 iQiYi
Starring:
Ju Jing Yi as Han Yi Xi 
Zhang Zhe Han as Long Fei Ye 
Mi Re as Gu Qi Shao

Synopsis:
A story that revolves around the court physician's daughter Han Yunxi who maintains a positive attitude in spite of many hardships. She falls into a complicated romance with Long Feiye.

Legend of Fuyao

Fuyao 2018 Best Chinese TV Series
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (477 Votes)


Title: Legend of Fuyao / Fuyao / 扶摇
Episodes and Genre: 66, Fantasy, Action, Romance
Broadcast Period: Jun 18, 2018 Zhejiang TV, Tencent
Starring:
Yang Mi as Meng Fu Yao 
Ethan Ruan as Chang Sun Wu Ji

Synopsis:
It follows Fuyao as she treads on a path to unsealing the five ancient seals. On her journey across the five continents comes an epic romance with Wuji.

Guardian

Guardian Youku series

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (47 Votes)


Title: Guardian / Zhen Hun / 镇魂
Episodes and Genre: 40, Mystery, Science Fiction
Broadcast Period: Jun 13, 2018 Youku
Starring:
Bai Yu as Zhao Yun Lan 
Zhu Yi Long as Shen Wei

Synopsis:
A story revolving around the four sages begins as Zhao Yun Lan and Shen Wei work together to maintain the peace and order between realms.

The Way We Were

The Way We Were Romance Drama Recommendation
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (112 Votes)


Title: The Way We Were / Gui Qu Lai / 归去来
Episodes and Genre: 50, Romance, Drama
Broadcast Period: May 14, 2018 Beijing TV, Dragon TV
Starring:
Tiffany Tang Yan as Xiao Qing
Luo Jin as Shu Che
Tim Yu Ji Wei as Ning Ming 
Amelie Xu Lingyue as Miao Ying

Synopsis:
A new generation of Chinese students studying abroad - they are the second generation officials, rich and politicians brought together by their families and ideals.

Moonshine and Valentine

Moonshine and Valentine epic drama 2018

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (314 Votes)


Title: Moonshine and Valentine / Jie Ai Qian Sui Da Ren De Chu Lian / 结爱·千岁大人的初恋
Episodes and Genre: 30, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: May 9, 2018 Tencent
Starring:
Victoria Song Qian as Guan Pi Pi 
Johnny Huang Jing Yu as He Lan Jing Ting

Synopsis:
A story revolving around a news intern who crosses paths with the mysterious descendant of the fox tribe and falls into a romance that transcends lifetimes.

Here to Heart

Here to Heart 2018 Chinese TV series
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (163 Votes)


Title: Here to Heart / Wen Nuan De Xia / 温暖的弦
Episodes and Genre: 46, Romance Drama
Broadcast Period: April 30, 2018 Hunan TV
Starring:
Hans Zhang Han as Zhan Nan Xian
Janine Chang as Wen Nuan 
Jing Chao as Zhu Lin Lu 
Zhang Jia Ni as Yi Xin

Synopsis:
A story that tells a long-running romance that spans ten years.

Only Side By Side With You

Only Side By Side With You Top Chinese Dramas 2018

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (205 Votes)


Title: Only Side By Side With You / Nan Fang You Qiao Mu / 南方有乔木
Episodes and Genre: 40, Romance
Broadcast Period: March 25, 2018 Zhejiang TV, Jiangsu TV
Starring:
Bai Bai He as Nan Qiao 
William Chan as Shi Yue 
Qin Hai Lu as An Ning 
Li Xian as Chang Jian Xiong

Synopsis:
A story set in the field of drone technology that revolves around a romance between Nan Qiao and a man with a mysterious background.

Flying Tiger

Flying Tiger 2018 Top Chinese Dramas
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (40 Votes)


Title: Flying Tiger / Fei Hu Zhi Qian Xing Ji Zhan / 飞虎之潜行极战 
Episodes and Genre: 30, Action, Crime
Broadcast Period: April 6, 2018 Youku
Starring:
Michael Miu as Nie Yu Hang
Bosco Wong as Gao Jia Ming
Ron Ng as Gao Jia Jun

Synopsis:
A story that revolves around a specialized law enforcement team called the Flying Tigers and how they take on the crime syndicates in Hong Kong.

Secret of the Three Kingdoms

Secret of the Three Kingdoms Chinese drama 2018
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (197 Votes)


Title: Secret of the Three Kingdoms / San Guo Ji Mi / 三国机密
Episodes and Genre: 54, Historical Fiction
Broadcast Period: March 27, 2018 Tencent
Starring:
Ray Ma Tianyu as Liu Xie 
Elvis Han Dong Jun as Si Ma Yi 
Wan Qian as Fu Shou

Synopsis:
A story revolving around the time when Liu Xie falls into the hands of Cao Cao and fights a long and uphill battle to restore power to his empty throne.

Old Boy

Old Boy

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (197 Votes)


Title: Old Boy / Lao Nan Hai / 老男孩
Episodes and Genre: 47, Romance
Broadcast Period: March 4, 2018 Hunan TV
Starring:
Liu Ye as Wu Zheng 
Ariel Lin as Lin Xiao Ou

Synopsis:
A story about a man who's at the age when he should have his life all figured out, yet he finds that he has a lot of growing up to do when his sixteen-year-old son turns up.

Wonderful Life

Wonderful Life
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (25 Votes)


Title: Wonderful Life / Mei Hao Sheng Huo / 美好生活
Episodes and Genre: 45, Romance, Drama
Broadcast Period: February 28, 2018 Dragon TV, Beijing TV
Starring:
Zhang Jia Yi as Xu Tian 
Li Xiao Ran as Liang Xiao Hui

Synopsis:
After experiencing a major blow in his love life and career and finding himself sent to the hospital due to a sudden sickness, Xu Tian encounters Liang Xiao and gets a chance to get his life back on track.

Siege in Fog

Poster Siege in Fog
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (176 Votes)


Title: Siege in Fog / Ren Sheng Ruo Ru Chu Xiang Jian / 人生若如初相见
Episodes and Genre: 50, Republican, Romance
Broadcast Period: March 2, 2018 Tencent
Starring:
Elvis Han as Yi Lian Kai
Sun Yi as Qin Sang 
Jeremy Jones as Pan Jian Chi / Li Wang Ping 

Synopsis:
During a time when the country was war torn, the story revolves around a heart-wrenching love story between Qin Sang and the third young master of the Yi Family.

Comments:
Siege in Fog is dripping in angst, but still so intriguing. I don't think I have ever seen a drama where the main couple hate each other, but ultimately look out for each other's best interest. Is it really hate or is it some form of twisted love? It doesn't even end with romance as the story interweaves with the terse political landscape involving the various warlords that are vying for power during that chaotic time period. 

The Flame's Daughter

The Flame's Daughter Stills C-drama

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (414 Votes)


Title: The Flame's Daughter / Liehuo Ruge / 烈火如歌
Episodes and Genre: 52, Wuxia, Romance
Broadcast Period: March 1, 2018 Youku
Starring:
Dilraba Dilmurat as Lie Ruge
Vic Chou as Yin Xue 
Vin Zhang as Zhan Feng

Synopsis:
A story revolving around Lie Ruge, a pure and high-spirited young woman who gets caught in a complicated web of lies that started spinning nineteen years ago.

Comments:
After Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, I have developed a soft spot for any project involving the rising stars of Jaywalk Studio. This has almost everyone in it except for Yang Mi. 

The Smiling, The Proud Wanderer


Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (69 Votes)


Title: New The Smiling, Proud Wanderer 2018 / Xin Xiao Ao Jiang Hu / 新笑傲江湖 
Episodes and Genre: 30, Wuxia
Broadcast Period: February 26, 2018 Youku
Starring:
Ding Guan Sen as Linghu Chong 
Xue Hao Jing as Ren Ying Ying

Synopsis:
A story of a student from the righteous sect who ventures into the martial arts world and befriends people, both good and bad, in his journey to become a powerful swordsman.

Comments:
As a wuxia fan, I feel compelled to save a spot for adaptations of great wuxia classics on the list. This version wasn't for me, but it may be for you. 

Legend of Dugu

The Legend of Dugu
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (104 Votes)


Title: The Legend of Dugu / Dugu Tianxia / 独孤天下
Episodes and Genre: 55, Historical, Romance
Broadcast Period: February 21, 2018 Tencent
Starring:
Hu BingQing as Dugu Jialuo 
Zhang DanFeng as Yang Jian  
Ady An as Dugu Banruo 
Jeremy Tsui as Yuwen Hu 

Synopsis:
Set during a tumultuous period near the end of Northern Zhou is a story that revolves around the three sisters of the Dugu Family and the prophecy that changes their lives.

Comments:
Legend of Dugu is surprisingly better than expected. Sure, there are many dog-blood moments courtesy of a hateful second sister and some others but Ady An and Jeremy Tsui's standout performance as the twisted second leads are the perfect combination of power-hungry, intelligent, not to mention attractive. It's unfortunate that they are not the main couple. 

Memories of Love

Wallace Chung The Flower Road to Bid Farewell

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (68 Votes)


Title: Memories of Love / Yilu Fanhua Xiangsong / 一路繁花相送
Episodes and Genre: 41, Romance
Broadcast Period: February 7, 2018 Jiangsu TV, Dragon TV
Starring:
Wallace Chung as Lu Fei 
Maggie Jiang Shuying as Xin Chen 
Aaron Yan as Lin Le Qing

Synopsis:
A romance between Lu Fei and Xin Chen - two people who fall in love, miss out on love and come full circle to find each another once again.

The Lost Swordship

The Lost Swordship Wuxia
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (30 Votes)


Title: The Lost Swordship / Piao Xiang Jian Yu / 飘香剑雨 
Episodes and Genre: 50, Wuxia
Broadcast Period: February 8, 2018 iQiYi
Starring:
Ming Ren Yan Kai as Yin Feng (Lv Nan Ren) 
Wu You as Sun Min

Synopsis:
A story revolving around a martial artist who loses a duel against Tian Zheng Sect. Despite the major hurdles in his path, he becomes a member of the righteous clan and a true hero.

Legend of Zu 2

Legend of Zu 2
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (31 Votes)


Title: Legend of Zu 2 / Shu Shan Zhan Ji 2 / 蜀山战纪2踏火行歌
Episodes and Genre: 48, Fantasy Xianxia
Broadcast Period: January 30, 2018 iQiYi
Starring:
Nicky Wu as Xiao Yue 
Fortuna Yu Ting Er as Yu Ying Nan 
Chen Zhe Yuan as Yu Ying Qi

Synopsis:
A young woman embarks on a journey to search for the hero who saved her life. Together with her brother, she goes to Mount Zu to learn the art of cultivation.

Beauties in the Closet

Vic Zhou and Hu Bing Qing in Beauties in the Closet, a Chinese fantasy drama

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (67 Votes)


Title: Beauties in the Closet / Gui Zhong Mei Ren / 柜中美人
Episodes and Genre: 34, Fantasy Romance
Broadcast Period: February 8, 2018 Youku
Starring:
Vic Chou as Li Han
Hu Bing Qing as Qing Feng 
Sebrina Chen Yao as Liu Fei Luan 

Synopsis:
A story about two fox spirits on a mission to infiltrate the palace for the sake of their tribe and the ensuing romance with the King.

Comments:
This is for fans of Vic Chou as he stars in his first costume drama. To be honest, I never managed to get past more than one episode. 

Negotiator

Negotiator c-drama stills

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (218 Votes)


Title: Negotiator / Les Interpretes 2 / Tan Pan Guan / 谈判官
Episodes and Genre: 42, Romance, Business
Broadcast Period: February 14, 2018 Hunan TV, Mango TV
Starring:
Yang Mi as Tong Wei 
Huang Zi Tao as Xie Xiao Fei 
Dylan Kuo as Qin Tian Yu 
Nikita Mao Linlin as Xia Shan Shan

Synopsis:
The sequel to Les Interpretes takes the story to the world of negotiators as the two leads clash at the negotiation table before falling into a romance.

Comments:
Yang Mi will always be a ratings magnet. Combine that with Huang Zitao's loyal fanbase and we have a hit drama from start to finish.

Untouchable Lovers

Untouchable Lovers Chinese drama recommendations 2018

Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (299 Votes)


Title: Untouchable Lovers / Feng Qiu Huang / 凤囚凰
Episodes and Genre: 52, Romance
Broadcast Period: January 14, 2018 Hunan TV, Mango TV
Starring:
Guan Xiao Tong as Liu Chu Yu 
Song Wei Long as Rong Zhi

Synopsis:
A woman takes the identity of a Princess to accomplish her own mission in the palace and amidst a male-dominated aristocrats finds romance with a man.

Comments:
Given Yu Zheng's attachment to the drama, Untouchable Lovers had everyone holding their breaths for a walking disaster, yet I keep hearing good things. Then I hear that people are up in arms over the storyline shift that focus on the supporting characters rather than the main couple. Suddenly, I'm suddenly not so sure what to believe.

Mr. Right

Mr. Right 2018 Best Chinese Drama List
Is it a must-watch, pretty good, just another drama, tolerable or downright boring?
Rate this (93 Votes)


Title: Mr. Right / Lian Ai Xian Sheng / 恋爱先生
Episodes and Genre: 45, Romance
Broadcast Period: January 12, 2018
Starring:
Jin Dong as Cheng Hao 
Maggie Jiang as Luo Yue

Synopsis:
A dentist who sidelines as a dating consultant and helps other people with their dating woes but is unable to find love on his own meets his match in a story about romance.

Comments:
Mr. Right may be a simple romance drama, but it took first place in primetime throughout most of its run. Somehow, I'm not surprised because Jin Dong's dramas have been known to do well even when you least expect it. 

Help spread the c-drama love by turning this into a group effort. If you would like to add a drama to the list or contribute a short review, please contact us with a writeup and we can include it under the comments section above. 


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