The top Chinese dramas that’ll take over your watchlist this year

Looking for the next swoon-worthy Chinese drama that will hook you to your screens? We’re barely halfway into 2025, yet the plethora of Chinese dramas released this year will surely provide you with an endless supply of butterflies in your stomach with their charming characters and elaborate plots.

From modern passionate whirlwind romances to historical slow-burn love stories, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and indulge. Grab your snacks, pillows, and perhaps a few tissues – ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the top Chinese dramas that are sure to keep your eyes glued to your screen this year.

The First Frost (难哄)

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• Genre: Romance, Youth, Slice of Life
• Episodes: 32
• Where to watch: Netflix, Youku

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance that brings both heartache and healing, ‘The First Frost’ is the perfect match for you. A modern-day romance drama, the show is a spin-off of the popular Chinese drama ‘Hidden Love’, but is a lot more emotional than you’d expect.

The romance kicks off when Wen Yi Fan, a reporter struggling to make ends meet, bumps into her high-school crush and deskmate, Sang Yan, at a bar. Having spent six years apart, their repressed love is given a second chance as fate continuously draws them back to each other by coincidence. With their past lingering behind every interaction, watch their love story slowly unfold as they begin to unpack unresolved feelings — alongside the uncertainty and hope that comes with it.

Despite being categorised as a romcom, ‘The First Frost’ actively portrays various sensitive topics in society, weaving in a pinch of reality as the characters tackle issues revolving around harassment and assault in the drama. Grounding its romantic narrative around the social complexities in reality, the drama’s unrushed budding romance found in the midst of humanity is what makes it feel personal to viewers. A love that’s bittersweet and melancholic, you’re in for a heart-rending ride with ‘The First Frost’.

The Best Thing (爱你)

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• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Healing
• Episodes: 28
• Where to watch: iQiyi

Need a playful, feel-good romance as an energy booster to get through this week? ‘The Best Thing’ would indeed be the best to help you de-stress through its playful and heart-fluttering romance.

Shen Xi Fan, a committed hotel manager battling insomnia, crosses paths with He Su Ye, her assigned TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor, while seeking treatment. Upon the realisation that they live in the same neighbourhood, their relationship continues to grow beyond that of a doctor and his patient and blooms into a romance. Through a series of unexpected encounters, their love starts to grow within tender interactions, quiet yet deliberate. Su Ye heals Xi Fan not only physically, but also emotionally, as he helps her unpack her emotional trauma and baggage.

Love is not a whirlwind romance here, but instead unfolds naturally, as their affection for each other grows over time. Offering a great deal of sweet romantic scenes that will make your heart flutter every episode, ‘The Best Thing’ is a medicine itself, a sure cure to take your mind off things and cheer you up in the middle of your busy week. If you’re looking for a lighthearted drama that will warm your heart, this might be ‘The Best Thing’ for you!

Love in Pavilion (淮水竹亭)

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• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
• Episodes: 36
• Where to watch: iQiyi

A blend of timeless themes within sci-fi and fantasy set in the Qing Dynasty, ‘Love in Pavilion’ is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Featuring a star-studded lineup with A-List actors and actresses, you won’t get enough of the captivating action, adventure and of course, romance. Immerse yourself not only in the main romance, but also in the perfectly layered subplots, weaving together the stories that all add depth to the central plotline.

Adapted from the original manhua, the story centres around the leaders of two major families, Dongfang Huai Zhu of the Dongfangs and Wangquan Hong Ye of the Wangquans. A classic period-fantasy drama, a major conflict leads to the downfall of the Unity alliance between humans and demons, and it is up to the two leaders to work together to salvage the peace of their divided world. Their fates become intertwined on the seventh day of the seventh month, marking the start of their unconditional love that persists throughout time and hardship. Through heartbreak, sacrifice, and even friendship, ‘Love in Pavilion’ delivers an entertaining yet highly emotional watch for the viewers who accompany the characters on their journeys.

Flourished Peony (国色芳华)

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• Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
• Episodes: 32
• Where to watch: Viu, Viki

Another slow-burn romance that will make you cry, ‘Flourished Peony’ reveals the beauty of an organic, genuine love that bloomed over time while coping with the struggles of personal redemption and womanhood. From strangers to business partners that eventually become friends, ‘Flourished Peony’ is a classic Tang dynasty romance that is mature yet lighthearted, featuring a love that blooms naturally and builds on mutual respect.

Set in Chang’an, a city in the Tang Empire, He Wei Fang, a merchant’s daughter who cultivates rare peonies, falls in love with Jiang Chang Yang, a minister with a notorious reputation for corruption. After Chang Yang assists Wei Fang in getting divorced from a loveless marriage, they form a business partnership, where her abilities to cultivate peonies complement his investment abilities. Through time and discovery, He Wei Fang uncovers the different sides of Jiang Chang Yang, her heartless perception of him slowly changing over the course of their relationship as his true nature and self are revealed.

While ‘Flourished Peony’ stays true to its central romance plot, the theme of womanhood is also significant through He Wei Fang’s flower shop, where she assists women around her to change and endure through struggles.

A relatable drama that mirrors reality in the period era, ‘Flourished Peony’ gives depth to every plot and character, letting viewers relate to the drama’s events while enjoying the blossoming relationship between an accomplished woman and a seemingly corrupt official.

Always Home (树下有片红房子)

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• Genre: Romance, Youth
• Episodes: 30
• Where to watch: Tencent, Viki, WeTV

Embark on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with ‘Always Home’, its sentimental portrayal of youth resonating with anyone who has navigated their coming-of-age journey. Set in the warm summer of 2007, ‘Always Home’ is a wistful drama crafted around youth, love and self-discovery.

Due to her mother’s job relocation, 16-year-old Chen Huan Er transfers to a new school in the vibrant city of Tian He, where she befriends Jing Xi Chi, her reserved classmate pursuing his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. Rather than displaying the usual high school puppy love, ‘Always Home’ shows the heart-fluttering progression of Huan Er and Xi Chi’s friendship that slowly develops into a love rooted in support and understanding over the years. Along with their newly-made friends, Song Cong and Qi Qi, the fantastic four navigate the challenges of growing up together, from high school, to college, to adult life. As their innocence fades with the growing complexities of adulthood, they learn to become each other’s home and safe space, to embrace love, loss and change. Get ready to laugh, cry, and reflect with ‘Always Home’, a dreamy combination of humour, heartbreak and nostalgia, uplifting viewers while letting them recall their own youth.

Eat Run Love (吃饭跑步恋爱)

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• Genre: Romance, Youth, Slice of Life
• Episodes: 28
• Where to watch: Viu

A university student with a passion for running, Gan Yang experiences love at first sight upon seeing Ding Zhi Tong, an academically driven woman who has never considered being in a romantic relationship. Through Gan Yang’s persistent pursuit and unwavering attention in an attempt to win over Zhi Tong’s heart, Zhi Tong slowly finds herself falling head over heels for Gan Yang. However, their fairytale love story comes to an abrupt end when Gan Yang ends their relationship without any explanation, leaving her heartbroken and lost.

In order to protect herself, Zhi Tong becomes emotionally detached and forces herself to forget him, focusing on her career instead. Years later, Zhi Tong is given an opportunity to prove her capabilities, assigned to lead a major collaboration where she has to convince their partner company’s CEO. At last, she comes face to face with her former lover, Gan Yang again, as he appears as the CEO of L&T Corporation that she must convince. Filled with unpredictable sequences, ‘Eat Run Love’ takes you on a never-ending emotional rollercoaster through healing, heartbreak and rediscovering yourself and love all over again.

Zong Ran (纵然)

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance
• Episodes: 30
• Where to Watch: Viu

Yi Zi Mo, suffering under the control of his overbearing parents, finally decides to flee from them upon meeting Wu Xiu in Fu’an. With the help of Wu Xiu’s advice, inspiring him to chase his own dreams, Yi Zi Mo changes his name to Ren Zan and moves abroad to further his studies. Now an aspiring photographer in 2021, Ren Zan returns to Fu’an and chances upon an old cell phone in his rented hostel room. Through the cell phone, he oddly receives an incoming message from Wu Xiu from a world 10 years behind his world. Attempting to find each other in their individual worlds while patching up their love, their dislodged relationship is an undisputed one that blooms across time and space. Through complexity and confusion, Ren Zan and Wu Xiu’s genuine affection for each other brings them a sense of comfort.

Coming to Viu this May.

Filter (滤镜)

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• Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi, Comedy
• Episodes: 30
• Where to Watch: Viu

Su Cheng Cheng’s life changes for the worse when her high school senior and crush, Tang Qi, calls her ugly after an incident left her makeup smeared. A few years later, Cheng Cheng finds herself working at his company, where her professionalism and work gain the respect and admiration from everyone else but Tang Qi. Upon discovering the newest high-tech gadget, named the ‘Filter Bracelet’, which gives anyone else the power to transform their outward appearance, Cheng Cheng decides to make the most out of it and use it herself.

Transforming herself from an ordinary girl-next-door into three separate identities, Cheng Cheng successfully attracts her crush, Tang Qi, only to leave him heartbroken after she consecutively ‘dies’ or ‘disappears’ in humorously foolish ways. A laughter-inducing romcom, Tang Qi’s mission in unravelling Cheng Cheng’s secret will keep you entertained and giggling nonstop.

Ski into Love (嘘, 国王在冬眠)

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• Genre: Sports, Romance, Youth
• Episodes: 23
• Where to watch: Viu, Youku

Comic author Wei Zhi’s life takes a drastic turn after getting entangled in a scandal, having her pen rights revoked after her fall from grace. In hopes of reigniting her creative juices, she finds unexpected inspiration from a snowboarding video she chanced upon, and is determined to learn the art of snowboarding to spark creativity.

Travelling to Beishan Ski Resort to gain inspiration, she meets Shan Chong, a professional snowboarder turned coach who quit due to his injuries and familial pressure, although he still harbours a deep passion for snowboarding. As they spend a prolonged amount of time together, they rediscover purpose and determination in one another, carving a path to redemption while falling in love.

The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传)

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• Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
• Episodes: 23
• Where to watch: Viu, Youku

The anticipation is soaring for internationally famous C-actor Yang Yang’s upcoming drama, ‘The Immortal Ascension’, where he plays Han Li, an ordinary boy who lives in the mountains with poor martial arts skills. Thanks to a stroke of luck and his spiritual roots, Han Li manages to clinch the position of an unofficial disciple, where he strives to hone his abilities to his fullest potential. Amidst conflicts with evil demons and supernatural forces, Han Li perseveres to shape his path towards immortality. Attempting to establish a reputation despite his humble background and average skills, Han Li gradually cultivates his power to make a name for himself and for justice.

Watch here.