Discover China’s rich narratives through these critically acclaimed dramas, ranging from historical epics to gripping thrillers. Perfect for global viewers seeking cultural depth and binge-worthy entertainment.
- The Bad Kids (隐秘的角落)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Director: Xin Shuang
Starring: Qin Hao, Wang Jingchun
This dark masterpiece adapts The Catcher in the Rye-inspired novel about three children entangled in a murder. Its Hitchcockian tension and moral ambiguity sparked nationwide debates about childhood trauma. A must-watch for fans of True Detective. - The Longest Day in Chang’an (长安十二时辰)
Genre: Historical Mystery
Director: Cao Dun
Starring: Lei Jiayin, Jackson Yee
Set in Tang Dynasty’s capital, this 24-hour countdown thriller combines 24’s pacing with Game of Thrones-level political intrigue. The meticulous recreation of Chang’an’s cosmopolitan splendor makes it a visual feast . - Nothing but Thirty (三十而已)
Genre: Urban Drama
Director: Zhang Xiaobo
Starring: Jiang Shuying, Tong Yao
China’s answer to Sex and the City, exploring three women navigating careers, marriage, and societal expectations in Shanghai. Its unflinching feminism resonated across Asian markets . - Winter Begonia (鬓边不是海棠红)
Genre: Historical/Opera Drama
Director: Hui Kaidong
Starring: Huang Xiaoming, Yin Zheng
A breathtaking fusion of Peking opera and Republican-era intrigue. The queer-coded friendship between an opera star and a businessman redefines historical storytelling . - Go Ahead (以家人之名)
Genre: Family Drama
Director: Ding Ziguang
Starring: Tan Songyun, Song Weilong
Three unrelated siblings raised by a noodle shop owner deliver heartwarming lessons about chosen family. Its healing narrative trended globally on TikTok . - Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty (成化十四年)
Genre: Detective/Historical
Director: Yang Kai, Wen Wen
Starring: Guan Hong, Fu Mengbo
A gourmet detective solves crimes in 15th-century Beijing. Combines Sherlock’s wit with Chef’s Table’s culinary artistry—perfect for foodies and mystery lovers. - The Thunder (猎狐)
Genre: Crime/Financial Drama
Director: Liu Xin
Starring: Wang Kai, Hu Jun
Inspired by real cross-border economic crime hunts, this series demystifies China’s anti-corruption campaigns. Its global chase scenes rival Narcos in intensity . - Love and Redemption (琉璃)
Genre: Xianxia Fantasy
Director: Yin Tao, Mai Guanzhi
Starring: Cheng Yi, Yuan Bingyan
Ten lifetimes of doomed romance between a goddess and mortal, featuring Avatar-level CGI. Became Southeast Asia’s most-streamed Chinese fantasy in 2020. - The Lost Tomb 2: Explore With the Note (重启之极海听雷)
Genre: Adventure/Mystery
Director: Pan Anzi
Starring: Zhu Yilong, Chen Minghao
The latest in China’s answer to Indiana Jones, following tomb raiders decoding ancient thunder myths. Breathtaking underground sets and puzzle-solving action. - Serenade of Peaceful Joy (清平乐)
Genre: Historical/Political
Director: Zhang Kaizhou
Starring: Wang Kai, Jiang Shuying
A Song Dynasty emperor’s reign examined through poetic lens. Critics praise its The Crown-like balance between personal drama and statecraft . - Cross Fire (穿越火线)
Genre: E-Sports/Time Travel
Director: Xu Hongyu
Starring: Lu Han, Leo Wu
Gamers across 2008 and 2020 collaborate virtually in this innovative tribute to China’s gaming culture. Its VR battle scenes redefine sports dramas. - The Eight (玲珑)
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Director: Lin Yufen
Starring: Zhao Jinmai, Lin Yi
A mechanical genius and exiled prince battle airship pirates in a silk-punk world. Howl’s Moving Castle meets Mad Max with Chinese aesthetics. - I Will Find You a Better Home (安家)
Genre: Real Estate Drama
Director: An Jian
Starring: Sun Li, Luo Jin
A cutthroat realtor navigates Shanghai’s housing crisis. Offers The Wolf of Wall Street energy in China’s property market context. - Dating in the Kitchen (我，喜欢你)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Chen Chang
Starring: Lin Yusheng, Zhao Lusi
A chef and CEO’s gastronomic romance blends Julie & Julia’s food porn with screwball humor. Trended for its “lady boss” empowerment themes. - The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion (如意芳霏)
Genre: Historical Romance
Director: Lin Jianlong
Starring: Ju Jingyi, Zhang Zhehan
Fate-altering dreams drive a jewelry designer and prince’s love story. Lavish costumes rival Bridgerton’s Regencycore fashion. - The Legend of Xiao Chuo (燕云台)
Genre: Historical Epic
Director: Jiang Jiajun
Starring: Tiffany Tang, Shawn Dou
Three Khitan princesses shaping Liao Dynasty politics. Comparable to Vikings in its matriarchal power struggles and battlefield grandeur. - Brightest Star in the Sky (仲夏满天心)
Genre: Music Romance
Director: Chen Mingzhang
Starring: Yang Chaoyue, Xu Weizhou
A Notting Hill-style tale pairing a folk singer with a pop idol. Original soundtrack dominated China’s Billboard charts. - The Wolf (狼殿下)
Genre: Historical Action
Director: Meng Fan
Starring: Wang大陆, Li Qin
A wolf-raised warrior’s loyalty tested between tribal love and imperial betrayal. Notable for bold wilderness cinematography. - Marvelous Women (了不起的女孩)
Genre: Friendship/Drama
Director: Deng Ke
Starring: Li Yifeng, Qin Ni
Two journalists reviving a fashion magazine tackle #MeToo issues. China’s progressive take on The Devil Wears Prada. - My Best Friend’s Story (闺蜜圈)
Genre: Campus Drama
Director: Li Nan
Starring: Chen Yao, Zhang Lingzi
Art school rivals turned collaborators, exploring Gen-Z creativity and anxiety. Viral for its Élite-inspired visual style.
Why These Resonate Globally:
- Cultural Hybridity: Cross Fire and Winter Begonia blend Eastern themes with Western genres.
- Universal Themes: Go Ahead (family) and Nothing but Thirty (feminism) transcend cultural barriers.
- Streaming Access: Most titles are available on Viki, iQIYI, or Netflix with subtitles.