Discover the best of Chinese television in 2016, a year marked by historical epics, gripping thrillers, and heartfelt dramas. These series blend cultural depth with universal themes, offering global viewers a fresh perspective on Eastern narratives.
- Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜)
Genre: Historical Political Drama
Director: Kong Sheng, Li Xue
Starring: Hu Ge, Liu Tao, Wang Kai
This critically acclaimed series follows Mei Changsu, a strategist seeking justice in a royal court riddled with conspiracies. Its intricate plot and lavish production design earned it a 9.4/10 Douban rating, making it a benchmark for historical dramas. - Ode to Joy (欢乐颂)
Genre: Urban Drama
Director: Kong Sheng, Jian Chuan’ou
Starring: Liu Tao, Wang Ziwen, Yang Zi
Five women navigate careers and relationships in Shanghai’s high-pressure society. Praised for its feminist undertones, this series became a cultural phenomenon for its relatable portrayal of modern Chinese millennials. - When a Snail Falls in Love (如果蜗牛有爱情)
Genre: Crime Romance
Director: Zhang Kaizhou
Starring: Wang Kai, Wang Ziwen
A cerebral detective partners with a rookie profiler to solve serial crimes. This adaptation of Ding Mo’s novel masterfully balances suspense and slow-burn romance. - The Disguiser (伪装者)
Genre: Spy Thriller
Director: Li Xue
Starring: Hu Ge, Jin Dong, Wang Kai
Three brothers navigate loyalty and betrayal in 1930s Shanghai under Japanese occupation. Its layered characters and twist-filled plot redefined the espionage genre. - The Mystic Nine (老九门)
Genre: Adventure Mystery
Director: Liang Shengquan
Starring: Chen Wei霆, Zhang Yixing, Zhao Liying
Set in 1933, tomb raiders uncover supernatural secrets while battling warlords. Blending Indiana Jones-style action with Chinese folklore, this series dominated online streaming charts. - Love O2O (微微一笑很倾城)
Genre: Romance/Esports
Director: Lin Yufen
Starring: Yang Yang, Zheng Shuang
A gamer couple transitions from virtual romance to real-life love. This sugary-sweet series popularized China’s esports culture globally. - The Legend of Mi Yue (芈月传)
Genre: Historical Biopic
Director: Zheng Xiaolong
Starring: Sun Li, Liu Tao
Chronicling the life of China’s first female politician (4th century BCE), this epic features breathtaking war sequences and palace intrigues. - The Ferryman: Legend of Nanyang (灵魂摆渡3)
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Director: Ju Jueliang
Starring: Yu Yi, Xiao Yan
Ghost stories meet social commentary in this anthology series. Its bold exploration of taboos like LGBTQ+ rights made it a youth favorite. - To Be a Better Man (好先生)
Genre: Family Drama
Director: Zhang Xiaobo
Starring: Sun Honglei, Guan Xiaotong
A disgraced chef redeems himself by mentoring his late friend’s daughter. This tearjerker explores themes of grief and redemption through gastronomic metaphors. - Memory Lost (美人为馅)
Genre: Crime Thriller
Director: Li Dachao
Starring: Yang Rong, Bai Yu
Amnesiac detectives reconnect while hunting a serial killer. Adapted from a web novel, it’s China’s answer to True Detective with a romantic twist. - The Legend of Xiao Chuo (萧十一郎)
Genre: Wuxia Romance
Director: Huang Zuquan
Starring: Yan Yikuan, Li Xin
A swordsman and a noblewoman defy feudal norms in this Jin Yong-style adaptation. Its horseback duels and poetic dialogues honor traditional martial arts cinema. - Stay with Me (睡在我上铺的兄弟)
Genre: Campus Comedy
Director: Zhang Qi
Starring: Chen Xiao, Li Xian
Four university roommates face adulthood in this coming-of-age story. Its viral campus pranks and bromance scenes resonate with Gen-Z humor. - The Imperial Doctress (女医·明妃传)
Genre: Medical Historical
Director: Li Lizhi
Starring: Liu Shishi, Wallace Huo
A female physician challenges Ming Dynasty gender barriers. The series sparked interest in traditional Chinese medicine, with accurate depictions of ancient treatments. - The Thunder (刑警队长)
Genre: Police Procedural
Director: Xu Qing
Starring: Yu Hewei, Zu Feng
Based on real cases from Jiangsu’s anti-crime unit, this gritty series showcases China’s forensic advancements and police reforms. - The Journey of Flower (花千骨)
Genre: Xianxia Fantasy
Director: Lin Yufen
Starring: Zhao Liying, Wallace Huo
A mortal girl’s bond with an immortal master triggers heavenly wars. Its CGI-enhanced mythical creatures set new standards for fantasy productions. - The Lost Tomb 2 (盗墓笔记之怒海潜沙)
Genre: Adventure Mystery
Director: Zheng Baoqiang
Starring: Hou Minghao, Zhang Bowen
Tomb raiders explore underwater Ming Dynasty ruins in this adaptation of Xu Lei’s novels. The series fueled China’s “tomb fiction” craze. - The Legend of Ace (棋逢对手)
Genre: Sports Drama
Director: Liu Jiang
Starring: Wang Lei, Deng Jiajia
A Go prodigy battles corporate corruption in the board game industry. This underrated gem introduces Western viewers to the strategic depth of Weiqi. - Cruel Romance (锦绣缘华丽冒险)
Genre: Republican Romance
Director: Lin Helong
Starring: Huang Xiaoming, Chen Qiao’en
Set in 1930s Shanghai, a dancer and a mob boss navigate love and gang wars. The Art Deco aesthetics rival The Great Gatsby. - The Cage of Love (情陷夜中环)
Genre: Financial Thriller
Director: Wang Jing
Starring: Zhang Junning, Xie Tianhua
Stock market manipulations and corporate espionage drive this Wall Street-style drama. Its insider look at China’s financial boom remains relevant. - Guardian (守护者)
Genre: Superhero Drama
Director: Zhang Miao
Starring: Zhang Yixing, Li Qin
Ordinary citizens gain powers to fight alien threats in Beijing. China’s first attempt at a Marvel-style universe, blending sci-fi with social realism.
Why 2016 Matters:
This year marked China’s transition from low-budget soap operas to cinematic-quality TV productions. Series like Nirvana in Fire (9.4/10 Douban) and Ode to Joy pioneered nuanced female characters, while The Mystic Nine showcased world-class CGI. Most titles are available with English subs on platforms like Viki or iQiyi.
Cultural Takeaways:
- Historical dramas (Mi Yue, Nirvana) reveal China’s rich dynastic heritage.
- Urban series (Ode to Joy) mirror the aspirations of China’s rising middle class.
- Fantasy works (Journey of Flower) demonstrate innovative adaptations of online literature.
Stream these on or to begin your journey into China’s storytelling renaissance.