If you’re eager to explore Chinese culture through gripping narratives, 2017 was a landmark year. From historical epics to modern thrillers, these shows blend universal themes with uniquely Eastern perspectives.
- Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花)
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Starring: Yang Mi, Mark Chao
This celestial romance between a fox spirit and a dragon prince broke streaming records in Asia. Its ethereal visuals and intricate mythology set a new standard for xianxia (immortal heroes) dramas. - In the Name of People (人民的名义)
Genre: Political Thriller
A bold anti-corruption drama exposing bureaucratic greed. Its unflinching social commentary sparked nationwide debates and became China’s highest-rated series in a decade. - Princess Agents (楚乔传)
Genre: Historical Action
Starring: Zhao Liying, Shawn Dou
A slave girl’s rise as a military strategist in war-torn Northern Wei. Praised for its feminist undertones and breathtaking battlefield sequences. - The First Half of My Life (我的前半生)
Genre: Urban Drama
Starring: Ma Yili, Jin Dong
A divorced woman’s reinvention in Shanghai’s corporate world. Its nuanced take on modern relationships resonated deeply with millennials. - White Deer Plain (白鹿原)
Genre: Historical Epic
Adapted from Chen Zhongshi’s Nobel-nominated novel, this sweeping saga spans 50 years of rural Shaanxi’s clan conflicts and cultural shifts. - Ode to Joy 2 (欢乐颂2)
Genre: Urban Ensemble
The sequel to 2016’s hit follows five women navigating Shanghai’s societal pressures. A perfect blend of romance, career struggles, and friendship goals. - The Advisors Alliance (大军师司马懿之军师联盟)
Genre: Historical Political Drama
Starring: Wu Xiubo
A fresh perspective on the Three Kingdoms era, focusing on strategist Sima Yi’s intellectual battles. Comparable to Game of Thrones in its Machiavellian intrigue. - Nothing Gold Can Stay (那年花开月正圆)
Genre: Historical Business Drama
Starring: Sun Li
Inspired by real Qing Dynasty entrepreneur Zhou Ying, this rags-to-riches story celebrates female entrepreneurship in patriarchal 19th-century China. - The Medical Examiner (法医秦明)
Genre: Crime Procedural
A forensic scientist solves gruesome murders with Sherlock-like deduction. Its realistic autopsy scenes sparked both fascination and controversy. - General and I (孤芳不自赏)
Genre: War Romance
Starring: Angelababy, Wallace Chung
A chessmaster and a general’s love-hate dynamic during wartime. Criticized for overuse of green screens but praised for its emotional depth. - When a Snail Falls in Love (如果蜗牛有爱情)
Genre: Crime Romance
A cerebral detective and her mentor unravel crimes while navigating slow-burn chemistry. Perfect for Bones or X-Files fans. - Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy (海上牧云记)
Genre: Fantasy Epic
With a Lord of the Rings-scale budget, this adaptation of Jin Hezai’s novel explores warring clans and mystical prophecies in a fictional universe. - The Legend of Dragon Pearl (龙珠传奇)
Genre: Historical Romance
Starring: Yang Zi, Qin Junjie
A Ming princess and Qing emperor’s star-crossed romance, blending palace intrigue with martial arts spectacle. - Rakshasa Street (镇魂街)
Genre: Supernatural Action
Based on a hit manga, this live-action adaptation features guardians battling demons in a parallel spirit world. A pioneer in China’s comic-to-TV trend. - The Destiny of White Snake (天乩之白蛇传说)
Genre: Mythological Romance
A fresh spin on the classic Legend of the White Snake, with Yang Zi and Ren Jialun delivering heart-wrenching performances. - The Eternal Love (双世宠妃)
Genre: Time-Travel Comedy
A modern woman’s soul gets trapped in a ancient princess’s body, sparking hilarious culture clashes and a love triangle. Binge-worthy fluff. - Lost Love in Times (醉玲珑)
Genre: Fantasy Political
Starring: Liu Shishi, William Chan
A sorceress aids a prince’s coup in a world where magic and royal ambition collide. Notable for its intricate hairstyles and plot twists. - The Glory of Tang Dynasty (大唐荣耀)
Genre: Historical Melodrama
Set in the Tang Dynasty’s golden age, this follows a princess’s survival amid the An Lushan Rebellion. Comparable to The Crown with Chinese aesthetics. - The Fox’s Summer (狐狸的夏天)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A quirky designer and her CEO boss’s fake relationship turns real. China’s answer to The Proposal, packed with laugh-out-loud moments. - The King’s Woman (秦时丽人明月心)
Genre: Historical Action
Starring: Dilraba Dilmurat
A warrior’s romantic entanglements with Qin Shi Huang (China’s first emperor) and an assassin. Stunning fight choreography and costume design.
How to Watch:
Most series are available with English subtitles on platforms like Viki or YouTube. For historical context, pair these shows with documentaries on CCTV-9 (China’s History Channel).
Cultural Takeaway:
2017 marked China’s shift from palace harem dramas (如懿传) to diverse genres exploring feminism, corruption, and fantasy world-building. These series offer both entertainment and insight into contemporary Chinese values.
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