Discover the richness of Chinese storytelling through these 2021 releases, spanning historical epics, suspenseful thrillers, and heartwarming dramas. These shows not only dominated domestic charts but also gained traction on global platforms like Netflix and Viki.
- The Longest Day in Chang’an (长安十二时辰)
Director: Cao Dun
Genre: Historical Thriller
Starring: Lei Jiayin, Jackson Yee
Set in the Tang Dynasty, this cinematic masterpiece follows a detective racing against time to thwart a terrorist plot. Its intricate plot and lavish set designs earned comparisons to 24 meets Game of Thrones. - Minning Town (山海情)
Director: Kong Sheng
Genre: Rural Drama
Starring: Huang Xuan, Re Yizha
A poignant portrayal of poverty alleviation in 1990s Ningxia. Praised for its raw authenticity, it became the highest-rated Chinese drama on Douban (9.4/10) in 2021. - The Age of Awakening (觉醒年代)
Director: Zhang Yongxin
Genre: Historical Drama
This revolutionary saga chronicles China’s intellectual evolution from 1915 to 1921. Its nuanced depiction of historical figures like Chen Duxiu resonated deeply with younger audiences. - Crime Crackdown (扫黑风暴)
Director: Wu Bai
Genre: Crime Thriller
Starring: Sun Honglei, Zhang Yixing
A gritty exposé of organized crime and political corruption, inspired by real cases. Its tense pacing and moral complexity drew comparisons to Narcos. - You Are My Glory (你是我的荣耀)
Director: Wang Zhi
Genre: Romance/Sci-Fi
Starring: Yang Yang, Dilraba Dilmurat
A aerospace engineer reconnects with his high school crush, blending sweet romance with China’s space program achievements. Perfect for fans of The Big Bang Theory. - The Rebel (叛逆者)
Director: Zhou You
Genre: Spy Thriller
Starring: Zhu Yilong, Tong Yao
A Kuomintang agent’s ideological transformation during WWII. Acclaimed for its psychological depth and Hitchcockian suspense. - My Heroic Husband (赘婿)
Director: Deng Ke
Genre: Historical Comedy
A 21st-century businessman time-travels to ancient China as a “son-in-law,” blending slapstick humor with clever critiques of gender roles. - Rattan (司藤)
Director: Li Muge
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Starring: Jing Tian, Zhang Binbin
A supernatural love story between a revived alien-human hybrid and her mortal companion. Its ethereal cinematography sparked a “Hanfu Renaissance” among global viewers. - Douluo Continent (斗罗大陆)
Director: Yang Zhenyu
Genre: Fantasy/Action
Starring: Xiao Zhan, Wu Xuanyi
Based on China’s bestselling fantasy novel, this CGI-rich series follows a martial artist’s journey in a spirit-powered world. - The Ideal City (理想之城)
Director: Liu Jin
Genre: Workplace Drama
Starring: Sun Li, Zhao Youting
A fierce exposé of China’s construction industry, hailed as “The Devil Wears Prada meets Mad Men in Shanghai.” - Word of Honor (山河令)
Director: Li Hongyu
Genre: Wuxia/Bromance
This LGBTQ+-coded martial arts epic became a global cult hit, praised for its poetic dialogue and intricate fight choreography. - The Long Ballad (长歌行)
Director: Zhu Ruibin
Genre: Historical Adventure
Starring: Dilraba Dilmurat, Wu Lei
A princess’s quest for vengeance during the Tang Dynasty, blending anime-style sequences with political intrigue. - You Are My Hero (你是我的城池营垒)
Director: Zhang Tong
Genre: Romance/Action
A SWAT captain and a doctor navigate danger and love. Its realistic portrayal of emergency responders earned government praise. - The Sword and the Brocade (锦心似玉)
Director: Wen Dexin
Genre: Historical Romance
Starring: Wallace Chung, Tan Songyun
A strategic marriage evolves into genuine love in Ming Dynasty China. Costume design nerds will adore its embroidery details. - Day of Becoming You (变成你的那一天)
Director: Wang Zheng
Genre: Body-Swap Rom-Com
A hilarious gender-bender story where a pop star and journalist swap bodies, exploring fame and identity. - Moonlight (月光变奏曲)
Director: Zhang Bo
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A fresh take on publishing industry rivalries, pairing a rookie editor with a reclusive author. - Hikaru no Go (棋魂)
Director: Liu Chang
Genre: Sports/Fantasy
This live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga about Go players became an unexpected hit, blending nostalgia with competitive spirit. - The Bond (乔家的儿女)
Director: Zhang Kaizhou
Genre: Family Drama
Spanning 30 years, this story of five siblings navigating life’s hardships won the 2021 Magnolia Award for Best Series. - Love Under the Full Moon (您好！母亲大人)
Director: Li Jie
Genre: Family/Period Drama
A son reflects on his mother’s life from the 1980s to present, offering a tender portrait of Chinese societal shifts. - My Dear Guardian (爱上特种兵)
Director: Tian Yu
Genre: Military Romance
A special forces officer and doctor confront terrorism and trauma. Dubbed “China’s Grey’s Anatomy meets Navy SEALs.”
Why These Stand Out:
These series reflect China’s evolving storytelling – from historical authenticity in Minning Town to genre-blending innovations in Rattan. Many (Word of Honor, Douluo Continent) have subtitled versions on global platforms like Viki and iQIYI.
Viewing Tips:
- Use VPN-friendly platforms: WeTV (Tencent), iQIYI, Viki.
- Join Reddit’s r/CDrama community for episode discussions.
- Pair historical dramas with documentary series like Chineseness for cultural context.
Let these series be your gateway to understanding modern China – its history, aspirations, and creative audacity.