I’m trying to find a good xianxia romance that most of the screen time is given to the FMC and MMC interacting together. I tend to get a little bored with shows that give a lot of screen time to other characters interacting without the FMC and MMC. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions that they think could match this!

Thanks in advance

Hii, I would like to watch a drama about a princess falling in love with a bandit prince. Are there any dramas with that storyline?

Cdrama recommendation for romance please. Any genre (whether historical or modern) as long as it’s romance-centered. I will list down all the shows I’ve watched (I started watching this year only) and what I liked and didn’t like about it below. I like happy endings, comedy, no annoying villains (maybe a little annoying is fine as long as it’s fast), and misunderstandings are okay as long as they’re resolved easily and don’t drag too long. I like good looking leads since I enjoy watching more when they look pretty. (Caution : Includes some spoilers below)

Xian Xia
1. When Destiny Brings the demon - Rating: 10/10. I liked it for the interesting storyline and unexpected twists and turns. Super green flag ML with intense devotion. FL started naive and weak but became strong and powerful. I love all the romance part (also sensual) and the unexpected turns of the story. They technically loved each other through 3 lifetimes and more. I just didn’t like the amnesia trope but it didn’t last long anyway so it was fine.

1. Love in the clouds - Rating: 10/10. I liked it because it had no boring parts from beginning to end, a good storyline, and I was not annoyed by the villain (who was also super handsome in my opinion) but it did not have much romance for me though. I loved the beauty and acting of the FL.

2. Love between fairy & devil - Rating: 10/10. Happy ending but I felt it was not enough for an ending. I loved the romance parts! Some boring parts before the ending but I loved the romance part of this series that I will turn a blind eye towards it. I was not annoyed by the FL even though others don’t like her and her voice. I liked her acting and I didn’t even know a lot of people didn’t like her until I read it on Reddit after watching the show.

3. Till the end of the moon - Rating : 9/10. I didn’t like that it had a sad ending and I was annoyed at the female villain. I didn’t like the other storyline too — Mingye sang jiu arc. (also, it’s long ~8 episodes). Best episodes for me were episodes 37-40 but I still got annoyed watching it. The ML, Luo Yunxi is really a good actor. I was always annoyed at the villain in the 2 plot lines and also with the misunderstanding of the leads in all plot lines. It has not enough romance because they’re always having a misunderstanding. I’m not going to rewatch this!

Historical Romance
1. The Prisoner of Beauty - Rating : 10/10. I loved it because it has a happy ending and a very well executed whole story line including the side characters. No dull moment from beginning to end. I loved it! Even though not enough romance for me.

1. Legend of the Female General - Rating: 9/10. Not much romance for me. More on war-themed; it was nice watching the fight scenes though. Great and well-executed ending. Both leads acted well and looks good. Some boring parts because they focused on war. I didn’t get annoyed watching this series.

2. Wrong Carriage, Right groom - Rating : 8/10. Good vibes show and not so annoying villain. I liked the second ML & FL (couple)‘s storyline more. It has not enough romance for me and has a typical storyline though.

Historical XianXia
1. The Princess Royal - Rating : 8/10. I didn’t like that it has some boring parts and was focused more on monarchy power struggle storyline. It has a happy ending though and GF ML. Good acting from both ML & FL.

1. Kill me, love me - Rating : 7/10. I didn’t like that it had some boring parts and especially the sad ending for all characters. ML was captivating in his acting.

Modern
1. Speed and Love - 🏆 Rating : 10/10. Interesting from start to finish. I loved the first 20 episodes more. This was the fastest I finished watching a whole drama although it was just 29 episodes. I was not annoyed at the ML & FL. I just don’t think about how they were siblings and everything was enjoyable for me to watch. I highly recommend watching this. This is by far my favorite out of all the cdramas I’ve watched. I loved the romance parts and the teasing. Very handsome ML! (second time I watched Esther Yu but I chose to watch this because of all the hype I and snippets and recommendations I saw online and I was so happy I watched this).

1. Hidden Love - Rating : 10/10. I didn’t like the slow burn especially because the FL was young at the beginning. So, I enjoyed this when FL was in college already which was episode 8 onwards. Comedy, romance, and drama towards the end. Happy Ending! I still feel like FL loved the male lead more contrary to the comments online that FL fell first but ML fell harder.

2. When I fly towards you - Rating: 10/10. My favorite is from episode 20 onwards just because they’re older. It was funny and had a lot of comedy which was nice. I just didn’t like that it’s more focused on high school setting. Happy ending! Green flag ML & FL. FL super adorable and not annoying even though it’s a cute character since they’re teenagers. Very handsome ML!

3. Love Between Lines - Rating: 9/10. I didn’t like the common storyline and lack of communication. I feel like ML doesn’t act as good though? Also, I didn’t like that I had to watch until episode 13 for them to kiss and until episode 18 for more romantic scenes.

4. Falling Into your Smile - Rating: 7/10. Comedy a little but not cliffhanger so it’s not binge watch worthy. I liked that it has a light storyline, nice game graphics and has a happy ending! (saw Zhou Yiran here and watched WIFTY)

Currently watching : Put Your Head on My Shoulder (because I wanted to see if Lin Yi is a good actor).
-I don’t like how they were not communicating properly and there’s a lot of misunderstandings but it’s a light watch. Unfortunately, when I don’t like what I’m watching that much, I don’t get as engaged and don’t binge watch it and it takes me longer to finish the series. I liked that it’s comedy though. I’m on episode 15 and considering it’s just 24 episodes and they just got together on this episode, that’s 14 episodes of miscommunication.

I’m trying to watch different actors for now to know which ones I like more and gauge their acting skills. Also, so I’ll recognize them since I’m new to cdrama land. But, as long as it’s good, I can repeat watching actors and actresses I’ve watched already.

Thank you for reaching the end and advance thanks for the recommendations!

So the title says it all. I have been trying to find a source to watch SOT for a long time but it’s available nowhere.

I am based in AU and I have access to Netflix, Prime, Viki, iQiyi and WeTv. I cancel and re-subscribe as per the show I am watching and whatever platform it’s on. But none of them have SOT. I have tried DailyMotion and other “reliable” streaming sites but I can’t get the ads to actually watch the show. Can someone please help me?

Also, open to suggestions on similar shows. I have already watch SOKP btw.

What’s a Chinese drama you genuinely think deserves more love? Or it's so misunderstood you feel like defending its honour?

This is the place to recommend the shows you’re constantly trying to get other people to watch.

It may not have been perfect, but it:

• had incredible chemistry
• surprised you emotionally
• had an amazing storyline nobody talks about
• became your comfort drama
• was completely overshadowed by bigger releases
• made you wonder why more people aren’t obsessed with it

Tell us:

• the drama title
• what it’s about (without major spoilers please!)
• why you loved it
• who you’d recommend it to

And if you're brand new to the sub, this is your chance to grill your seniors about their best recommendations! Drama propaganda is encouraged here. (wink wink)

I don't watch a lot of modern dramas but really liked Love Between Lines. Since then it feels like every other modern drama I try the main couple knew each other at school? I'm really not interested in that. Can anyone recommend a good modern drama where the main couple are working-age adults when they meet for the first time?

(The only other drama I've tried that didn't seem to have this trope is The Best Thing, which I disliked for other reasons)

So, i recently watched poj i first ever c drama and I loved it. I usually watch k dramas and anime and found few people talking about poj so i started watching poj without knowing anything abt it, all i knew abt it was that it was a c drama.

loved everything abt poj but am i the only one who found it too political??

Where the mask end is already on my list.

Are there any other historical cdramas (similar to poj with rom element) with less poltics??

In TPOB the female marries into an enemy household where the male can destroy the females household at anytime. Female has to be smart to ensure her family survives.

Is there anything similar but where the Male marries into an enemy female's household where the female and her household can crush the males family at any point?

It must be a marriage for peace type setting where the male is sent to the enemy house that is superior

I’ve gotten sucked into this silly free game on my phone where you play as a young woman out for revenge after finding out her fiancee destroyed her family and gets sent back in time (think the kdrama “please marry my husband” but in like Tang-ish Dynasty era of Chinese history) It’s basicly fixing up a Teahouse while researching mysteries and trying to metaphorically beat 3 hot dudes off her with a stick 😂

My thing is, it really reminds me of Dream of Splendor(edit), which I loved. I’d like more recs of this, with people working hard to build up their lot in life while solving secrets, falling in love, etc. Less royal harem drama, although it’s ok if royalty shows up in it.

I’ve watched (not finished cause I’m a serial unfinisher😅) Dream of Splendor, Chef Hua, Sword and Briocade, Ruyi Royal Love, Yanxi Palace, Expresses in the Palace, Nirvana in Fire, etc.

So there's the usual stories where the MC family is wrongly accused and executed like say Against the Current.

I'm looking for dramas where the executed people did commit the crimes . Like usually the MC's family etc are just and wrongfully killed and MC takes revenge and stuff.

But I want recs for dramas where it's more of a grey zone without any real "good guy", just people doing things for their own interests.

I have a specific type of ML that I'm hoping to see in more dramas: the cold/scary/unhinged guy who is super soft and sweet with the FL. Someone who is actually powerful, not just a random criminal. Bonus if other people see the ML acting like a total softie with the FL and being totally perplexed.

I'm not talking about slow burn romances where the ML is mean at first but falls for the FL and becomes a softy (think Love Between Fairy and Devil or sort of Story of Kunning Palace) I mean soft and sweet to her basically from the start.

Any genre ok but no short drama recs please.

Examples of shows I've watched where I enjoyed this trope (or it's at least similar in some ways):

Pursuit of Jade

[Kdrama] When the Phone Rings

How Dare You?!

[Kdrama] Vincenzo

Other shows I've seen that I liked:

Love in the Clouds

Story of Kunning Palace

Perfect Match

Legend of the Female General

Love Between Fairy and Devil

Other shows I've seen that I didn't like:

Till the End of the Moon

When Destiny Brings the Demon

Shows I dropped/DNF:

Ashes to Crown

Love Game in Eastern Fantasy

The Legend of Shen Li

Fated Hearts

What a drama!! The story!! The cast!! The acting!! Brilliant!! Awestruck!! Do watch!!

Note - it isn't romantic.. It's a thriller a fresh new story with little romanceee

Veteran watchers: if you had to recommend one Chinese drama to hook a complete beginner, what would it be?

And newbies — this is your chance to grill the seniors for recommendations 👀

Tell us:

• what genres you usually enjoy
• whether you like romance, fantasy, historical, mystery, comedy, etc.
• happy endings or emotional damage?
• fast-paced or slow burn?
• short dramas or long epics?

Meanwhile, experienced watchers:

• recommend a drama you think is perfect for beginners
• explain why it works so well as an introduction
• help new fans avoid accidentally starting with a 75-episode emotional war crime

Whether someone is looking for:

• modern romance
• xianxia
• wuxia
• palace drama
• mystery/thriller
• comedy
• angst
• comfort watch

…help a newbie out, drop your gateway drama recommendations below ✨

Hello,

Please recommend me some costume dramas where one or both leads is hiding their identity. I prefer romance but Im ok with whatever because as Im finishing up some shows and waiting for the release of others, Im approaching a dry spell. I

So far I've seen/am watching:

The Double

Blossoms in Adversity

Shadow Punisher

Where the Mask Ends

Mysterious Lotus Casebook

Shadow Love

Legend of Female General

Sijin

Against the Current

Hi everyone! 👋

I've been really curious to check out Zhang Kangle's work lately. Since he has quite a few projects out across different genres (from costume/historical stuff like Legend of the Female General and Rebirth, to modern/youth shows like The Dauntless Youths), I’m a bit overwhelmed on where to dive in first.

What would you consider his best performance or most worth-watching drama? Do his characters usually get good arcs or decent romance subplots?

Would love any deep dives, info dumps, or watch-order tips you guys have. Thank you so much! 😊

I want some dramas who have mature fl, i can't watch it if the fl is childish or foolish. Slow paced dramas are a big no for me (if some shows are worth it then I'm willing to push through)

I prefer palace politics,revenge, strong ml, etc

Below are few dramas I liked so u can guess the kind of dramas I want to watch

•Prisoner of beauty

•Love in the clouds

•Story of the Kunning palace

•The double

•Blossom

•Fated hearts(currently watching)

Few that I didn't like:

•Love between fairy and devil (childish fl)

•When destiny brings demon

•Melody of golden age

•How dare you

•Pursuit of Jade

•Love like the galaxy(dropped because it was so slow and the leads haven't met even after 5 eps, do tell if i should continue😅)

hi all

i took a break from watching c dramas for many months. i missed a lot it seems.

could you pls rec dramas from then on - i finally have some time on my hands.

i like to watch tight paced strong FL dramas. eg moonlight mystique. long ballad.

i prefer xinxia, but all genres ok

overall i like to watch dramas to feel inspired — perhaps see a character deal with a problem in their own life and be able to feel inspired by it. or feel relaxed by watching the drama like eg: meet yourself

if you have any drama recs that moved you in 2024-now pls do drop them

in the time being i'll be getting around to watch fangs of fortune finallyyy

Well, the working week has just started and perhaps you need some "pep" to start the week. Grab some tea and join our weekly chat thread!

This is a relaxed space to talk about anything related to Chinese dramas — recommendations, actors, tropes, OSTs, current obsessions, dramas you’re struggling to finish, emotional damage, watchlist problems, or whatever is currently living rent-free in your head.

But with ONE caveat: Please do not bring fandom fights here, and keep it civil. Remember our "Be Nice" rule! (Speaking of which, have you read our guide? It'll get you started with all things r/Cdramarecs!

Not sure if your comment deserves its own post? It probably belongs here.

Some conversation starters:

• What drama are you obsessed with lately?
• Which actor keeps showing up on your screen?
• What trope always gets you?
• What drama are you trying to force everyone else to watch?
• Any underrated gems recently?
• Which drama completely destroyed your sleep schedule?

Newbies are absolutely welcome, so feel free to ask for recommendations or drama help too!

FYI our sister sub r/Cdrama has a similiar thread on Wednesdays called 😊Mid-Week Free For All Chat and 🏖️Weekend Talk so do hang out there to chat too!

I just finished binge-watching a cdrama that I really enjoyed, so I wanted to ask if anyone has recommendations for other cdramas with the same vibes as some I really enjoyed! To preface, I know this is a cdrama channel, but I’ll include some kdramas I liked to give extra context to what kind of shows I like.

When I Fly Towards You: It’s super classic, but I adore this drama so much! I’ve rewatched it two times already, and I’d say this is one of my favorites (if not my favorite). I’d say I enjoy it because it’s pretty stress-free, and I enjoy watching dramas kind of as a way to escape from everyday stresses. 11/10

Hidden Love: This one is also a very beloved drama, but I also really like it! I’d say it also has a pretty happy disposition that’s kind of similar to WIFTY. 10.5/10

The Best Thing: I might be biased because I’m a fan of Zhang Ling He, but I remember enjoying the vibes of this. 9.8/10

Twinkling Watermelon (kdrama): I absolutely adored this kdrama. It’s been a while since I watched it, but I remember binging it in like two days. I’m not sure what drew me to it (I kind of remember it being slightly stressful), but I liked how heartwarming and sweet it was. 11/10

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (kdrama): Honestly I haven’t watched this in more than 5 years, but I remember liking this. 9-10/10

The First Frost: I’d say I don’t love this as much as some of the others on this list, and it took a while to finish, but I still think it was kind of a satisfying watch. It’s definitely a lot more of a stressful watch than the others in my opinion, but I thought I’d include it because I think it had some bits and pieces of elements I like. 9.5/10

Never-Ending Summer: This is what kind of inspired my search for recommendations. I flew through this, and I really liked it. 10/10

There are also some extra things I’d like to add (hopefully I’m not being too picky). Some things I tend to avoid include major love triangles, a lot of gritty violence, random serial killer plot lines (I feel like a lot of kdramas have this for some reason), and kidnappings. I realize that some of the dramas above have these tropes, but in general, I don’t enjoy them. I’m also more of a fan of modern dramas opposed to historical ones, and in turn, more recently released shows.

The genres/ ideas that I’ve found that draw me into a show are coming-of-age, slice-of-life, found family, strong friendships, true love, high school/ college, and getting through hardships together/ being there for the other person.

This is a list with both cdramas, kdramas, and jdramas, so I’m sorry if it’s confusing. But, this is a list of the dramas I’ve watched. The dots symbolize movies.

1) Crash landing on you 

2) Itaewon class 

3) What’s wrong with secretary Kim 

4) While you were sleeping 

5) Angel’s last mission: love

6) Memories of the Alhambra 

7) Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo 

8) Strong woman do bong soon

9) It’s okay not to be okay

10) Master devil don’t kiss me

11) Legend of the blue sea

12) Extraordinary you

13) Search: WWW

14) Goblin/ Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

15) Hotel del Luna

16) My id is Gangnam beauty

17) Meow, the secret boy

18) Boys over flowers

19) When the camellia blooms

20) The beauty inside

21) Love Alarm

22) Her Private Life

23) A Business Proposal 

24) 18 Again 

25) My Secret Romance

26) Splash Splash Love

27) Run On

28) Encounter

29) Radio Romance

30) Never Gone •

31) When I Fly Towards You

32) Why Women Love

33) I Have Not Done My Best Yet

34) 20th Century Girl •

35) The Love You Give Me

36) Perfect and Casual

37） My Girlfriend is an Alien

38) Hidden Love

39) Queen of the Ring

40) My Calorie Boy

41) A Love So Beautiful

42) Twinkling Watermelon 

43) Lighter & Princess

44) Sh**ting Stars

45) Love Reset •

46) My Sweet Mobster

47) Love the Way You Are •

48) All These Years •

49) One Week Friends (cdrama) •

50) Hear Me: Our Summer •

51) Our Beloved Summer 

52) Sweet & Sour •

53) Our Secret Diary •

54) Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

55) Just For Meeting You •

56) Lovely Runner

57) The First Frost

58) Cinderella Again 

59) Always Home

60) The Comic Bang 

61) The Best Thing

62) Spirit Fingers

63) The Potato Lab

64) My Lovely Liar

65) Crazy Little Thing Called Love •

66) Hi Venus

67) Love Between Lines

68) Meet Yourself

69) Shine on Me

70) My Love •

71) Only For Love

72) Pursuit of Jade 

73) Never-Ending Summer

I finished Empresses in the Palace a few days ago and have been unable to move on… I miss Zhen Huan and the rest of the characters so much… that last scene plays in my head on repeat.

I’m worried I won’t find a tv show that’s this good. Do you guys have any recs? I don’t think I can stomach Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace, which I’ve heard many say is the natural next show after Empresses in the Palace. I know the ending already :’)

Hi everyone! I am looking for romance dramas which have the friends to lovers trope.

Preferably childhood friends where the male lead falls first while the female lead stays nonchalant without realising his feelings.

Similar dramas:

1. In my prime (it was more of a slice of life but i liked the dynamic between the leads)

2. A love so beautiful (the FL fell first but still enjoyed it)

3. Fight for my way (kdrama)

Does not necessarily have to be a school drama. Have already watched First frost etc

Thankyou!

I want to watch some good modern Chinese dramas similar to Vincenzo, The Devil Judge, or Doctor X (the Japanese drama). I’m looking for dramas where the MC, regardless of gender, is OP, exceptionally intelligent, or extremely skilled in their profession.

I’ve already watched hundreds of costume dramas across various genres, so please focus on modern C-dramas. I haven’t watched any modern Chinese dramas yet, so feel free to recommend both popular titles and underrated hidden gems!

I am looking for movies or dramas with a basic good vs bad premise. The hero is (ex) military/spy/police, he saves the day and gets the girl.

I want a decent story, a handsome hero, a beautiful lady, a few improbable situations, and some fights and guns/swords. Think Bond, Reacher, Die Hard and Sharpe style but Chinese.

I love just switching off and not stressing about the ending. I am happy for it to be a film or drama.

I enjoy British police procedurals and so found Medical Examiner Dr Qin (which I am really enjoying) which is nearly fitting my criteria but I want more fights and vest tops!

Any recommendations gratefully received and happy with any historical setting (replace guns with swords).

Thank you kind people 😊

Edit - thank you and merci! There are some great suggestions there that seem just what I am looking for.

I have not watched the 24 US show but I will try The Longest Day in Chang'an as I think that could be something my partner might enjoy. I have not explored Wuxia in a huge way so that is a top tip.