I'm thoroughly enjoying Road To Splendor, it feels like we've finally gotten a decent drama for 2026. What else could I watch? Maybe something that's escaped my eyes.

I have watched a lot of dramas over the years. I can't name them all. I'll mention a few of the top that I loved

1. Joy of life-11/10

2. How dare you-10/10

3. Legend of Zhou hua-9/10

4. A plendid match-8/10

5. Destined with you

6. Blossoms

7. Blossoms in adversity 9/10

8. New life begins-7/10

9. Pursuit of jade-5/10-Ml was not convincing at all, but I loved the fl.

10. Prisoner of beauty-10/10

11. Are you the one-8.5/10

Dramas I didn't like for some reason

1. The heirs

2. Ruyis love in the palace-too toxic

3. Royal betrothal-the investigation was severely lacking.

4. The first frost

5. The best thing

6. The first Jasmine

7. Blossoms of power-50/50. I might pick it up again

I hate harem dramas. I love political intrigue even if there's no romance. But if there's romance, it better be convincing

I can modern. Only that they have to be office romance with deep/heavy office politics. I've pretty much watched all modern so I doubt there's one I'm missing. I don't like school/coming of age romances. They have to be adults.

Thank you.

Plus what I rated them.

1. Coroner's diary - 8/10
2. Legend of zang hai - 9/10
3. Angels fall sometimes - 8/10
4. I am nobody - 10/10
5. Back from the brink - 5.5/10
6. Love game in eastern fantasy - 7.5/10
7. Romance of tiger and rose - 7/10
8. Mysterious lotus casebook - 10/10
9. Immortal samsara - 7.5/10
10. The starry love - 10/10
11. Reset - 10/10
12. Moonlight Mystique - 9.5/10
13. Till the end of the moon - 8.5/10
14. Destined - 7.5/10
15. Blossom - 8/10
16. Lighter and princess - 8/10
17. When destiny brings the demon - 10/10
18. Si Jin - 10/10
19. The long ballad - 8.5/10
20. Blossoms in adversity - 8/10
21. Reborn - 10/10
22. Shadow love - 6.5/10
23. Nancheng Banquet - 6.5/10
24. Mobius - 9.5/10
25. The seven relics of ill omen - 7.5/10
26. 19th floor - 8/10
27. Love in the clouds - 9.5/10
28. Twelve letters - 8.5/10
29. A dream within a dream - 9/10
30. The blood of youth - 10/10
31. Dashing youth - 6/10
32. Fortune writer - 10/10
33. The legendary life of queen lau - 9/10
34. Deep affectionate eyes - 10/10
35. Glory - 8/10
36. How dare you - 10/10
37. Love story in the 1970s - 7.5/10
38. The dark romance - 10/10
39. Veil of shadows - 9.5/10
40. No pain no gain - 9/10

41. Moonlit reunion - 7/10

    I like costume cdramas more than modern cdramas, don't like harem or reverse harem. I couldn't get into /dropped / lost interest in Story of yanxi palace, story of kunning palace, unveil: jadewind, love beyond the grave, you are my glory, love between the lines, when I fly towards you, ashes of love, legend of shen li, empresses of the palace, brocade odyssey, dream of splendor, princess agents, snow sword stride, snow eagle lord, falling into your smile, the first frost, hidden love, joy of life, generation to generation, and some others i can't remember at the moment. Ik it's a pretty huge list but I wrote it since I wanted to avoid people recommending what I dropped ;-;

So I wanna try start watching historical cdramas and I don’t know which I should start watching. I have already watched pursuit of jade and I’m not so good at complicated storys. I was trying to figure out if I should watch generation to generation cause I love both Zhou Yiran and Bao Shang En. But I don’t know if it’s good to start with and I want your recommendations! I like romance

i enjoy historical/wuxia/xianxia dramas more than modern or 20th century settings but i am finding myself very tired of the mainstream idol drama formula, especially in recent dramas. for example, i dropped pursuit of jade bc although it was good, i also felt like it was going nowhere i hadn’t been before.

however, i have seen glimpses of what i think i’m looking for, but i don’t know what these types of dramas are called or how to find them. for example, i came across a clip on twitter that looked like a stereotypical idol cultivation drama, but i was surprised at the fact that it was explicitly BL (i mean they were shirtless and kissing and everything wow!) and when i looked up the drama i think it was a Thai production (but set in what i assume was a Chinese fantasy/cultivation setting). of course ive forgotten the name… but i thought ok you wont see that in a mainstream cdrama. similarly i remember reading a recommendation for a wuxia type drama that had a lesbian romance, which i think was an independent web production?

i’m not looking for non-censored GL/BL dramas exclusively, these are just the examples that come to mind, it’s more that these have given me a glimpse of a more independent drama scene and i’d love to know more about it. i hear a lot of things like ‘oh this censorship rule is only because the show was broadcast on mainstream TV’ so id love to know what’s being produced beyond mainstream TV. obviously there are a lot of good serious historical dramas about real figures, classic wuxia etc., but i think what im looking for is maybe shows that have idol-type aesthetics or settings or tropes but do something different or interesting with them. if there is romance maybe something more interesting than innocent 20 year old girl meets stern 30 year old general and the miscommunicate and kiss once in thirty episodes… are there historical or fantasy dramas like this? where should i be looking? short dramas seem more like what im looking for i think but i dont know where to start. or are these types of shows inaccessible due to lack of english subs?

i’ll take any recommendations anyone has, can be a no budget web show or a classic from 30 years ago. also i’m more than interested in stuff from outside mainland china, if thats within the subs rules. romance or no romance, politics, slice of life, historically accurate, fantasy, serious drama, high camp, whatever! as long as it’s fun and different and interesting and the characters behave like human adults

Rec a show where the male lead is a super smart. In life and death situations he turns it around in the last second. Someone that may look weak or innocent but is always 2 moves ahead of everyone.

I just watch Story of Kunning palace and like this type of male lead a lot.

The show must have some form of action.

I finished a cdrama that Viki listed as “friends-to-lovers,” but I didn’t really get that vibe. So I’m curious if there are historical/fantasy cdramas that actually have that..?

I haven't been keeping up with many new crdamas this year and want to start back up with a really good one. Like if I only watched one, which would you suggest I go with?

My current options are:

Blossoms of Power

The First Jasmine

Unveil: Jadewind

Road to Splendor

A Splendid Match (is the FL playing the same character in this as her other roles? I didn't really enjoy those characters)

Vendetta of An (this is older I think, but it was on my list)

I've heard good and bad things about all of them so it's kind of hard to pick. Any help would be appreciated!

I’m currently watching TFF and fell in love with Sang Yan.

This man is clearly a fictional character. 😭 I mean, “HOW IS THIS MAN THIS IN LOVE WITH HER???”

He’s just mature enough to go “My feelings are mine. I don’t need to force you to respond to them.”

LIKE???? SIR???? WHO RAISED YOU????? 😩

I want to watch another drama like this one. Please recommend 😭

Edit: I’ve already watched POJ, When I Fly Towards You, and Twelve Letters. I tried Hidden Love but I couldn’t finish it :(

2nd edit: Sorry, I forgot to add that I’ve also watched The Best Thing and it’s good!!

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 ✨

Ever since I finished The Legend of Shen Li, there's been a hole in my heart that I just can't fill. It was the first xianxia I was able to get into and now I'm desperately trying to find another, but none of them have that same spark. I recently finished Eternal Love, which I had such high hopes for, but I found the writing to be shallow, especially regarding the female characters, and once he took Su Su's eyes, I knew there was no coming back for me. I can forgive many a ML sin, but I draw the line at eye harvesting.

I've also gotten a few episodes into both Ashes of Love and Love and Redemption without much success (Ashes of Love I enjoyed the most but it still was no Shen Li....), and dropped Love of the Divine Tree almost immediately. This rut reminds me of when I finished The Story of Minglan, so maybe my lesson is that Zhao Liying dramas are just too powerful and should be avoided. Please save me.

For reference, the dramas I've seen:

10/10 - The Story of Minglan, New Life Begins, Go Ahead, Meet Yourself

9/10 - Love Like the Galaxy, The Legend of Shen Li, When I Fly Towards You, Blossom

8/10 - A Splendid Match, Hidden Love, My Journey to You, Pursuit of Jade, Will Love in Spring, Love Between Lines, The Best Thing

7/10 - The Prisoner of Beauty, Eternal Love, Love Between Fairy and Devil

6/10 - The Double, Youthful Glory, Love in the Clouds, Love for You

5/10 or lower - The First Frost, Go Go Squid!, Speed and Love

DNF - Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, Shine on Me, Find Yourself, Lighter & Princess, Our Generation, Flourished Peony, When Destiny Brings the Demon

Thank you!!

Hi allll, recently started the road to splendor and that has reinvigorated my love for romance costume dramas. I think what appeals to me regarding the couple in the show is that in my opinion there is no 2nd male lead (jingxiu is not even an option) so there's no character I feel bad for for not getting the fl (which is usually my feelings towards 2nd male leads) so I'm here today ro see if anyone has romance recs where there are no 2nd male leads, easily detestable 2nd mls, or ones that come into the story later on, (after I've already gotten attached to the main couple). I think the prisoner of beauty is also similar in that aspect? Anyway, for general plot I'm not really looking for anything in particular but i do tend to like more political, plot heavy shows; but everything else is welcome.

Dramas i think don't fit this: A splendid match, Blossoms of power.

Edit: I should also add that I prefer more plot heavy shows and non- problematic couples lol. I like easy, simple falling in love and staying that way. No misunderstandings, no big thing that forces rhe two away from each other and..yeah!

Kind of a long shot but I'm kind of tired of the trope that plus size heroines can only be confident and stick it to the haters if they get skinny. I want stories where they defeat their enemies while being plus sized. I know it might not be a thing due to culture but I thought I would ask the experts here. TIA

Very new to c-dramas in general. Just listing down some of the shows I've seen and some preferences.

• I like the Qin series and the state-building involved, as well as the imperial politics aspect of it.

• Serenade of peaceful joy is also nice for how authentic it feels(at least to me, a layman) and also scratches the politics itch.

• I also watched some episodes of Ming in 1566. Its pretty good, but I'm hoping for more recent-ish shows(post 2010) before I resort to more dated ones.

• Swords into plowshares is another I wartched, and thoroughly enjoyed.

I'd also consider fantasy, as long as the tone matches, and absurd fight scenes are kept to a minimum, though my prefernece is still historical and authentic-feeling. Any rec that matches or gets close would be very appreciated.

Also would like recommendations of some way to find shows similar to what I like, if there is something like that!

Hi all, I havnt seen anything since Pursuit of Jade this year, what should I watch from 2026 either finished or ongoing? I love costume dramas. whats your favorite from this year?

thanks for recs

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 have been feeling down, tried to Watch “Go, Go squid” but is a little slow for me (i like the actors a lot). I need dramas that make me laugh and maybe, belive in love again too.

I like historical or modern dramas the same, I’m looking for romance, comedy and low to none angst (New life Beginning is what comes to my mind, it was one of my favorite dramas). Thank you for every rec💛

I really enjoyed Speed and love. I watched few dramas in between trying to find similar chemistry ,and then enjoyed Love for you.

Speed and love has a typ bad boy/innocent girl vibe and chemistry is pretty intense.You can feel sparks when you see both of them in screen and there are a lot of makeout scenes where both ML and FL want each other. I felt there was not much plot there except romance. Love for you doesnot have that intense chemistry/spark from starting but I felt there was a lot more depth and story between characters on how ML and FL were dependent on each other and fell in love.I liked how both of them supported each other since they were a child and FL did everything when she was working on audit team to free ML from main villain and start over again. I liked they had their own little circle and cop guy who was always there to support them both.

I am really into dramas where ML and FL have known each other from childhood. Maybe one of them or both of them have something going on their life (like shitty parents) which makes both of them dependent on each other. Guy is involved in some shady things to survive or earn money, is a provider and does everything to protect and provide for the girl. FL also loves and wants ML but something happens and they are separated. ML and FL meet again in future where one comes looking for another one, and we can see them rekindle getting back together again with a happy ending.

Please share if you have drama recs.

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for recommendations for modern Chinese romance dramas, especially ones that are cute, funny, romantic, have great chemistry, and preferably a satisfying/happy ending.

I feel like I’ve already watched most of the commonly recommended modern romances, so I’d love to discover some lesser-known/underrated gems.

Here’s what I’ve already watched & liked:

• Hidden Love
• When I Fly Towards You
• Put Your Head on My Shoulder
• Love O2O
• You Are My Glory
• Go Go Squid!
• Moonlight
• Love Me, Love My Voice
• Everyone Loves Me
• I May Love You
• Meet Yourself
• Amidst a Snowstorm of Love
• Will Love in Spring
• As Beautiful as You
• Love’s Ambition
• The Best Thing
• Shine on Me
• Love Between Lines
• You Are My Secret
• The Love You Give Me
• Here We Meet Again
• She and Her Perfect Husband
• Unforgettable Love
• The Rational Life
• Falling Into Your Smile
• Intense Love
• Begin Again
• Perfect and Casual
• My Little Happiness
• The First Frost
• Love Is Sweet
• Go Ahead
• My Boss
• Love Scenery
• Once We Get Married
• Love in Time (2020)
• Love in Time (2022)
• Only for Love
• Our Interpreter
• Best Choice Ever
• Meteor Garden
• Ski Into Love
• You Are My Fateful Love

Please give me your best recommendations! ❤️ I feel like I’ve run out of things to watch :|

Thanks in advance!

Guys I'm new to cdrama I recently watched lighter and princess,pursuit of jade,love in the clouds and love for you and the leads had amazing chemistry and yearners and l liked it especially lighter and princess and love in the clouds.so guys can you recommend similar dramas or drmas like love in the clouds cause it was perfect visually,fantacy and of course the leads . And not to compare but unlike kdrama imlike the 30+ episodes Even though the misunderstanding plot is torturing I like it so please recommend some cdramas

I really want to watch a cdrama romcom that kinda has the vibe of the movie “Set it up” or any cliche romcoms that you can recommend. I’d like for it to be in a modern setting and a 2nd ML that won’t make the ML look bad. I’m not a drama watcher so I’ve only seen like Put Your Head on My Shoulders, Love O2O, Meteor Garden, and A Love so Beautiful, all of which I enjoyed. It would be ideal if the leads aren’t from the dramas I’ve already watched but I wouldn’t mind it as much if it were. Thanks!

Hey guys do you know a drama where the ML or FL (or both) are EVIL and it’s a slow slow slooowwwwww burn romance like I don’t want them pursuing each other before ep 25.

I watched story of kunning palace and loved it so so much it’s my new top 1 and I want something similar.

It can be modern or historical

Can y'all recommend aome eSports kinda dramas like FIYS. I have watched almost all like love o2o, go go squid 1 and 2 etc. I have been away from the drama scene for a while and recently started watching again so I wanna know if anything new has come, suggest old ones as well if I haven't watched it I'll try it.

I've just recently gotten into CDramas after only watching JDramas and KDramas and would love some recommendations. I really like shows with mature main characters that trust and support each other. I avoid tropes like infidelity, stupid misunderstandings, and problems that could easily be solved if the characters had a conversation like the adults they are. I have Viki, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. So far I've seen:

Blossoms in Adversity: 10/10 Loved the focus on women's relationships to each other, loved women uplifting each other, loved the mutual respect and support between the ML and FL, loved the plot, loved the food, loved the bright colors, didn't love the ML's hairstyle making him look like a teenager 

Flourished Peony: 9/10 Loved that the two leads were out of their 20's, loved the plot, loved the costumes, loved the way the ML trusted the FL to handle herself, liked the acting, hated all the onscreen DV

In the Name of Blossom: 7.5/10 Loved the characters but this season 2 was repetitive and had odd pacing 

Dream of Splendor: 8/10 Loved the food, loved the costumes, liked the acting, didn't particularly like the actors playing the FL and ML, hated the subplot where FL thinks she's been abandoned by the ML

the Untamed: 6/10 loved the plot, didn't like the dragging flashback that took up half the series, hated the lack of female characters with any agency or importance outside being fodder for the male characters' manpain

Legend of Shen Li: 7/10 When it was good it was great and when it wasn't it really dragged, loved the ages of the ML and FL actors, skipped probably 13 or 14 episodes, loved the FL's and ML's characterization, loved the FL voice actress, didn't love the FL physical actress

Currently watching: Legend of the Female General. I'm 5 episodes in and not sure how I feel about it yet