Chinese dramas have been gaining popularity around the world in recent years, thanks to their well-crafted storylines, stunning cinematography, and talented cast. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose where to start. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 5 best Chinese dramas for beginners to watch.
1. Story Of Yanxi Palace
The Story of Yanxi Palace is a Chinese historical drama that premiered in 2018 and quickly became a sensation across Asia. Set in the Qing dynasty, the series follows the story of Wei Yingluo, a palace maid who rises through the ranks to become a powerful figure in the imperial court.
At the heart of the show is a tale of intrigue, power struggles, and forbidden romance. Wei Yingluo is intelligent and ambitious, and she quickly realizes that the key to gaining influence in the court is through the emperor’s favor. She catches the eye of the emperor’s brother, Prince Hongzhou, and uses her intelligence and wit to gain his trust and become his personal maid.
As Wei Yingluo navigates the complex and often treacherous world of the palace, she discovers that the emperor’s family is plagued by conspiracies, betrayals, and secrets. She forms alliances with other powerful women in the court, including the emperor’s concubines, and uses her intelligence and resourcefulness to outmaneuver her enemies.
The Story of Yanxi Palace was praised for its strong female characters, intricate plotting, and lavish production values. The show’s costumes, sets, and cinematography were widely praised for their attention to detail and historical accuracy.
But perhaps the biggest reason for the show’s popularity was its strong emotional resonance. Viewers were drawn in by the intense relationships between the characters and the high stakes of their struggles. The forbidden romance between Wei Yingluo and Prince Hongzhou was a particular highlight, as viewers rooted for the couple to overcome the many obstacles in their path.
Overall, the Story of Yanxi Palace is a compelling and captivating drama that offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate politics and power struggles of the Qing dynasty. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves historical dramas, strong female characters, and epic romances.
2. Nirvana In Fire
Nirvana in Fire is a Chinese drama that has captivated audiences worldwide since its release in 2015. Based on a popular novel by Hai Yan, the drama tells the story of Lin Shu, a young nobleman who is wrongly accused of treason and dies in prison. His close friend, Mei Changsu, who is actually Lin Shu in disguise, seeks to clear his name and avenge his family’s downfall.
The drama is set in a fictional kingdom called Liang, which is ruled by an incompetent emperor who is controlled by corrupt officials. Mei Changsu, using his intelligence and strategic mind, begins to unravel the conspiracies and secrets behind the injustices that have been committed against Lin Shu’s family.
The story is gripping and filled with political intrigue, suspense, and emotional drama. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, and the acting is superb, particularly by the lead actor, Hu Ge, who portrays Mei Changsu/Lin Shu with depth and nuance.
What sets Nirvana in Fire apart from other historical dramas is its emphasis on intelligence and strategy rather than physical strength and martial arts. Mei Changsu is a master of strategy and uses his wits to outsmart his opponents, making the drama both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.
Nirvana in Fire has been praised for its production values, including its stunning cinematography and beautiful costumes. The drama has also been lauded for its portrayal of strong female characters who are not defined by their relationships with men.
Overall, Nirvana in Fire is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys historical dramas or political thrillers. It has earned its place as one of the most beloved Chinese dramas of all time and is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human spirit.
3. Love O2O
Love O2O is a popular Chinese drama that originally aired in 2016. The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Gu Man and stars Yang Yang and Zheng Shuang as the main characters.
The story revolves around two college students, Bei Weiwei (Zheng Shuang) and Xiao Nai (Yang Yang), who fall in love through an online game. Bei Weiwei is a computer science major and one of the top players in the online game, while Xiao Nai is a talented computer science major who is also a skilled player in the game.
The drama explores the ups and downs of their relationship as they navigate the challenges of balancing their real-life responsibilities with their virtual lives in the game. Along the way, they also face various obstacles such as rival gamers, misunderstandings, and even a potential hacking threat.
One of the standout features of Love O2O is its portrayal of the online gaming world. The drama does an excellent job of immersing viewers in the world of gaming, and the visual effects used to depict the game’s virtual environment are stunning. Additionally, the drama features a strong female lead in Bei Weiwei, who is portrayed as intelligent, independent, and capable.
Overall, Love O2O is a charming and heartwarming drama that explores the themes of love, friendship, and the power of online communities. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys romantic comedies, online gaming, or both.
4. Ashes of Love
Ashes of Love is a Chinese romantic fantasy drama series that captivated audiences worldwide. The show premiered in 2018 and quickly became one of the most talked-about dramas of the year. With its breathtaking visuals, elaborate costumes, and mesmerizing storytelling, “Ashes of Love” is a must-watch for fans of Chinese dramas.
The show is set in a mystical realm where fairies and demons coexist. It tells the story of Jinmi, a flower fairy who falls in love with Xufeng, a powerful demon lord. However, their love is hindered by a curse that causes Jinmi to forget her feelings for Xufeng every three years. As they navigate through their complicated relationship, they also find themselves caught up in a web of political intrigue and power struggles.
One of the most impressive aspects of “Ashes of Love” is its production design. The show’s art direction, costumes, and special effects are stunning, transporting viewers to a fantastical world filled with magic and wonder. The cinematography is also top-notch, with each scene carefully crafted to evoke a specific mood or emotion.
The show’s talented cast is another highlight. Yang Zi delivers a standout performance as Jinmi, perfectly capturing the character’s wide range of emotions. Deng Lun brings depth and complexity to the role of Xufeng, and Luo Yunxi shines as the charming and enigmatic Runyu.
Beyond its stunning visuals and captivating story, “Ashes of Love” also explores deeper themes such as sacrifice, forgiveness, and the nature of true love. The show’s nuanced portrayal of these ideas adds another layer of complexity to the already engrossing narrative.
In conclusion, “Ashes of Love” is a masterpiece of Chinese drama that is well worth watching. It combines breathtaking visuals, compelling storytelling, and powerful performances to create an unforgettable viewing experience. Whether you’re a fan of romance, fantasy, or just great storytelling, “Ashes of Love” is a must-see.
5. The Legend Of White Snake
The Legend of White Snake, also known as Madame White Snake, is a classic Chinese folk tale that has been adapted into numerous dramas, films, and operas over the years. One of the most popular adaptations is the 2019 Chinese drama series of the same name.
The story revolves around a powerful white snake spirit named Bai Suzhen, who falls in love with a human man named Xu Xian. Despite the taboo nature of their relationship, they decide to get married and live a happy life together. However, their happiness is short-lived as a Buddhist monk named Fahai discovers Bai Suzhen’s true identity and sets out to destroy her.
The drama is known for its stunning visuals and special effects, which bring the mythical creatures and supernatural elements of the story to life. The lead actors, Yang Zi and Allen Ren, deliver captivating performances that draw viewers into the story and make them empathize with the characters’ struggles.
In addition to its entertainment value, The Legend of White Snake is also notable for its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Bai Suzhen’s love for Xu Xian is so strong that she is willing to risk everything to be with him, even if it means facing persecution and death. Meanwhile, Xu Xian’s love for Bai Suzhen helps him overcome his prejudices and see beyond her supernatural powers.
Overall, The Legend of White Snake is a timeless tale that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Its themes and characters resonate with people across cultures and serve as a reminder of the power of love and the importance of acceptance and understanding.
