10 Chinese Dramas You Can Watch on Netflix Right Now

In the mood for a drama? These Chinese-language ones are available to stream right now on Netflix.

In the past decade, and particularly in the early-2020s, international cinema and dramas have gained popularity globally.

With increased globalization, people are becoming more open to consuming content from different countries and languages, and are actively discussing their newfound passions online. Korean dramas and telenovelas have become some of the most popular genres abroad, but Turkish, Indian, and other East Asian dramas are also making a name for themselves.

Whether it's romance, action, or historical shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a Friday night or a day off. 

Chinese language dramas, both from Mainland China and Taiwan, have been a staple in the East Asian drama world for many years. Despite not receiving as much media attention as Korean or Japanese dramas, these shows have been highly produced and boast captivating stories. Many of the biggest actors in Taiwan and China have come out of the local drama world, and these series have become classics among fans who follow the latest and greatest in the region.

If you're looking to watch some of the best Chinese dramas, here are a few you can find on Netflix. 

10 Falling Into Your Smile

"Falling Into Your Smile," which was originally released in 2021, gained a dedicated following among drama fans.

Adapted from a popular online webtoon in Mandarin Chinese, the show tackles a contemporary subject matter.

The protagonist, Tong Yao, is a quintessential young adult woman but with a unique hobby that defies gender norms: she is passionate about e-sports, a field largely dominated by men.

Her reputation extends beyond her friend group, and when a team manager recruits her for a PR effort to make her the first major female player, her life takes a turn both professionally and romantically.

As she sets out to break the glass ceiling in the e-sports world, things may not turn out as she had expected. 

9 Put Your Head on My Shoulder

 
"Put Your Head on My Shoulder" also draws its inspiration from a popular webtoon and was eagerly anticipated by its dedicated fanbase.

The female lead, Situ Mo, is about to graduate from college and faces uncertainty as she transitions into adulthood.

She crosses paths with a confident physics student, who is widely regarded as one of the brightest minds on campus. Despite their constant bickering, their mothers intervene and bring these two unlikely characters together, leading to a sweet and romantic love story.

This series is a cheerful and lighthearted watch that breezes by quickly. 

 

8 Love O2O

In Love O2O, two of China's top actors, Zheng Shuang and Yang Yang, take on the lead roles. This college-themed drama blends fantasy elements to create an exciting and romantic story.

The show became one of the most popular Chinese dramas of the decade, attracting a massive 25.2 billion views online when it aired. However, it is now banned in Mainland China.

The female lead, portrayed by Zheng Shuang, is a computer science student who dreams of creating video games for a living. She becomes addicted to an online game called "A Chinese Ghost Story" and plots a virtual marriage with another player to get revenge.

But when she meets her new virtual husband in person, she discovers he is much better looking than she expected. 

7 Meteor Garden

Meteor Garden is a remake of the popular Taiwanese series based on the Japanese manga "Boys Over Flowers."

It features the story of Dong Shancai, a working-class girl who attends the most prestigious university in the country, where she encounters four arrogant, wealthy young men.

Despite their initial animosity, the leader of the group eventually falls in love with her.

Despite its popularity and classic status, Meteor Garden could benefit from updates to align with modern standards.

6 The Princess Weiyoung

The Princess Weiyoung is a historical drama set in Ancient China that tells the story of a princess who must flee after her family is killed by a greedy general.

Taking on the identity of a deceased princess, she embarks on a journey of vengeance and justice. Along the way, she finds love and meaning in her quest, as she navigates the complexities of grief, loss, and heartbreak.

Despite mixed initial reviews, The Princess Weiyoung has become one of the highest-rated shows of its year and is a must-watch for those who love epic, dramatic historical dramas. 

5 Accidentally in Love

Accidentally in Love is a romantic comedy series that first premiered on Netflix in 2018.

The show follows a wealthy heiress who rebels against her parent's arranged marriage plans and decides to start a new life by enrolling in college and changing her identity.

However, her plans are derailed when she runs into someone from her past and the two of them engage in a love-hate relationship.

With its lighthearted and sweet storyline, Accidentally in Love is a must-watch for those looking for a feel-good romantic comedy. 

4 The Prince of Tennis

The Prince of Tennis is a beloved Japanese manga that ran from 1999 to 2008 and became one of the most popular manga series of the decade.

Over the years, it has inspired multiple dramas, films, and even a musical, showcasing its lasting relevance.

The 2018 Chinese adaptation of The Prince of Tennis is set in China and is the third Chinese-language version of the series. The story follows a talented tennis prodigy who enrolls in an elite academy where he quickly rises to become one of the top tennis players.

The characters must navigate the challenges of both their sports careers and coming-of-age stories, facing the issues that arise along the way. 

3 My Sunshine

My Sunshine, a 2015 drama that features Wallace Chung and Tiffany Tang, was highly acclaimed upon its initial release.

Based on the Chinese novel "Silent Separation" by Gu Man, the show follows the story of Mosheng, a university student who falls in love with a law student named Yichen.

Despite Mosheng's efforts to stay close to Yichen, her heart is shattered when she discovers he has a girlfriend.

Devastated, she leaves for the United States. Years later, when she returns to China, Mosheng realizes that things are not as they seem and that Yichen may still hold feelings for her after all this time.

The show is a heartwarming tale of love and the power of memories. 

2 Who Rules the World

Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi star in the historical romance drama, "Who Rules the World", released in 2022.

The show is based on the wuxia novel, "Let's Try the World", and takes place in an era of political unrest and societal pressures.

With 40 episodes, the show follows the journey of a prince and a princess as they navigate the challenges that come with their positions in society and their growing feelings for each other.

Despite their differences, the two are drawn to each other, but as the fight for the throne heats up and betrayal looms, their romantic pursuits become increasingly dangerous. 

1 The Rational Life

In The Rational Life, Qin Lan and Dylan Wang portray characters navigating the challenges of work and societal expectations.

The show, released in 2021, stars a successful career woman in her 30s who is faced with issues like workplace politics and the pressure to get married before it's considered too late. However, she meets a younger man who sparks her interest and challenges the norms, showing that she can live life on her own terms without giving in to external pressures.

The Rational Life explores themes of love and independence in a relatable and compelling way.