Chinese dramas adapted from novels have taken the entertainment world by storm, especially after the COVID-19 lockdown, people were searching for shows to binge watch. With its ability to captivate audiences globally through their rich storytelling, compelling characters, and visually stunning cinematography, it had a lot of people hooked on the bandwagon immediately!
From historical epics to modern romances, these adaptations offer a diverse range of genres that appeal to viewers of all tastes. Here are some of our recommendations:
1. Word of Honor (山河令)
- Release year: 2021
- Genre: Adventure, Wuxia, Mystery, Political
- Total Episodes: 36
- Casts: Gong Jun (龚俊), Zhang Zehan (张哲瀚)
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Based on: Faraway Wanderers by Priest
- Synopsis:
Zhou Zishu is leader of an assassin organisation but decided to take drastic measures as he had only three years to live. However, he ended up crossing fates with Wen Kexing, leader of Ghost Valley who is seeking revenge. How will the two work together in search of a legendary treasure?
2. The Untamed (陈情令)
- Release year: 2019
- Genre: Wuxia, Xianxia, Crime, Action
- Total Episodes: 50
- Casts: Xiao Zhan 9 (肖战), Wang Yibo (王一博)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Based on: Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu ( 墨香铜臭)
- Synopsis: The story follows two cultivators, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, whose fate becomes entangled when the two meet at a cultivation camp. With two opposite personalities, they ended up discovering buried secrets of the cultivation world, leading Wei Wuxian to his death. Yet, sixteen years later, Wei Wuxian was resurrected through a ritual in which he had to solve mysteries related to the past, reuniting with his best friend, Lan Wang Ji.
3. Guardian (镇魂)
- Release year: 2018
- Genre: Science fiction, Mystery
- Total Episodes: 40
- Casts: Bai Yu ( 白宇) , Zhu Yilong (朱一龙)
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Based on: Guardian by Priest
- Synopsis: A supernatural detective, Zhao Yunlan is assigned to delve into a mysterious case until he meets Shen Wei, a university professor, ending the two in an unconventional friendship.
4. Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀)
Source: IMDb
- Release year: 2022
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Wuxia
- Total Episodes: 36
- Casts: Yu Shu Xin (虞书欣), Dylan Wang (王鹤棣), Xu Hai Qiao ( 徐海乔)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Based on: Cang Lan Jue by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang
- Synopsis:
Legend has it that Dongfang Qing Cang, driven by a thirst for power, transformed into a heartless monster, leading his Moon Tribe army on a destructive path. To stop him, the first God of War sacrificed herself, sealing his army and spirit away. But if his spirit were restored and he escaped, chaos would reign. Only the elusive Goddess of Xishan could prevent this, but she vanished. Thousands of years later, a disturbance in the seal prompts Orchid, a low-ranking fairy, to enter the tower, where she meets Dongfang Qing Cang, sparking events that could alter the world’s destiny once more.
5. Legend of Anle (安乐传)
Source: Viu
- Release year: 2023
- Genre: Mystery, Romance, War, Wuxia
- Total Episodes: 39
- Casts: Gong Jun (龚俊), Dilraba Dilmurat (迪丽热巴)
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Based on: The Emperor’s Book by Xing Ling
- Synopsis:
After her family was wrongly accused of treason and executed by the emperor, Di Zi Yuan seeks revenge. She adopts the name Ren An Le and infiltrates the court, where she admires Crown Prince Han Ye’s care for his people. Despite developing feelings for him, she struggles with the past animosity between their families. Han Ye, driven by love for Di Zi Yuan, is determined to reconcile their families, no matter the price.
6. The Spirealm (致命游戏)
Source: Viu
- Release year: 2024
- Genre: Mystery, Horror, Comedy
- Total Episodes: 78
- Casts: Xia Zhi Guang (夏之光) , Huang Jun Jie (黃俊捷) , Liu Ruo Gu (刘若谷) , Liu Xiao Bei (刘小北)
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Based on: “Kaleidoscope of Death” (死亡万花筒) by Xi Zi Xu (西子绪).
- Synopsis:
Feeling frustrated with his job as a VR game designer, Ling Jiushi decides to quit. But then he finds comfort in a beta test game. Suddenly, he gets a game disc from abroad. After an accident, he ends up in a corridor with twelve iron doors. Behind one door, he meets a mysterious figure who helps him escape from dangerous snowy mountains. Ling Jiushi learns that dangers lurk behind each door, and even outside, putting his life at risk. He realizes that what happens inside the doors affects him in the real world, making his journey even more perilous.
7. Immortality (皓衣行)
- Release year: 2021
- Genre: Wuxia, Fantasy, Mystery
- Total Episodes: 50
- Casts: Luo Yunxi (罗云熙), Chen Feiyu (陈飞宇)
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Based on:“The Husky and His White Cat Shizun” (二哈和他的白猫师尊) by Meatbun Doesn’t Eat Meat (肉包不吃肉).
- Synopsis:
Mo Ran, a young disciple, is under the tutelage of Chu Wan Ning, the world’s most powerful cultivator. Their relationship is strained due to misunderstandings and differences. Despite Chu Wan Ning’s attempts, Mo Ran’s rebellious nature pushes them further apart. What Chu Wan Ning doesn’t know is that in a past life, their animosity led to tragedy when Mo Ran delved into dark cultivation techniques. Now, with memories of his past life, sixteen-year-old Mo Ran aims to change their fate. However, he soon realises things are more complex than he thought.
8. The Longest Promise (玉骨遥)
Source: WeTV
- Release year: 2023
- Genre: Romance, Xianxia
- Total Episodes: 40
- Casts: Xiao Zhan (肖战), Ren Min (任敏)
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
- Based on: Zhu Yan by Cang Yue
- Synopsis:
From the Kong Sang Continent comes the dramatic love story of Princess Zhu Yan from the Chi Yi Tribe and Royal Prince Shi Ying. The queen’s betrayal leads to the prince’s exile to Jiu Yi Mountain for cultivation. There, he falls for his disciple, Zhu Yan, but their roles hinder their romance. As they get entangled in a deadly political conflict, they find themselves on opposite sides. However, they later unite to safeguard their homeland, setting aside their differences.
9. We Are All Alone (怪你过分美丽)
![Mainland Chinese Drama 2020] We Are All Alone 怪你过分美丽 - Mainland China - Soompi Forums](https://hype.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/maxresdefault.webp)
- Release year: 2020
- Genre: Romance, Life, Drama
- Total Episodes: 36
- Casts: Qin Lan (秦岚), Godfrey Gao (高以翔), Wang Zi Yi (王子异)
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Based on: Guai Ni Guo Fen Mei Li (怪你过分美丽) by Wei Zai
- Synopsis:
Mo Xiang Wan, hailed as the resolute maven of showbiz, has steered numerous budding talents toward stardom. A decade ago, she was romantically involved with Mo Bei, a prominent attorney specialising in commercial law. Their paths intertwine once more as Mo Xiang Wan pursues her aspirations. Yet, beneath the glitzy facade of fame, lurking dangers emerge. This drama delves into the arduous efforts behind the scenes of showbiz, emphasising the myriad factors shaping a production’s fate beyond mere acting prowess. Despite her stature, Mo Xiang Wan faces a career-threatening crisis, prompting a profound reassessment. Through her encounters, she gains newfound appreciation for the seasoned actors’ craft and dedication. Amidst her journey of self-discovery, she navigates setbacks and ultimately rediscovers her path to success.
10. The Princess Wei Young
- Release year: 2016
- Genre: Historical, Romance, Political, Drama
- Total Episodes: 54
- Casts: Tiffany Tang (唐嫣), Luo Jin (罗晋), Vanness Wu (吳建豪), Mao Xiao Tong (毛晓彤), Lee Hsin Ai (李心艾)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Based on: “The Poisonous Daughter” (锦绣未央) by Qin Jian (秦简)
- Synopsis:
One fateful night, the Northern Wei Dynasty crumbled, leaving Princess Feng Xin Er bereft of family. Surviving against all odds, she unwittingly finds herself in enemy territory, forced to adopt the persona of Li Wei Young, the Prime Minister’s daughter. Enduring numerous trials, she draws upon her resilience and moral compass to emerge as a formidable figure, navigating both power and love.
Sources: Lifestyle Asia, MyDramaList
Ariani Soraya contributed to this article.
