12 Chinese dramas to binge watch this weekend

Lost Track of Time

Credit: Viu

1/12

The plot: In this gripping drama, Lu An Ran (played by Xing Fei 邢菲) gets an unexpected second chance at life after a series of unfortunate events that leads to her untimely death. She’s then reborn ten years before her tragic demise and finds herself reliving the night before she meets Mu Ze (Jing Chao 经超)—the man who would later betray her.

Now, determined to prevent history from repeating itself, An Ran teams up with Mu Ze’s brother, Mu Chuan (Zhai Zi Lu 翟子路), and faces an impossible dilemma: should she risk her fragile heart for a new love or remain focused on getting the revenge she craves?

The cast: Xing Fei, Zhai Zi Lu, Jing Chao

Watch it on: Viu

Credit: Viu

2/12

The plot: In this drama, modern-day pipa player Li Sa Sa (Bao Shang En 包露佳) mesmerises audiences with her musical talent. However, her life takes an unexpected twist when, during a performance, she is mysteriously transported back in time.

Finding herself in the body of Li Ru Niang, a pipa performer from the Sheng Dynasty, Sa Sa must learn to navigate this unfamiliar era. Along the way, she crosses paths with Lu Jing Nian (Wu Chong Xuan 吴崇轩), the charismatic leader of the prestigious Right Sect Fang. As she joins the sect, Sa Sa and Jing Nian forge a deep connection through their shared love of music. But can their love survive the centuries that separate them?

The cast: Wu Chong Xuan, Bao Shang En

Watch it on: Viu

Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities 

Credit: Viu

3/12

The plot: The show follows Su Mo (Li Yi Feng 李易峰), a prince descending from sea gods, and Bai Ying (Chen Yu Qi 陈钰琪), a princess descending from the mighty sword deity. Unaware of the deep-seated animosity between their two empires, the pair falls in love after a fateful meeting in Yun Huang, an idyllic paradise untouched by war. 

However, their romance incurs the wrath of the celestials, leading to Su Mo’s banishment and Bai Ying’s desperate attempt to end her life, resulting in a prolonged slumber. After a century of separation, Su Mo and Bai Ying are finally reunited, but in the midst of fierce battles raging across multiple realms.

The cast: Li Yi Feng, Chen Yu Qi, Zheng Ye Cheng

Watch it on: Viu

The Song of Glory 

Credit: Viu

4/12

The plot: Amidst the turmoil of the Liu Song dynasty, powerful aristocrats are locked in a fierce struggle for control. Young prince Liu Yi Kang (Qin Hao 秦昊) finds himself at the center of this power struggle, with many conspiring against him. In a bid to restore peace to his crumbling kingdom, he agrees to a marriage alliance with Shen Li Ge (Li Qin 李沁), the daughter of the influential Shen family. As they join forces to overthrow one of the most powerful and corrupt clans in the nation, can this noble couple carve out a path to a prosperous future together?

The cast: Li Qin, Qin Hao

Watch it on: Viu

Lighter and Princess

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5/12

The plot: With elements of both romance and revenge, the story unfolds in the present before taking a heartfelt trip down memory lane to explore the college days of Li Xun (portrayed by Chen Fei Yu) and Zhu Yun (played by Zhang Jing Yi. Li Xun is a computer programming prodigy with a composed demeanour, gaining special admission to college. On the other hand, Zhu Yun (Zhang Jing Yi) is a virtuous and earnest young woman adhering to societal expectations. However, a pivotal incident threatens to separate them, putting their budding romance to the ultimate test.

Following graduation, Li Xun initiated the founding of the tech company L&P, causing Zhu Yun to opt out of additional education to support this entrepreneurial endeavour. Unexpectedly, a tragic incident separated the two, placing Li Xun behind bars. While Zhu Yun pursued studies abroad, a friend's betrayal added to Li Xun's challenges, resulting in the loss of control over L&P during his incarceration.

The cast: Arthur Chen, Jingyi Zhang

Watch it on: Netflix

Fireworks Of My Heart

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6/12

The plot: In this heartfelt romantic drama, Yang Yang and Wang Churan bring to life the characters of Song Yan, a dedicated firefighter, and Xu Qin, a skilled emergency unit doctor. The storyline not only sheds light on the authenticity of their professions but also delves into themes of bromance and professionalism.

Once high school sweethearts, Song Yan and Xu Qin are brought back together by fate as adults. Despite attempts to move on, they are repeatedly thrown together in the face of emergencies. Although Xu Qin's family strongly disapproves of their relationship, they rediscover each other through the challenges of saving lives, offering support, and experiencing personal growth.

The cast: Yang Yang, Wang Chu Ran

Watch it on: Viu

Meteor Garden

Play

7/12

The plot: I bet you’ve heard the buzz about this one. Bringing together a delightful blend of humor, intense emotions, the sweetest of romances, luxurious filming sets, and a troupe of attractive high school boys, Meteor Garden (2018) stands as a contemporary reimagining of the iconic Taiwanese drama that shares its name with the 2001 rendition.

Dong Shan Cai (portrayed by Shen Yue) is an extraordinary girl hailing from a lower-middle-class background who has secured a spot at the prestigious Ming De private university through her diligent efforts. Her distinctive character immediately sparks tension with F4, a formidable group of future heirs from the country's four wealthiest families, especially its spoiled, wealthy, and arrogant leader, Daoming Si (Dylan Wang). As the story progresses, Daoming Si slowly cultivates deep feelings for Shancai, only to discover that her affections are directed towards one of his closest friends, who is also a member of F4, Huaze Lei (Darren Chen). The challenges don't stop here, as Shancai begins to appreciate the good aspects of the guys, leading to the formation of friendships and potential romance. However, Daoming Si's mom strongly disapproves of Shancai because of her social status and family background. As a result, she tries everything to break up Shancai and Daoming Si.

The cast: Shen Yue, Dylan Wang, Darren Chen, Caesar Wu, Leon Leong

Watch it on: Netflix

Go Ahead

Play

8/12

The plot: The story follows the emotional rollercoaster of three kids who, despite not being blood related, form a close-knit relationship with each other.

Chinese actor Song Wei Long not only projects an irresistible charm as Ling Xiao but also skillfully portrays a secretive, quiet, yet tender-hearted young man whose parents have recently divorced. Tan Songyun, on the other hand, successfully brings to life the character of Li Jian Jian, who shines as the shimmering ray of hope within the family. Despite being abandoned by his own mother, Zhang Xincheng, in the role of He Ziqiu, continues to radiate youthful charisma.

After being separated for quite a while, these kids finally reunite again, but the ghosts of their troubled family background follow them. With a sprinkle of unexpected romance along the way, a whirlwind 40 episodes will still leave you craving more.

The cast: Tan Song Yun, Song Wei Long, Zhang Xin Cheng, Tu Xong Yan, Zhang Xi Lin

Watch it on: iQIYI

Well-Intended Love (Season 1)

Credit: IMDb

9/12

The plot: Simona Wang portrays Xia Lin, a third-rate actress diagnosed with leukemia. With no suitable match available on the donor registry except for cocky CEO and businessman Ling Yi Zhou (Xu Kai Cheng), she has no choice but to approach him and persuade him to provide a bone marrow transplant. This romantic narrative follows the classic trope of two individuals from different social classes who grow fond of each other as Xia Lin settles on a secret marriage agreement with Ling Yi Zhou in exchange for a life-saving transplant.

The cast: Xu Kai Cheng, Simona Wang

Watch it on: Netflix

The Rational Life

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10/12

The plot: Dylan Wang is no stranger in the realm of Chinese drama enthusiasts. While a lot may be familiar with his well-known portrayal of the rich, handsome, and self-absorbed Daoming Si in the 2018 television series 'Meteor Garden,' his character in "The Rational Life" showcases a dramatic flipside. Here, he engages in a short affair where he portrays as a younger man, serving as an assistant to Shen Ruo Xin (Qin Lan).

This series follows 37-year-old Shen Ruo Xin as she confronts societal biases against age-gap relationships, her mother's pressure for a wealthy marriage, and the challenges of being a career woman in a male-dominated industry.

The cast: Qin Lan, Dylan Wang

Watch it on: Netflix

Falling Into Your Smile

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11/12

university, Tong Yao (starred by Cheng Xiao) steps into the world of professional esports as she replaces a member of a popular gaming team, ZDGX, who just called it quits. Of course, her entry into a male-dominated industry isn’t as smooth as she thought it would be. Amidst swirling rumours in the media, Tong Yao must navigate the setbacks while also stumbling into an unexpected romantic encounter with Chessman (Xu Kai), ZDGX's gaming god and charming team captain.

The cast: Xu Kai, Cheng Xiao

Watch it on: Netflix

Unforgettable Love

Play

12/12

The plot: If you're in the mood for a cosy, laid-back weekend wrapped in blankets while indulging in feel-good romantic comedies, this novel adapted series of ‘Mr. He’s Love Is Not Forgotten’ is just what you’re looking for. Meet Lennon Sun, the toddler who stole the show as the cute and irresistible Xiao Bao. Due to his parents' tragic past, he has never communicated with anyone and has always remained silent. Only Yi Yue, a proficient child psychologist (Hu Yi Xuan), was able to understand Xiao Bao's complex psychological state.

The pretend marriage of Yi Yue to Qiao Yan (Wei Zhe Ming), who is both a successful CEO and a father figure to Xiao Bao, was meant to serve as a mother figure. Yet, here's where it gets interesting – Yi Yue is completely unaware of the hidden connections between their pasts.

The cast: Wei Zhe Ming, Hu Yi Xuan, Lennon Sun

Watch it on: iQIYI