The first half of 2024, i.e. between January and June, saw the premiere of some top-notch Chinese dramas. With wonderful storylines and star-studded lineups, they exceeded viewers’ expectations. From Youku’s The Double to Tencent Video’s Angels Fall Sometimes, this article has the lowdown on the best Chinese dramas to watch.list Chinese drama recommendations that made the first half of 2024 so fascinating for fans:
Angels fall sometimes
This modern romantic Chinese drama features outstanding actors. Lin Yi and Landy Li It premiered in March 2024. Tuo (Lin Yi) and An Zhi Que (Landy Li) start dating in their third year of university. They plan to discover the adult world together and build a beautiful future together. However, their plans are disrupted when Lin Tuo is diagnosed with a nervous disease. Zhi Que not only becomes his support system but also learns to live for Lin Tuo.
On the other hand, Lin Tuo slowly loses all hope and his ability to lead a normal life. Seeing Zhi Que struggle, he wishes to end his miserable life. But Zhi Que is not willing to give up. She takes care of him until the day he passes away and also takes it upon herself to make her lover experience everything on his bucket list. The drama is available to watch on Tencent Video, WeTV, iQIYI, and Viki.
The double
Released in June 2024, The Double is one of the most critically acclaimed Chinese dramas of the year. It tells the story of Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jinyan), who is nearly murdered by her husband after conspirators frame her for adultery. In addition, her entire family faces the consequences of the murder.
She is rescued from the brink of death by the daughter of an exiled minister named Jiang Li. After Jiang Li passes away under mysterious circumstances, she takes the name of her benefactress, returns to the capital in disguise, and punishes those who wronged her and Jiang Li. She establishes herself as a scholar and becomes a liberator for those in need. Fang Fei falls in love with Duke Su (Wang Xingyue) and eventually finds his happily ever after. All episodes of The double are available to stream on Youku and Netflix.
Tender light
The drama follows the story of Zhou Luo (Zhang Xincheng), who finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery. He returns to his hometown during a gap year at university. On the other hand, Nan Ya (Tongyao), the most beautiful woman in town, finds no way out of an abusive marriage.
Furthermore, Nan Ya doesn’t have a good reputation in town as all the men drool over her and the women are jealous of her. Zhou Lou gets close to her through her family and soon falls in love with her. So much so that when Nan Ya’s husband is murdered and she goes to jail, he takes the blame on himself to save her from trouble. Tender Light is available to stream on Youku.
In the middle of a snowstorm of love
One of the most popular Chinese dramas this year, it tells the love story of Lin Yiyang (Leo Wu), a retired billiards genius, and Yin Guo (Zhao Jinmai), a professional nine-ball player. After accidentally meeting her during a snowstorm in a foreign country, Yiyang falls in love with Yin Guo at first sight. He becomes her personal mentor.
After Yin Guo discovers Yiyang’s troubled past, he heals his childhood trauma and reunites with his former coach. By the end of the series, Yiyang, who had forgotten how to feel emotions, learns to love again and asks Yun Guo for her hand in marriage.
The Legend of Shen Li
This Xianxia Chinese drama tells the story of Xing Zhi (Lin Gengxin), the last remaining god, and Shen Li (Zhao Liying), the queen of the demon world. She falls to the mortal world while escaping her marriage in the form of a phoenix.
Xing Zhi, who has been banished from the immortal sect, rescues her and nurses her back to health. They fall in love, but he is reincarnated in his true form. She does everything she can to make him fall in love with her again. It is available to stream on Tencent Video, We TV, Mango TV, and Viki.