Chinese dramas are gaining more recognition today than ever before, and for good reason. They are peaceful, calming, romantic, and fun. The only catch is that these Chinese dramas tend to be a bit longer than Korean dramas. In 2023 and 2024, Chinese dramas gathered a lot of views across various platforms, especially titles like Hidden Love and When I Fly Towards You. Both are available to watch for free on YouTube. Hidden Love might have some cut scenes in its YouTube videos, but it’s also available in full on Netflix. When I Fly Towards You is on both YouTube and Netflix.
Now, let’s talk about 2025. So far, it has been a great year for Chinese dramas. The First Frost, which is a prequel to Hidden Love, was also released at the beginning of 2025. Let’s explore the list of top 5 chinese dramas in 2025
1. The First Frost
The First Frost is a drama that tells the story of Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. Wen Yifan is a woman who has faced a lot of pain in her life. Sang Yan is her high school classmate. They meet again by chance when they rent the same apartment. It is awkward at first. But soon, as they live together, old feelings come back. They start to understand each other more and find healing in each other’s company. This drama is adapted from the novel by Zhu Yi and has 32 episodes. It started streaming on February 18, 2025, on platforms like Youku and Netflix.
The main actors in The First Frost are Bai Jingting as Sang Yan and Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan. They have great chemistry, and viewers say their acting feels real and sweet. Many people on sites like Reddit, DramaWiki, and A Koala’s Playground have praised their performance. Some reviews mention that the story can be a bit slow at times, but most people love how it brings hope and warmth. It is a story about love, second chances, and finding comfort in someone you care about.
2. The Best Thing
The Best Thing was released on February 25, 2025. You can watch it on iQIYI and Jiangsu Satellite TV. It has 28 episodes and tells a calm, healing love story.
Shen Yao is a hotel lobby manager who can’t sleep well after breaking up with her boyfriend. She meets He Su Ye, a kind doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. As she starts seeing him for her insomnia, they slowly grow closer. They help each other find peace and happiness in their own lives. Zhang Linghe plays He Su Ye, and Xu Ruohan plays Shen Yao. Their chemistry is warm and gentle.
Many people say The Best Thing feels like a comforting blanket. It is not too dramatic and has a calm, relaxing pace. Viewers love how the show mixes modern city life with traditional medicine. Some say it’s simple, but that is also why it is easy to enjoy.
3. Ski into Love
Ski into Love came out on March 11, 2025. You can watch it on Youku, Netflix, Viki and on youtube for free. It has 23 episodes and is perfect for wintertime.
The story is about Wei Zhi, a manga artist who is caught up in a scandal that ruins her job. She goes to Beishan Ski Resort to hide and find inspiration again. There, she meets Shan Chong, a snowboarder who was injured and stopped competing. They become close as they ski together and learn to heal old wounds. Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin) plays Wei Zhi, and Lin Yi plays Shan Chong. They look good together on screen and make people smile.
Many people say the snowy setting is beautiful. It makes the show feel like a fairytale. But some reviews say the story can feel a bit silly, like characters walking away unharmed from big snowfalls. Still, most viewers agree it is a sweet and pretty drama that is perfect for a cozy night in.
4. A Better Life
A Better Life was released on April 17, 2025, and it has 36 episodes. It airs on CCTV-8 and Youku. This drama is different because it is not just about love, but also about working and finding your way in life.
The main character is Hu Man Li. She works as an insurance broker and is very good at her job. But her personal life is messy because she has to work with Xue Xiao Zhou, who is the stepson of the woman who broke up her marriage. They have to face their past and their jobs together. Sun Li plays Hu Man Li, and Dong Zijian plays Xue Xiao Zhou. Myolie Wu also has an important role as Qiu Li Su.
People like how real this drama feels. It is about grown-ups and how they handle hard times. Viewers say it shows how to forgive and stay strong, even when life is tough. It’s a drama that feels true to life.
5. Guardians of the Dafeng
Guardians of the Dafeng was released from December 28, 2024, to January 25, 2025. It has 40 episodes and you can watch it on CCTV-8, Tencent Video, Disney+ (Taiwan), and Viu. This drama takes you back in time and brings in some magic too.
It is about Xu Qi An, a night patrol officer who finds out about a plot that could ruin his city. He has to work with other heroes and even fight supernatural powers. It’s full of action, old Chinese stories, and funny moments too. Dylan Wang plays Xu Qi An, and Tian Xiwei plays Lin An. Liu Yijun and Yan Zidong also have important roles.
People have been talking a lot about Guardians of the Dafeng. They love the mix of history, magic, and humor. Some say it gets a little hard to follow, but most people think it’s worth watching for the excitement and fun characters.
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