Top 5 Chinese Dramas That Ruled Screens in Early 2025: Have You Watched Them Yet?
The first half of 2025 has seen an exciting wave of Chinese dramas, ranging from lavish period romances to emotionally charged modern tales and gripping political thrillers. Here are the top 5 Chinese series that captured hearts and headlines over the past six months.
The Demon Hunter’s Romance
Starring Song Zu’er and Ren Jialun, The Demon Hunter’s Romance blends fantasy and romance in a compelling narrative about exorcist Xuan Ye and Ban Xia, a girl with the ability to see spirits. The chemistry between the leads, the refreshing storyline, and the aesthetics make this series a standout, especially as it marks Song Zu’er’s return to the screen after a long hiatus.
The Prisoner of Beauty
Following The Demon Hunter’s Romance is another Song Zu’er-led drama: The Prisoner of Beauty. This historical romance centers on a marriage-of-convenience between Wei-shao, a general from a once-fallen family now rising in power, and Qiaoman, the daughter of the now-weakened Qiao clan.
Due to a long-standing family feud, the two start off cold and distant. However, after experiencing life-and-death situations together, a deep love blossoms between them.
Starring Song Zu’er and Liu Yuning, the series initially sparked controversy over Liu’s casting. But as the series progressed, viewers changed their tune, praising his powerful portrayal of a strong yet vulnerable general.
Flourished Peony
Another excellent romance drama this year is Flourished Peony, telling the story of He Wei Fang, a beautiful, talented, and independent woman. After enduring a loveless political marriage and mistreatment by her in-laws, she walks away to pursue her own dreams and freedom.
Using her talent in cultivating peonies, she builds a flower brand — but success doesn’t come easy for a woman in ancient times. Fortunately, she finds support in Jiang Chang Yang, a trusted aide to the emperor. Their bond deepens as they work together to thwart dark political schemes led by Prince Ning.
The show has been praised for its empowering female lead and beautifully recreated Tang Dynasty setting. The reunion of Yang Zi and Li Xian, their first collaboration since Go Go Squid!, delivered sparkling on-screen chemistry that captivated fans.
The Legend Of Zang Hai
Unlike the previous three, The Legend Of Zang Hai is a political drama. From the start, the show drew attention thanks to the involvement of top star Xiao Zhan and renowned director Zheng Xiaolong.
The result did not disappoint. Across social media, viewers praised the show’s flawless storytelling, soundtrack, visuals, and performances.
After a rough start to the year with the film The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Xiao Zhan made a strong comeback with his role as Wang Tang Hai, a man consumed by the pain of losing loved ones and bearing the weight of long-standing revenge. His emotional depth, particularly in scenes with Zhang Jingyi as An Xiangtu, won over critics and fans alike.
Northward
Rounding out the list is Northward, an epic period drama praised for its realism and emotional resonance. With a stellar ensemble cast — including Bai Lu, Ou Hao, Hu Jun, Li Naiwen, Yue Yang,
Qi Xiang, and Dong Lei — the series chronicles the lives, youth, and growth of young people raised along the 2,500-year-old Grand Canal.
Rather than mythical tales, Northward touches viewers with its grounded, heartfelt storytelling. Set in Hua Street, a small town near the Honghuai River and bustling Beijing, the drama captures the struggles and ambitions of youth chasing dreams amid adversity.
Throughout its run, the show earned impressive ratings — peaking at a 3.615% CVB rating, the second highest in history — and sparked heated discussions online.
Audiences were won over by the show’s storytelling, impeccable performances, and production quality. Particularly notable was Bai Lu’s portrayal of Ha Fenghua, proving her capabilities beyond idol stardom. Her performance in this serious drama solidified her status as a formidable talent.
These five dramas have set a high bar for the rest of the year, offering everything from gripping romance and heartache to political complexity and nostalgic reflection. If you’re looking for the best of Chinese TV in early 2025, this list is where you start.
