Best Binge-Worthy Short Chinese Drama List

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As a dedicated fan who’s traveled far and wide to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of Chinese drama, I must say that these miniseries have truly won my heart! They offer a perfect blend of intrigue, romance, and suspense, making every episode feel like a precious gem.

There’s been an increasing interest among Chinese drama enthusiasts towards shorter series such as mini-dramas or limited series. Typically, these productions comprise twenty episodes or fewer. They span various genres, ranging from romance and thriller to costume dramas and fantasy, with the main emphasis being on a well-defined narrative rather than an excessive number of filler episodes.

In this piece, we’ll delve into a selection of noteworthy short Chinese plays that have garnered significant attention lately.

Frozen Surface (2024)

Chen Jianbin, originally a policeman, climbed the ranks through dedication and effort, eventually earning the title of Captain of Lanhe Country Police. Over the years, he’s tackled countless cases, growing in wisdom along the way. However, Captain Guan Yu’s journey is not without hurdles. He grapples with pressure from his superiors, finds himself short on time, yet remains undeterred. Tragically, he’s lost many of his colleagues and relatives, and his own health has taken a toll over time.

Currently, Guan Yu encounters a particularly arduous professional hurdle as he probes into an unexplained death of a significant local figure within his secluded mountain community. During this inquiry, he exposes hidden truths that jeopardize the tranquility of the town.

All 12 episodes of Frozen Surface are available for streaming on Tencent Video and WeTV.

The Best Day of My Life (2024)

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve just dived into this captivating Chinese drama that feels like I’m navigating through an immersive game scenario. It follows the tale of two former classmates, Xie Shi (Zhang Jingmin) and Xu Mu (Jiang Zhinan). Time has passed, and fate brings us back together when Xu Mu finds herself working under Xie Shi. This reunion, however, isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Back in the day, I had a crush on him so big, it could have filled an RPG inventory. But I never managed to confess my feelings.

In the near future, Xu Mu learns about Xie Shi’s troubled history, and she feels compelled to aid him in his healing journey. Interestingly enough, it is later discovered that Xie Shi has harbored feelings for her for a long time. The uncertainty lingers as to whether their affection will rekindle.

All 14 episodes of The Best Day of My Life are available on Youku.

A Familiar Stranger (2022)

As a gamer diving deep into my virtual world, I find myself in a predicament similar to Shen Qin, the Prime Minister’s daughter. I’m betrothed to Xiao Han Sheng, a respected general, yet my heart yearns for Prince Ning. To escape this unwanted union, I devise a cunning plan. I seize a talented artist, Shi Qi, and hire a mystic sorcerer to weave his magic, allowing us to swap our faces. In my quest for freedom, I’m now living the life of Shi Qi, hoping this twist of fate will lead me closer to Prince Ning.

In a surprising turn of events, Shi Qi finds herself being pressured by Shen Qin into marrying Xiao Han Sheng. But here’s the twist: Xiao Han Sheng and Shi Qi have a past history together, having previously met long ago. The situation becomes even more intricate when Prince Ning expresses his affection towards Shi Qi as well.

The drama is available to stream on iQIYI, Viki, and MGTV.

Irresistible Love (2020)

In this Chinese television series, the character Xia Tian Tian, played by Wang Lu Qing, develops feelings for her classmate Guo Zhi Yu, previously known as a school bully, portrayed by Cui Shao Yang. Despite being a devoted and caring companion, Tian Tian’s mother, He Qing Ning (Nai Yi Wen), disapproves of their relationship. In her mind, the ideal son-in-law for Xia Tian is Qin Zhi, who holds a high position in a company.

In an unexpected twist, their physical forms swap. He Qing Ning found herself controlling her daughter’s body and using it at will, while Xia Tian found herself using her mother’s body to defend herself. Over time, they began to view each other in a different perspective.

This bite-sized drama consists of only 12 episodes and is available for streaming on MGTV.

Destined to Meet You (2022)

In a reinterpretation of Yu Ge’s “Ba Hun, Xu Mo Yi Jiu,” we delve into the story of Jin Rong Rong (Lu Yan Qi) and Gu Cong Bei (Yang Ze), two main characters in this charming Chinese romantic drama. To win the heart of Gu Cong Bei, the heir of the Gu family, Rong Rong feigns shyness and inexperience in love.

As I delve deeper into this game, I find myself drawn to this character too. Yet, here’s the twist – we’re both guarded souls who keep our feelings under wraps, even after tying the knot. We dance around each other in silence, secrets hidden beneath our wedding vows.

Destined to Meet You is 20 episodes long and is available on Youku, Viki, and Apple TV.

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2024-08-30 19:10