Cover The Rise of Phoenixes (photo: courtesy of IMDB)
The Rise of Phoenixes (photo: courtesy of IMDB)
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From wuxia adventures to time travel dramas, discover the best C-dramas and why they’re taking over everyone’s screens
Sometime in the early 2000s, people described the proliferation of Korean culture as a wave. But it was really more a tsunami, a deluge of dramas and pop stars that took over the world. This wasn’t solely the enterprise of entertainment moguls. The South Korean government, understanding the industry’s potential value, co-opted its impact and invested in Korean pop culture to promote the country.
The formula has been a success, inspiring other countries to do something similar. For instance, Chinese dramas, which have been steadily gaining global momentum, took their cue from South Korea’s style. Picture programmes with high-calibre production values, compelling plotlines and crowd-pleasing themes of love, ambition and redemption.
China isn’t just imitating South Korea’s success; it's amplifying it. Instead of the 12 to 16 episodes of K-dramas, C-dramas can span up to 70 episodes. With significant government investments and an emphasis on cultural export, C-dramas are carving a unique space in the entertainment landscape.
Still new to Chinese dramas? You’ll be pleased to know that it has something for everyone, from wuxia (martial arts) and xian xia (fantasy and mythology) to coming-of-age and time travel themes. Start with the suggestions below.
1. ‘The Untamed’ (2019)
Episode count: 50
The Untamed is a watch-till-the-end fantasy drama adapted from the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The story follows Wei Wuxian (Xiao Zhan) and Lan Wangji (Wang Yibo), two talented cultivators from rival clans. Their paths intersect as they uncover dark secrets and conspiracies threatening their world. Despite contrasting personalities, their growing bond and shared pursuit of justice lead them to confront ancient grudges and sinister forces. The Untamed manages to make a gripping narrative more forceful thanks to its richly imagined fantasy setting.
2. ‘Nirvana in Fire’ (2015)
Episode count: 54
This sweeping historical drama is one of the first C-dramas that impressed the international crowd. It follows the brilliant strategist Mei Changsu (Hu Ge) as he navigates intricate political schemes to clear his family’s name and install a just ruler on the throne. He uses a false identity to infiltrate the political arena, navigating dangerous rivalries and intricate power plays. As he works to install his friend, Prince Jing, on the throne, Mei’s health deteriorates, adding urgency and poignancy to his quest.
3. ‘The Rise of Phoenixes’ (2018)
Episode count: 70
The Rise of Phoenixes can only be described as a true televised epic. It’s an opulent Chinese historical drama set in a fictionalised ancient China. The story, loosely based on the novel Huang Quan, features Ning Yi (Chen Kun), the sixth prince of the Tiansheng Kingdom, who hides his cunning and strategic brilliance behind a façade of indifference. He allies with Feng Zhiwei (Ni Ni), a resilient and intelligent woman who rises from disgrace to become a court official. It’s a tale of intertwining love and power elaborately presented in stunning sets.
4. ‘Novoland: Pearl Eclipse‘ (2021)
Episode count: 48
Set in the sprawling, fantastical world of Novoland, this drama narrates the story of Hai Shi (Yang Mi), a young girl whose life is upended when her village is destroyed in a conflict over a rare resource—magical Naga Pearls. She disguises herself as a boy, becoming a trusted apprentice to Fang Zhu (William Chan), a powerful official and the protector of the emperor. As Hai Shi rises in the imperial court, her problems evolve into political turmoil and a complex relationship with her mentor. It highlights sincere and highly human emotions amid a mythical world.
5. ‘Side Story of Fox Volant‘ (2022)
Episode count: 40
This wuxia drama, based on Jin Yong's novel The Young Flying Fox, follows Hu Fei (Qin Junjie), a young martial artist on a quest to uncover the truth about his father’s mysterious death. Here, the world of martial arts is political and treacherous. Hu Fei finds himself entangled in a web of vendettas, loyalty and romance. Flanked by loyal allies he meets along the way, he must battle formidable foes, all while striving to uphold justice and honour in a culture rife with betrayal.
6. ‘Mysterious Lotus Casebook‘ (2023)
Episode count: 40
This captivating wuxia drama unfolds across 40 episodes, following the journey of Li Lianhua (Cheng Yi). He’s a former martial arts master who has chosen the life of a travelling healer. Despite his desire for peace, he is drawn into solving intricate mysteries alongside the enthusiastic and justice-driven Fang Duobing (Joseph Zeng). Their partnership unravels the secrets of the martial world while learning about friendship, redemption and the lingering echoes of the past.
From narratives to backdrops, C-dramas are big, bold and ornate, but China’s entertainment industry hasn’t rested on big-budget, long-form production alone. It has also adapted to the varied tastes of the viewers. It’s currently investing in micro dramas or bite-sized shows, with each episode no longer than a few minutes. They’re often available on Douyin, China’s TikTok.
While traditional dramas like Nirvana in Fire and The Untamed build immersive worlds and long-lasting fandoms with intricate plots and rich character development, micro-dramas often focus on compact, high-impact storytelling that draws viewers in with relatable themes and rapid pacing. Both formats contribute to China’s rising influence in global entertainment—because ultimately, they are utterly bingeable.
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