Guide to 2025 Chinese Dramas in Singapore

Chinese dramas—whether binge-watched on weekends or sneakily consumed during office lunch breaks—seem to hold a special place in the hearts of Singaporeans

For the uninitiated, Chinese TV dramas are a rich tapestry of sweeping romances, intense palace intrigues, and occasionally questionable CGI. But why do Singaporeans love them so much? Maybe it’s the nostalgia of seeing familiar Asian values, or maybe it’s the sheer joy of watching 50 episodes of dramatic misunderstandings unfold. From historical epics to modern urban tales, these dramas span categories that cater to every taste—and yes, they’re just a click away on various streaming platforms. Let’s dive into the top Chinese dramas of 2024 and the early favorites of 2025.

What are Chinese TV dramas?

Chinese TV dramas, often called C-dramas, are television series produced in China, known for their diverse storylines, rich cultural elements, and highly addictive plots. These shows come in various genres, from sweeping historical epics (xianxia and wuxia fantasies) to modern urban romances and slice-of-life comedies. They often feature intricate storytelling, stunning costumes, and an ability to drag viewers into an emotional rollercoaster for 30 to 60 episodes—or more, if the producers get too ambitious. While some dramas are rooted in Chinese history and folklore, others reflect contemporary societal themes with a touch of melodrama. Whether you’re here for the jaw-dropping palace betrayals or a painfully slow-burn love story, there’s a C-drama for everyone.

Why do Singaporeans like Chinese TV dramas?

Singaporeans love Chinese TV dramas partly because of their stunning casts, led by actresses who are practically walking perfection. Actresses like Zhao Lusi 赵露思 and Yang Zi 杨紫 bring both charm and relatability, making it easy for viewers to root for their characters—or binge entire seasons just for their performances. Male leads like Xiao Zhan 肖战 and Wang Yibo 王一博 also play a big role, with their brooding looks and on-screen charisma driving fans wild. Their flawless appearances, coupled with impeccable acting skills, often leave viewers swooning or aspiring to their beauty and fashion choices. Watching these actors and actresses light up the screen gives Singaporeans an irresistible mix of escapism, admiration, and just the right dose of fangirling that keeps them hooked on C-dramas.

Types of Chinese TV dramas

Chinese TV dramas come in a variety of genres, each catering to different tastes and moods. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Historical Dramas (古装剧) – Set in ancient times, featuring royal court intrigue, epic battles, and elaborate costumes (e.g., Story of Yanxi Palace 《延禧攻略》).
• Fantasy Dramas (玄幻剧) – Often featuring mythical creatures, magic, and gods, like Eternal Love 《三生三世十里桃花》 (xianxia, anyone?).
• Wuxia Dramas (武侠剧) – Focused on martial arts heroes and their chivalrous journeys (e.g., The Legend of the Condor Heroes 《射雕英雄传》).
• Modern Romance (现代爱情剧) – Set in contemporary times, with relatable characters and love stories (e.g., Go Go Squid! 《亲爱的，热爱的》).
• Slice-of-Life Dramas (生活剧) – Depict everyday struggles and family relationships (e.g., A Little Reunion 《小欢喜》).
• Crime and Mystery (悬疑剧) – Filled with suspense, detectives, and thrilling storylines (e.g., Day and Night 《白夜追凶》).
• Youth and School Dramas (青春校园剧) – Focus on first loves, friendship, and growing up (e.g., A Love So Beautiful 《致我们单纯的小美好》).
• Business and Workplace Dramas (职场剧) – Highlight corporate rivalries, start-ups, and ambition (e.g., Ode to Joy 《欢乐颂》).
• War and Patriotism (战争剧) – Focus on historical conflicts or national pride (e.g., The Disguiser 《伪装者》).
• Sci-Fi (科幻剧) – A smaller but growing genre, featuring futuristic themes (e.g., Three-Body 《三体》).

With such a variety, it’s no wonder Singaporeans always find something to binge!

Where can you watch Chinese TV dramas in Singapore?

In Singapore, watching Chinese TV dramas is almost too easy, thanks to the abundance of streaming platforms and TV channels. Here’s where you can tune in:

• iQIYI (爱奇艺) – A top streaming service for C-dramas, offering both free and VIP options. Think of it as Netflix, but with more palace intrigue.
• Viu – Popular for Korean content, but it also streams many trending Chinese dramas with subtitles. (Bonus: It’s user-friendly and affordable!)
• WeTV (腾讯视频国际版) – Run by Tencent, it’s great for xianxia and wuxia fans looking for HD drama perfection.
• YouTube – Several Chinese TV channels, like CCTV and Mango TV, post full episodes of dramas legally (yes, really).
• Netflix – Limited selection but high quality, featuring global hits like The Untamed 《陈情令》 and Eternal Love 《三生三世十里桃花》.
• Mediacorp Channel 8 – Good old TV still airs Chinese dramas, for those who enjoy a dose of nostalgia and nightly cliffhangers.
• Disney+ – Surprisingly, they’ve been adding Chinese dramas, like Delicacies Destiny 《珍馐记》, to their growing library.
• HBO GO – Has a small but premium collection of Chinese dramas for fans of critically acclaimed shows.
• Bilibili (哔哩哔哩) – Perfect for a younger crowd, with some quirky and popular C-dramas available for free streaming.

From your smartphone to your flat-screen TV, there’s no shortage of ways to get your C-drama fix. The real challenge? Deciding which platform has your favorite Zhao Lusi series. And then there are the streaming sites…

Top chinese dramas of 2024

Here’s my list of top Chinese dramas of 2024, with plot summaries:

1. My Journey to You 《云之羽》

Plot: A skilled assassin infiltrates a noble clan to complete a dangerous mission, only to find love, betrayal, and hidden truths. Lead Actress: Yu Shuxin 虞书欣 Lead Actor: Zhang Linghe 张凌赫

1. Fireworks of My Heart 《我的人间烟火》

Plot: A firefighter and a doctor, childhood sweethearts with a rocky past, reunite and rediscover their love amidst danger and duty. Lead Actress: Yang Yang 杨洋 Lead Actor: Wang Churan 王楚然

1. Destined 《长风渡》

Plot: A street-smart woman and a reserved scholar navigate an arranged marriage, learning to trust and love each other in turbulent times. Lead Actress: Bai Jingting 白敬亭 Lead Actor: Song Yi 宋轶

1. Lost You Forever 《长相思》

Plot: A princess disguises herself as a healer, hiding her royal identity while caught in a love triangle and fighting for her kingdom. Lead Actress: Yang Zi 杨紫 Lead Actor: Zhang Wanyi 张晚意

1. The Longest Promise 《玉骨遥》

Plot: A teacher-disciple romance unfolds amidst political power struggles, forbidden love, and heartbreaking sacrifices in a fantasy kingdom. Lead Actress: Ren Min 任敏 Lead Actor: Xiao Zhan 肖战

1. Till the End of the Moon 《长月烬明》

Plot: A demon lord falls in love with a righteous woman sent back in time to prevent him from destroying the world. Lead Actress: Bai Lu 白鹿 Lead Actor: Luo Yunxi 罗云熙

1. Hidden Love 《偷偷藏不住》

Plot: A girl with a longtime crush on her brother’s best friend gets her chance at romance as they cross paths again as adults. Lead Actress: Zhao Lusi 赵露思 Lead Actor: Chen Zheyuan 陈哲远

1. The Love You Give Me 《你给我的喜欢》

Plot: A woman reunites with her first love, now a single father, and they rekindle their romance while navigating co-parenting and old wounds. Lead Actress: Wang Yuwen 王玉雯 Lead Actor: Wang Ziqi 王子奇

These dramas brought everything from heartfelt romances to epic fantasy battles, satisfying every kind of viewer.

Top chinese dramas of 2025 so far

Here’s the updated list of top Chinese dramas released in 2025 from January till today’s date:

1. 白月梵星

Lead Actor: Ao Rui Peng (敖瑞鹏) Lead Actress: Bai Lu (白鹿) Plot Summary: A mystical tale set in a world where stars dictate destinies. The story follows a young woman caught in a love triangle between two celestial beings while navigating the complex world of the gods.

1. 國色芳華

Lead Actor: Yang Zi (杨紫) Lead Actress: Li Xian (李现) Plot Summary: A historical romance set in the Qing dynasty, this drama follows a talented woman who rises from obscurity to become a prominent figure in the imperial court, facing love, betrayal, and power struggles.

1. 大奉打更人 Lead Actor: Wang He Di (王鹤棣) Lead Actress: Tian Xi Wei (田曦薇) Plot Summary: A period drama set in the ancient city of Da Feng, where a group of vigilantes works to uncover dark secrets and fight corruption in a land on the brink of war.

2. 异人之下之决战！碧游村

Lead Actor: Peng Yu Chang (彭昱畅) Lead Actress: Wang Ying Lu (王影璐) Plot Summary: Set in a world of supernatural beings, two powerful individuals face off in a high-stakes battle for control of the mysterious and enigmatic Biyou Village, which holds the secret to unimaginable power.

1. 相思令 《相思令》 Lead Actor: Song Wei Long (宋威龙) Lead Actress: Angelababy (杨颖) Plot Summary: A heart-wrenching love story set against the backdrop of ancient China, where two lovers separated by political conflicts try to reunite, navigating betrayal, heartache, and sacrifices.

Check these out! We’ll cover kdramas another time but enjoy these in the meanwhile.