The Most Popular Drama in China, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the drama you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 23, 2024 07:01
In the bustling cities and quiet villages of China, dramas weave tales that capture hearts across the nation, resonating through their intricate storylines and dynamic characters. These shows are not just entertainment; they are a reflection of cultural values and historical legacies, often igniting conversations about societal issues.
By participating in the ranking of these beloved dramas, viewers have a unique opportunity to support their favorites and influence which series resonate most with audiences. This collective voting not only highlights the most admired productions but also helps new viewers find exceptional shows that might align with their tastes.
What Is the Most Popular Drama in China?
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171votes
Story of Yanxi Palace
Yu ZhengThis drama has gained immense popularity due to its intriguing plot, exquisite costumes, and stunning cinematography. It tells the story of a young woman who rises from servant to concubine to become the Empress of China.The Story of Yanxi Palace is a Chinese historical drama series set during the Qing dynasty. It follows the tale of Wei Yingluo, a young woman who enters the palace as a low-ranking maid but rises through the ranks to become a powerful concubine. The drama is filled with intrigue, power struggles, romance, and friendship as Wei Yingluo navigates the treacherous world of the palace.- Genre: Historical drama
- Country of origin: China
- Language: Mandarin
- Number of episodes: 70
- Director: Hui Kaidong
Story of Yanxi Palace in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular Chinese drama on Netflix
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258votes
Eternal Love (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms)
Tang Qi Gong ZiThis fantasy romance drama has captured the hearts of audiences with its beautiful love story between a goddess and a mortal. It also showcases stunning visual effects and elaborate costumes.Eternal Love (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) is a popular Chinese drama based on the novel 'Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms' by Tang Qi Gong Zi. It was adapted into a television series in 2017. The story follows the romance between a powerful deity, Bai Qian, and the Crown Prince of Heaven, Ye Hua, in the world of immortals.- Genre: Fantasy, Romance
- Original release: January 30, 2017
- Episodes: 58
- Running time: 45 minutes per episode
- Language: Mandarin
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316votes
Nirvana in Fire
Hai YanThis historical drama set in ancient China follows the story of a loyal general who is framed for treason and seeks revenge. It is praised for its intricate plot, skilled acting, and beautiful cinematography.Nirvana in Fire is a popular Chinese historical drama series based on the novel written by Hai Yan. It was first aired in 2015 and quickly gained a massive following. Set in ancient China, the story revolves around Lin Shu, a military strategist who seeks revenge against those who wronged his family. He adopts a new identity as Mei Changsu and uses his intelligence and cunning to navigate the dangerous political landscape and bring justice to his family. The drama is known for its complex plot, compelling characters, and intricate storytelling.- Genre: Historical drama
- Number of episodes: 54
- Original network: Hunan Television
- Country of origin: China
- Language: Mandarin
Nirvana in Fire in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular Asian drama
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477votes
The Untamed
Mo Xiang Tong XiuThis drama is based on a popular Chinese novel and features a unique blend of fantasy, action, and romance. It tells the story of two young cultivators who uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world. It has gained a large fan following for its engaging characters and captivating storyline.The Untamed is a Chinese drama series based on the novel 'Mo Dao Zu Shi' by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. It follows the story of Wei Wuxian, a talented cultivator who is feared and disliked by many due to his unorthodox methods. After his mysterious death, he is reincarnated into the body of Mo Xuanyu, a weak and bullied young man. As he finds himself in the midst of political intrigue and supernatural mysteries, he forms an unlikely alliance with Lan Wangji, a stoic and upright cultivator. Together, they embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of their past and bring justice to the world.- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- Original language: Mandarin Chinese
- Episodes: 50
- Release year: 2019
- Director: Zheng Weiwen, Chen Jialin
The Untamed in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Chinese drama on Netflix
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular MXTX novel
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Asian drama
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526votes
Graphic Films Corporation · Public domainThis fantasy romance drama follows the story of a fairy who falls in love with a human prince. It features stunning visuals and a memorable love story that has captured the hearts of viewers.Ashes of Love in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Chinese drama on Netflix
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615votes
The Legend of Hao Lan
Jia Yi KouThis historical drama follows the story of a woman who rises from a humble background to become a powerful queen. It features strong female characters and an intricate plot that explores the politics and power struggles of ancient China.The Legend of Hao Lan is a popular Chinese historical drama series that depicts the life of a woman named Li Hao Lan, who rises from a lowly background to become the influential empress dowager of the Qin Dynasty. The story revolves around Li Hao Lan's journey filled with love, betrayal, power struggles, and survival in the ancient Chinese court.- Genre: Historical drama
- Original release: January 19, 2019 – March 5, 2019
- Total episodes: 62
- Setting: Ancient China, Qin Dynasty
- Language: Mandarin Chinese
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728votesThis action-packed drama follows the story of a slave who rises to become a powerful spy and warrior. It features exciting fight scenes, a strong female lead, and a gripping storyline.
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85votes
The Empress of China
Yu ZhengThis historical drama follows the life of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. It is praised for its detailed portrayal of court life and intricate costumes.The Empress of China is a Chinese historical television drama series that follows the life of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. It depicts her rise from a young girl in the sixth century to becoming the Empress and eventually ruling the Tang dynasty. The series showcases the challenges and obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated society, her political cunning, and her determination to assert her power. The Empress of China is known for its lavish production value, intricate costumes, and detailed sets, making it one of the most visually stunning dramas in Chinese television history.- Genre: Historical drama
- Total episodes: 96
- Original release: December 2014 - February 2015
- Production company: Hunan TV
- Main cast: Fan Bingbing, Zhang Fengyi, Aarif Rahman, Janine Chang, Qin Hai Lu, Li Chen, Zhang Ting, Janine Chang, Li Xin Ai
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911votesThis fantasy romance drama tells the story of a deity who falls in love with a mortal. It features beautiful visuals, a touching love story, and well-developed characters.Love and Destiny is a popular Chinese drama that combines elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure. It tells the story of a powerful deity, Jiu Chen, who is ordered to seal a demon princess, Su Jin, for eternity. However, their destinies intertwine when they meet again in the mortal world, and they start a tumultuous journey to fight against evil forces and protect their loved ones.
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
- Country of Origin: China
- Language: Mandarin
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Release Year: 2019
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1010votesThis time-traveling drama follows the story of a modern-day woman who is transported back in time to the Qing dynasty. It features a complex love story and a unique blend of historical and modern elements.Scarlet Heart is a popular Chinese drama based on the novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua. It tells the story of Zhang Xiao, a 21st-century woman who travels back in time to the Qing Dynasty and wakes up in the body of a 16-year-old girl named Maertai Ruoxi. As she navigates the court intrigues and political schemes, she becomes entangled with several princes while struggling to adapt to her new life. The drama is known for its captivating storyline, intense romantic relationships, and stunning cinematography.
- Genre: Historical, Romance
- Original title: æ¥æ¥æƒŠå¿ƒ
- Number of episodes: 35
- Main cast: Liu Shi Shi, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng
- Country of origin: China
Scarlet Heart in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful Chinese drama
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Ranking factors for popular drama
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Viewership RatingsThe number of people watching the drama on TV or online platforms can give a good idea of its popularity.
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Online PopularityThe number of views, comments, likes, and shares on social media and online streaming platforms can help give an idea of the drama's popularity among the online community.
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Audience ReceptionAudience reviews and ratings on platforms like Douban, Weibo, and other popular Chinese websites and forums can be taken into account to understand the drama's general appreciation and reception among the viewers.
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Awards and NominationsThe number of awards and nominations that a drama receives at various award ceremonies can be a good indicator of its quality and popularity among industry professionals and audiences.
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Box Office PerformanceFor dramas that are also released in theaters, their box office performance can be taken into account to measure their popularity.
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Star PowerThe presence of popular actors and actresses can significantly impact the popularity of a drama so, the more famous the cast, the higher the chances of a drama becoming popular.
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Production QualityHigh production values, including visuals, cinematography, and the storyline, can contribute to a drama's popularity.
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Cultural ImpactA drama that significantly impacts Chinese society or sparks widespread discussion can also be considered highly popular. Examples include phrases, fashion styles, or social issues inspired by the drama becoming trending topics.
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International ReceptionThe reception of the drama on an international level can also showcase the popularity of a drama, especially in overseas markets, including viewership, awards, and critical acclaim.
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Genre and ThemesA drama's popularity can depend on its genre and theme, as certain genres and themes can have more mass appeal than others. Dramas dealing with contemporary social issues, historical events, or featuring strong romantic storylines tend to draw more significant attention and thus gain more popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular drama in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 13467 views
- 158 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular drama in china
China is known for its rich culture and traditions, and drama is no exception. The country has a long history of producing captivating dramas that have captivated audiences both locally and globally. From ancient Chinese tales to modern-day stories, Chinese dramas have a unique charm that makes them stand out.
In recent years, Chinese dramas have gained immense popularity worldwide, thanks to the rise of streaming platforms. The dramas offer a glimpse into the country's culture, values, and way of life, making them a popular choice among viewers.
But what is the most popular drama in China? With thousands of dramas produced each year, it's hard to pinpoint just one. However, some of the most popular dramas in recent years include "Eternal Love," "The Untamed," "Story of Yanxi Palace," and "Joy of Life."
Each of these dramas has its unique storyline, characters, and themes that have resonated with viewers. Whether you're a fan of romance or action, there's a Chinese drama out there that will capture your attention.
Overall, Chinese dramas have become a cultural phenomenon, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. With new releases every year, it's exciting to see what the future holds for this vibrant and captivating genre.
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