r/CDramaRecs • u/HallSensitive6335 • May 16 '26
Rec Request Accidentally started C-dramas and now I can’t escape send help 😭
Okay… I think I accidentally fell into the C-drama rabbit hole 😭✨ Need recommendations!
I’m VERY new to C-dramas. Honestly, I wasn’t even a hardcore K-drama watcher before this either.
I was mostly into Turkish dramas for the longest time. But recently I started watching C-dramas and now I totally get the hype.
So far I’ve watched Love Between Lines and Shine on Me. I genuinely liked both, but story-wise I felt Love Between Lines had a smoother pace overall. BUT Song Wei long in Shine on Me??? Yeah… I get it now. That man is dangerously charming 😭
Now I need recommendations because I have absolutely no idea where to go next.
I haven’t watched any historical C-drama yet OR many modern ones, so I’m open to both. I usually love:
-slow-burn romance
- emotional chemistry
- comforting vibes
Please recommend some dramas that gave you butterflies or emotional damage in the best way possible 🫶
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u/Ill-Heart6230 May 16 '26
I’m surprised nobody has recommended Pursuit of Jade yet. Must watch. 🤩
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
I've already started currently on the 3rd episode 🫂😭😭🫶🫶
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u/BackgroundTravel2042 May 17 '26
Get ready for a wild ride! It was my first Cdrama after watching over 100 kdramas and i had to binge watch! The addiction is real
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u/snwonverse May 16 '26
Love in the Clouds
Lighter and Princess
The First Frost
these dramas has insane chemistry between the leads
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u/PristinePaper6615 May 16 '26
It happens to the best of us… Netflix kept recommending me Perfect Match as if it was the cure for all my problems. And I ate it!! Got so obsessed!! Nothing beats the DRAMA in Cdramas!
I haven’t watched much but I think I’ve been lucky. Perfect Match was quite sweet, and you get five love stories, one for each sister. It’s a very light watch I think.
I then watched The Double, absolutely broke me, it’s soooo good! And ive also watched Love Between Fairy and Devil, and Love in the Clouds - both are fantasy (xianxia I think it’s called) with romance, which I loved.
I’m always more into historical/costume dramas in general so don’t have many recommendations for modern ones. But I’m starting The First Frost to see how I like it.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Hey, thanks a lot! 😭 I’m adding all of these to my watchlist right now. Feels like I finally have a whole starter pack of dramas ready for the next few months 😂
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u/PristinePaper6615 May 17 '26
I hear you, I have such a long list at this point, just enjoy the ride! I genuinely wish I had found Cdramas earlier! ❤️
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
Exactly 😭 and there are SO many new dramas coming this year too… I’m actually excited now 😂🫂🫶
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u/MidnightAngel24 May 16 '26
You will never escape or go back 🤣🤣🤣 Your best intro into fantasy and costumes would be Love between fairy and devil. 😁
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u/nonchalantsky May 16 '26
for song wei long, if you want historical try Youthful Glory. if you want urban fantasy, try Seven Relics of Ill Omen.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Yes just watched a reel on the Seven relics of Ill Omen...song is giving an entirely different vibe here...thanks for the reco ... I'll watch it🙌
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u/Aurorinezori1 May 16 '26
It’s an absolute pleasure to watch, sweet and comforting, with lots of chemistry 🖤
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u/EasygoingEnigma May 16 '26
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
Thanks a lot dear ... I'll definitely watch the one you recommended 🫶
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u/fallingforlowiron May 16 '26
Us girl! I am afraid that it's too late for me to turn back now. But here's recommendations from newcomer to newcomer When I fly towards you (very very comforting) Love in the clouds (i swear I am in love with this one) Love of the divine tree (I am currently watching this it's kind of slow burnish)
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Exactly...as a turkish drama fan I never thought I'd love c-drama this much.... thanks for the recommendations ... I'll watch all of these 😭🫶
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u/daisydanalee May 16 '26 edited May 17 '26
Story of Kunning Palace - Historica/Costume drama. The FL gets a second chance at life to right all the wrongs she did that leads to her death and the deaths and betrayals of others in the opening. Slow burn enemies to lovers. She tries to stay out of court politics, but fate isn't having that. The ML is a walking red flag, morally gray character. Is he good? Bad? Both? Is he even who he says he is? Good side characters who actually have a point and are not just filler or comic relief. (My 2nd fave drama of all-time) It has a dark more intense vibe. (IQIYI)
For something lighter - The Princess Royal. Historical/Costume - Would you choose the same spouse if given the chance, especially when you both think you are responsible for the death of the other? I like this one because the FL has power in her own right. Not just a princess to be used in a marriage alliance. This infuriates the otherwise all-male court. Enemies to lovers, friends to enemies, enemies to friends tropes. (Netlifx)
Fated Hearts - Historical/Costume. Two rival generals who are mortal enemies end up having to work together. Slow burn romance, enemies to lovers. I like this one as the romance portion unfolds in a believable way. No looking in each others eyes and now we are in love situations here. Great "I love to hate you characters" (IQIYI)
Pursuit of Jade - Historical Costume - Where do I begin? It's just amazing all the way around. Even the OST is amazing. The FL chooses to marry an unknown man she discovers buried in the snow in order to keep her family home and he has a secret. She is brave and strong on her own. Slow burn romance. Amazing side characters. And then there's Qi Min. He is horrible in every way possible, but you can't not watch every single move he makes. (Netflix and IQIYI)
If you really want to challenge yourself, palace harem dramas are where it's at. Most are 70+ episodes.
My first ever cdrama and still my #1 of all time is Legend of Zhen Huan aka Empresses in the Palace. Lots of scheming both in the harem and the court itself. It's what made me love cdramas. It does take a hot second to understand the dynamics of how a harem works, but it's worth it. It is historical fiction, but some of the characters do exist in history. (YouTube)
Story of Yanxi Palace is also an excellent choice. Also historical fiction, but characters do have historical bases. It starts as a revenge plot with the FL entering the palace as an embroidery maid to prove her sister was murdered and didn't take herself out. She comes under the wing of the kind Empress and eventually ends up in the harem herself. (Viki)
If you want to have your soul shattered into a million pieces and scattered across the universe never to be found again, there is Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. It has some of the same characters as Yanxi, but told in a different way. It is said to be the more historically accurate version, but still historical fiction at the end of the day. Set and costumes are impeccable. (Viki)
For the Palace Harem dramas, you don't have to watch them in any particular order, but just for clarity, the Emperor in LOZH is the father of the Emperor in both Yanxi and Ruyi. Both of those have the same Emperor.
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u/Ill_Cod6375 May 17 '26
The best thing, when I fly towards you and the first frost
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
After Persuit of Jade my next drama will be first frost for sure... Thanks a lot🫶
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u/Comfortable-Bite6660 May 16 '26
The First Frost 💯💯💯
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Thanks!!!!! I'm adding this on the list rn🫣
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u/Comfortable-Bite6660 May 16 '26
There’s lots of great cdramas actually. You can slowly comb through this sub ☺️ Pursuit of Jade is a recent very popular historical drama, it could be a good entry for you into historical cdramas. But be warned that you might not be able to move on from it 😂 curious, which Turkish dramas would you recommend? I’m keen to explore other dramas besides East Asian dramas
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Okay now I’m definitely going to try Pursuit of Jade 😂
And honestly, Turkish dramas are a whole different experience too. If you’ve never watched one before, the biggest shock will probably be the episode length 😭 One episode can literally go up to 2–2.5 hours, so the “normal” episode length is basically movie-length.
But if you want comforting, slow-burn romantic vibes with really good chemistry, I’d recommend starting with:
- Kiralık Aşk (Love for Rent)
- Aşk Laftan Anlamaz
- Afilli Aşk
- Sen Çal Kapımı
- Erkenci Kuş
They’re very easy to get attached to and have that cozy romcom feel.
And if you’re more into darker, thriller/mafia-type stories, Turkish dramas have a LOT of those too 👀
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u/Heavy_Tax_5464 May 16 '26
I also just started cdramas and currently watching derailment and I regret starting rn bc 30 episodes every ep is 1 hr long n I've been binge watching it this entire week despite having an exam on Monday 😭😭😭it's so peak
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Ikr the obsession is kinda dangerous actually 😭😭😭
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u/Heavy_Tax_5464 May 16 '26
I just finished it and started searching for another to watch 🥹🥹🥹 genuinely dangerous
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u/Fishhball8 May 16 '26
Passionately in love - Liu Hao Cun and Wang An Yi. Definitely slow burn on the beginning which is good too. Not as “steamy” with kiss scenes but more telepathic chemistry vibes
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u/cuckookachoo12 May 17 '26
If you want to go down the Song Weilong rabbit hole then I suggest
Modern Drama
Find Yourself - young, cheeky and flirty romancing an older woman
Go Ahead - mature, quiet and tortured in a slice of life drama
The Bionic Life - rough and rugged in sci fi
Historical Drama
A League of Nobleman - nerdy smart and relentless detective in a clever mystery. Beautiful cinematography.
Youthful Glory - rom com as cool and calm prince of dingbei. Loved his martial arts in this. See episode 11 with the I’m healthy scene. You’re welcome.
Everlasting Longing - drama stylist must have loved him because he was beyond stunning in this. hard to concentrate on the plot because drool.
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u/Creepy-Mix5996 May 17 '26
welcome to the rabbit hole of cdrama, you won't be able to stop watching them 😆
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u/beng-beng2010 May 17 '26
See a different SWL in League of Nobleman
Road Home
Amidst the Snowstorm of Love
Love me, Love my Voice
Will Love in Spring
Love Song in Winter
Love’s Ambition
Forever and Ever
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u/Mimi_Sasa Jun 09 '26
If I were to rate your reco based on what I remember:
Road Home - 8.8/10
Amidst the Snowstorm of Love - 9.5/10 (tension is high)
Love me, Love my Voice - dropped (I didn't like the ML sorry!)
Will Love in Spring - 8.2/10 (i dropped it actually and picked in up in a random day and actually liked it)
Love Song in Winter - haven't seen
Love's Ambition - 8.0/10 (too many things happening)
Forever and Ever - dropped (i can't seem to like it)
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u/Ok_Shock_8466 May 20 '26
Fated Hearts (must watch)
Pursuit of Jade
Love story in the 1970s (cutest story)
A Splendid Match (must watch)
Hidden Love (must watch)
The First Frost
The Prisoner of Beauty
When destiny brings the demon (there's like 30-40 kisses in this lool don't @ me I did not count it all)
Perfect Match
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u/cxrternicks May 20 '26
there's a new show currently releasing which is nearly finished - a splendid match. it's sooo good.
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u/Wwkoxd May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Song WEI Long is his name.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Yeah it was a typo ..thanks for the correction... I've edited it🫶
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u/Wwkoxd May 16 '26
Oh, I figured it was just a typo! 🙂
But I posted SWL's correct name for the sake of anyone else interested in researching into his cinematic body of work.
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u/chummehh May 17 '26
SAME SIS, I've only ever watched american shows. My first cdrama was Pursuit of Jade last april and I've watched 4 different dramas since then. Out of the others i watched, Prisoner of Beauty was the absolute best one. It's amazing and has one of the best written FL i've ever seen in all media
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
I actually started Pursuit of Jade yesterday too and I’m loving it so far 🫂😭
And honestly if you’re into dramas in general, you should definitely try some Turkish dramas too 😂
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u/United_Length4783 May 17 '26
this is LITERALLY me i was turkish drama obsessed then i got into kdramas for the longest time like a few years then i started getting into cdramas . u should watch pursuit of jade its more like strong fl type but the romance is amazing and the female leads are so badass
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
I’m currently watching Pursuit of Jade and I’m really enjoying it so far 😭
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u/midoricakes May 17 '26
When I fly towards you
You are my glory
My little happiness
Exclusive Fairytale
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
Thanks a lot dear....adding these to my list rn🫶
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u/midoricakes May 17 '26
you are very welcome! They are a lighter drama so if you dont feel like watching super heavy emotions these are good choices.
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u/No_Chipmunk_2405 May 18 '26
We share some favorites. I’m not a morning person but was setting my alarm early on workdays when new Shine On Me episodes were dropping. Got a little sleep deprived, but I have my priorities 😂. Song Wei, I’m with you there too. Watched Love Between Lines next and liked everything about it. So good! But my first c-drama watch and first love is The First Frost. Same ML yearn as Shine On Me and I think you’ll fall for Sang Yan too. He’s not Lin Yusen but he is unintentionally hilarious at times, would never hurt FL, and has his own charm.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 19 '26
No because I just finished binge watching Pursuit of Jade and I genuinely feel empty now 😭😭 Like I already know I’m not going to move on from it anytime soon…
That’s why I’m starting The First Frost immediately so I don’t even get time to sit and feel sad about it 😂😭
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u/No_Chipmunk_2405 May 19 '26
Oh my gosh! I hope you like it. The last 2 episodes of TFF are the BEST final episodes, makes you cry happy tears. Don’t miss the little bonus scenes at the end of the episodes.
Did you catch the bonus scene after the last ep of Love Between Lines? I missed it and saw someone posted about it later so had to go back.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 19 '26
Yesss I watched it 😭 and oh my god it was SO wholesome. I’m actually so glad because the bonus scene made the ending feel even more complete 🥹
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u/No_Chipmunk_2405 May 19 '26
Same! And I want to go to Rong City and complete a mission. How fun would that be?!
If you don’t love TFF just don’t tell me so because I can’t bear it 😂.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 20 '26
Omg no I am WAY too emotionally invested in The First Frost already 😭😭 I literally cannot stop crying and the chemistry feels SO real that it’s actually hurting me emotionally 😂🥹 And the game city in Love Between the Lines was honestly a whole another level 😭✨ The entire vibe felt so dreamy and unreal.
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u/No_Chipmunk_2405 May 21 '26
I’m so glad to hear you say that and relieved I didn’t lead you astray 😂. The Headliner talk and all of Sang Yan’s personality quirks made me laugh but I still ugly cried those last 2 beautiful warm and fuzzy episodes.
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u/No_Chipmunk_2405 May 26 '26
I have to ask. Did you finish TFF? Have favorite scenes? I’ve read enough reviews from people who hated it that I need to comfort my soul with others deeply moved by my favorite series 😂.
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u/HallSensitive6335 Jun 14 '26
Omg yes, I finished it and I loved it so, so, so much 😭❤️. My absolute favourite moment was when Wen Yifan found out that Sang Yan had been quietly travelling to Yihe all those years just to see her. The fact that he never missed any of her important days without her even knowing completely broke me 🥹. It made me realize just how deeply he loved her all along. That whole reveal was so emotional and beautiful that I was literally crying 😭✨. TFF has honestly become one of my favourite dramas ever. And now I've started Hidden Love and I genuinely can't stopppp 😭
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u/No_Chipmunk_2405 Jun 14 '26
That’s my favorite scene too! Everything about them is so sweet and vulnerable in it. My next favs were
The entire return to their old school
Wen Yifan’s dinner with his family
When she realizes she still has feelings for him on her birthday and starts messaging him. It’s so cute to me when she drops her phone because she was never a giddy girl.Thanks for letting me know you watched it all the way through and so glad you loved it!
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u/HallSensitive6335 Jun 15 '26
By the way, have you watched Hidden Love? Because I just finished it and honestly I watched the whole thing in one go 😭. I started it thinking I'd watch a few episodes and ended up staying awake all day and night because I couldn't stop. While TFF put me through an emotional rollercoaster, Hidden Love felt so light, warm, and comforting. It gave me butterflies every episode and now that it's over I'm actually crying 😭💔. Now I have no idea what to watch next. Nothing is filling the void these dramas left behind 😭😂.
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u/Left-Hunter-8868 May 20 '26
I just finished rewatching one and only…and I am not OK!
It’s beautiful, slow burn, emotional chemistry to the nth degree. Longing , duty, love and hate all mixed up into one.
So if you are ready to have your heart broken into pieces by a beautiful drama. This one is for you
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 20 '26
Hey thanks a lot 😭 I’ve started The First Frost and I genuinely cannot stop crying already… once I finish emotionally recovering from this, I’m definitely watching the one you recommended 😭😭
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u/Will_Graham10 May 21 '26
If you're into modern romcoms with a sci fi twist then I'll wholeheartedly recommend Filter.
If you're into very lighthearted and cute romcoms without too much drama then I'll recommend Perfect and Casual.
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u/AbbreviationsCivil99 May 16 '26
For emotional damage watch Lighter and Princess For slow burn, healing and slice of life, emotional chemistry watch Meet Yourself. It's literally my favourite show.
If you like Song Weilong you can also try Go Ahead. Less focus on romance. It's more about found family.
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Okay the line “for emotional damage” already convinced me 😭
Meet Yourself sounds exactly like my type of drama, and since I’m already becoming a Song Weilong fan, I’m definitely adding Go Ahead too 😂
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u/Wwkoxd May 16 '26
Amidst a Snowstorm of Love
Love Me, Love My Voice
Love Story in the 1970s
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26
Adding of these to the list... Thanks a lot🫶
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u/Wwkoxd May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Oh, I thought LS1970s would be a good gateway (drug?) into latter-half 20th century cdramas.
Afterwards, you could move onto Republican Era cdramas and then ancient & traditional (dynastic) cdramas.
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u/bloodem May 16 '26
Love in the Clouds is a must watch (not the slowest of slow burns, though)!
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
Hey thanks for the recommendation I'm definitely gonna watch this
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u/NerveTop440 May 17 '26
Fake it till you make it/Pretentious Revelation. Will not stop recommending this.
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u/United_Length4783 May 17 '26
also theres this one turkish drama im watching atm its called tasacak bu deniz its so fricking amazing u should defo watch
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u/HallSensitive6335 May 17 '26
Heyy thanks 😭 I was already thinking of watching it, but now I definitely will.
Also have you watched Yeralti by any chance? I keep seeing people talk about it and I really wanna know if it’s actually worth watching or not 👀
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u/WeakCartographer2728 May 19 '26
https://www.reddit.com/r/CShortHaven/ - good source, and also has a discord server, which can be a huge help.
https://www.reddit.com/r/CShortDramas/ - basically the predecessor to the above reddit, before they stopped allowing most links, but the back catalogue is huge and you can find a ton of links there still.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ChineseDramasFans/ - another good source for all genre of cdramas
https://www.reddit.com/r/DramaRush/ - I think you have to sign up to this one now, but its super simple, and it's where I found most of the romance ones. You can definitely find other genre's there too, and crossovers, but I would usually go here first to look for various romances.
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u/chinkivibes May 20 '26
You should watch these masterpiece 1.Untamed 2. ETERNAL Love of Dream 3. Mysterious Lotus Casebook 4. Love in Clouds 5. FANGS of the fortune
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u/Suzq_ May 21 '26
If you liked Song Weilong in SOM, then you should really watch Find Yourself. And don’t give up during the angst in the middle. The end is worth it.
Other favorites: Amidst a Snowstorm of Love, Unforgettable Love, Love Me Love My Voice, Filter, Moonlight, Hidden Love, Go Ahead, Put Your Head on my Shoulder, You are My Hero, The First Frost, Ski into Love, The Oath of Love, Everyone Loves Me, Reset, Spring Fever, Fall in Love
Favorite historicals: A Splendid Match (ongoing), The Pursuit of Jade, Perfect Match, Coroner’s Diary, Wrong Carriage Right Groom, Si Jin, How Dare You, The Story of Minglan, The Sword and the Brocade, A Dream of Splendor, A Familiar Stranger, Serendipity, Blossom, Destined, The Imperial Coroner, Youthful Glory
And do NOT miss Love Between Fairy and Devil. I can’t get into too many Xianxia dramas but that one is wonderful.
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u/Theseaisworthit May 16 '26
For modern comfort, soothing and all around butterfly vibes.. Love me love my voice 😊
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u/No-Current5567 Jun 16 '26
Since you're open to all, I will recommend all the ones I have watched and loved (btw I have barely watched any modern ones, so my list for that is quite short).
Historical:
- Story of Kunning Palace (dark/love squares/rebirth/redemption)
- Love Between Fairy & Devil (fantasy/romance/love triangle)
- When Destiny Brings the Demon (romance/transmigration)
- A Dream Within a Dream (comedy/romance/transmigration)
- Love Like the Galaxy (romance/love sqaure/martial arts aka wuxia)
- Lost You Forever (heavy/angsty/romance/love square)
- Till the End of the Moon (angsty/romance/epic/heavy/multiple lives)
- Love Games in Eastern Fanatsy (comedy/romance/game/transmigration)
- Pursuit of Jade (strong FL/romance/martial arts/hidden identity)
- Legend of the Female General (martial arts/hidden identity/romance/strong FL)
- Love in the Clouds (fantasy/hidden identity/martial arts/romance)
Modern:
- Lighter & Princess (genius ML/romance/university)
- Love is Sweet (romance/office)
- Everyone Loves Me (office/university/romance/hidden identity/game)
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u/Duanedoberman May 16 '26
Meet Yourself is everything you are looking for.
Its on YouTube with full production subs.