Netflix has introduced many Chinese dramas in recent years, such as the costume dramas “Blossom” (九重紫), “Eternal Night Galaxy”, “Pearl Curtain and Jade Curtain”, “The Double” (墨雨雲間), and the recently popular “Flourished Peony” (國色芳華), but not all of them received positive feedback. Below is a list of 9 Netflix Chinese dramas that “everyone who has watched says they’re good”! The business-themed “Flourished Peony” is captivating, and the Xianxia (fantasy romance) “The Starry Love” (星落凝成糖) has even overshadowed “White Moon Brahma Star.” The last one is rated 8.7 and is “recognized as a miracle drama”!
1. Flourished Peony
Starring: Yang Zi, Li Xian
After “Flourished Peony” was released on Netflix, it quickly topped the rankings. Many recent costume dramas featuring female leads in business settings, like “Pearl Curtain and Jade Curtain” and “Brocade Family of Sichuan,” had become repetitive, and viewers thought “Flourished Peony” would be another cliché-ridden business drama. However, this show changed everyone’s outlook! The production value is extremely high, with sets and costumes that perfectly recreate the Tang dynasty scenery, and the script is meticulously crafted.
In just the first episode, it lays out the unfortunate marriage of the female lead, He Weifang, then swiftly dives into her plan for divorce, her floral business, and her career path. Both the romance line and the entrepreneurial narrative are well-paced. The heroine is not simply there to support the male lead; she’s genuinely independent and levelheaded. The show also features an engaging love triangle: on one side, a controlling ex-husband desperately trying to “win back his wife,” and on the other, a seemingly laid-back “most corrupt official in the land.” The chemistry among Yang Zi, Li Xian, and Wei Zheming is off the charts!
2. Blossom
Starring: Meng Ziyi, Li Yunrui
“Blossom” is an absolute must-watch! It turned out to be a dark-horse success at the end of 2024. Initially, it flew under the radar, but people were amazed once they started watching. Although the plot involves rebirth and palace intrigue, it avoids the usual brainless melodrama. The director and screenwriter elevate the entire production with high-quality storytelling.
Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui have excellent on-screen chemistry: a noblewoman who’s lived two lifetimes and a young general burdened by family vengeance. Their storyline is detailed without being dull, and the show hooks you with its intricate foreshadowing. “Blossom” follows Dou Zhao, who after living a second life, faces family upheavals once again—battling a scheming stepmother, safeguarding her family estate, and reuniting with the young general Song Mo.
3. The Double
Starring: Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue
“The Double” is worth following! It’s among the most talked-about costume dramas of 2024. The story centers on Xue Fangfei, a magistrate’s daughter who married a scumbag husband intent on ruining her reputation and burying her alive. She narrowly escapes and later returns to the capital as Jiang Li, determined to exact her revenge. Along the way, she crosses paths with the Duke of Su, Xiao Heng.
Produced by Yu Zheng’s company, “The Double” has the same kind of fast-paced plot you might recall from “Story of Yanxi Palace.” Wu Jinyan excels in strong, vengeful heroines; her character Xue Fangfei is every bit as formidable as Wei Yingluo. Netizens joke that you know she’ll ultimately triumph, but it’s thrilling to watch how she does it!
4. The Blood of Youth
Starring: Li Hongyi, Liu Xueyi
Adapted from a popular novel (and preceded by a well-loved animated series), “The Blood of Youth” follows Lei Wujie, a young swordsman who is on his way to Snow Moon City, only to be sidetracked into Snowfall Villa and pulled into the intrigues of the martial arts world.
Many people initially watched for Liu Xueyi’s special appearance but discovered a surprisingly captivating plot. The acting is convincing, fight scenes and special effects have been praised, and the narrative stays faithful to the original. With a spirited directorial touch, “The Blood of Youth” currently holds an impressive 8.3 score on Douban.
5. The Starry Love
Starring: Chen Xingxu, Li Landi
Xianxia (fantasy) dramas can often feel repetitive, but “The Starry Love” breaks the mold. Initially, some thought Chen Xingxu and Li Landi lacked the “immortal” aura for a fairy drama, yet their performances quickly won viewers over.
Unlike standard costume romances, “The Starry Love” is playful and light, featuring endearing secondary characters and unexpected comedic beats that grow on you the more you watch. Nicknamed the “Xianxia version of Wrong Carriage, Right Groom,” the story follows twin princesses of the human royal family, who wind up in the wrong marriages and embark on parallel journeys of romance.
6. Blossoms in Adversity
Starring: Hu Yitian, Zhang Jingyi
“Blossoms in Adversity” is a well-received 2024 costume drama on Youku, scoring 7.4 on Douban—higher than many other recent period pieces. It’s essentially a coming-of-age tale for the female lead, showcasing women who unite rather than fight each other. Each character has her own strengths, earning admiration from fans.
If you enjoy the family dynamics and entrepreneurial arcs in dramas like “The Story of Minglan” or “Flourished Peony,” you’ll likely appreciate “Blossoms in Adversity.” It revolves around Hua Zhi, whose family assets are confiscated without warning. She discards her feigned naïveté and employs her wit to safeguard her loved ones. Along the way, she forms a love-hate relationship with Gu Yanxi, the intimidating Secretary of the Qi Su Department.
7. Love Between Fairy and Devil
Starring: Yu Shuxin, Wang Hedi
Even though Wang Hedi has “The Watcher” and Yu Shuxin has “Eternal Night Galaxy” in the works, “Love Between Fairy and Devil” remains a fan favorite. It is one of the highest-rated recent Xianxia dramas, standing at 8.2 on Douban—outperforming several of its contemporaries.
Initially, viewers expected another cookie-cutter fantasy romance: a domineering demon lord and a sweet, naive fairy. However, “Love Between Fairy and Devil” sets itself apart with a strong script and polished production, drawing people deeper into its storyline than they ever imagined.
8. Reset
Starring: Bai Jingting, Zhao Jinmai
“Reset” is a 15-episode suspense drama featuring a time loop narrative. Its tight pacing and thrilling storyline have garnered rave reviews, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The show seamlessly blends a logical puzzle with a tense atmosphere—once you start, it’s hard to stop!
Game developer Xiao Heyun and college student Li Shiqing “come back from the dead” following a bus explosion, finding themselves repeatedly reliving the moments leading up to the tragedy. Determined to halt the disaster, they team up to uncover the truth and avert catastrophe.
9. Meet Yourself
Starring: Liu Yifei, Li Xian
If you loved Li Xian in “Flourished Peony,” don’t miss his pairing with Liu Yifei in “Meet Yourself.” The drama achieved an impressive 8.7 rating on Douban, widely acknowledged as a “must-see” show. It tells the story of Xu Hongdou, who heads to Yunnan for a short trip after resigning, meeting new friends and discovering a different pace of life.
Unlike intense, revenge-driven dramas, “Meet Yourself” flows at a gentle, leisurely pace. It’s free of heavy conflicts, focusing instead on personal growth and pastoral charm. For many viewers, watching it feels like going on a languid summer vacation in Yunnan with Liu Yifei—an immersive and relaxing experience!
