1. Republican Detective
Set in the 1920s, Republican Detective follows the story of a resourceful young police officer, Qiao Chu Sheng, who is on the trail of a cunning and brutal murderer. Realizing that the police force needs more assistance to crack this difficult case, he decides to assemble an elite team of detectives.
He approaches Lu Yao, a young man who has just returned from studying in the UK. Qiao Chu Sheng discovers that Lu Yao has extraordinary deductive skills and a sharp mind, believing he can help solve the complicated case. To complete the team, he recruits Bai You Ning, a young and independent female reporter working for a daily newspaper. She is passionate about justice and determined to help catch the killer. Together, the trio forms a small but efficient detective team, solving bizarre and troubling murder mysteries.
DETAILS:
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Release Date: March 24, 2020
Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction
Episodes: 35
Country: China
Director: Zhang Wei Ke
Main Cast: Yitian Hu, Yan Xiao

2. The Listener
The Listener follows Chu Ming Xuan, the head of the Forensic Center in Bang Hai city. This talented forensic expert possesses the unique ability to hear the voices of the dead. However, no one knows about Ming Xuan's past, not even him.
In an effort to unravel a complex serial murder case, he teams up with female police chief La Bu Tan. One of the few clues they have is a blurry image of Ming Xuan himself. Who is the murderer? What is Ming Xuan's true identity? Watch the show to uncover the truth.
DETAILS:
Release Date: November 18, 2019
Episodes: 36 (45 minutes each)
Director: Gong Chao Hui
Cast: Nie Yuan, Tong Yao, Luo Feng Sheng, Li Cheng Feng, Zhang Ding Fei

3. Crime at Midnight
Midnight Crimes is a thrilling detective series centered around a series of strange and unsettling murders that occur at midnight, causing widespread panic across Shanghai. The city is thrown into chaos as mysterious murders unfold during the dark hours of the night.
Detective Chen Yi Ming is tasked with investigating these bizarre events. During his investigation, he befriends and forms an unexpected bond with the son of the police commissioner, Zhang Tian Xiao, and a sharp-witted and beautiful overseas Chinese woman, Yao Fei. Together, this unlikely trio works diligently to uncover the truth behind the dark secrets lurking in Shanghai's shadowy nights.
DETAILS:
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Episodes: 27 (45 minutes each)
Director: Mailiyasi
Cast: Wang Lang Zheng, Gan Lu, Ji Ning, Liang Da Wei

4. Ice and Fire at the Border
Ice and Fire at the Border follows the daring journey of detective Zhang Mang as he works to dismantle a dangerous human trafficking syndicate. With meticulous planning, his team successfully isolates the criminal network and captures the leader, Xu Zhi Hai.
However, the trafficking organization is highly sophisticated, and Xu Zhi Hai isn't the mastermind. In a risky move, Zhang Mang infiltrates the prison by posing as a criminal to gain Xu's trust. After several attempts, he earns Xu’s confidence and the two plan a daring prison break. But during their escape, Xu Zhi Hai is shot dead. With only vague clues left behind by Xu, Zhang Mang embarks on a new mission to track down Xu’s brother, Xu Zhi Qiang, and uncover the deeper layers of the syndicate.
DETAILS:
Release Date: December 26, 2019
Episodes: 24 (45 minutes each)
Director: Lan Shao Dan
Cast: Gan Lu, Li Nan Nan, Fu Tian Qiu, Suo He

5. Northern Star Investigation Bureau
The Northern Star Investigation Bureau is a historical drama set during the Song Dynasty, revolving around the youthful passion and determination of a group of investigators. The plot begins with the mysterious assassination of a government official in broad daylight, with the killer remaining elusive. To solve the case, a secret organization called the Northern Star Bureau is formed by the emperor to investigate such crimes. Meanwhile, a young man, Tai Yue, embarks on his own investigation in his region, unknowingly crossing paths with members of the Bureau, Dao Guang and Liu Sui Feng. Their ages are similar, and Tai Yue soon joins the Bureau.
The Northern Star Bureau is a covert government agency tasked with solving major cases, protecting the imperial court, and staying under the radar. As Tai Yue collaborates with his new companions to solve various mysteries and fight corruption, he uncovers a deeper conspiracy that ties into his own mysterious past.
Throughout his journey to uncover the truth, Tai Yue faces life-threatening danger multiple times. However, his resolve to fight for justice remains unshaken. With his loyal friends by his side, Tai Yue matures as a leader. Ultimately, his unwavering dedication to justice helps him uncover the truth, punish the wrongdoers, and restore righteousness, bringing prosperity to the people. Along the way, Tai Yue is also reunited with his lost family and finds love.
DETAILS:
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 45 minutes per episode
Episodes: 36
Director: Chen Jia Lan
Cast: Xu Ke, Dai Lu Wa, Zhang Wu Jian, Huang Xian Xian

6. Undercover Imperial Guard

Undercover Imperial Guard is adapted from the novel by Lam Sắc Sư and is set during the late Ming Dynasty under Emperor Jiajing. The series features a star-studded cast including Ren Jia Lun, Tan Song Yun, and Han Dong, and premiered on MangoTV and iQiyi on December 28, 2019.
The story follows the investigations of Lù Dìch, an officer from the Cẩm y vệ (Imperial Guard), and Viên Kim Hạ, a member of the Lục Phiến Môn, a secretive government organization. The two, who have contrasting personalities and a past filled with conflict, are unexpectedly brought together to solve complex cases in the imperial court. Despite their differences and previous animosities, fate binds them together, and they must work as a team to unravel the political and criminal conspiracies of the time.
DETAILS:
Release Date: 2019
Duration: 46 minutes per episode
Episodes: 55
Director: Yuan Dao
Cast: Tan Song Yun, Han Dong, Ren Jia Lun, Ye Qing

7. Eternal Night
Eternal Night, based on the novel by Nguyệt Quan, tells the legendary story of Diệp Tiểu Thiên (played by Từ Hải Kiều), a small jailer from Lục Phiến Môn. He embarks on a journey through the martial world after agreeing to a commission, delivering a message to his homeland. However, he is pursued by ruthless enemies, forcing him to flee to Kiền Đông.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of War sends a team to Kiền Đông to investigate the schemes of Dương Ứng Long, only to be killed by him. In a bid to cover up his own failure, Hồ Huyện arranges for Diệp Tiểu Thiên to pose as Nghệ Phong, a newly appointed official. Although Diệp Tiểu Thiên is just a jailer by trade, he is steadfast in his mission to rid the world of evil and become a truly righteous official. His actions and sense of justice help him rise through the ranks, though he continues to defy corrupt officials. He works to clear the name of a wronged woman, facing numerous dangers, but earns the people’s trust. Ultimately, Diệp Tiểu Thiên becomes a renowned official, thwarting Dương Ứng Long's schemes and restoring order to the dynasty.
DETAILS:
Release Date: 2018
Duration: 45 minutes per episode
Episodes: 48
Director: Trần Hạo Uy
Cast: Từ Hải Kiều, Tống Tổ Nhi, Vũ Đồng, Vương Tử Đồng, Hách Soái, Phì Long, Tưởng Thấm Vân

9. The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty
The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty is a historical mystery drama, based on a tale of two unlikely detectives, Dàng Dài Ren and Tùy Cẩm Y Vệ. Together, they work to solve various high-profile cases, including the mysterious murder of a noble in the capital, a kidnapping at the Eastern Palace, and the Enigma of Ninh Hai. Dàng Dài Ren (played by Quan Hong) is a low-ranking official with a strong sense of justice, while Tùy Cẩm Y Vệ (played by Phó Mạnh Bách) is a highly skilled investigator. Their partnership becomes one of both professional success and personal camaraderie, even though Dàng is forced to live in a rented home due to his meager salary.
The story unfolds as Dàng investigates the sudden death of his landlady, Trương Thị, a kind woman whose apparent suicide seems suspicious. After a thorough investigation, it is revealed that her husband was the culprit. Soon after, Dàng travels to Henan, where people living near the tomb of the Northern Song Dynasty emperor have gone mysteriously missing. He discovers that a dangerous fugitive, Lỵ Mãnn, is behind it all. After an intense confrontation, Dàng and Tùy capture Lỵ, only to realize that the true mastermind behind the plots is still out there.
The mysteries continue to unfold as the capital is rocked by even more crimes. A sinister force within the imperial court is found to be behind these crimes, plotting to create chaos and remove rivals. Dàng and Tùy uncover the truth behind the conspiracies and put an end to the corruption led by the powerful East Bureau governor, Thượng Minh. Their efforts bring justice, and their reputation as fair and righteous officials is solidified. With each new case, they continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the people and to maintain peace throughout the land.
DETAILS:
Episodes: 48
Country: China
Genres: Historical Drama, Mystery, Romance
Release Year: 2020
Cast: Quan Hong, Phó Mạnh Bách, Mao Nghị, Vương Mậu Lôi

10. The Female Forensic Doctor of the Tang Dynasty

The Female Forensic Doctor of the Tang Dynasty, adapted from the time-travel novel by Tự Đường, is one of the most popular Chinese dramas in recent years. Nhiễm Nhan (played by Zhou Kiet Quỳnh) is a talented forensic doctor who has dedicated her life to solving the mysterious death of her mother. As an adult, she crosses paths with two key figures: Tiêu Tụng, the brilliant and charismatic head of the Ministry of Justice, and Tô Phục, a cold-hearted assassin with a deadly reputation. Together, they uncover a series of murders, gradually revealing a larger conspiracy at play. Along the way, Nhiễm Nhan finds her true love and a sense of justice.
As Nhiễm Nhan investigates her mother’s death, she becomes entangled in the workings of a deadly secret organization. Her sharp mind and medical skills help her solve numerous crimes, earning her respect as one of the finest forensic doctors in the realm. She is joined by Tiêu Tụng, who is known for his exceptional deductive skills and integrity, as well as Tô Phục, whose mysterious nature and unmatched combat skills make him a formidable ally. Nhiễm Nhan also receives help from Tang Shen (played by Lam Bác), a genius scholar with a kind heart, and Nhiễm Vân Sinh (played by Tôn Đào), a gifted young businessman and her elder brother who often aids in the investigations. Together, they work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the hidden crimes that threaten the empire.
The show chronicles Nhiễm Nhan’s journey as she navigates the world of forensic science, solves complex murder cases, and uncovers a plot that could shake the very foundations of the Tang Dynasty. As she delves deeper into the criminal underworld, Nhiễm Nhan finds herself facing greater danger, but also closer to uncovering the truth behind her mother’s mysterious death. The drama blends mystery, romance, and historical intrigue, making it a captivating watch for fans of period dramas and crime thrillers alike.
DETAILS:
Release Date: February 14, 2020
Episodes: 36 (45 minutes per episode)
Director: Jin Qianfei
Cast: Zhou Kiet Quỳnh, Lý Trình Bân
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10