Top 10 Best Chinese Romance Adaptations

1. The Sugar Trap

The Sugar Trap is a Chinese youth idol drama that aired in 2020. Adapted from the novel of the same name by renowned author Tuu Tieu That, it features actors Ngô Thiến, Trương Tân Thành, and Chu Lịch Kiệt.

In elementary school, shy boy Lê Ngữ Băng is often bullied by 'Classroom Tyrant' Đường Tuyết. They are like fire and ice, only sharing a common passion on the ice rink. Growing up, Lê Ngữ Băng becomes a male god, while the once strong and fierce Đường Tuyết becomes infatuated and foolish. As they practice together on the ice, they discover a mutual affection. Through challenges and unexpected storms, they embark on a journey of passion and everlasting happiness.

2. Eternal Love of Dream

Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms is a Chinese historical fantasy television series adapted from the novel of the same name by Tang Qi Gong Zi. The story revolves around the three lives and three worlds of the Queen of Qing Qiu, Bai Qian, and Crown Prince Ye Hua.

Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms narrates the touching love story between the Heavenly Empress Bai Qian (Yang Mi) and Crown Prince Ye Hua (Mark Chao). As the only daughter of White Emperor Hua Quan, Bai Qian disguises herself as a male disciple to learn divine arts, enduring countless hardships to become a Heavenly Empress. Throughout three lifetimes full of twists and turns, challenges persist, yet the image of Ye Hua, who is willing to be Bai Qian's everything, remains constant. However, amidst myriad schemes and obstacles, can Bai Qian's fiance, ten thousand years her junior, fulfill their vow to stay together for three lives and three worlds? Watch Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms to find out.

Selfless Love is a Chinese television series from 2017 based on the novel of the same name by renowned author Phong Lộng. Directed by Cúc Giác Lượng and written by Trương Vĩnh Sâm, the series features acclaimed actors including Chung Hán Lương, Angelababy, Tôn Nghệ Châu, and Can Đình Đình.

The story revolves around the pairing of Chung Hán Lương and Angelababy as Sở Bắc Tiệp and Bạch Sính Đình. Throughout the series, they find themselves constantly in life-threatening situations. Set against the backdrop of war, the conflict between the four nations of Dai Tan, Dai Yen, Dai Lương, and Bạch Lan has spread sorrow and suffering everywhere. Bắc Tiệp is repeatedly framed by evil forces, and every time he escapes imprisonment, he seeks out Sính Đình. Her fate is equally tragic as she repeatedly risks her life to save Bắc Tiệp. Where will this love story lead? Will they find happiness together? Stay tuned to find out.

Ethereal Essence is a Chinese television series featuring actors like Trần Vỹ Đình, Lưu Thi Thi, and Từ Hải Kiều. Adapted from the novel of the same name by author Thập Tứ Dạ, the series revolves around the theme of 'Love Restart' between the divine fox maiden Phượng Khanh Trần (Lưu Thi Thi) and the fourth prince Nguyên Lăng (Trần Vỹ Đình) amidst the chaotic era of Tây Ngụy. To protect Nguyên Lăng and expose the sinister plots of Trạm Vương, Khanh Trần opens the Nine Transformation Ethereal Essence Formation, manipulating time and space back to her wedding day.

Returning a year back in time, scenes change, destinies change. The fox clan is falsely accused of treason and hunted down by the court. To unveil the truth, Phượng Khanh Trần conceals her identity and encounters the fourth prince Nguyên Lăng and the seventh prince Nguyên Trạm. From here, she finds a way to clear the fox clan's name, dismantle the dark forces of Ám Vu, and help Nguyên Lăng ascend the throne. Subsequently, she meets Nguyên Lăng - the one she married in the modern era, and they continue to renounce power and live happily together.

Chronicles of the Enchanted Dragon, also known as Chronicles of the Enchanted Dragon: Boundless Righteousness, is a Chinese historical and romantic television series directed by Chu Xiaoshu and Zhou Yanzhou. It features Dwayne Toh, Tom Taun Kit, Mao Sujuan, and Jane Suen.

The storyline of Chronicles of the Enchanted Dragon revolves around the love story between King Kangxi and Tan Yizhu - the last princess of the Ming Dynasty. After experiencing many twists and turns together, Kangxi and Yizhu fall into each other's love. Initially destined as lifelong enemies, they eventually dedicate their hearts to each other, promising to be together for a lifetime. However, their happiness is short-lived as challenges arise. Yizhu is framed and falls seriously ill, and Kangxi's tears become the only cure. From sworn enemies to indispensable halves of each other, this love story eventually finds peace and fulfillment.

Greetings from the Bygone Days is a Chinese high school drama produced in 2017, adapted from the novel of the same name by Eighteen An Truong. It is also considered the sequel to 'The Best of Us,' telling a charming story of youth, teacher-student relationships, friendships, and genuine emotions in the setting of Chan Hua High School.

Greetings from the Bygone Days begins with a single mother, Du Chau Chau, and her daughter relying on each other. On the first day of elementary school, Chau Chau befriends a boy named Lam Duong after a fall. Thanks to Lam Duong's help, she overcomes the initial discomfort of starting school and gradually, they become close friends. However, due to a misunderstanding, their relationship drifts apart. Reuniting in Chan Hua during high school, they experience the ups and downs of adolescence together. After graduating, each goes their separate ways.

'Unfinished Summer' is adapted from the novel of the same name by author Quach Kinh Minh. It stands out as one of the few high school youth dramas released this summer, portraying the tranquil moments of high school life that can be as drowsy as a midday sun or as radiant as a summer sunset.

'Unfinished Summer' is a youth drama that caused a sensation in the film market. After experiencing many memorable moments and even developing romantic feelings beyond friendship during their high school years, close friends Lap Ha, Pho Tieu Tu, Luc Chi Ngang, and Trinh That That each carve their own paths, facing various temptations and challenges. Alongside this beautiful story are shocking and audacious aspects of youth. Love can become a means to earn a living for many, happiness is not always complete and valuable like many other things. Will they eventually realize these truths? Are they mature enough to recognize that their hearts will also experience pain after pretending to be strong so many times? The most ordinary and genuine love stories are delicately and profoundly portrayed in 'Unfinished Summer,' covering the full spectrum of emotions in love and thoughtful reflections on the future.

The Strategic Beauty Scheme is a Chinese historical drama and palace intrigue television series that aired in 2018. The series is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Chu Mat, featuring a cast including Nini, Jin Han, Yuan Wenkang, Xie Binbin, Huakai, Simon Gong, Vivian Koo, Damu, Zhang Jiani, Wang Haoran, Phan Thoi That, and more. The show captivates audiences through each frame and meticulously crafted details, even though 24 episodes were cut by the Chinese Film Bureau, resulting in abrupt plot transitions. Nevertheless, with its unique setting, distinctive costumes, and a talented cast, The Strategic Beauty Scheme became an iconic palace intrigue drama for a considerable period.

The series revolves around the character Nuy Anh Lac, based on the historical figure Empress Giai Thi Nguy in the Qing Dynasty. She enters the palace as a court maid to seek justice and uncover the truth behind her sister's death. Later, she becomes entangled in the blood-soaked power struggles of the palace but is fortunate to be protected by Empress Phu Sat. After the empress's death, Anh Lac, due to various conflicts, develops a romantic relationship with Emperor Qianlong. Ultimately, she rises to become the most powerful figure in the imperial harem. If you enjoy intense palace intrigue dramas, The Strategic Beauty Scheme might be an excellent choice!

9. Fragrance of Honey Resembles Mist

Fragrance of Honey Resembles Mist is a television drama produced by Jiangsu TV, adapted from the novel of the same name by Dian Tuyen. It is considered one of the most influential romance novels in China for an extended period. This series, a successful blend of fantasy and romance, marks a breakthrough in the careers of the participating actors.

Fragrance of Honey Resembles Mist tells the story of Cam Mich, the daughter of the Flower Deity. Before her death, her mother gave her a divine pill that destroys romantic feelings, allowing her to live for 4000 years without experiencing love or valuing emotions, with a low cultivation level. One day, the male lead, Huc Phuong, is injured and falls into her territory. He takes her to the heavenly palace for 100 years, and together they face challenges. The love between them grows until Huc Phuong discovers Cam Mich's true identity, leading to heart-wrenching twists.

10. Winter Palace

Winter Palace is a 2019 Chinese television drama adapted from the novel of the same name, written by Phi Nga Tu Ton, and directed by Li Moc Qua. The main cast includes Tran Tinh Huc, Banh Tieu Nhiem, and Ngu Thien Tuong.

The tragic plot of Winter Palace revolves around the most difficult moment of Princess Xi Ling, also known as Xiao Feng. After a catastrophe that caused her to lose all her loved ones, friends, and her homeland, she decides to seek death. She is saved by Prince Li Shao Yan and forced to marry him in order to bring peace to her homeland of Xi Ling. Their married life is filled with conflicts, but after numerous twists, they come to understand and bond with each other. Undoubtedly, the captivating storyline of this drama will take the audience through a myriad of emotional experiences.