Top 11 Best Chinese Drama Adaptations from Novels

The story follows the love journey of two young characters, Xiao Nai and Wei Wei, whose relationship blossoms from an online game into real life. The drama is sweet and heartwarming, mainly focusing on their romance and friendship with others. In the novel, Xiao Nai is portrayed as the perfect man, with an ideal appearance, personality, and career. However, in the drama adaptation, Xiao Nai is not without flaws; he faces challenges, including being deceived by investors, nearly losing everything. But don’t worry, after facing all these struggles, he still has Wei Wei and his friends by his side to rebuild his career. This adds a sense of realism to the story, as in real life, no one is truly flawless like in the books.

This is another adaptation from author Gu Man. The drama tells the love story of a lawyer, Ha Yi Shen, and his girlfriend, Zhao Mo Sheng. During college, Mo Sheng boldly pursues the law school 'prince,' Yi Shen, and they fall in love. However, a misunderstanding causes them to separate for seven years. After a long wait, Yi Shen finally sees his patience rewarded when Mo Sheng becomes his wife. The drama focuses on the couple’s enduring love, with a bit of heartbreak for the male lead, but once they reunite, the sweetness is overwhelming. The show closely follows the original novel, though the pacing is quick due to its cinematic format. It's perfect for those who prefer a shorter drama, although it may not satisfy hardcore fans of the book. Regardless, it's definitely worth watching for both fans and newcomers alike.

Love and Destiny is a fantasy historical drama adapted from the novel of the same name by author Shi Si Lang, starring Cheng Yi and Yuan Bingyan. The story follows the life of Chu Quan Ce, a young woman born with a rare inability to perceive the six senses. Her romance with Wu Zi Feng, a disciple of Li Zha Cui, is weighed down by the struggles and secrets of their past lives. Despite the hardships they face, their love remains steadfast, as they confront battles, betrayal, and fate’s cruel twists. Chu Quan Ce (played by Yuan Bingyan) is the daughter of Chu Lei, the head of the Shao Yang sect, one of the five most powerful immortal sects. Along with her twin sister, Chu Ling Long, and their senior martial brother, Zhong Min Yun, they encounter Wu Zi Feng (played by Cheng Yi), a disciple from the Li Zha Cui sect, and a member of the immortal tribe, the Golden Feather Birds. Together, they face trials that will test their love, and Wu Zi Feng endures unimaginable suffering to love her. Through countless trials, Chu Quan Ce uncovers her past life memories and solves the mysterious events that have plagued her existence.

Eternal Love is a popular romance novel adapted into a highly acclaimed Chinese TV drama. The show tells the epic love story of Bai Qian, the Empress of Qing Qiu, and Ye Hua, the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm. Their love spans three lifetimes, overcoming countless obstacles, misunderstandings, and heartbreaks. The drama became a massive success in China, topping online viewership charts, and is renowned for its stellar cast and breathtaking cinematography. The series is adapted from the novel by Tang Qi Gong Zi, and the book's captivating narrative has been published in several countries, including Vietnam, where it gained a huge following.

Half Sweet, Half Bitter is a 2020 Chinese drama starring La Yunxi, Bai Lu, Gao Han Yu, Wang Yi Lun, and Xie Yan, adapted from the novel of the same name by Qi Zi. The story follows Jiang Quan and Yuan Shuai, childhood rivals who not only attend the same school but also live in the same neighborhood. Jiang Quan suffers from a rare tear allergy, so her father asks Yuan Shuai to look after her at school. Yuan Shuai, secretly in love with her and eager for extra pocket money, agrees. However, his approach to love is unorthodox—he constantly teases and bullies her in an effort to toughen her up. Jiang Quan's painful past finally finds closure when Yuan Shuai leaves for studying abroad. This drama blends humor, heartache, and growth in a compelling coming-of-age story.

The Queen of Phoenix is a well-known work by author Tian Xia Gui Yuan, adapted into a 66-episode series directed by Yang Wen Jun and written by Xie Yan Yan. Starring popular Chinese actors such as Yang Mi, William Chan, Lai Yi, Gao Wei Guang, Zhang Ya Kem, and Liu Shi Jun, the drama has captured the hearts of many viewers. The story revolves around a talented, beautiful, and clever empress and a one-of-a-kind emperor, whose relationship is both sweet and full of struggles. Whether you’ve read the novel or watched the show, both are sure to leave you captivated by their undeniable chemistry.

Scarlet Heart is a Chinese historical drama based on the novel of the same name by Tong Hua. Produced by the Shanghai Tang Ren Film Company, the series first aired on Hunan TV on September 10, 2011. This period drama quickly became a fan favorite and made a significant impact on viewers upon its release. With stunning performances from the cast and beautiful, historically accurate costumes, the show captivates audiences with its emotional depth and intricate storytelling.

Love and Destiny is a romantic fantasy novel that made a huge splash upon its release and was later adapted into a highly popular drama. The series, aired during prime time on Hunan TV in China, became a major hit, not only for its captivating storyline but also for its talented cast, who excelled both in acting and in appearance. Fans of the novel were thrilled with the adaptation, which stayed true to the original while also bringing a fresh appeal. This drama also gained a loyal following internationally, becoming one of the most successful adaptations of a novel into a television series.

Go Go Squid! tells the heartwarming and humorous love story between the intelligent and handsome professional gamer Han Shang Yan and the vibrant, bright student Dong Nian. Despite their differences, their bond grows stronger as they support each other in their individual pursuits. Han Shang Yan, with his genius-level IQ, is a gaming prodigy, while Dong Nian, full of youthful energy, falls for him despite his cold exterior. Together, they inspire each other to reach new heights. Watch the show to follow the journey of their relationship!

First aired in 2019, the series stars Yang Zi and Li Xian and is based on the novel *Go Go Squid!* by Mo Fei Bao Bao.

Princess of the Ming Dynasty is an adaptation of the renowned novel by Fei Ge Tu Zhi, revolving around the intense love-hate relationship between Princess Xiao Feng (played by Bian Xiao Nian) of West Liang and Prince Li Chao (portrayed by Chen Ting Xiu) of Central Yuan. After a tragic event in one night, Princess Xiao Feng loses everything: her kingdom, her family, her parents, her friends, and most devastatingly, the man she loved, Gu Xiao Wu.

The drama stars Chen Ting Xiu, Bian Xiao Nian, and Wei Tian Tuan, and has received a lot of positive feedback from viewers.

Silent Love: Guo Sheng Hoai Nam is a drama adapted from the novel by Ba Yue Chang An. It is part of the Chên Hoa - Three-Part Series, which also includes "Hello, That Year" and "The Best of Us". The story follows the unrequited love of an exceptional social sciences student, La Zhi, for the handsome science student, Ting Hoai Nam, at her school. Their first meeting in childhood leaves a lasting impression on La Zhi, and for the next eleven years, she carries the image of Ting Hoai Nam in her heart. When they meet again, Hoai Nam shines like the sun, and from then on, La Zhi's diary becomes a one-man show, starring only him. The love story spans from their high school years to college, and even continues into their future.