Top 10 Most Successful Chinese Romance Novel Adaptations into Films

The movie is adapted from the popular novel "Love Me If You Dare" by Phỉ Ngã Tư Tồn, starring renowned actors Chung Hán Lương and Lý Tiểu Nhiễm. It premiered in 2010 and quickly became a fan favorite. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous Republican China, it tells the heartbreaking and turbulent love story between General Bai Lam and the young lady Doãn Tịnh Uyển.

On a fateful train ride, Tịnh Uyển meets Bai Lam, beginning a tragic and difficult love story during wartime. The film earned praise for its alternative happy ending, where the main characters reunite after seven years apart. By then, Bai Lam has lost his memory and is free from the burdens of his country's leadership.

DETAILS:

Director: Zeng Lichan

Cast: Chung Hán Lương, Lý Tiểu Nhiễm, Tề Phương

Release Year: 2010

The drama The Disguiser is a historical period piece adapted from the novel of the same name by Hai Yen. The story follows the talented and charismatic Mai Trường Tô (played by Hu Ge), a brilliant strategist who uses his intelligence to assist his emperor in restoring the nation's strength.

At the same time, the series explores Mai's deep, unforgettable love for the intelligent and beautiful princess, Nghê Hoàng (played by Liu Tao). With a large production budget and a star-studded cast, the show delivers stunning visuals and impressive character designs that captivated audiences. The Disguiser won the award for Best Drama at the Flying Apsaras Awards, and director Kong Sheng also received the award for Best Director.

DETAILS:

Directors: Li Xueyan, Kong Sheng

Screenwriter: Hai Yen

Cast: Liu Tao, Hu Ge, Wang Kai

Release Year: 2015

This historical drama is adapted from the novel Empresses in the Palace by Liu Lianzi. Set during the Qing Dynasty, the story follows the transformation of the innocent and pure girl, Zhen Huan, into a shrewd and calculating figure within the dangerous palace.

The series became the highest-grossing Chinese drama of 2012 and propelled actress Sun Li (as Zhen Huan) to new heights of fame. It has been repeatedly broadcast across various Chinese TV stations, and after its success at home, it went on to captivate audiences in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, where the popularity of double eyelid surgeries soared by 30%, inspired by Sun Li's portrayal of Zhen Huan's iconic look. The series was edited down from 76 episodes into 6 episodes, each 90 minutes long, with additional scenes for its U.S. airing.

DETAILS:

Directors: Zheng Xiaolong, Gao Yujun

Cast: Sun Li, Thái Thiếu Phân, Lý Đông Học, Tưởng Hân

Release Year: 2012

Adapted from the famous novel by Fresh Guoguo, Flower of Heaven is a fantasy romance that chronicles the poignant and complex love story between Hua Qian Gu (Zhao Liying) and her master, Bai Zi Hua (Wallace Huo).

The character of Qian Gu won the hearts of fans thanks to Zhao Liying's charming performance. The drama also featured breathtaking scenery from some of China’s most renowned locations, and the character designs left a lasting impression. Despite airing late at night (10 p.m. to midnight), Flower of Heaven became a ratings powerhouse, consistently topping the charts for dramas airing at the same time on Chinese TV networks. The series was awarded "Best TV Drama of the Year" at the iQiyi Gala 2016, alongside numerous other accolades.

DETAILS:

Directors: Cao Linbao, Liang Shangquan, Lin Guofan

Cast: Wallace Huo, Zhao Liying, Ma Ke

Release Year: 2015

Eternal Love is a Chinese historical fantasy drama based on the novel of the same name by Tang Qi Gong Zi. It tells the tale of the love that spans three lifetimes and three worlds between the Queen of Qingqiu, Bai Qian (Yang Mi), and the Crown Prince of the Heaven Realm, Ye Hua (Mark Chao). As of September 2019, the drama had reached 52.3 billion views, topping the online viewership charts in China.

Despite facing initial criticism, Eternal Love made a remarkable comeback, quickly capturing the attention of viewers and becoming one of the most popular dramas of 2017. It surpassed the film adaptation, receiving high praise from fans of the original novel. The series helped Yang Mi maintain her position in television, while also catapulting stars like Zhao Youting and Dilraba Dilmurat to fame.

DETAILS:

Directors: Lin Guofan, Yu Cuihua, Ren Haidao

Writer: Hong Hua

Cast: Yang Mi, Zhao Youting, Dilraba Dilmurat, Gao Wei Guang, Zhang Benben

Release Year: 2017

The Mystery of Wen Nuan is a Chinese drama adapted from the popular novel of the same name, and is considered one of the standout television productions in Chinese cinema. Not only does it feature an engaging plot that captures the audience’s attention, but the starring roles of the renowned actor Zhang Han and the romantic drama queen, Zhang Jun Ning, have also contributed to its success and captivated viewers.

The relationship between the two main characters began in their youth, but later, Wen Nuan chose to break up with Qian Nan Xuan after realizing her older sister had feelings for him. After a period of pain and misunderstandings, Wen Nuan moved abroad with Chu Lin Lu. Meanwhile, Qian Nan Xuan stayed behind to build his career and was rumored to be in a relationship with Yi Xin. Their fate was rekindled when Wen Nuan returned to China and became his special secretary.

DETAILS:

Director: Huang Tianren

Cast: Zhang Han, Zhang Jun Ning, Zhang Jia Ge, Jing Chao

Release Year: 2018

The Lighter and the Princess's Dress marks a major milestone in the careers of young actors Chen Fei Yu and Zhang Jing Yi. Adapted from the popular novel of the same name by Twentine, the story quickly captured the attention of readers due to its gripping plot and the intriguing, complex nature of its main characters.

The film follows the love story of Li Tuan, the top student in the science track played by Chen Fei Yu, and the class president, Chu Yun, portrayed by Zhang Jing Yi. Overcoming various challenges and hardships, the two eventually find their way back to each other. With 36 episodes, the series immerses viewers in a journey from youthful dreams and aspirations to the moments of growth and maturity as the protagonists face the realities of adulthood.

DETAILS:

Director: Liu Jun Jie

Writer: Chu Yong

Cast: Chen Fei Yu, Zhang Jing Yi

Release Year: 2022

Adapted from the novel by Tong Hua, “Scarlet Heart” became a sensation in Asia upon its release in 2011. The story follows a modern-day woman, Zhang Xiao, who after a car accident, travels back in time to the reign of Emperor Kangxi, taking the identity of Ma'ertai Ruoxi.

With her modern mindset and bold personality, Ruoxi (played by Liu Shishi) captures the attention of several princes, particularly the Fourth Prince (portrayed by Nicky Wu) and the Eighth Prince (Kevin Cheng). Amid palace intrigues and political schemes, the series also delves into the tragic and poignant love story between Ruoxi and the Fourth Prince. The immense success of the drama led to its adaptation in South Korea as “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.”

DETAILS:

Director: Li Guo Li

Writer: Tong Hua (original novel) - Wang Li Chi

Cast: Liu Shishi, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng

Release Year: 2011

"Together Forever" became an instant hit upon its release. Based on the novel by Gu Man, the series quickly gained the hearts of viewers and fans of the original story. The drama follows the dreamlike love story between law student Ha Yi Shen (played by Chung Han Liang) and chemistry student Zhao Mo Sheng, who is passionate about photography.

When they first met at university, Zhao Mo Sheng accidentally captured a photo of Ha Yi Shen reading under a tree, sparking the beginning of their romantic journey. However, due to misunderstandings, they were forced to part ways. After seven years of separation, with their love unwavering, they reunite and prove that true love can overcome any obstacles, staying “together forever”.

The success of the series lies not only in its faithful adaptation of the novel but also in the impeccable performances of the lead actors, who brought the characters and iconic dialogues to life in a vivid and heartfelt manner.

DETAILS:

Director: Liu Zhun Jie

Cast: Chung Han Liang, Tang Yan

Release Year: 2015

This was the first work by Gu Man to be adapted into a television series, centered around the sweet romance between the bickering couple, Xie Sam Sam (Zhao Li Ying) and the domineering CEO Feng Teng (Zhang Han). “Sam Sam Is Here” features a light-hearted and sweet storyline with meaningful dialogue that perfectly embodies Gu Man's writing style, winning over a wide audience.

Additionally, the strong chemistry between the two leads played a crucial role in the drama's success. Unlike “Together Forever”, “Sam Sam Is Here” deviated from the original novel by introducing additional characters and expanding the storyline to fit these new elements.

DETAILS:

Director: Liu Zhun Jie

Cast: Zhang Han, Zhao Li Ying

Release Year: 2014