While Chinese dramas are often celebrated for their historical epics, modern romance series have quietly carved out a loyal following. Here are the five best Chinese modern romance dramas of the past five years, each offering unforgettable emotions — with four sweet love stories and one soul-stirring masterpiece.
Moonlight (2021)
Starring Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi, Moonlight tells the charming love story between Chu Li, a fresh graduate, and Zhou Chuan, a renowned fantasy novelist. Filled with humor and heartfelt moments, the drama captivates with its lighthearted, sweet narrative.
Their relationship is marked by playful misunderstandings, hidden identities, and the slow unraveling of genuine affection. Moonlight captures the beauty of chasing dreams and love simultaneously, all wrapped in a cozy, humorous atmosphere. Fans particularly love how Esther Yu shines in her signature adorable role, and Ding Yuxi complements her with his charismatic yet soft portrayal.
Interestingly, while unrelated in plot, Moonlight is often seen as the modern counterpart to the historical drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, as both feature the popular pairing of Esther Yu and Ding Yuxi.
Lighter and Princess (2022)
Arguably the best modern romance of 2022, Lighter and Princess took audiences on an emotional rollercoaster. Starring Arthur Chen and Zhang Jingyi, the drama tells the poignant love story between Li Xun, a genius programmer from a troubled background, and Zhu Yun, a warm-hearted and privileged university freshman.
Their love blossoms through shared academic pursuits and personal growth, but tragedy strikes when Li Xun’s life spirals into hardship, resulting in imprisonment. The storyline beautifully captures the pain of separation and the healing power of unwavering love, as Zhu Yun stands by Li Xun’s side through his darkest moments.
Adapted from a popular novel, the drama was lauded for its faithful adaptation, realistic character development, and the tender yet passionate chemistry between the leads, creating some of the most heart-melting scenes of recent years.
Hidden Love (2023)
2023’s standout drama, Hidden Love, swept across Asia with its touching portrayal of first love and growing up. Featuring the beloved stars Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan, the drama follows Sang Zhi, a shy schoolgirl who develops a deep crush on her older brother’s charming friend, Duan Jiaxu.
Their bond evolves naturally as they reunite years later, highlighting the emotional tension between platonic friendship and romantic love. Audiences were drawn in by the delicate storytelling, innocent longing, and the undeniable visual chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan. Hidden Love resonated widely with young audiences for its relatable portrayal of unspoken affection, personal growth, and the bittersweet nature of timing in relationships.
Will Love in Spring (2024)
While 2024 was dominated by historical epics, Will Love In Spring quietly emerged as a healing modern romance with a deeply emotional core. Starring Li Xian and Zhou Yutong, the story follows Chen Maodong, a man working at a funeral home after a painful breakup, and Zhang Jie, a resilient woman who lost a leg in a tragic accident.
Their paths cross again years after being classmates, and together they navigate grief, guilt, and rediscover hope. Unlike traditional sweet romances, Will Love In Spring emphasizes emotional maturity and real-world struggles, making every small moment of healing and happiness deeply rewarding. Though the drama didn’t achieve explosive popularity during its initial broadcast, its steady rise in Douban ratings and positive word-of-mouth reflect its quiet but profound impact.
Such a Good Love (2025)
So far in 2025, no modern romance has captured hearts more quietly yet powerfully than Such a Good Love. Featuring Wang Anyu and Wang Yuwen, the drama tells the bittersweet journey of Dai Da Ji and Zhou Shui, who meet in university and become each other’s first love and greatest support.
However, life’s harsh realities — from career pressures to personal loss — test their bond, forcing them to confront whether love alone is enough to survive adulthood’s challenges. Such a Good Love is praised for its realistic portrayal of struggles, its subtle, artistic cinematography, and the incredible emotional performances from the leads. Rather than relying on dramatic tropes, the series delves deep into the melancholy beauty of real-life relationships, making it a soul-stirring experience for viewers who appreciate mature, thoughtful storytelling.
Whether you’re seeking heart-fluttering sweetness or emotional catharsis, these five Chinese modern romance dramas showcase the genre’s full emotional spectrum, proving that sometimes, the most powerful love stories happen in the modern world.