Chinese streaming platform iQIYI has released first-look stills for four highly anticipated sweet romance C-dramas, showcasing visually striking lead couples and promising storylines. From historical fake marriages to modern time-crossed love stories, each series offers a different flavor of romance — and fans are already choosing their favorite CP.

Leading the lineup is the costume romance Zhu Yu, starring Tian Xiwei and Zhang Linghe. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Tuan Zi Lai Xi, the drama tells the story of butcher’s daughter Fan Changyu, who unexpectedly rescues a fugitive marquis, Xie Zheng. What begins as a mutually beneficial fake marriage — one seeking stability, the other revenge — gradually blossoms into genuine love amid turbulent times. Fan Changyu’s bold declaration, “I’ll slaughter pigs to support you!” becomes a defining line that melts the reserved male lead’s heart. The 40-episode series officially premieres on March 6, 2026, on iQIYI and WeTV.

Another standout is Can Ru Fan Xing (adapted from the novel Xia Lu), starring Esther Yu and Chen Jingke. Esther Yu plays Lin Wanxing, a brilliant psychology PhD whose life takes an unexpected turn, leading her back to her hometown. There, she meets passionate football coach Wang Fa. The two start off as bickering housemates but later join forces to rebuild a struggling school soccer team, guiding underdog students toward redemption and dreams. Blending campus sports, healing growth, and romantic tension, the 36-episode drama is already generating strong buzz.

Fans of modern campus romance are also eagerly awaiting Zhe Yue Liang, adapted from Zhu Yi’s popular novel and part of the well-known “Nanwu Trilogy,” alongside Hidden Love and The First Frost. Starring Lin Yi and Lu Yuxiao, the story follows socially anxious graduate student Yun Li, who reunites with her long-time crush Fu Shize during a VR event. Encouraged by fate, she gathers the courage to pursue him, leading to a sweet yet complicated love story marked by separation due to differing life plans. With 30 episodes planned, the drama promises emotional tension and heartfelt reconciliation.

Completing the lineup is the modern romance Xiang Ba Ni He Shi Jian Cang Qi Lai, starring Zhang Ruonan and Wang Anyu. Zhang Ruonan plays producer Shen Qianzhan, who unexpectedly reconnects six years later with Ji Qinghe, a watch restoration expert portrayed by Wang Anyu. Their once-paused romance begins ticking again when they cross paths over a novel adaptation project. Centered on time, regret, and second chances, the series explores whether love can truly withstand the passage of years.

With four visually appealing couples and diverse romance tropes — from fake marriage to sports campus growth, from reunited first love to time-separated destinies — iQIYI’s upcoming lineup signals a strong season for sweet romance C-dramas. Whether viewers prefer historical devotion or modern healing love stories, one thing is certain: the competition for favorite CP is officially on.

Sources: Yahoo News