As 2025 draws to a close, the Chinese drama landscape is more dynamic than ever. From gothic mysteries and palace romances to modern healing tales, viewers are being spoiled for choice. The current top five trending series highlight just how diverse and competitive this season has become.
1. Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty 3: To Changan
Leading the pack is this historical detective fantasy set in the Tang Dynasty, where mystery and the supernatural collide. The story follows two unlikely partners: the logical and cerebral Tu Wuming, and the physically skilled Lu Lingfeng. Together, they unravel eerie cases that blur the lines between myth and reality in ancient Changan.
Despite not having A-list stars, the series wins viewers over with its smart storytelling, tightly constructed mysteries, and a haunting, visually rich aesthetic. It consistently earns praise for its Douban score (above 7.5), a rare feat for web dramas, and proves that gripping plots and creative world-building can surpass even the strongest star power.
2. Love on the Turquoise Land
This fantasy action drama features the ever-popular Dilraba Dilmurat as Nie Jiu La, a fierce descendant of a secret clan tasked with hunting mythical creatures that grant immortality. Alongside her is Chen Xing Xu as Yan Tuo, a man chasing his own supernatural truths.
While the drama has stirred debate due to its complicated early episodes and hit-or-miss CGI, its eye-catching visuals and the undeniable chemistry between the leads have kept audiences glued to their screens. Dilraba’s striking performance as a powerful yet emotionally layered heroine has particularly stood out, earning her praise even from skeptics.
Trending constantly on Tencent and across social media, the show proves that a little controversy, paired with stunning visuals and star appeal, is often the perfect recipe for sustained buzz.
3. Love & Crown
Ranked third is a sweeping palace romance built on tragedy, political tension, and doomed love. Ren Jia Lun and Peng Xiao Ran reunite in this emotionally charged tale of a young emperor, Xiao Huan, and the brilliant Ling Chang Chang lovers torn apart by duty and destiny.
Audiences flock to this series for its heart-wrenching plot and beautifully melancholic atmosphere. Ren Jia Lun brings quiet intensity to his tormented ruler, while Peng Xiao Ran portrays her role with layered emotion and vulnerability.
A staple in online discussions about “sad historical dramas,” Love & Crown appeals to fans who crave dramatic emotional arcs and star-crossed storytelling.
4. Why Is He Still Single?
Bringing a modern, realistic love story to the spotlight, this drama marks a strong comeback for Wallace Huo, alongside the ever-impressive Zhu Zhu. The plot centers on an emotionally guarded bachelor and a fiercely independent woman as they navigate love and healing in their mature years.
Far from fantasy or melodrama, the story’s strength lies in its sincerity, grounded storytelling, and the nuanced emotional journeys of its characters. It resonates especially with working professionals and older audiences seeking comfort in slow, emotionally intelligent romance.
The pairing of Wallace and Zhu Zhu creates an elegant yet heartfelt on-screen connection, proving that contemporary dramas, when done well, can hold their own amid the historical heavyweights.
5. Legend of the Magnate
Rounding out the list is this intense historical epic starring Chen Xiao, portraying Guo Bingyuan a wrongly accused scholar who fakes his death and rebuilds his life from exile. Set during a turbulent era, the story follows his rise to power through intelligence, commerce, and survival against political adversaries.
From managing tea trade to battling bureaucrats, the series offers a thrilling blend of strategy, suspense, and moral complexity. Chen Xiao delivers a standout performance, capturing both the brain and grit of his ambitious character.
Critically acclaimed and steadily gaining views, Legend of the Magnate proves that high-quality, story-driven period dramas still have a strong place in a market often dominated by fantasy and romance.
Sources: Saostar
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