Top 10 Chinese Dramas of 2021: Must-Watch Series That Defined the Year

1. "The Long Ballad" (长歌行)

"The Long Ballad" is a historical drama that swept the audience off their feet with its intricate plot and stunning cinematography. Set during the Tang Dynasty, the story follows Li Changge, a princess on the run after her family is slaughtered in a coup. The drama beautifully blends themes of revenge, love, and redemption, with strong performances from Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Changge and Leo Wu as Ashina Sun. The rich historical backdrop, combined with the protagonists' emotional journeys, makes this drama a standout of 2021.

2. "Word of Honor" (山河令)

Based on the popular BL (Boys' Love) novel "Faraway Wanderers" by Priest, "Word of Honor" took the internet by storm. The drama tells the story of Zhou Zishu, a former leader of an assassin organization, and Wen Kexing, a mysterious man with a tragic past, as they navigate a world of martial arts intrigue and betrayal. Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun's on-screen chemistry turned this series into a massive hit, resonating deeply with fans both in China and internationally.

3. "You Are My Hero" (你是我的城池营垒)

"You Are My Hero" is a romance drama that blends action, medical emergencies, and heartfelt love stories. The series revolves around Mi Ka, a young doctor, and Xing Kelei, a SWAT officer, whose paths cross during a rescue operation. Their relationship evolves through shared experiences and challenges, bringing viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between Sandra Ma and Bai Jingting is one of the drama's strongest assets, making it one of the year's most beloved romantic series.

4. "The Rebel" (叛逆者)

Set against the backdrop of the Chinese Civil War, "The Rebel" is a gripping spy drama that captures the intense struggle and sacrifice of those involved in the espionage world. Zhu Yilong stars as Lin Nansheng, a young Communist Party member who infiltrates the Kuomintang to gather intelligence. The drama's tight script, suspenseful twists, and Zhu Yilong's compelling performance have earned it critical acclaim and high viewership ratings.

5. "Go Ahead" (以家人之名)

"Go Ahead" is a heartwarming family drama that explores themes of love, family, and personal growth. The series follows three unrelated children who grow up as siblings in a non-traditional family structure. As they navigate the challenges of adulthood, they confront issues from their past and learn the true meaning of family. With standout performances by Song Weilong, Zhang Xincheng, and Tan Songyun, "Go Ahead" struck a chord with viewers for its realistic portrayal of familial bonds.

6. "Rattan" (司藤)

"Rattan" is a fantasy drama that weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. The story follows Si Teng, a half-human, half-demon woman who awakens after decades of slumber, and Qin Fang, a man who accidentally resurrects her. Together, they unravel the secrets of their pasts and face the challenges of a world that fears the unknown. The chemistry between Jing Tian and Zhang Binbin, along with the drama's visually stunning effects, made "Rattan" one of the year's most popular fantasy series.

7. "The Sword and the Brocade" (锦心似玉)

Set in the Ming Dynasty, "The Sword and the Brocade" is a historical romance drama that centers around the life of Luo Shiyi Niang, the concubine daughter of a prominent family. Despite her low status, she marries into the powerful Xu family and navigates the complexities of family politics, love, and duty. Wallace Chung and Tan Songyun deliver powerful performances, making this drama a must-watch for fans of historical romances.

8. "My Little Happiness" (我的小确幸)

"My Little Happiness" is a romantic comedy that offers a delightful escape from reality. The drama follows Cong Rong, an aspiring lawyer who secretly returns to China to pursue her dreams, and Wen Shaoqing, a neurosurgeon who turns out to be her childhood friend. Their romance blossoms amidst misunderstandings and comedic situations, providing plenty of heartwarming and funny moments. The chemistry between Xing Fei and Daddi Tang made this series a fan favorite in 2021.

9. "New Horizon" (壮志高飞)

"New Horizon" is an aviation-themed drama that explores the lives of pilots, flight attendants, and other aviation professionals. The series stars Zheng Kai as Xiao Mo, a pilot with a passion for flying, and Chen Qiao En as Wu Di, a flight attendant with dreams of the skies. The drama's focus on the aviation industry, coupled with strong character development and thrilling aerial scenes, set it apart from other series of the year.

10. "The Rational Life" (理智派生活)

"The Rational Life" is a modern workplace drama that tackles issues of gender discrimination, career ambition, and romantic entanglements. The series follows Shen Ruo Xin, a successful career woman in her 30s, as she navigates the challenges of the corporate world while dealing with societal expectations. With powerful performances by Qin Lan and Dylan Wang, "The Rational Life" resonated with viewers for its realistic portrayal of modern-day struggles faced by professional women.

These ten dramas represent the diversity and creativity of Chinese television in 2021. From historical epics to modern romances, they offer a wide range of genres and stories that captivated audiences around the globe. Whether you're drawn to intense spy thrillers, heartfelt family dramas, or fantastical love stories, this list has something to offer every type of viewer. The success of these dramas also highlights the growing influence of Chinese television on the global stage, with many of these series gaining international recognition and fandoms.

In summary, 2021 was a remarkable year for Chinese dramas, with each of these top 10 series leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As Chinese television continues to innovate and produce high-quality content, these dramas will be remembered as the defining series of the year, setting a high bar for future productions. So, whether you're revisiting your favorites or discovering them for the first time, these dramas are essential viewing for any fan of the genre.