I’m a sucker for tender beginnings, and there’s nothing that quite whisks me away like a sweet romantic Chinese drama where the leads have a secret crush on each other.
The secret crushes in these Kdramas quite literally sprinkle on the love stories in these dramas, and they absolutely tugged at my heart in the most delightful way.
In this post, I’ll be listing 16 super sweet and romantic Chinese dramas about secret crushes that will leave you with a heart full of warmth and a smile you can’t shake off.
These secret crush romance Chinese dramas tell the stories of when love finds its wings in the quietest corners and I just know you’ll appreciate them (and find a new recommendation!)
Here are 16 sweet and romantic Chinese dramas about secret crushes that will keep you hooked:
1. Who Rules The World
Hei Feng Xi is charming, Bai Feng Xi is bold, and they’re both incredibly skilled and smart.
In a turbulent world of martial arts and politics, love blossoms amidst a decade of sacrifice, and they must stay ahead, concealing their identities, while facing political turmoil and betrayal.
Together, they strive for justice and fight against hidden threats, and against this backdrop, their love blossoms slowly.
Lin Bei Xing, nearing her 30s, faces heartbreak when her fiancé Zhan Yu chooses her best friend over her.
Hoping to revive their love, she invites Zhan Yu to their old high school, and while waiting in the rain, she unknowingly travels back in time to when she was eighteen.
High school is tough, but she decides to retake the college entrance exam and move on from Zhan Yu.
And, a chance meeting with Zhang Wan Sen after the exam sets off a new time-travel journey in this miraculous romantic Chinese drama about new love and growth.
5. Love Is Sweet
Jiang Jun started in charity work but switched to finance to fulfill her dad’s wish after he got hurt.
In the course of things, she bumps into her old friend Yuan Shuai, who’s now her competitor, and she realises that some people’s hands are tied because of the tough work world.
But with her kindness, sharp eye, and emotional smarts, Jiang Jun succeeds in her career and love life, and I genuinely rooted for her from the very first episode.
Zhan Qing Hong is a girl with a big dream, and while her friends wanted to get married, she aimed to become a martial arts master.
She jumped into the martial arts world with curiosity and soon discovered its dark side, but she was determined to change it using her smarts and determination.
Unexpectedly, she found help from Lin Fang, a playboy with a grudge, and as they teamed up, Lin Fang’s heart softened, and they started working together to fix the martial arts world.
Xia Xiao Ju’s unplanned school switch before the big college entrance exams shook her world.
In her new surroundings, she befriended Cheng Lang, Lu Shi Yi, Qiu Yue Tao, and bestie Lin You.
Confidence brimming, she tackled the exams, but in university, she realized her crush liked Lin You.
Love and friendship got complicated, with Shi Yi harboring feelings for her, and this coming-of-age youth Chinese drama about secret crush and hidden feelings set in a university gave me all the feels.
9. Cute Programmer
In this romantic Cdrama, Lu Li falls for brilliant programmer Jiang Yi Cheng and follows him to their alma mater, studying computer programming.
Inspired by him, she excels in her studies, but post-graduation, she’s surprised to learn his company doesn’t hire women.
So, she disguises herself as a man to get in, but she soon realises that it’s tough managing both Jiang’s demands and her secret crush.
Eventually, with determination, they agree to be a “contract couple” for a year, and as time passes, Jiang Yi Cheng starts to develop feelings for Lu Li.
Lin Yang and Lu Zheng An were childhood friends, despite their age gap, and they even played pretend weddings.
Life took them apart, and now, at 31, Lin Yang works in an office and rents a place, but her life isn’t as she hoped.
Then, Lu Zheng An, now 24 and back from studying abroad, reappears and he wants to revive their friendship and start a romance.
But Lin still sees him as the neighborhood kid, and he’s determined to show his true feelings and win her over.
This is another fantastic romantic Chinese drama where the man had a crush on the woman for a long time but hid his feelings, and I’m 100% certain that it will tug at your heartstrings in all the right ways.
Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue’s love story begins in high school and carries on through university.
Zhou Si Yue, an exceptional and rebellious figure on campus, is a true genius, and he shares a seat with Ding Xian, a spirited and endearing “Cinderella girl.”
While they initially clashed, they grew to value each other’s strengths in their daily interactions, becoming lifelong companions in their youthful journey.
Years ago in high school, Tang Xin fell for the charming Shen Qing Yuan but kept her feelings hidden.
They eventually went their separate ways, with her becoming a trainee reporter and him a top pistol shooter.
As the Olympics approach, Tang Xin interviews him, but he’s distant, and when her presence begins to affect his performance, he can’t explain why.
Spending time together, he wonders if he’s falling for her, and this sweet, sweet, sweet sports Chinese drama about secret crushes will leave you utterly spellbound.
13. Just An Encore
Yan Ze, an ordinary high school student, has a secret crush on her desk-mate Ji Xiao, the handsome top student.
Feeling overshadowed by her beautiful and smart best friend, Gu Xi Ye, Yan Ze’s emotions grow when she suspects Ji Xiao likes Xi Ye.
Then, transfer student He Xin Liang always appears to cheer her up, but Xi Ye secretly loves Xin Liang and is jealous.
Interestingly, both friends secretly wish to be like the other, with Yan Ze wishing for Xi Ye’s qualities and Xi Ye longing for Yan Ze’s social ease.
An Fei, an aspiring scholar, admires the accomplished marine biologist Mo Liang and dreams of being a top researcher for ocean conservation.
Her path takes a twist when she crosses paths with Ye Hai, a young man seemingly linked to bad luck.
He opposes her project and even spins tales of them being married, and though An Fei initially finds him odd and standoffish, as she spends time with him, old memories resurface, echoing the ancient tale of Poseidon and Amphitrite.
This romantic Chinese drama of secret crushes and unspoken desires weaves a delightful story of youthful determination and unexpected connections in the world of marine conservation.
15. Once And Forever
In the early 21st century, Xie Qiao enters Beiqing University, where her crush He Xiao Zhou also studies.
Qin Chuan, her childhood friend studying abroad, secretly loves her, and they playfully bicker, concealing their feelings.
When Xie Qiao’s roommate Qian Xi and He Xiao Zhou become a couple, her one-sided love fades.
Then, Qin Chuan returns to start a business for her and supports her in finding her life’s purpose, and they soon find their way to each other.
These young souls embark on separate journeys, facing challenges and triumphs, but their youthful courage and determination continue to propel them forward.
In high school, plump Zhu Qian Shuang had a crush on popular guy Qiao Ye but couldn’t confess.
Determined to lose weight, she tried various methods, facing ridicule and isolation, but her efforts didn’t lead to the desired outcome.
After graduation, they parted ways, their shared experiences hidden, and unknown to Zhu Qian Shuang, Qiao Ye also faced his own trials.
They both taught each other bravery but missed the chance to connect, fading from each other’s youth, but they still found their ways to each other in the most heartwarming way.
There you have it!
I’ve just listed 16 of my all-time favorite endearing Chinese dramas about secret crushes where the boy or girl has a crush on the other lead but doesn’t tell them.
One thing that stood out to me in all these dramas was how the love between the leads spoke volumes even when they didn’t speak a word.
The lingering glances, sweet moments, and heart-pounding moments of revelation are really everything my poor heart needs on a sad day and these fluffy dramas are the perfect thing.
Please check out the related posts for even more recommendations, and let me know what you think in the comments below.
