Preye
As a Chinese drama lover who is also obsessed with books, I have to say that the sweet spot between both is Chinese dramas based on books. That is, Chinese dramas that have been adapted and are being played by some of my favorite actors and actresses.
Aside from the fact that we get to see our favorite things being reenacted, I love that there’s more avenue for meaningful discussions, especially when comparing the two formats.
If this sounds like something you enjoy, then this is the post for you – You’re going to love these C-drama recommendations. I have rounded up some of the best Chinese dramas based on novels that you are totally going to love.
1. Love O2O
Based on: A Slight Smile Is Very Charming by Gu Man
Xiao Nai falls for Bei Wei Wei the minute he meets her and then he makes it his mission to court her – In real life and in the game.
He’s smitten by her gaming skills and her brilliance and trust me when I say he does everything he can to let her know his feelings.
2. Cruel Romance
Based on: The Fate of Jin Xiu
After her family’s downfall, Rong Jun Xiu does all she can to find the truth and she soon crosses paths with Zuo Zhen, who at this time is a triad leader.
Soon enough, love blossoms between the both of them and as if that’s not enough, Jin Xiu gets thrown into an unwieldy love triangle.
3. You Are My Glory
Based on: You Are My Glory by Gu Man.
When Qiao Jing Jing’s endorsement deal falls through, she decides to start gaming to relieve stress and she soon reunites with her high school crush who’s now an aerospace engineer, Yu Tu.
Yu Tu then starts teaching her, and when a video of her poor gaming skills is leaked, this throws everything they’ve worked for – including their budding feelings – into jeopardy.
4. Boss & Me
Based on: Come and Eat, Shan Shan by Gu Man
Feng Teng, a big-shot CEO, urgently needs a blood donor with a rare blood type for his little sister, so he reaches out to his employee Xue Shan Shan for help and she gladly donates blood.
Instead of paying her with money, Feng Teng’s sister decides to send Shan Shan nutritious packed lunches as a token of appreciation and she appreciates this a lot.
In time, her warm personality and effervescent will thaws Feng Teng’s heart and what comes after is the sweetest romance ever.
5. Siege In Fog
Based on: Siege in Fog by Fei Wo Si Cun
An arrogant third master of a powerful family instantly falls for a beautiful young maiden and goes to great lengths to win her over, even though he knows she’s in love with someone else.
Initially resentful and resistant, she gradually warms up to him but them her first love comes back into their lives as her husband’s assistant.
Related: 15+ Historical Chinese Dramas On Viki To Watch This Weekend
6. The Princess Wei Yang
Based On: The Princess Wei Yang by Qin Jian
In a single devastating night, the Northern Wei Dynasty crumbles and Princess Feng Xin Er is orphaned.
While on the run, she finds herself in enemy territory and after meeting Li Wei Young, the Prime Minister’s daughter, circumstances forces her to adopt the other woman’s identity and she’s taken into the Prime Minister’s house.
In time, she rises through the ranks while protecting herself from the different dangers in her new home – Full disclosure: This drama doesn’t have a happy ending.
7. The Rise Of Phoenixes
Based On: Huang Quan by Tianxia Guiyuan
Feng Zhi is forced to leave her family behind and to get her pound of flesh, she decides to disguises as a man and start attending the Qing Ming Academy.
But while the princes all fight among themselves to get the throne, she remains loyal to the Emperor and eventually falls for Ning Yi.
This is yet another beautiful historical Chinese dramas that’s based on a book you should 100% give a chance this year.
8. Under The Power
Based On: Under The Power by Lan Se Shi
Lu Yi is a high-ranking officer of the Jin Yi Wei who’s feared by all, and, somehow, he meets Yuan Jin Xia, a smart and bold female officer, who challenges everything he knows about life.
When they’re forced to work together (after the emperor tasks them with investigating some missing funds), they butt heads time and time again, but, soon enough, they start falling for each other.
9. The Dark Lord
Based On: Ye Tian Zi by Yue Gan
Ye Xiao Tian’s life changes when he’s sent on a delivery mission to a distant province, and along the way, he meets allies, foes, and fiends alike.
Even though he starts out as a bashful, fun-loving person, he slowly grows into a force to be reckoned with by everyone home and abroad.
10. Ice Fantasy
Based On: City of Fantasy by Guo Jing Ming
In the aftermath of a centuries-old war between the Fire Tribe and Ice Tribe, the second prince of Fire mysteriously meets his demise during a visit to the Ice Tribe.
Seizing the opportunity, Fire King Huo Yi ignites a second war between the tribes.
Determined to save their captured family, Ice Princes Ka Suo and Ying Kong Shi escape to the mortal realm.
They turn to realm guardian Li Luo for assistance in acquiring the Six Tribes’ Ice Crystals, the key to rescuing their tribe.
Brace yourself for an enchanting journey in the adaptation of
Related: 20 Amazing Fantasy Chinese Dramas On Viki To Watch This Weekend
11. Memories Of Love
Based On: Flowers Shall Send Us On Our Way by Qing Shan Luo Tuo
After dating and going their separate ways 10 years ago, Lu Fei and Xin Chen meet again, but the only difference is that Lu Fei has decided to never let her go.
I love a good second chance romance Chinese drama and this lovely drama based on a book is just what you need if you are in the mood to see some sweet loving.
12. Bloody Romance
Based On: Seduction Has No Borders by Ban Ming Ban Mei
Su Qi Que is sold to a brothel after falling for a scam and, in time, she adopts the name Wan Mei and starts learning all there is to know about being an assassin from Chang An, the young man who watches her side.
The both of them quickly bond and start gaving feelings foe each other, but Cha Luo, the head of the assassins doesn’t care for Chang An so he does what he can to tear them apart.
As if that isn’t enough, Wan Mei soon finds herself smack dab in the middle of an intense love triangle when Gong Zi, the owner of their city, falls in love with her and is determined to take her as his wife.
13. Accidentally In Love
Based On: Accidentally In Love by Chen Guang Xi Wei
Chen Qing Qing doesn’t show up at the altar on her wedding day because she doesn’t have feelings for the person she’s supposed to marry, so she runs to her parent’s alma mater.
What she wants to know, though, is the events that took place leading up to her parents’ deaths and she soon meets Si Tu Feng, her troublesome deskmate who turns out to be a popular musician.
I especially appreciated this Chinese drama based on a novel because apart from it being about the sweet romance between Tu Feng and Qing Qing, it was also about their individual growths.
14. And The Winner Is Love
Based On: Moon on Fire by Jun Zi Yi Ze
Chong Xue Zhi is the mistress of the Hall of Flames, so when the Lotus God Nine Stance Technique is stolen, she’s banished and a target is placed on her back.
Shangguan Tou comes to her rescue and, soon enough, they find themselves falling in love even as they try to find their places I the world.
15. Once We Get Married
Based On: Contract Wife Runs Away from the CEO by Nian Hua Fu Liu.
Gu Xi Xi is a fashion-savvy entrepreneur who sources exquisite wedding dresses for her clients. When she is hired to buy one of the most expensive and most beautiful wedding dresses she’s hesitant to take on the task, but when her nasty family members put them in debt she has no choice.
One day at a private reception, she crosses paths with Yin Si Chen, the sharp-witted CEO who wants to partner with Alex – which would give him exclusive license to sell the latter’s wedding dresses – and after landing her in trouble, they realise that together, they represent everything Alex stands for and they’ll have an easier meeting their goals if they get together.
Later on, Si Chen blackmails Xi Xi into entering a fake relationship with him and this is when their romance starts.
These are hands-down some of the best Chinese dramas that have been adapted from books and I just know that you’re going to love them.
Watch them and let me know what you think and don’t forget to check out other posts on the blog to get even more fantastic recommendations!
