Movies

Discover 15 Must-Watch Chinese School Dramas That Will Make You Swoon and Laugh!

BBG News

Chinese TV shows have carved out a substantial following among fans of drama worldwide. Notable Chinese television series often fall into the categories of historical dramas or fantasies, drawing heavily on China’s deep cultural heritage as well as neighboring regions. These productions frequently incorporate aspects of Chinese mythology and costuming to construct elaborate sets that transport viewers back in time.

Instead of being recognized just for school dramas, China offers a distinct take on this genre. Unlike some series that are adaptations from foreign sources, others find inspiration in local talent. Here are 12 Chinese dramas about university and high school life that you should consider watching next if you’re fond of East Asian dramas.

15
‘Youth’ (2018)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say “Youth” is a modern take on the beloved South Korean series “Hello, My Twenties!” It revolves around a close-knit group of five college students living under one roof and navigating their university journey together. Yet, despite our shared living arrangements and commonalities, we each have distinct lives and challenges that demand attention during this transformative period. The series delves into the individual experiences of each character, showcasing how they deal with life’s complexities and unexpected hurdles over the course of twenty-six episodes.

14
‘Meteor Garden’ (2018)

Meteor Garden is based on the well-known Japanese manga titled Boys Over Flowers, which was also transformed into a famous Korean drama sharing the same name. In this Chinese rendition, Dong Shancai represents a girl from a less affluent background who manages to secure admission into an exclusive university. Here, she encounters a clique of boys known as the F4, consisting of four wealthy and privileged young men, with Daoming Si heading the group. He is a self-absorbed, rich lad who believes he can do as he pleases. Despite their recurring conflicts, Shancai and Daoming develop feelings for each other, despite her initial affection towards another F4 member.

13
‘Skate Into Love’ (2020)

In the 2020 drama titled “Skate Into Love“, both Janice Wu and Zhang Xincheng take on roles. This story revolves around two childhood classmates who shared a common passion – ice sports. However, due to a misunderstanding, the boy perceived the girl as a tormentor in his life. As they grew apart, they harbored no feelings for each other. A chance encounter at university, however, revealed their vastly different life trajectories. Time has a way of changing people, and when he recognizes her transformation, his sentiments towards her will undergo a significant shift.

12
‘Somewhere Only We Know’ (2019)

In the year 2019, a drama titled “Somewhere Only We Know” was broadcasted, set within a university. The main character, Mu Chenghe, is a physics PhD candidate who discovers one of his students, Xue Tong, cheating during an exam. This action catches her attention as she isn’t pleased with being exposed for dishonesty. Later on, when he takes over teaching her Russian class, Xue Tong’s resentment intensifies. It’s often observed that hatred can evolve into love in various circumstances, and this is precisely what unfolds between these two characters throughout the series.

11
‘My Huckleberry Friends’ (2017)

This little-known drama from 2017, “My Huckleberry Friends,” is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar of international audiences. The movie centers around a math whiz who comes to the realization that she might not want to spend her entire life doing mathematics. Against all expectations, she decides instead to pursue liberal arts in college. As she embarks on high school, she reunites with an old best friend whose relationship was strained years ago, and they rekindle their bond. Simultaneously, as they navigate the complexities of adolescence, they discover more about themselves along the way.

10
‘A Love So Beautiful’ (2017)

Initially a smash success, A Love So Beautiful is now a mainstay in the Chinese drama scene. Shen Yue and Hu Yitian depict characters who have been friends since childhood, living as neighbors and classmates. The female character lacks academic drive but harbors admiration for her friend, only to find that his feelings towards her appear distant. However, it is later revealed that he harbors feelings for her as well, and as they approach significant milestones in their lives, such as the gaokao, their relationship will undergo rapid changes.

9
‘When We Were Young’ (2018)

In contrast to its 2018 release date, “When We Were Young” is set in 1996, harkening back to earlier times. It’s adapted from a romance novel sharing the same title. The story revolves around a student named Yang Xi who, in 1996, finds herself injured after pursuing a bike thief into a lab explosion. Heartbroken because she can no longer compete in a long-distance run, her misfortune takes an unexpected turn when she discovers the perpetrator is now a fellow student at her school. The favored child of the science department, he must navigate not only dealing with Yang Xi but also regaining the trust of their classmates.

8
‘Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me’ (2017)

Regardless of its peculiar English title, Master Devil Do Not Kiss Me is a cheerful comedy that thrives in the school drama genre. The protagonist, Chu Xia, is an unusual milk delivery girl who finds herself entangled with Han Qi Lu, a wealthy business heir who occasionally behaves like a devilish figure. Their frequent conflicts eventually give way to unexpected developments, as often seen in other dramas.

7
‘Accidentally in Love’ (2018)

2018 saw Guo Jun Chen grace the screen in “Accidentally in Love,” a romantic comedy backdrop of Shanxi. Her character, Chen Qing Qing, is a young woman from an affluent family who finds herself disillusioned with her luxurious lifestyle and arranged marriage. Fleeing this life, she’s pursued by her grandfather’s employees to return home, but Qing Qing isn’t easily caught — she invents several aliases and disguises to evade her grandfather’s henchmen. However, things are about to change for Qing Qing when she crosses paths with a popular musician named Situ Feng, marking a shift in her act of defiance.

6
‘With You’ (2016)

In 2016, With You debuted and received widespread acclaim for its skillful portrayal of the school drama genre on television. The lead character is Geng Geng, who is starting her first year at an elite high school. Struggling with feelings of inadequacy due to the prestige of her school, she forms a friendship with her deskmate. As she builds a strong bond with her classmates, she crosses paths with Lu Xing He, the school’s resident rebel who develops affection for her. The series was adapted from a novel.

5
‘Go Go Squid!’ (2019)

In its initial release, “Go Go Squid!” gained significant popularity due to its unique blend of e-sports and romantic comedy elements. The story revolves around Tong Nian, a university student majoring in computer science who also happens to be an internet sensation as a singer. Her life takes an interesting turn when she encounters Han Shangyan at a café, whose determination to win a world championship in e-sports leaves her deeply impressed. As their paths cross, they find themselves growing closer, discovering love for each other while unleashing the untapped talents within them to chase their dreams, even amidst seemingly insurmountable odds.

4
‘Le Coup de Foudre’ (2019)

In 2019, the film “Le Coup de Foudre” left quite an impact, given that it garnered nearly a hundred million views within just one day of its release. Originally, two students had planned to study abroad together upon graduation. However, life took unexpected turns for them, and an incident ensured their plans never materialized. Fast forward four years, they reconnect at their high school reunion as grown adults. Determined to make things right, they aim to turn this encounter into a chance for a fresh start.

3
‘When I Fly Towards You’ (2023)

At Yucai Middle School, there’s a new transfer student named Su Zaizai, whose life at school takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself smitten by a popular and intellectually gifted student, Zhang Lurang. However, beneath his confident exterior, Zhang harbors insecurities that draw Su closer to him, as they both navigate the blossoming romantic relationship they desire. The endearing quality of this series, titled When I Fly Towards You, is its straightforward and sugary-sweet narrative, making it an ideal choice for viewers seeking a balance of drama and heartwarming romance.

2
‘Bright Time’ (2024)

Lan Jinghui is a student with a rebellious streak who’s finding it tough to keep up at school. To help him out, his and Ling Dong’s parents, along with their school, decide to pair them together. This unexpected duo forms bonds with other students as they face the trials of school life, such as exams and festivities. The comedy series Bright Time struck a chord with viewers for its authentic portrayal of the hurdles students encounter during their academic journey. Additionally, the show is appreciated for its humorous depictions of harmless pranks among the students, making it one of the funniest Chinese school dramas for those seeking a good chuckle.

1
‘Reopen My Journals’ (2025)

In the 1990s, the story “Reopening My Diary” centers around diligent 15-year-old student Qian Jiayue, who is finding it tough as she enters an elite school. Her academic struggles intensify when she finds herself entangled between two males: a neighbor she has long harbored feelings for and a rule-breaking classmate. This love triangle pulls in the families of each student, who all play significant roles in their children’s lives. The drama offers a distinctive backdrop set in 1990s Shanghai, delving into generational differences as an intriguing aspect of this introspective Chinese series.

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2025-04-27 06:05

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