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This year, my goal was to watch more Chinese dramas. In 2024, I didn’t watch as many C-dramas as I wanted to, but this year I tried my best to do a better job.

Under the Moonlight

This is definitely the drama that surprised me the most this year. It was the first time I watched a drama set in the Ming dynasty, and I absolutely loved it! Under the Moonlight may look a bit low-budget at first, but the acting is absolutely amazing. From the main cast to the guest actors, they all did an excellent job. Hu Bingqing and Zhai Zi Lu truly shine in this drama.

The costumes and makeup are very well done and appear to be quite historically accurate. Especially Qi Menglin’s outfits, which were absolutely stunning. My favorite character was Qi Menglin—a spoiled but kind-hearted young master from a wealthy family who dreams of roaming the jianghu like the heroes in his huaben novels. He falls deeply in love with Luo Shu, a courtesan-turned-detective who solves murder cases in order to clear her status as an entertainer.

2. Gone With The Rain

An all-time favorite that I keep rewatching from time to time, and this year is no exception. It was the first Zhang Nan drama I watched, and I’ve loved her ever since. The rest of the cast is amazing as well. I highly recommend this one!

Gone with the Rain is a historical drama set during a turbulent period when political rebellion and power struggles have left the imperial court in disarray. The story follows Mo Xi (played by Zhang Nan), an independent and free-spirited young woman who becomes involved in larger events while trying to help her cousin Bai Fengyao avoid an unwanted marriage. Mo Xi crosses paths with Chen Wende, a rough military leader with a bad reputation. As the characters navigate love, intrigue, and shifting allegiances, unexpected feelings and complex relationships develop amid the chaos.

3. Flourished Peony

This drama perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Tang dynasty and truly breathes beauty. It features some of the most stunning costumes, hairstyles, and makeup of the year. I discovered Yang Zi, Li Xian, and Zhang Yaqin through this drama, and I am incredibly impressed by the amazing job they did. If you enjoy beautiful visuals and a female-centered theme, this drama is definitely worth recommending.

4. My Calorie Boy

This time, I chose to watch a high school drama starring Zhai Zi Lu and Dai Lu Wa. It tells a heartwarming coming-of-age story about the smart—but initially overweight—Kang Jiawei and the happy-go-lucky Xu Jingjing, who isn’t particularly fond of studying. Throughout the drama, they become allies and best friends, and gradually develop romantic feelings for each other as well.

Zhai Zi Lu plays the clever and handsome male lead. Dai Lu Wa will definitely put a smile on your face with her ever-playful demeanor. If you’re looking for a sweet and cute drama that leaves you with a good feeling, isn’t overly dramatic, and is actually representative of real high school life, then this drama might just be your cup of tea.

5. Hi Producer

Hi Producer is a good recommendation if you want to learn more about Chinese culture. This drama tells the story of a team of documentary makers who are creating a documentary about Chinese culture. Every two episodes, a new theme is explored. I really like that at the end of each episode, real experts explain their art or craft. For me, the educational aspect was far more interesting than the actual plotline.

I watched this drama because of Zhang Nan, but somehow the story didn’t really impress me. The characters and their background stories are rather dull, and the story as a whole feels the same way. Sometimes I even get the impression that the guest actors’ storylines are incomplete. This drama had been on my list for quite some time, and while I don’t regret watching it, it isn’t particularly impressive either.

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