Dear readers, year 2026 is finally here. Although we haven’t reached the middle of the first month, we’re already swamped with dramas in our watch list. If only we could recharge our batteries instead of sleeping, we probably would.
But since we still care about our bodies and our eye cream budget, we gave up and chose rest instead. That is why this article came out a little late. But we’re sure that our dear readers will understand the difficulties. After all, nobody can resist the temptation of “just one more episode”. 😅
So, we picked several upcoming Chinese dramas that are expected to be aired in 2026. We didn’t include the release date prediction, because Chinese streaming platform surely full of surprises. They just love to drop dramas out of nowhere, out of the blue.
And also, because unexpected things happen all the time in Cdramaland. Still, let’s cross our fingers and hoped that this year will bring us stories that warm our heart after a long days. Now let’s get down to business. Happy reading!
New Upcoming Chinese Dramas in 2026, We Should Anticipate
1. Love Has Fireworks
- Drama Title: Love Has Fireworks
- Also Known As: 爱情有烟火, Ai Qing You Yan Huo, Shining Character, We Live Together
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Cast: Tan Jian Ci, Chu Ran
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: Tencent Video, WeTV
- Adapted from the novel “We Live Together” by Hong Jiu
Okay, did Wang Chu Ran choose this drama because of the title? Because the title immediately reminded us of her drama, Firework of My Heart. But no matter the reason, we’re still waiting for this Love Has Fireworks drama to air in this 2026.
Both Wang Chu Ran and Tan Jian Ci are great in funny scenes. We love her dry comedy in Are You the One, and none of us can mention Tan Jian Ci’s role in Filter without giggling 😁.
Qian Fei thought her life was finally on track. She got a stable job on the bank, a fiancé, and a perfect future that she carefully planned. But unexpectedly, everything collapsed overnight. Her fiancé chose to walk away from their relationship. From then on, Qian Fei was forced to start over, both in career and in her heart.
Meanwhile, Li Yi Fei came from a wealthy family. As a rich second generation, he didn’t want to rely on his family’s money and decided to build his own career. But his girlfriend has a different opinion about life. She couldn’t endure living in poverty and decided to leave him.
Later, to cover her house mortgage and stay afloat, Qian Fei rented out a room to Li Yi Fei. Living together in a share house was not easy for them. Qian Fei and Li Yi Fei’s view about life, money, and love clashes. Arguments became part of their daily routine.
With the support from friends, family, and colleagues, Qian Fei bravely faces obstacles and slowly grew through the process. Their journey was started rough, but gradually they fall in love and decided to face the future together. No longer running. No longer alone.
2. Love Beyond the Grave
- Drama Title: Love Beyond the Grave
- Also Known As: 慕胥辞, Bai Ri Ti Deng, Carrying a Lantern in Daylight, Mu Xu Ci
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Dilraba Dilmurat, Chen Fei Yu
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: Tencent Video, We TV
- Adapted from the web novel “Bai Ri Ti Deng” by Li Qing Ran
Love Beyond the Grave is an adaptation of Bai Ri Ti Deng or Daylight Lantern by Li Qing Ran. We love the novel, no question about that. The moment the drama adaptation was announced, it went straight into our watch list for 2026. No hesitation and definitely no self-control either. We keep telling ourselves that the drama will air anytime soon. Hopefully it will. Watching the trailer on repeat was certainly not enough to satisfy our curiosity.
He Si Mu is a 400-year-old ghost master, while Duan Xu is the commander of Daliang’s White Cavalry. They met in an unexpected encounter while out on a break, which led to a binding contract where they share the five senses. Because he carried an item belonging to someone from her past.
In He Si Mu’s eyes, he seemed not to be the real Duan Xu. As they test each other through their interactions, He Si Mu gradually sees the darkness and ambition buried deep in Duan Xu’s heart.
In turn, he begins to understand the loneliness and endurance behind her cold façade. He Si Mu and Duan Xu are separated by a gap of time. His life moves quickly toward an end, while hers stretches far beyond time. Yet, they choose to move forward together.
3. Chasing Jade
- Drama Title: Chasing Jade
- Also Known As: 逐玉, Chasing Jade
- Genres: Historical, Romance
- Cast: Zhang Ling He, Tian Xi Wei
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: iQiyi, Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, Tencent Video, iQiyi
- Adapted from the web novel “Zhu Yu” by Tuan Zi Lai Xi
This upcoming Chinese drama screamed excitement and I felt it almost immediately after watching the trailer. Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei’s pairing definitely going to be a hit. Their presence alone already set the mood. So, Chasing Jade is a drama that shouldn’t be missed in 2026, at least not by our dear readers. 😉
Fan Chang Yu is a butcher’s daughter. One snowy day, she finds a man half-frozen under the snow and brings him home. She nurses him back to life, and he promises to repay her kindness.
Circumstances later pushed them into a fake marriage. But as the days pass, the fake affection turned into something real. However, the war tears them apart. Fan Chang Yu determined to find her husband and wields her butcher’s knife onto the battlefield.
The man she searches, Xie Zheng, turned to be no ordinary man. He is a fallen noble who then reclaimed his title. Xie Zheng fought to protect his country and the woman he loves. Fan Chang Yu and Xie Zheng reunited amid chaos and bloodshed. This time, they fight side by side to defy the face and uncovering the truth.
4. Mo Li
- Drama Title: Mo Li
- Also Known As: 莫离
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Bai Lu, Cheng Lei
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: We TV, Tencent Video, Disney+
- Adapted from the web novel “Sheng Shi Di Fei” by Feng Qing
Last year was such a good year for Bai Lu and Cheng Lei. She starred in Moonlight Mystique with Ao Rui Pend and Feud with Joseph Zeng. In this Mo Li drama, she is paired with Cheng Lei, who captured soo many hearts with his roles in Legend of the Female General alongside Zhou Ye.
Now that these two were sharing the same screen and we got a new pair to be shipped. Oh boy, our shipping department surely going to be busy this year 2026. 😁
The eldest daughter of the Ye family, Ye Li, is forced to marry the disabled prince, Mo Xiu Yao. On the same day, her sister Ye Ying marries Ye Li’s childhood sweetheart, Prince, Mo Jing Li.
As a descendant of the Lishan Academy, Ye Li quietly waits for the right time to avenge her clan. Her husband, who also hide his own revenge plan, suspected her. Meanwhile, Mo Jing Li plotting to usurp the throne. Eventually, Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao chooses to work together, stirring up trouble for their enemies, defeat them, one by one, and restoring the peace of the nation.
5. When I Meet the Moon
- Drama Title: When I Meet the Moon
- Also Known As: 折月亮, Zhe Yue Liang
- Genres: Romance
- Cast: Lin Yi, Lu Yu Xiao
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi
- Adapted from the web novel “Folding Moon” by Zhu Yi
The year 2026 is clearly packed with novel adaptation dramas, and this one is no exception. Form the creator of When I Fly Towards You, Hidden Love, and The First Frost, When I Meet the Moon drama promises of a super sweet story and the kind of warmth that lingers long after the episode ends.
We think we are mentally prepared for the sweetness, but history says otherwise. It took months for us to properly move on from those Chinese dramas, and we’re not sure our hearts are ready to do that all over again…😩
Yun Li is a girl who struggles with social anxiety, She enrols at Nanwu Graduate School to prove herself to her father. Before the school even started, she accepts an invitation to join an activity as a video creator.
That decision leads her to reunite with Fu Shi Ze, her genius high school crush. Fighting against her anxiety, Yun Li make up her mind to openly pursue him. Her radiant personality wins his heart, and their relationship began to grow.
But the sweetness didn’t last forever. Past trauma and the personalities differences slowly come between them, leading to a breakup. Years later, Yun Li return from abroad. this time, Fu Shi Ze determined to win her back. With patience, growth, and perseverance, Fu Shi Ze work his way bac into her life, giving their love a second chance to bloom.
6. Chasing Dream
- Drama Title: Chasing Dreams
- Also Known As: 梦花廷, Flower in Novoland , Meng Hua Ting, Xie Luo
- Genres: Thriller, Historical, Mystery, Romance
- Cast: Chen Zhe Yuan, Zhang Jing Yi, Liang Yong Qi, Lu Qi
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: Tencent Video, WeTV
- Adapted from the novel “Xie Luo” by Xiao Ru Se
We just realized that many big names were all over historical genre. Well, actually we didn’t want to complain. But, watching too many Chinese historical dramas can accidentally make us believe that we, too, are qualified to rule a kingdom, recognize poison by smell, and survive palace intrigue only with eyeliner and sheer willpower. 😆
Chasing Dreams drama tell a story about Ti Lan, who is the princess of the Xiangnan Kingdom. She is a smart, free-spirited young woman, but she loses her peaceful life overnight due to a palace coup. However, this awakens her ability to foresee the future and predict life and death.
People now recognize her as the Blind Singer. Ti Lan crosses paths with the fierce General Tang Qian Zhi, and through a series of twists and turns, they become engaged. What begins as a duty slowly turns into a deeper bond.
Meanwhile, Prince Zhong Xu of Great Zheng is fixated on Ti Lan because she resembles his late wife. He is determined to possess her at any cost. As war spreads and the world falls into disorder, Ti Lan refuses to surrender to fate. Holding onto her love, she bravely defies a destiny that changes the fate of the chaotic world.
7. Hidden Shadow
- Drama Title: Hidden Shadow
- Also Known As: 烽影燃梅香, Da Song Nu Ci Ke, Da Song Nv Ci Ke, Feng Hua Qi You Lu, Feng Ying Ran Mei Xiang, Wei Song Sha Shou Ri Zhi
- Genres: Action, Historical, Romance
- Cast: Wang Chu Ran, Li Hong Yi
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Original Network: Youku
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Where to Watch: Youku
- Adapted from the novel “Da Song Nv Ci Ke” by Xiu Tang
Well, we didn’t plan to add another new historical drama to our already packed watch list in 2026. but Hidden Shadow showed up. The premise alone already sounds dangerous to our sleep schedule. But honestly, none of us could resist Wang Chu Ran and Li Hong Yi’s charms.🥺
An Jiu, also known as Mei Jiu, is a peculiar girl with two souls within her body. Afte surviving a bloodbath, this once ordinary girl transform herself into a female special agent. She joins the Crane Guards to find her missing mother.
Along the way, her two souls meet two distinguished men. An Jiu meets Chu Ding Jiang, a young general. While Mei Jiu crossed path with a charming young master, Hua Rong Jian. An Jiu and Mei Jiu’s journey is not a lonely one. She is also accompanied by her fellow agents, Mei Ting Yuan, the proud heiress.
Mo Sigui, the medical genius. And Luo Ming Yue, a men driven by vengeance. All of them walk on the same path. Together, they grow and transform as they navigate through family feuds, unrest of the world, and tangled emotions.
8. Generation to Generation
- Drama Title: Generation to Generation
- Also Known As: 江湖夜雨十年灯, Jiang Hu Ye Yu Shi Nian Deng, Jianghu Night Rain Ten Years of Lights, Ten Years Lantern on a Stormy Martial Arts World Night, A Decade of Nightscape Lights
- Genres: Mystery, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
- Cast: Zhou Yu Ran, Bao Shang En
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: Tencent Video, WeTV
- Adapted from the novel “Ten Years Lantern on a Stormy Martial Arts World Night” by Guan Xin Ze Luan
No one steals our hearts with dimples quite like Zhou Yi Ran. After watching When I Fly Towards You, he secured a permanent spot on our must-watch list Chinese drama in 2026. His last year dramas, Reborn and Twelve Letters, are a must-watch.
Meanwhile, Bao Shang En shone brightly on Youthful Glory alongside Song Wei Long. Generation to Generation is the first drama where they share the same screen. Coming from the same author of Love Like the Galaxy, it seemed that this year would drain our eye cream supply. 😩
Cai Zhao is a girl who appears carefree but sees the world with sharp clarity. She was forced to enter the Qingque sect, where her life took an unexpected turn. There, she meets Chang Ning, a quiet and distant young master who survived a family massacre.
Their strong personality often clashes. Yet, it led to a deeper bond between them. As hidden dangers and tension arise in the martial world, Chang Ning’s real identity begins to unravel.
9. How Dare You!?
- Drama Title: How Dare You!?
- Also Known As: 成何体统, Cheng He Ti Tong, In What Manner?, This Is Ridiculous, What a Disgrace, How Are You?
- Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Wang Chu Ran, Cheng Lei, Tang Xiao Tian, Hu Yi Xuan
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi
- Adapted from the web novel “This Is Ridiculous” by Qi Ying Jun
How Dare You!? is a fascinating new Chinese drama that you won’t want to miss in 2026. We read the web novel and also watched the donghua (Chinese animation). The story is very entertaining and funny. So, of course, skipping the live-action was never an option for us.
Wang Cui Hua is just an ordinary office worker. One day, she suddenly finds herself transmigrated into the world of a novel as Consort Yu Wan Yin. She unexpectedly meets another transmigrator, Zhang San. He used to be an office rookie who struggled against reality.
But in this new world, Zhang San has become a domineering king who spent years lying low and hiding his true abilities. Armed with knowledge of how the story is supposed to unfold, they begin to plan a way to survive inside the palace. As the story progressed, they had to face schemes and a cruel prophecy that said only one of them could survive in that world.
10. Fate Chooses You
- Drama Title: Fate Chooses You
- Also Known As: 佳偶天成, A Match Made in Heaven, Jia Ou Tian Cheng, The Perfect Match
- Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
- Cast: Ren jia Lun, Wang He Run, Zhang Kai Ying, Huang Yi, Dign Xiao Ying, Sun Ze Yuan, Riley Wang
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi
- Adapted from the web novel “A Match Made in Heaven “by Shi Si Lang
Ren Jia Lun has traumatized us enough with his collection of tragic ending dramas. Every time his name appears, our heart immediately starts to plan an escape route. And yet, we couldn’t stop ourselves from clicking the play button. This is not bravery. This is a very specific kind of drama addiction 😆. He will appear again in Fate Chooses You drama in 2026.
Long ago, the Zhan Gui clan was almost erased from history. Then Lu Qian Qiao was born, bringing a new hope for the clan. To preserve the bloodline of the Zhan Gui clan, Lu Qian Qiao must first escape his curse and endure the five stages of transformation to reincarnate as a human.
By borrowing the identity of a corrupt official named Lu Huai, Lu Qian Qiao enters the mortal world and marries Xin Mei, an unskilled disciple of Tianyuan Sect. After being dismembered, Lu Qian Qiao plans to fake his death and escape, never to see her again.
Unexpectedly, Xin Mei wielded a sword to avenge his death and clear his name. Her actions draw the attention of the immortal sect, and Lu Qian Qiao has no choice but to step up to protect her.
The truth shatters Xin Mei’s trust. In despair, Lu Qian Qiao erases her memory to keep her safe. Still, something beyond their control draws them back to each other. This time, they learn to stand side by side and face everything together.
11. Dazzling
- Drama Title: Dazzling
- Also Known As: 耀眼, Wen Rou De Ri Zi, Yao Yan
- Genres: Romance, Youth
- Cast: Guan Xiao Tong, Li Yun Rui
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Original Network: Hunan TV, Mango TV
- Where to Watch: Mango TV
- Adapted from the novel “Yao Yan” by Shi Jiu Yuan
Li Yun Rui caught our eyes as the second male lead in Love Like the Galaxy. But it was Blossom drama that really put him on the radar. Now, he was paired with Guan Xiao Tong in this new modern romance. Honestly, we’re excited to see a different side of him in this upcoming 2026 Chinese drama, Dazzling.
When her family was struck by misfortune, Qing Ye returned to her hometown. Having grown up in a big city, Qing Ye now must adapt to life in a small and remote county town. There, she met Xing Wu, a blonde-haired boy with a personality completely opposite to hers.
They shared a place to live together, separated by a curtain. While she was busy studying, he was immersed in his game. And while she works hard to overcome her life challenges, Qing Ye also helps Xing Wu to find his path in life. Later, after she graduated from college, they reunited. This time, they not only achieve their dreams but also discover love and happiness together.
12. Escape to Your Heart
- Drama Title: Escape to Your Heart
- Also Known As: 花开锦绣, Escape to the Moon, Hua Kai Jin Xiu
- Genres: Historical, Romance
- Cast: Ding Yu Xi, Deng En Xi
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, Tencent Video
- Adapted from the novel “Hua Kai Jin Xiu” by Zhi Zhi
Did you watch Melody of Golden Age drama? Well, we thought that it was the best Chinese drama of Ding Yu Xi. And now we got to see him paired again in 2026 with Deng En Xi in Escape to Your Heart. At this rate, he’s making it very hard for us to move on from their duet.
Zhao Ling was born into a poor family and made a living as a private salt dealer. He has a great ambition and willing to work hard for a better life. Fu Ting Yun, on the other hand, was raised as a lady from a prestigious household.
But her life collapsed overnight when she was falsely accused of having an affair. Their paths crossed path and were forced to flee together. Facing countless obstacles along the way, they eventually overcame them and found love in each other.
13. Overdo
- Drama Title: Overdo
- Also Known As: 这一秒过火, Ru Guo Zhe Yi Miao, Wo Mei Yu Jian Ni Zhe Yi Miao, Zhe Yi Miao Guo Huo, This Second Went Too Far
- Genres: Historical, Romance
- Cast: Zhang Ling He, Wang Chu Ran, Fu Xin Bo, Xu
- Zhen Xuan, He Qiu, Wang Zi Su
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Original Network: iQiyi, Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, Tencent Video, iQiyi
- Adapted from the web novel “Ru Guo Zhe Yi Miao, Wo Mei Yu Jian Ni” by Fei Wo Si Cun
It seemed that Wang Chu Ran was busy with her endless projects. While Love Has Fireworks and Hidden Shadow dramas were already on our 2026 watch list, she quietly popped up again with Overdo.
Are we complaining? Of course not! She could enter our list anytime she wants. Now, she’s paired with the one and only Zhang Ling He, and we can’t wait to see their chemistry. Will the spark fly across the room? Knowing these two, we’re so ready for swoon worthy romance to take over our living room.
This story set in Shanghai during the Republican era. Murong Qing Yi, the youngest son of a warlord, was swapped at birth. He endures years of torment by his adoptive father. His life began to change when Ren Su Su saves him. However, this brought tragedy to her family.
Murong Qing Yi and Ren Su Su eventually become a lover. But to save other, she resolutely faked her death and leaving him broken hearted. Three years later, Ren Su Su returned.
But this time she becomes his future sister-in-law. Now, love and hate intertwined between them. As the misunderstanding gradually resolved and affection rekindled, a disaster strike. Murong Qing Yu and Ren Su Su chose to fight against the powerful enemies. But can their love survive a downfall of a nation?
14. About Love
- Drama Title: About Love
- Also Known As: 玫瑰丛生, Ai Ru Chan Yi, Chan Nv, Mei Gui Cong Sheng, Wu Guang Shi Se De Wo Men, Xiang Yu Qia Feng Qi Shi, Zui Ai De Ni, Cicada Girls
- Genres: Romance, Drama
- Cast: Liu Yu Ning, Wang Zi We, Jiang Xin
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, Tencent Video
- Adapted from the web manhua “Chan Nv” by Gong Yuan Qian
The list wouldn’t be the same without our favourite actor, Liu Yu Ning. This powerhouse of Cdramaland retuned in the upcoming modern drama 2026, About Love. Stepping away from his historical roles and costumes, we get to see him in a new fresh short haircut this time. A different setting, a different vibe, but the same charm we’re clearly not immune to. 😁
Li Xiao Xi is a cautious and serious woman when it comes to love. Her life starts to change after she meet Xiao Bei. What begins as an unexpected meeting turn into something more.
Xiao Bei’s loyalty and steady support helped Li Xiao Xi to face her fears about love. In turn, with her companionship and acceptance, he gradually heals from emotional wounds and learn to cherish what he has now. As they go navigate through challenges together, Li Xiao Xi and Xiao Bei grow and, in the end, found their love and happiness.
15. Zhan Zhao Adventures
- Drama Title: Zhan Zhao Adventures
- Also Known As: 雨霖铃, Yu Lin Ling, Zhan Zhao Wen
- Genres: Mystery, Wuxia
- Cast: Yang Yang, Zhang Ruo Nan, Fang Yi Lun
- Number of Episodes: 37
- Original Network: CCTV, Youku
- Where to Watch: Youku
- Adapted from the novel “Yu Lin Ling” by Minifish
Okay, we are curious about this Zhan Zhao Adventures drama that puts Zhang Yu Xi in the support role. This upcoming Chinese drama definitely intrigues our sense of aesthetics in this 2026, since we get Yang Yang, Zhang Ruo Nan, Fang Yu Lun, and Zhang Yu Xi all on the same screen. If beauty is a crime, this cast would already be in trouble…😆
Zhan Zhao, a fourth rank imperial guard. When an old friend hands him evidence of an unsolved case, he decides to take matters into his own hands. His journey was rough and dangerous, as he was repeatedly attacked by different factions trying to stop him.
Along the way, he crosses paths with Huo Ling Long, the fearless daughter of the Linglong Villa, and Bai Yu Tang, the sharp and reckless “Golden-Haired Rat”. Though different in temperament, the three are driven by the same sense of justice. Together, they fight injustice, capture criminals, and destroy Prince Xiang Yang’s network that spreads across the court and the underworld.
Well dear readers, let’s hope these dramas will be aired in this year. And judging from the cast and the stories alone, we’re already sure this year will cost us a lot of sleep, just like last year. Our eyes will be tired. Our wallet will be empty thanks to those eye creams and serums. Coffee will be on standby, and sleep is optional. Our fingers will be worn out from typing reviews, but our heart will be full.
Thank you for stopping by dear readers. Until we meet again in the next drama-filled post. Take care and enjoy the ride. Bye bye!
