- Drama Title: Ski into Love
- Also Known As: 嘘，国王在冬眠, Shh, the King Is Hibernating, Hush, the King Is Hibernating, Xu Guo Wang Zai Dong Mian
- Director: Gia Lee
- Genres: Romance, Sports
- Cast: Yu Shu Xin, Lin Yi
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Date of Release: March 11, 2025
- Original Network: Youku
- Where to Watch: Youku, Netflix, Viki
- Adapted from the web novel “Xu Guo Wang Zai Dong Mian” by Qing Mei
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating! May your day be filled with love, joy, and endless blessings. And maybe a couple of extra pounds on the scale. 😁
After all, Eid is practically a national holiday for food! Where else can you indulge yourself in plates of biryani, kebabs, rendang and the sweet treats without guilt? This is the one day (or week) where the diet plan gets a vacation, and your only job is to enjoy every bite.
Eid truly brings out the drama for me. The only thing more unexpected than the plot twists in my favorite Cdrama is trying to fit trying to zip up my jeans after all those kaastengels and chocolate cookies. But hey, it’s all part of the fun!
Speaking of drama, today also happens to be the perfect time to dive into the latest binge-worthy series, and I’ve got just the one for you to read today, it is Ski into Love Drama Review. So, without further ado. Let’s get started!
Ski Into Love Drama Synopsis
Ski into Love is a Chinese romance drama, with 23 episodes and Chinese drama released in March 2025. Wei Zhi, a renowned manhua artist under the pen name Zhai, saw her career crumble after a scandal involving AI. Her copyrights, her stories, and even her name were stripped away. Lost and devastated, she drown into sorrow until a snowboarding video caught her attention.
he athlete’s courage and passion sparked something deep within her, reigniting a sense of hope and a new dream. Determined to rebuild her life and career, Wei Zhi travelled to Beishan Ski Resort, seeking inspiration for her next manhua. It was there that she met Shan Chong.
The cold and stern Shan Chong, once a passionate professional snowboarder, was forced to retire after an accident ended his career. The weight of his family’s expectations only deepened his struggles. Yet, despite the hardships, Shan Chong never let go of his love for the sport. When he saw Wei Zhi’s unyielding determination to pursue her dream, it moved him.
Unknowingly, Wei Zhi reignited a fire within him, pushing him to return to training and fight for the glory he had once known. Together, Wei Zhi and Shan Chong embark on a journey of love and triumph. But life is not all sunshine and rainbows. Will they emerge victorious in the end?
Ski Into Love Drama Review
Ski into Love could have definitely had a better title. That was the first thought that popped into my head when I saw the poster. For obvious reasons, it immediately reminded me of Skate into Love, starring Janice Wu and Zhang Xin Cheng, another sport-themed romance drama.
Both series revolve around winter sports, with Zhang Xin Cheng playing an ice hockey star, and Janice Wu portraying a short track speed skater. And now, in Ski into Love, we have Li Yin as a talented snowboarding athlete and Yu Shu Xin as his little disciple.
Naturally, I couldn’t help but wonder if the word “Ski” in the title was a direct translation of the Chinese character used in the drama. If so, it could have another layer of meaning, but let’s not dive into what I don’t know just yet.
Instead, let’s talk about my impression of this drama.
Ski into Love had me smiling and frowning at the same time. If I had to compare it to a candy, I’d choose cotton candy. It’s colorful, fluffy, and overwhelmingly sweet, but as soon as you bite into it, it melts away. In the end, all that’s left is a cloyingly sweet aftertaste.
Were you satisfied? Well, that depends. But were you truly satiated? Obviously not. Wait, before you start cursing me, let me explain what made this drama so intriguing, both in a good way and a bad way
The Story-Love on the Slopes
The story of Ski into Love revolves around a former snowboarding athlete who retired early and an illustrator whose career crashed after a scandal involving AI. Despite facing tough circumstances, both Shan Chong and Wei Zhi remain committed to their passions.
They don’t give up on the paths they’ve chosen, and even through the challenges, they stay true to their hearts. This, in my opinion, is the main theme of the drama. And the purpose was also clear: to motivate viewers to never give up on something they truly love.
However, when I watched Ski into Love, I felt that the story leaned heavily on the romance. The drama spent many episodes focusing on the growing love between Wei Zhi and Shan Chong amidst the snowy backdrop. Yet when it came to their dreams and personal efforts, it felt like those moments were fast-forwarded.
If you’re someone who appreciates a drama with a deeper storyline, you might find yourself disappointed early on. I wouldn’t blame you for dropping it because, frankly, the story may not be the most engaging part of Ski into Love drama.
So, what kept me watching until the end? Well, my dear readers probably already know the answer: the beautiful faces of the actors and actresses. Yes, I admit it. I’m a sucker for gorgeous faces, and Chinese dramas have become one of my guilty pleasures. 😁
Ski into Love is adapted from the web novel Xu Guo Wang Zai Dong Mian or Shh, The King is Hibernating. Yes, the title is a bit odd, but that’s a common thing in the world of Chinese web novels. I’ve never read the original novel, so I couldn’t compare the original and the adaptation.
Qing Mei, the author, is also the creator behind Moonlight (starring Yu Shu Xin and Ding Yu Xi) and Falling into Your Smile (starring Xu Kai, Cheng Xiao, and Zhai Xiao Wen).
Meanwhile, the director, Li Qing Rong, is known for popular romance dramas like Everyone Loves Me (starring Lin Yi and Zhou Ye), Hidden Love (a renowned masterpiece with Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan), Mr. Bad (also starring Chen Zhe Yuan and Shen Yue), and Go Go Squid! (starring Yang Zi and Li Xian).
As you can see, both Qing Mei and Li Qing Rong are specialists in the romance genre. So, it’s no surprise that the main focus of this drama is the romance between Wei Zhi and Shan Chong, along with the secondary and tertiary couples.
The snowboarding and career elements almost feel like filler, an intentional distraction or obstacle to their relationships. After all, the story would feel pretty empty without them.
In addition to Wei Zhi and Shan Chong’s love story, there are subplots involving Lao Yan and Jiang Nan Feng, as well as Shan Shan and Dai Duo. Wei Zhi and Shan Chong’s romance is a journey of soulmates supporting each other in achieving their dreams, while Jiang Nan Feng and Lao Yan’s relationship feels more like a fleeting, one-sided love.
Jiang Nan Feng treats their bond as a “summer fling,” while Lao Yan takes it much more seriously. It seems Jiang Nan Feng knows deep down that their relationship won’t go anywhere due to their differing backgrounds and careers, but Lao Yan, unfortunately, is oblivious to that.
My favorite one was Shan Shan and Dai Duo’s relationship. Although I dislike Dai Duo’s cockiness, he treats Shan Shan with kindness and respect. Shan Shan lost her legs in an accident and has been using a wheelchair since high school.
Dai Duo, who goes to the same school, develops a crush on her despite her condition. His love remains strong and only grows deeper over time. They might not be the most overtly romantic couple, but the loyalty and devotion they share truly moved my heart.
The Story – Potential Unfulfilled
What left me dissatisfied with Ski into Love was its shallow plot. Wei Zhi is portrayed as carefree and optimistic; a character who defies her mother’s controlling plans for her career and marriage to pursue her own dreams. Her mother, on the other hand, is depicted as a strict, overbearing figure who constantly belittles Wei Zhi’s achievements and refuses to listen to her.
Instead of confronting her head-on, Wei Zhi resorts to lying to avoid conflict. Her rebellious protest feels more like a teenager’s tantrum int heir rebellious age. This portrayal didn’t quite match the personality I expected from her.
The underdeveloped character arcs are another weak point in the drama. Wei Zhi loses her identity as “Zhai” and with it, her masterpieces. An artist often feels that their work is a part of them, like a child born from their creativity. However, the sense of loss Wei Zhi displays feels shallow and fleeting. In my opinion, she should have experienced a deeper sense of loss, especially considering that she was betrayed by someone she trusted.
The same can be said about Shan Chong. His past is only briefly displayed throughout rushed flashbacks, leaving us with little understanding of his struggles or how they shaped him. I believed that Shan Chong’s past, given the significant challenges he faced, should have had a much greater impact on his character.
Finally, the predictable plot was another letdown. Jiang Yi Ming’s presence, coupled with Wei Zhi’s strained relationship with her mother, aligned perfectly with my expectations. What surprised me, however, was Jiang Yi Ming’s sudden transformation into a competent and responsible doctor. When he was with Wei Zhi, Jiang Yi Ming seemed as childish and immature as she did.
And one thing that makes him truly similar with Wei Zhi was the fact that he bounced back into his professional role very quickly after learning about Wei Zhi’s feelings for Shan Chong.
In the end, Ski Into Love could be best described as a league of optimistic people… 😂
As most of you probably predicted, the drama ends on a happy note, and yes, it does deliver that feel-good ending that satisfies the viewer. Still, I can’t help but wish the villain had faced a bit more of a downfall… 😉. You can read the detail of it on Ski into Love ending explained post, that I also wrote.
The Story – Decent Acting, Good Chemistry
For those who followed Yu Shu Xin and Lin Yi would know that they had several drama roles which almost similar to Wei Zhi and Shan Chong. I’ve known Yu Shu Xin since she acted in Love Between Fairy and Devil drama as the weak and foolish Xiao Lan Hua.
Aside from this drama, I remembered her role well in A Romance of the Little Forest where she acts as Yu Mei Ren, a beauty blogger who actually a Ph.D. in Ornithology. And also as Yun Wei Shan, the assassin, in My Journey to You. To be honest, I prefer those three dramas than Ski into Love. Not only because she acts better on them, but also because the stories were much more interesting than this one.
Yu Shu Xin was widely known for her usual role of a childish character. He appearance and her voice were perfectly tailored for those roles. However, when it happened too often, it gets boring. So, I was excited when I watch My Journey to You where she took her acting to another level. But in Ski into Love, she returned to her old role. And I hate to say it, her acting was too much exaggeration.
For instance, on the 5th episode when Wei Zho got injured while she practices snowboarding. She is screaming and crying because of a small injury. It’s the pout that make me feel off. Like come on… Wei Zhi is already an adult, don’t act like you are 5 years old.
And Lin Yi was in the similar situation as Yu Shu Xin. He got too many roles in idol dramas as a cold looking person with warm heart. I was more interested on his roles in Angels Fall Sometimes and Derailment. He didn’t seem so dull in those dramas. But it also might happen because the story is deeper, giving Lin Yi a chance to show off his acting skills more.
The Chemistry between Yu Shu Xin and Lin Yi was quite good, but not great. Both of the actors has the ability to form a good chemistry with their co-star. Yet, I still feeling that they could do so much better than this.
However, since the romance plot feels rushed and forced, I didn’t blame them. Their relationship progresses quickly without enough build-up, and some moments of emotional connection feel more like plot devices than natural developments. It makes the romance less relatable or satisfying.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel any connection between Fei Qi Ming and Zeng Ke Ni when they act as Lao Yan and Jiang Nan Feng. They should stick to a friend instead a lover. But Xiao Hao Ran and Zeng You Zheng looked so cute together as Dai Duo and Shan Shan. I love to follow their story probably because I could feel the strong chemistry between them.
The Visuals – A Snowy Wonderland
In my opinion, the best part of Ski into Love is the snowboarding scenes and the stunning visuals. The backdrop of the snowy mountain and the brightly lit resort was utterly spectacular. As someone from a tropical country, this scenery felt like paradise.
Living in a tropical climate with an average temperature of 27°C (79°F) is like being constantly wrapped in a warm blanket. Unlike the cooler, breezier days of subtropical areas, here, the heat isn’t just a background presence. Consider it as a constant companion. The sun feels intense, and the air is thick with humidity.
It’s not overwhelming, but it’s the kind of warmth that makes you appreciate the cool comfort of air conditioning just a little bit more. Being in a snowy resort, surrounded by luxury, has always been a dream of mine. It would be even more perfect with Lin Yi as my coach and the cute pink turtle pad on my butt. 😅
Now, back to the drama.
Ski into Love features stunning winter sports visuals, with scenes set at the picturesque Beishan Ski Resort. For fans of snowboarding or sports-themed dramas, the dynamic snowboarding sequences and the resort’s atmosphere were visually thrilling. These snowboarding scenes bring the drama to life, making you want to pack your bags and head straight to the snowy slopes.
The impressive camera work shines through in the snowboarding scenes. It follows the athletes as they glide down the slopes, blending action with the natural surroundings in a way that enhances the drama’s intensity.
The lighting perfectly sets the mood. You can instantly feel the contrast, from the warm, inviting atmosphere indoors to the bright, crisp light of the slopes outside. It uses the natural setting to highlight the emotion in each scene, making everything feel meaningful. This perfect setup reflects the production team’s hard work and dedication. Kudos for them!
The Characters
Wei Zhi (Played by Yu Shu Xin)
We can easily tell what kind of person Wei Zhi is by the way she dresses, talks, and the career she chooses. Throughout the drama, Wei Zhi is carefree, confident, and stubborn. Even though she comes from a wealthy family, she is still hardworking and dedicated. Her creative, dreamy, and sometimes childish nature has been part of her since childhood.
Wei Zhi doesn’t like the strictness of formal work or its dress codes because it feels suffocating. For her, creativity is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. The freedom to express herself keeps her inspired, energized, and connected to her work and passions.
Though she creates romance manhua, Shan Chong is Wei Zhi’s first love. Her parents have always tried to match her with Jiang Yi Ming, who is handsome, kind, and successful. However, Wei Zhi has never felt a connection with him or any other man until Shan Chong came along.
Shan Chong (Played by Lin Yi)
Shan Chong is the classic tsundere type. He seems cold and reserved, rarely speaking in a kind tone. As a coach, he’s strict, disciplined, and emotionally controlled, which makes him seem very professional.
However, beneath that tough exterior, Shan Chong genuinely cares about the people around him, especially those close to him. He doesn’t openly express his feelings, but he shows affection and concern in subtle way. Well, I take my words back. The big pink turtle pad wasn’t subtle at all. 😂
As a man, Shan Chong is proud, protective, and mature. But he still has some vulnerability. He wanted to chase his dream of becoming a snowboarding athlete, but he had to put that dream aside for a reason.
Shan Chong clearly moved on from his own accident. But what happened to Shan Shan still affects him. That is why he was so protective of Wei Zhi. He didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. His care for her during practice is genuine.
And honestly, I think Shan Chong started to feel something for Wei Zhi waaaaay before he even realized it.
Jiang Nan Feng (Played by Zeng Ke Ni)
Jiang Nan Feng is the complete opposite of Wei Zhi. She’s pragmatic and mature, rarely letting emotions or ideals sway her decisions. This fits perfectly with her role as a boss lady. It’s funny how someone as reasonable and straightforward as Jiang Nan Feng can be such a close friend to someone as childish and stubborn as Wei Zhi.
But unlike Wei Zhi, Jiang Nan Feng is firm in her actions. She doesn’t hesitate in her actions. When Lao Yan and Dai Duo fought in the hotel room, she calmly called the police without batting an eye.
Lao Yan / Zhao Ke Yan (Played by Fei Qi Ming)
Lao Yan is one of Shan Chong’s students and best friends. He’s laid-back, smart (he graduated from top tier university), and has a dry sense of humor. He tries to appear cool and unique, which is obvious from his choice of hair color.
Behind his carefree attitude, Lao Yan is actually thoughtful and has a knack for reading situations clearly. He has deep feelings for Jiang Nan Feng, though it seems like a one-sided love. Despite his playful exterior, Lao Yan is also a rational person who hides grievances deep in his heart. He’s willing to sacrifice his own passions for the people he cares about the most.
Jiang Yi Ming (Played by Wang Run Ze)
Jiang Yi Ming is more similar to Wei Zhi than his sister Jiang Nan Feng. He is carefree, playful, and easy going in his daily life, which is a big contrast to his job as a doctor, a profession usually associated with seriousness. But behind his playful nature, Jiang Yi Ming genuinely cares for Wei Zhi. He always supports her dream of being a manhua artist.
Sometimes I feel that Wei Zhi treats Jiang Yi Ming unfairly. He never treated her badly because he really liked her. But I understand that being pestered by someone as stubborn as him can be annoying. Still, I like Jiang Yi Ming because he’s just so cute.😉
Shan Shan (played by Zeng You Zhen)
Shan Shan is the most optimistic, bubbly, and friendly person in the drama. She has a way of making every situation feel better and joyful. Her kindness and energy make her easy to like, and she’s always there to lift the spirits of those around her, even in tough times.
Being with her is always fun. Despite losing her legs in a snowboarding accident and using a wheelchair, Shan Shan continues to support Shan Chong and Dai Duo in their snowboarding journeys.
The Conclusion
Ski into Love drama offers a fun and visually captivating experience, perfect for a light binge-watch. If you’re a fan of sport-themed dramas, particularly winter sports, this show hits the mark. The thrilling snowboarding scenes, set against the stunning backdrop of a snowy resort, are undoubtedly the highlight of this drama.
However, if you’re looking for a deeper, more serious romance, you might want to skip this one. Ski into Love focuses heavily on the romance but lacks depth, with the characters’ personal struggles and dreams often taking a backseat.
Despite its weak plot, the drama remains entertaining thanks to the charm appearance of our main actors and their undeniable chemistry.
So grab your hot food and drinks, because Ski into Love will take you on a journey through the cold snow, where love brings the warmth. Thanks for reading this Ski into Love drama review, dear readers. I’ll see you in another drama review post. Until next time, happy watching!
