The Double, featuring Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue, is now one of the highest-grossing Chinese dramas that premiered in 2024. The drama crossed several milestones even before it aired.
This thriller Chinese drama has proven to be one of the best in its genre because of its complicated yet rich storytelling, the alluring acting of the leads, the amazing chemistry between them, and its poignant ending. It tells the story of Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jinyan), who falls prey to conspiracies. Manipulated by the eldest princess and his family, her husband frames her for being an adulterer and attempts to murder her.
After she is saved by fate’s grace, she borrows the identity of the woman who saves her. Under the name of her benefactress, Jiang Li, the daughter of an influential official, she upholds justice and eradicates evil. With the help of Duke Xiao Heng (Wang Xingyue), she ultimately takes revenge on those who wronged her.
From The Story of Yanxi Palace to Joy of Life, here’s a list of Chinese dramas that deliver similar storylines:
The Princess Weiyoung (2016)
In this costume drama, the sudden destruction (Tiffany Tan) of Northern Wei Dynasty leaves Princess Feng Xin Er orphaned and all alone. Although she manages to escape death, she accidentally crosses the enemy’s territory. Desperate to find shelter, she borrows the identity of Li Wei Young, the daughter of the Prime Minister. She faces many obstacles but eventually utilizes her wit and sense of justice to become one of the most influential women of the country.
The drama is available to stream on Netflix and Viki.
The Story of Yanxi Palace (2018)
This Wu Jinyan, Nie Yuan, and Xu Kai starrer is one of the most popular Chinese dramas of all time. It tells the story of Wei Ying Luo (Wu Jinyan), who comes to the capital to find the truth behind her sister’s death. She believes that Fuca Fuheng (Xu Kai), the imperial guard, committed the crime. To get to the bottom of this, she befriends Empress Fuca Rongyin, Fuheng’s sister, and starts working for her as her maid.
But she soon realizes that the Fuca siblings are kind-hearted and innocent. Fuheng falls in love with her and supports her investigation. Together, they unfold layers of mystery surrounding the palace.
The drama is available to stream on iQIYI, Viki, Tubi, We TV, and MZTV.
Joy of Life (Seasons 1 & 2)
The first season of the drama came out in 2019, while the much anticipated season 2 premiered in 2024. It tells the story of Fan Xian (Zhang Ruoyun), the illegitimate son of a minister who has vague memories from a distant era.
The story follows him as he attempts to establish himself as worthy of the capital. He is a genius scholar and soon wins the favor of the Emperor. With the help of his allies, he untangles conspiracies that threaten the kingdom’s coherence and law and order.
Both seasons are available on Tencent Video and We TV. Additionally, season 1 is available on Prime TV, and season 2 can be streamed on Disney Plus.
The Untamed (2019)
It is one of the most well-received Chinese BL dramas of all time. It features popular actors Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo in the main roles. After Wei Wu Xian (Xiao Zhan), a talented swordsman, dies under mysterious circumstances, Lan Wang Ji (Wang Yibo) performs a ritual to bring him back to life. They team up to unveil the hidden truth that caused Wu Xian’s death. While investigating side by side, they develop feelings for each other.
The Untamed is available for streaming on Netflix, Tencent Video, We TV and Viki.
The Substitute Princess’s Love (2024)
It is one of the most popular Chinese dramas to come out in 2024. Wen Ye (Dylan Kuo), the God of war, passes away on the day of his wedding. The bride-to-be’s mother fears the humiliation her daughter will face because of a broken marriage. Hence, she forces her estranged daughter, Shen Ke Yi (Zhang Miao Yi), to take her daughter’s place in marriage. But Wen Ye returns unharmed. As the couple falls in love, they work together to solve mysteries.
The drama is available to watch on iQIYI.
Mysterious Lotus Casebook (2023)
Li Xiang Yi (Cheng Yi) is considered a legend in the martial arts world. But he suddenly disappears. Many years later, Li Lian Hua, a countryside doctor who travels, dragging around a lotus tower, becomes famous. Fang Duo Bing (Joseph Zeng) is a passionate young man who suspects Li Lian Hua of impersonating a famous doctor. But after a series of incidents, they join hands to eliminate evil.
Mysterious Lotus Casebook is available to stream on iQIYI.
Additionally, The Legend of Anle, Goodbye My Princess, Ancient Detective, Fan Cheng Zhi Xia, Follow Your Heart and The Rise of Phoenixes deliver similar storylines.
