Short-length dramas or miniseries are growing in popularity among fans of Chinese drama. Usually, these shows consist of 20 episodes or less. They follow a variety of genres, including romance, thriller, costume, fantasy, etc. The focus is on a specific plot rather than putting out too many filler episodes.
This article will explore some prominent short Chinese dramas that have gained popularity in recent years.
Frozen Surface (2024)
Guan Yu (Chen Jianbin) started his career as a mere policeman, but due to his diligence and hard work, he moved up the career ladder and managed to become the captain of Lanhe Country Police. He has solved numerous cases and has grown to be wiser with time. However, Guan Yu continues to face various challenges. He faces pressure from his superiors, with little time left in his hands, but he refuses to give in. He also loses his comrades, and many of his relatives suddenly disappear. With time, his health has also deteriorated.
At a time like this, he faces one of the toughest challenges of his career when one of the most influential men in the area is found dead in his mansion. While investigating the case, Guan Yu unveils secrets that threaten the peace of the small mountain town.
All 12 episodes of Frozen Surface are available for streaming on Tencent Video and WeTV.
The Best Day of My Life (2024)
This romantic Chinese drama tells the story of ex-classmates Xie Shi (Zhang Jingmin) and Xu Mu (Jiang Zhinan). After many years, they encounter each other again when Xu Mu starts working under Xie Shi. This puts her in an awkward situation as she had a big crush on him back then, but she could never confess. The two get into a fake marriage to avoid the pressure of getting married from their respective families.
Soon, Xu Mu comes to know about Xie Shi’s traumatic past, and she makes it her responsibility to heal his wounds. In a cute turn of events, she also finds out that he has been in love with her for many years. The question remains as to whether their love will blossom again.
All 14 episodes of The Best Day of My Life are available on Youku.
A Familiar Stranger (2022)
Shen Qin (Kay Song), the Prime Minister’s daughter, is engaged to Xiao Han Sheng (Ryan Cheng), a renowned general. However, she is in love with Prince Ning (Wang Ze Xuan). In a desperate attempt to free herself from this marriage, Shen Qin traps a female artist, Shi Qi (Ke Ying). She then hires a magician, who performs sorcery that enables the two ladies to swap faces.
Shi Qi is blackmailed by Shen Qin into marrying Xiao Han Sheng. However, to her surprise, Xiao Han Sheng and Shi Qi know each other from an old encounter in the past. Things get further complicated when Prince Ning also starts liking Shi Qi.
The drama is available to stream on iQIYI, Viki, and MGTV.
Irresistible Love (2020)
In this Chinese drama, Xia Tian Tian (Wang Lu Qing) falls for her classmate Guo Zhi Yu (Cui Shao Yang), who used to be a school bully. Although he is a very loyal and loving partner, Tian Tian’s mother, He Qing Ning (Nai Yi Wen), opposes their relationship. In her heart, Xia Tian’s company president, Qin Zhi, was the perfect son-in-law.
In a bizarre turn of events, the mother and daughter’s bodies interchange. He Qing Ning began to do whatever she wanted with her daughter’s body, but Xia Tian used her mother’s body to fight back. The two slowly see each other in a new light.
This bite-sized drama consists of only 12 episodes and is available for streaming on MGTV.
Destined to Meet You (2022)
An adaptation of Yu Ge’s Ba Hun, Xu Mo Yi Jiu, this Chinese rom-com drama follows the story of Jin Rong Rong (Lu Yan Qi) and Gu Cong Bei (Yang Ze). Rong Rong pretends to be shy and inexperienced in love to marry Cong Bei, the son of the Gu family.
Meanwhile, Cong Bei also falls for her. However, they are both secretive and refuse to open up to their partner, even after marriage.
Destined to Meet You is 20 episodes long and is available on Youku, Viki, and Apple TV.
