Top 6 Chinese Drama Adaptations Inspired by Popular K-Dramas

Recently, Chinese dramas have experienced a remarkable surge in popularity. This rise can be attributed to their diverse storylines, careful casting, and extensive outreach efforts. As a result, such dramas are now prominently featured on popular OTT platforms, including We TV and Netflix.

The practice of taking cues from Korean dramas and adapting them into a Chinese context is common within the Chinese entertainment industry, just as certain Chinese stories are redone in a Korean format. A notable example is the current K-drama Family By Choice, which is the Korean adaptation of the well-known Chinese series Go Ahead.

Fans of series like Kill Me Heal Me, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, and Signal can easily access the Chinese adaptations, complete with English subtitles. While numerous dramas can be streamed on OTT platforms, many are also available for free on YouTube.

Chinese Dramas for K-Drama Enthusiasts: The Next Stop W, Meteor Garden, and More

If you’re a fan of K-dramas, here are some Chinese remakes to consider:

Meteor Garden
Unknown Number
Seven of Me
Love the Way You Are
Prince Coffee Lab
Pretty Li Hui Zhen
The Next Stop W

1) Meteor Garden

Meteor Garden is the Chinese version of the Korean drama Boys Over Flowers, originally inspired by the Japanese manga group Hana Yori Dango. The remake was announced by producer Angie Chai in 2017, and it premiered the following year.

The narrative focuses on Dong Shancai, a financially struggling girl who enrolls in a prestigious university. She soon crosses paths with the F4, a group of affluent and popular boys. Tensions rise between her and Daoming Si, their leader, leading to a romantic development.

Available on: Netflix

2) Unknown Number

Launched in 2019, Unknown Number serves as the Chinese adaptation of the acclaimed K-drama Signal. Following the success of the original series, a second season has been confirmed for production, aiming to start filming by late 2024.

This gripping crime thriller follows detective He Jun, who teams up with criminal profiler Gu Ming Zhe. The story takes a twist when Gu Ming Zhe discovers an old phone that establishes contact with Cao Zheng, linking past events to present mysteries.

Available on: We TV

3) No Secrets

No Secrets is a 2019 Chinese remake of the K-drama I Can Hear Your Voice. This drama follows a young man endowed with a unique ability that aids him in protecting his beloved.

Jiang Xia, who has the power of telepathy, is saved by a girl during a tragic accident involving a truck driver who kills his father. A decade later, Jiang Xia, now a telepath, recognizes the girl, Lin Xingran, when she becomes a lawyer after recalling their distressing encounter.

Available on: IFLIX, WeTV

4) Love the Way You Are

Love the Way You Are (Image via Viki)

Inspired by the Korean drama Something in the Rain, Love the Way You Are premiered in 2022, depicting the romance that blossoms between an older woman and a younger man.

Yin Yi Ke, a successful 32-year-old woman, finds herself rekindling affection for Xu Guang Xi, a childhood acquaintance who returns to her life after studying abroad. Initial friendship evolves into romantic entanglement as they navigate challenges together.

Available on: Viki

5) Prince Coffee Lab

Prince Coffee Lab (Image via Dailymotion)

The Chinese adaptation of the beloved K-drama Coffee Prince, Prince Coffee Lab debuted on August 8, 2018, centering on the love story between a wealthy barista and a woman who disguises herself as a man.

After her father’s passing, Gao Xing finds her calling in coffee-making but faces challenges securing a job in a male-dominated environment. Her clever disguise leads her to Jiang Shangwu, the café’s CEO, transforming their relationship from employer-employee to friends and ultimately romantic partners, all while another subplot featuring Qin Zhemo and Han Xiaoxiao unfolds.

Available on: YouTube, Plex

6) Pretty Li Hui Zhen

Pretty Li Hui Zhen (Image via Viu)

Premiering in 2017, Pretty Li Hui Zhen reflects the themes of self-image and romance, inspired by the popular K-drama She Was Pretty. The playful love story unfolds between Li Hui Zhen and her long-time friend, Bai Hao Yu, highlighting her insecurities about her appearance.

Once a beautiful girl in her youth, Li Hui Zhen faces a decline in her looks as an adult, while Bai Hao Yu flourishes. Working together, she tries to conceal her identity, but their mutual attraction remains undeniable.

Available on: We TV, Plex

In addition, several other Chinese dramas borrow themes from K-dramas, with titles like Seven of Me, adapted from Kill Me Heal Me, and The Ordinary Glory adding to the list of engaging options for fans.

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