19 Chinese Dramas about Arranged Marriages
The availability of Asian dramas on platforms such as Netflix, Viu, iQIYI, and WeTV has made Chinese dramas easily accessible to a global audience. These streaming services offer subtitles and even dubbing, contributing to the rise in popularity of Chinese dramas around the globe.
Among the variety of plots, matchmaking stories have a special appeal to drama fans. If you are looking for Chinese dramas with such themes, you are in the right place. Here, we present our recommendations of fun matchmaking-themed Chinese dramas. Intrigued? Keep reading!
1. The Starry Love
The Starry Love (2023) is a must-watch Chinese drama centered on an arranged marriage. With a lineup of popular actors and a captivating storyline, this drama will tug at your heartstrings.
Adding to its appeal, this drama concludes "The Honey Trilogy." Starring Chen Xing Xu with Landy Li, Luke Chen, and He Xuan Lin, the drama tells the story of an arranged marriage between twin princesses from the human world and the crown prince from the heaven and underworld.
An accident leads to a switched palanquin, causing Qing Kui and Ye Tan to marry the wrong couple. Other than that, complications arise when it is revealed that the two are the reincarnations of twin flowers from the dangerous Land of Destruction.
2. Love Like the Galaxy
Love Like the Galaxy (2022) stands out as a highly recommended Chinese matchmaking drama. Although the storyline is complicated, the romantic love story shines through. The charming chemistry between Leo Wu and Zhao Lusi is truly impressive, captivating the audience.
The story begins with General Ling Bu Yi, who has a deep affection for Chen Shao Shang, seeking the King's help to bring them together. Despite many obstacles in his journey with Chen Shao Shang, the general strives hard to win her heart.
However, their relationship becomes increasingly turbulent as conflicts and royal intrigues threaten Chen Shao Shang's family. Amidst these challenges, will Ling Bu Yi succeed in making Chen Shao Shang his wife?
3. One and Only
One and Only (2021) is a moving romantic and historical drama that evokes genuine emotions from viewers. The love story between Ren Jia Lun and Bai Lu turns tragic due to historical circumstances and past commitments.
Based on the novel Mo Bao Fei Bao, the drama boasts superb cinematography. The narrative revolves around Cui Shi Yi, an aristocratic young woman who falls in love with her own teacher. Master Zhou Shen Cheng is not only extremely handsome, but also a young man of intelligence, honesty, and unwavering patriotism.
In an attempt to safeguard the crown prince's position, Zhou Shen Cheng vowed never to marry, thus preventing any future power struggles among his descendants. This vow forced him to give up his love for Cui Shi Yi in order to serve the greater interests of the nation.
4. New Life Begins
New Life Begins (2022) features a charming drama in which women gather for a marriage selection in order to win the heart of the chosen suitor.
Adapted from the novel "Qing Chuan Ri Chang" by Duo Mu Mu Duo, the series presents a heartwarming blend of love, humor, and survival. Bai Jing Ting and Tian Xi Wei headline the cast, bringing the story to life with their talents.
Xin Chuan serves as an aspirational place for women looking for their ideal life partner, who compete for recognition as the most deserving candidate.
The story takes an interesting turn when 6th Prince Yin Zheng is charmed by Li Wei, one of the participants. Her genuine simplicity and down-to-earth attitude ignite a desire in the prince's heart, making him hopeful that Li Wei might be the one to walk down the aisle with him at the wedding.
5. For Married Doctress
Lin Qi (Gong Mi) is a skilled doctor who is forced to impersonate the Crown Princess in order to marry Yumen Yong (Yalkun Merxat).
Yumen Yong, on the other hand, is a king who's blessed with authority but can't use it. However, his marriage to Lin Qi gradually ignited a genuine affection for her.
Behind his appearance as a powerless king, Yumen Yong possessed an incomparable intelligence. Adept at strategizing his way to the throne, he displayed unwavering determination and unrelenting perseverance. The constant support from Lin Qi only encouraged him.
6. Intense Love
This Chinese matchmaking-themed drama recommendation comes from the web series "Intense Love," produced by MangoTV. Adapted from Liu Mang Xing's eponymous novel, the series tells the story of the arranged marriage between brilliant doctor Zhou Shiyun and famous celebrity Su Jinbei.
Su Jinbei, a stunning and controversial actress, meets Zhou Shiyun, an impeccably handsome and skillful doctor with a perfectionist yet ignorant attitude. Initially, the two reject the arranged marriage by their parents, but the fate of love has other plans.
7. The Eternal Love
The Eternal Love is a romantic historical drama adapted from Fan Que's novel "Hilarious Pampered Consort: My Lord, I Will Wait for Your Divorce." The story tells of Eighth Prince Mo Lian Chen of Dongyue Kingdom, who has been betrothed to Qu Tan Er, but he harbors affection for her sister, Mo Yi Huai.
Rejecting the arranged marriage, Qu Tan Er attempts suicide. Instead of dying, her body is inhabited by the soul of Xiao Tan, a modern-day real estate agent. However, their characteristics are very different. Qu Tan Er is quiet and calm, while Xiao Tan has a more lively, bold, and uninhibited demeanor.
Observing Qu Tan Er's different nature initially sparks suspicion in Mo Lian Chen, but as time passes, he finds himself falling in love with Xiao Tan's personality.
8. The Romance of Tiger and Rose
The Romance of Tiger and Rose is a romantic comedy drama that tells the story of a scriptwriter named Chen Xiao Qian, who accidentally gets caught up in a story she wrote herself. In this narrative, she plays the role of the Third Princess Chen Qian Qian in the matriarchal world known as Huayuan.
In the world she wrote, Chen Qian Qian was originally a small and annoying character. However, she cleverly forced the crown prince of Xuanyu, Han Shuo, to marry her, even though he was already matched with Minister of Education Pei Heng. At the same time, Han Shuo had his own intentions to marry Chen Chu Chu, the Second Princess.
In her attempt to break away from the constraints of the script, Chen Xiao Qian diligently tried to maintain the integrity of the original storyline and ensure a successful love story between protagonists Han Shuo and Chen Chu Chu. However, her direct involvement in the narrative changed the essence of the story.
9. She is the One
She is the One (2021) is a Chinese arranged marriage drama that you should not miss. Starring Tim Pei and Li Nuo, directed by Chen Shi Yi and written by Chuan Tian, this engaging drama uncovers the challenges of arranged marriages.
The narrative unfolds as Yuan Yue Yue is forced to impersonate her sister and accept a marriage proposal arranged by the family. Married to Wen Ji Chen, a wealthy man with an obnoxious attitude, she is far from happy.
On their wedding day, Wen Ji Chen leaves her at the altar because of his work. Trying to escape, Yuan Yue Yue is faced with new hardships. With such an intolerable partner, how long can she endure the hassle of building a household together?
10. An Unknown Stranger
Not all arranged marriages end in love and happiness. In A Familiar Stranger (2022), a couple attempts to have their arranged marriage canceled.
Shen Qin, the Prime Minister's daughter, has been married to General Xiao Han Sheng. With her heart set on another man, Shen Qin tries to annul the marriage.
She asks the wizard Shi Qi to perform a face-swapping spell, hoping for a happy ending. However, their plans take a turn, involving them in a complicated family affair. They must maintain their cover or face terrible consequences.
11. The Rebel Princess
The Rebel Princess (2021) is another Chinese drama that delves into the world of matchmaking. Produced by three well-known directors - Cheng Yuan Hai, Hou Yong, and Xu Zhi Ming - the drama adapted from the novel "The Emperor's Conquest" by Mei Yu Zhe has a cast starring Zhang Zi Yi, Zhou Yi Wei, and Tony Yang.
The drama tells the story of a marriage deal in order to gain power. Wang Xuan and Xiao Qi decide to get married to protect their country. Dealing with widespread corruption and starvation, Princess Wang Xuan asks Xiao Qi for help to bring up her people and keep the peace.
12. The Sword and the Brocade
The Sword and the Brocade (2021) is another essential recommendation. Directed by Wen De Guang, this drama presents a captivating story about arranged marriage.
Adapted from the novel "The Concubine-born Daughter's Strategies" by Zhi Zhi, the series stars the charming Wallace Chung and Tan Song Yun in the lead roles.
Set in the Ming dynasty, General Xu Ling Yi enters an arranged marriage with Shi Yi Nian, a princess born to a concubine. Unlike her peers, Shi Yi Nian has a confident attitude and an unwillingness to adjust to conventional norms.
With the support of her husband, Shi Yi Nian established an embroidery business that contributed to the local economy, which showed her determination and dedication.
13. The Song of Glory
Another captivating drama centered on matchmaking is "The Song of Glory" (2020). Directed by Li Hui Zhu and Deng Wei En, the series features an interesting storyline.
As the lead, Li Qin is paired with handsome actor Qin Hao. Set in the Liu Song Dynasty, the empire is in the midst of a conflict that nearly leads to its destruction.
In order to protect the country, the King ordered his son to marry a girl from the Shen family. Prince Yi Kang marries Shen Li Ge, a beautiful and intelligent woman.
Together, they uncover a web of conspiracy that threatens the kingdom. This journey deepens their bond and blossoms into a love that transcends challenges.
14. General's Lady
Adapted from the novel "Jiang Nan" by Yan Bo, this web series tells the story of Shen Jin, a scion of a noble family, who enters an arranged marriage with General Chu Xiu Ming.
Despite General Chu Xiu Ming's harsh reputation, Shen Jin finds herself enamored with him. However, adapting to her new life proved challenging for Shen Jin. Gradually, Shen Jin began to adjust and gain the Chu clan's trust.
Eventually, the political situation there began to stir. Shen Jin's family was therefore taken hostage and in order to save them, she was forced to spy on her husband.
15. Moonshine and Valentine
Being chased by a mysterious man who claims to be an otherworldly creature from the fox clan will definitely give you goosebumps. Guan Pipi (Victoria Song) experienced this when she was constantly approached by Helan Jingting (Johnny Huang).
At first, Guan Pipi dismisses the whole thing as a horrible nightmare. However, as time goes by and Guan Pipi falls in love with Helan, she also finds out about herself in the past.
In her previous life, Guan Pipi's reincarnation, Hui Yan, was matched with Helan. This match was meant to help Helan overcome her illness. Unfortunately, Hui Yan's rebirth comes with a curse that restricts her life for 25 years, and makes Helan try to free Guan Pipi from this haunting fate.
16. Pretty Man
Growing up as an illegitimate child, Lu Jin Nian (Xiong Zi Qi) experienced many hardships. As a quiet and introverted individual, he isolated himself from the outside world, including his half-brother. Determined to live his own life, Lu Jin Nian managed to become a famous actor and set up his own entertainment company.
However, in order to save his family's company, Lu Jin Nian made an unexpected deal with the person he hated the most, his stepmother. His stepmother asked him to become a fake bride, taking the place of her son who was in a coma.
More than that, his stepmother continued to do things that would destroy Lu Jin Nian's career. She did this because she hated Lu Jin Nian's mother for intruding into her household.
17. Eternal Love
Looking for a xianxia fantasy romance drama with a touch of matchmaking? Look no further than this much-loved Chinese series starring Yang Mi and Mark Chao.
The narrative introduces Bai Qian, heiress of the Qing Qui Kingdom, who disguises herself as a male under the name Si Yin to be disciplined and become a follower of the God of War, Mo Yuan. In the middle of her studies, a war occurs, which leads to Mo Yuan's self-sacrifice to seal the demon god.
After 70,000 years, the seal weakened, prompting Bai Qian to reseal it. She succeeded, but unfortunately lost her immortal powers as well as her memories and stayed in the mortal world.
One day, she met Crown Prince Ye Hua, the man she was actually supposed to marry in Heaven, but neither recognized each other's true identities. Love blossoms between them, launching a love story spanning 3 lives and 3 different realms.
18. Fake Princess
Chang Le (Eleanor Lee), a mountain bandit who has an affinity for a life of freedom and money, but her life changes when she is forced to become a fake bride for Crown Prince Li Chen (Zhao Yiqin).
Although she is already engaged, at first Chang Le finds palace life challenging. Her presence draws insults, until she adapts and grows within the royal environment.
Chang Le's transformation in demeanor and character captivates Crown Prince Li Chen, and sparks a deep affection. Nevertheless, the two hide their true intentions behind masks, forging a relationship that provides solace and mutual support.
19. Go Princess, Go!
Go Princess, Go! is based on the novel of the same name by Xian Chen. The story of this drama begins with Zhang Peng, a wealthy playboy, who stumbles into a swimming pool while running away from his former lover. After the incident, his soul is unexpectedly transferred into the body of Crown Princess Zhang Peng Peng.
Zhang Peng Peng was married to Crown Prince Qi Sheng through an arranged marriage. Ironically, Qi Sheng hated her. But interestingly, Zhang Peng Peng's brave, assertive, and masculine personality actually made Qi Sheng begin to be attracted to him.
Fun facts: "Go Princess, Go!" is the source material for the hit Korean drama "Mr. Queen," starring Shin Hye Sun and Kim Jung Hyun.
These Chinese drama recommendations cover a wide range of genres, from epic history to xianxia fantasy and contemporary romantic comedy. Regardless of the genre, each of the above dramas offers an interesting and captivating narrative. Which Chinese drama will you choose to enjoy in your leisure time this weekend?