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The Chinese drama scene is off to a vibrant start in 2025, with historical and fantasy dramas captivating audiences both nationwide and internationally. Several shows stand out with their compelling plot, charming characters, stunning visuals, and cultural depth. Among them, here are the top three currently airing dramas in China as of January 15, 2025, as per Guduo Popularity Index Ranking.
Topping the chart of the most popular currently airing dramas in China is Flourished Peony.
Flourished Peony tells the story of He Wei Fang (Yang Zi), the daughter of a merchant. With the support of Jiang Chang Yang, (Li Xian), she assembles a group of artisans and investors and started a business of cultivating peonies.
The story is set during the Tang Dynasty and follows He Wei Fang, who goes from a humble flower cultivator to gradually realizing her passion for benefiting society. Strong and intelligent, He Wei Fang dreams of taking control of her destiny, aiming to build a career around cultivating peonies. Whereas, Jiang Chang Yang is a free-spirited man, supporting He Wei Fang's ambitions on one hand while trying to maintain his own way of life on the other.
This drama vividly depicts the bustling life of Tang society. It is also reported that during production, the creators gave careful consideration to the cultural significance of peonies in Chinese tradition, conducting in-depth research on peony cultivation, peony culture, and peony-related industries in the process. Thousands of peonies and herbaceous peonies are reported to have been brought for the shoot, ensuring that every shot perfectly captures the charm and visual appeal of this beautiful flower.
In terms of visual presentation, Flourished Peony also captivates viewers with its lavish costumes and detailed makeup. The production team meticulously designed the characters' costumes, emphasizing vivid color combinations and intricate details to reflect the aesthetic preferences of Tang Dynasty society. The unique fashion features patterns like peonies, lotuses, and other elements, each carrying distinct meanings and denoting social status. Rich details, such as intricate embroidery, ornate belts, and luxurious headwear, highlight the elegance and nobility of the ancient literati and elites.
Moreover, viewers have also praised it for its deep exploration of human nature and aspirations, and the struggles of women in the Tang era. One can also notice the layers of metaphors and symbolism that reflect the struggles between ideals and reality, resonating with modern society.
Watch Flourished Peony on Viki, MGTV, and China Huace TV.
2. Guardians of the Dafeng
Next is one of the most-anticipated Chinese dramas of 2024, Guardians of the Dafeng.
Guardians of the Dafeng tells the story of a modern-day office worker, Yang Ling, who unexpectedly finds himself in the fantasy-filled world of the Dafeng Dynasty. There, he goes by the name of Xu Qi An (Dylan Wang), a Copper Gong tasked with solving cases for the people of Dafeng. Utilizing the knowledge and skills from his life in the modern world, including scientific knowledge and deductive reasoning, he successfully cracks a series of bizarre cases, earning the reputation of a master investigator in Dafeng.
Having recently surpassed the popularity index of 30,000 on Tencent Video, Guardians of the Dafeng is being praised for its light-hearted tone and comedy which balance out the suspense and mystery elements. Although the entire story is heavily focused on the lead character, Xu Qi An, and his exploits, it also explores how choices shape destinies, highlighting the impact individuals have on one another through their decisions. Among other things, the series also has excellent performances from Tian Xi Wei, Mao Xiao Hui, and Liu Yi Jun, among others.
Watch Guardians of the Dafeng on TencentVideo, WeTV, and Viki.
3. Moonlight Mystique
Coming third on the list is Moonlight Mystique.
Moonlight Mystique tells the story of Bai Shuo (Bai Lu), who has been seeking immortality since childhood. After an unexpected encounter with Fan Yue (Ao Rui Peng), the Demon King, the two embark on a journey to unlock the ancient divine artifact, the Wunian Stone. They face numerous trials in Ning'an City, Yiren City, Jingyou Mountain, Stone City, and Bodhi Village. Together, they battle monsters, vanquish demons, and go from using each other for their own benefit to growing through mutual inspiration. The C-drama also stars Dai Lu Wa, Chang Hua Sen, Han Dong, and Dai Si, among others.
One of the strongest aspects of this drama is its aesthetic sophistication. The production team is reported to have hired renowned costume designers to create exquisite outfits that merge traditional styles with modern elements. This unique design approach not only highlights the individuality of the characters but also conveys a fusion of ancient Chinese mythology and contemporary aesthetics. The costumes, with their vibrant colors, bring to life a world of fantasy. Furthermore, Bai Lu's hairstyle and makeup have become trending topics on Chinese social media.
Watch Moonlight Mystique on iQIYI.
Source: Guduo Media, Baidu
