Recent Must-Watch C-Dramas on the Supernatural, Crime, and Women in News
The latest binge-worthy C-dramas, the real story behind China’s most “European” small town, and how an all-female Chinese opera form reimagines century-old love stories—all in this month’s newsletter
Hello TWOC readers!
China’s film industry has slogged through a lackluster year—few box-office hits, fewer critical standouts—and much of that comes down to how audiences are changing. With endless entertainment options at their fingertips, young viewers simply aren’t flocking to theaters the way they used to.
Drama series, meanwhile, is having a moment. Throughout the year, a steady stream of fresh, buzzworthy shows has kept audiences hooked. And now, as winter settles in and the holidays draw near, it’s prime time to grab a blanket, curl up on the couch, and binge through some of the best C-dramas this season with the people you love. To help you get started, TWOC has rounded up the most raved-about titles for your holiday watchlist.
Read on to find out more!
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Binge-Worthy C-Dramas of the Winter Season 2025
From supernatural detective tales from ancient China to the fast-paced newsrooms of modern Hong Kong, here are eight Chinese drama series you shouldn’t miss. Read more
Qingtian: China’s “Little Europe” with a County-Town Heart
Often celebrated online for its European flair as the hometown of countless Chinese diaspora, this small mountain town’s true essence lies in the lives of those who left, stayed, and returned—shaping it over generations. Read more
The All-Female Opera Reimagining Freedom, Love, and Fantasy
Yue opera, originated in Zhejiang and known for its gender-bending roles and progressive stage design, is building a feminist dreamscape for a new generation. Read more
Chinese You Need
War of Words: How Chinese College Students and Professors Survive the Thesis Season
Under the looming pressure of graduation and thesis defense, students and their mentors have resorted to academic sarcasm to cope with stress. Learn how to humorously express academic frustration in our language column
Where We’re Traveling
War Relics, Durian Slippers, and Magical Encounters in Dongxing, China’s Southern Border
Located at the southern tip of Guangxi and carrying the nickname of China’s Gate (国门), Dongxing is China’s only border city with Vietnam that is connected by both land and water. The city carries traces of recent war history, cross-cultural connections, and hidden stories that quietly reward the curious. Read more
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Urban Renewal: China’s Urbanization Is Entering a New Phase
As high-rise residential complexes age and the real estate market cools, residents face the pressing challenge of maintaining and repairing their buildings. Traditional shopping centers are also losing ground to online retail. Discover how Chinese cities are entering a new phase, driven by the urgent need for upgrade. All this and more in our latest magazine issue. Support on-the-ground reporting from China—get your copy today!