F4, Revenge, And Romance: 9 Upcoming C-Dramas You Won't Want To Miss In 2018

2018 has already started off strongly with some awesome C-dramas, and it only gets better from here! Our favorite stars (as well as some incredibly adorable rookies) will be gracing us with their on-screen presence in these upcoming dramas that you won’t want to miss out on.

(Note: This list of dramas is not in any particular order. Also, the most current information available was used for release dates. Happy reading!)

“Only Side By Side With You”

Starring: William Chan, Bai Bai He, Qin Hai Lu, Li Xian

Release date: March 25, 2018

Nan Qiao (Bai Bai He) is a career-oriented woman who breaks up with her fiancé after catching him having an affair. Shi Yue (William Chan) was once an aspiring soldier, but is now a nightclub owner and a gigolo. When the two meet, Shi Yue discovers that Nan Qiao may be a key piece to his past. In an effort to discover the truth, he attempts to get closer to her and unexpectedly finds himself falling in love.

It’s William Chan and Bai Bai He. How can anyone not be excited for this? Also, can we take a moment to appreciate Bai He’s facial expression here? I mean, this is one female lead that should not be messed with…teddy bear or no teddy bear. And William Chan playing a young man shrouded in a mystery as dark as his past? You better believe I’ll be watching this one.

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“Ashes of Love”

Starring: Yang Zi, Deng Lun, Wang Yi Fei, Luo Yun Xi

Release date: April 16, 2018

Before Jin Mi (Yang Zi)’s mother dies, she gives her daughter a magic pill that prevents her from feeling any emotions connected to romance. When Jin Mi grows up, however, she becomes the object of affection for two heavenly deities, Xu Feng (Deng Lun) and Run Yu ( Luo Yun Xi.) Tricked into thinking her father died at Xu Feng’s hand, she kills him, coughing up the magic pill in the process. He is revived decades later as the Demon Lord, and wages war against Run Yu, who has become the Heavenly Emperor in the meantime.

From the bold color palette to the beautifully-manicured hairstyles, this drama looks like it’s going to be perfect for fantasy lovers! And if you’re sick of the typical love triangle trope, this one is definitely for you. Since when does the female lead kill one of her suitors, only to have him revived as the Demon Lord to fight off her other love interest?

“Meteor Garden”

Starring: Shen Yue, Dylan Wang, Darren Chen, Connor Leong, Caesar Wu

Release date: May 21, 2018

Upon getting accepted to the prestigious Ying De University, Shan Cai (Shen Yue) immediately clashes with the F4, a group of the richest and most powerful boys in school. Although F4’s hot-headed leader, Ming Si (Dylan Wang), targets her with his bullying, the spunky Shan Cai remains unperturbed. As she begins to find the good in the boys, unexpected friendships (and feelings) blossom.

I (along with many, many others) immediately fell in love with the cute-as-a-button Shen Yue in “A Love So Beautiful,” so when I heard that she was cast as the female lead in the “Meteor Garden” remake, you can imagine my excitement.

As for our new F4…prepare yourselves, viewers! These brand new rookies are oozing with bad-boy charm mixed with general adorableness, and we’re dying to see what they will bring to the screen.

“Jade Lovers”

Starring: Lee Jong Suk, Zheng Shuang

Release date: 2018

This romantic drama takes place in the 1930’s. Chen Xi (Zheng Shuang), a spunky young woman whose once-wealthy family is now bankrupt, encounters Luo Han (Lee Jong Suk), a seemingly calloused young man who is involved in some pretty shady dealings. Although he appears cold, he has a heart for Chen Xi.

The eye-catching costumes shown in the stills and trailer showcase the drama’s unique 1930’s backdrop. And that’s not the only thing unique about this drama. The highly anticipated Chinese-Korean collaboration was put off indefinitely after the Chinese ban on the Korean wave. However, due to the ban’s lift, reliable sources say the drama is approved to be aired this year.

Also, who doesn’t need a little more Lee Jong Suk in their life? And Lee Jong Suk with Zheng Shuang in a period piece full of romance and intrigue? I’m there.

“Legend of Fu Yao”

Starring: Yang Mi, Ethan Juan

Release date: 2018

Born from a divine lotus petal, Meng Fu Yao (Yang Mi) is a young woman with an unmatched fighting technique. Because of this, she is given the task of searching the land for the secret orders of the five kingdoms. Along the way, she falls in love with the crown prince, Zhangsun Wuji (Ethan Juan). Together, they fight political conspiracies and powerful enemies, all the while finding the true extent of what they mean to each other.

The visuals in the trailer and stills are just stunning. And with these two leads, I’m definitely anticipating some electric on-screen chemistry! Although, as much as I am a sucker for romance, I find it refreshing that the love story (although definitely present) seems to take the backseat to the action.

“My Story For You”

Starring: Luo Jin, Zheng Shuang

Release date: 2018

It’s 1998, and Chang Gong (Luo Jin) is a new graduate with big dreams. He begins dating the beautiful Mu Zi (Zheng Shuang), and gets a job in the IT industry. But when everything falls apart in the early 2000’s, the only thing he can fall back on is his talent as a writer.

I have a feeling I’m going to need a box of tissues for this one. Or two. Or three. Besides the nostalgia that’s bound to hit viewers, the inspiration of love so steadfast that it remains constant for so many years is reason alone to watch this one. A love story that spans through the decades? Yes, please!

“The Wolf”

Starring: Darren Wang, Li Qin, Xiao Zhan, Ding Yong Dai

Release date: 2018

Ma Zhai Xing (Li Qin) is the daughter of an official, who befriends a boy (Darren Wang) living in the mountains. One day, while trying to save wolf pups, the boy falls over the side of a cliff. Emperor Zhu Wen (Ding Yong Dai) finds him and adopts him as his own son.

10 years later, the boy has grown into a young man and meets Zhai Xing again. He admires her courage and intelligence, and she values his kindness despite his high status. The two decide to fight for justice in the kingdom and soon become entangled in a struggle for power.

Besides the gorgeous cinematography, “The Wolf” is another drama that puts emphasis on the action, while still containing romance. I’m looking forward to watching our two leads fight to keep peace in the land, all the while bonding together and realizing their childhood connection. We’re going to get much more than a simple love story, and I seriously can’t wait.

“The Rise Of Phoenixes”

Starring: Chen Kun, Ni Ni

Release date: 2018

As the illegitimate daughter of the Qiu clan, Feng Zhi Wei (Ni Ni) is banished from her family after being falsely accused of a crime. She cross-dresses as a man in order to attend the prestigious Qingming Academy, blowing everyone away with her intellect and talent.

Zhi Wei soon questions all she knows to be true when she finds out that she is the only surviving royalty of a fallen kingdom. Manipulation and deceit spur Zhi Wei to seek revenge against those who brought her loved ones to ruin, even if that includes her own lover, Ning Yi (Chen Kun).

Romance? Check. Revenge? Check. Super fierce girl dressing as a boy to show the world what she’s made of? Check. This drama has it all, and I can’t wait to watch the lovely Ni Ni showcase her talent with the wide range of acting ability that this role requires.

“The Story Of Ming Lan”

Starring: Zhao Li Ying, Feng Shao Feng

Release date: late 2018

Sheng Ming Lan (Zhao Li Ying) is the sixth child of her family. Her stepmother and half-sisters mistreat her, and she quickly learns to adapt to her surroundings by suppressing her emotions and hiding her intentions. Eventually she meets Gu Ting Ye (Feng Shao Feng), who initially dislikes her. After realizing how intelligent she is, however, he decides to help her, and the two eventually fall in love.

After Ting Ye becomes a powerful official, he and Ming Lan get married, and the power couple fight corruption while clinging desperately to the hope that they can one day have their happy ending together.

I can’t be the only one who loves that these two particular leads are playing a power couple in what sounds almost like a super intense Cinderella story. The veteran actors are sure to have magnetic chemistry on-screen – and I, for one, don’t want to miss it!

Comment below which dramas you’re most excited to see! Are they on the list? If not, which ones are you anticipating even more? Let me know!

actualeleven is an Asian drama enthusiast who loves a good cup of coffee almost as much as she loves KARD, INFINITE, and MONSTA X. She hopes to spread her passion for Asian dramas to her readers!

Currently watching: “The Flame’s Daughter” and “Tempted”

All-time favorite: “Shut Up! Flower Boy Band”

Looking forward to: “Only Side By Side With You” and “Meteor Garden“