Chinese dramas have become famous for their beautiful scenery, historical dramas, and charismatic and charming characters. If you are interested in experiencing Shanghai through Chinese dramas, here are the top 10 Chinese dramas set in Shanghai, China.
1. Rebel
The Rebel is a Chinese history drama starring Jo Bo Ah, Lee Jae Wook, Jung Ga Ram, Uhm Ji Won, and Park Byung. It has one season. It was released in 2021. It has 43 episodes. The story is set in 1930. It is about a student in the China Reconstruction Society cadre training class. He was taken to Shanghai to participate in the arrest of an underground party. There, he has to face several challenges and missions.
2. Ode To Joy
Ode to Joy is a Chinese drama starring Wang Ziwen, Qiao Xin, Liu Tao, Yang Zi, and Jiang Xin. It has four seasons. It was released in 2016. It has 42 episodes. It is a story about five women in their twenties and early thirties. They are all from different backgrounds in society but are brought together in an apartment called “Ode to Joy.”
3. Thin Ice
Thin Ice is a Chinese drama starring Peng Guan Ying, Chen Yu Qi, and Fu Da Long. It has one season. It was released in 2023. It has 40 episodes. It is a story set during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japan sent spies to Shanghai, searching for information about uranium mines in China. It is about a conspiracy going on between these wars.
4. We Are All Alone
We Are All Alone is a Chinese romance drama starring Qin Lan and Godfrey Gao. It has one season. It was released in 2020. It has 36 episodes. It is a story about Mo Xiang Wan. She suffers from multiple crises as a staff of her company. In between these struggles, she navigates her life, finds many life-changing truths about society and herself, and reclaims the road to success once again.
5. My Best Friend's Story
My Best Friend's Story is a Chinese drama starring Ni Ni and Liu Shishi. It has one season. It was released in 2020. It has 38 episodes. It is a story about two stunningly beautiful and talented best friends. This friendship shows the bond between friends, the ups and downs they have to go through, and how they tackle all the challenges coming their way together.
6. Dear Missy
Dear Missy is a Chinese drama starring Gina Jin, Li Yitong, and Zhang Xiaoqian. It has one season. It was released in 2020. It has 24 episodes. It is a story about two women who, despite having different and contrasting personalities, have a strong bond and care for each other very much. Though their friendship broke down during graduation, they reconnected even after nine years.
7. The First Half Of My Life
The First Half of My Life is a Chinese drama starring Jin Dong and Ma Yili. It has one season. It was released in 2017. It has 42 episodes. It is a story about a simple-minded and kind housewife. Her life drastically changed after an unexpected divorce.
8. You Are My Destiny
You Are My Destiny is a Chinese drama starring Xing Zhao Lin and Liang Jie. It has one season. It was released in 2020. It has 36 episodes. It is a story about On-board a cruise ship bound for the Bahamas, two people from separate worlds have a chance encounter. They find themselves coming closer and transforming into each other’s destiny.
9. Arsenal Military Academy
Arsenal Military Academy is a Chinese romance drama starring Xu Kai and Bai Lu. It has one season. It was released in 2019. It has 48 episodes. It is a story about a dedicated and talented girl. She enrolls at the Arsenal Military Academy in Shunyuan disguised as a male. In her disguise, she encounters the hot-headed and rude Gu Yanzheng.
10. Detective L
Detective L is a Chinese drama starring Una, Ji Chen, and Bai Yu. It has one season. It was released in 2019. It has 24 episodes. It is a story about a young graduate from the police academy who finds herself working with a renowned detective and police consultant.
