The Chinese love their country; however, they are equally fond of Foreign Destinations, be it for holidays or studies, or destination weddings; Chinese people look for a reason to travel the world. But here's the thing: the choices for their foreign visit have more similarities than differences, and not surprisingly, their dramas have significantly influenced them. Moreover, being featured in Chinese Drama is a free advertisement for the spot. Like you have your favorites, Chinese Drama has its favorite here top 10 most featured foreign destinations.
1. USA
Now here comes the most popular foreign destination among almost all Chinese Dramas. Getting a USA citizenship is a dream come true for all Chinese side characters in Chinese Dramas; furthermore, to portray someone with extreme intelligence to have a degree from the USA is a must. Thanks to a decade-long soft power that the USA enjoys almost in every country, preparing a perfect reason to spam-featuring the USA in their dramas.
2. France
Now is the time for big daddies to show up on the list, starting with the country of elite skilled men in Chinese Drama, whether it's renowned chefs, designers, teachers, or anything. The influence is too massive in C-drama when someone is from France. France remains the apple of the eye in Europe for Chinese production houses. The reason for it is vague; however, the results are as clear as the sky.
3. South Korea
Another neighboring country of China has made it to the list, and why not? Remember, every time a side character goes to study somewhere, which country is it, South Korea?? And did you wonder, how many, how many Chinese have jobs in South Korea in Chinese Drama? The results aren't an exaggeration. Furthermore, unlike our mister four, South Korea doesn’t receive as much hate from the average Chinese citizen, increasing its acceptance and featuring in Chinese Drama. That is why the country has made number third on the list.
4. Japan
Now, this might be controversial because Japan is not in the good books of average Chinese citizen; then, why would it will in the top list of featured countries in Chinese Drama whose entire consumer base is made up of them? To an extent, it might be accurate; however, when you are a dramaholic, it is not valid. For demonstration's sake, try to recall the last five dramas you have watched and the times when Japan has mentioned; if you are not living under a rock, you will get it. Despite not being shown in Drama directly, the mention count of Japan in Chinese Drama is astonishing.
5. England
Once their mortal enemy, the colonizer empire who had colonized Hong Kong and still had partial authority over it intrigues the Chinese Population to their culture well. In addition to it, who doesn't have the curiosity to see the royal palace? The novelty of Chinese people has been addressed in Chinese Dramas well. Because of their moments, history, and soft power, Chinese Dramas usually feature England. Just like New Zealand, England is overly featured only in London, marking the famous landscape of the country, such as Tower Bridge.
6. Spain
Here’s come our first European country on the list. While Thailand has booked Chinese Drama for the romantic genre, Spain has reserved Chinese Drama for the historical genre. Because the majority of dramas that had filmed in Spain happened to be historical. Thanks to a diverse landscape, and a rich cultural heritage offering unique visual and cultural elements, be it architecture, scenic countryside, and historic landmarks suiting for requirements of historical drama without any pre-worry. The location of Spain in Chinese dramas usually does the part for romantic trips. A popular drama, “Tears in Heaven”, had partially filmed in Spain, portrays the Spanish filming locations for the couple’s romantic trip.
7. Australia
Again neighbor country of Number 10, Australia, is popular among general Chinese individuals for their higher education. Still, it is more popular in Chinese Drama because of its picturesque locations and not require any language knowledge except English, causing relative ease to the crew for work with locals. Although Australia has been a hotbed for various dramas, the popularity of location among production houses has declined in recent years. Instead, the majority of its vacant space have filled by New Zealand; however, the country has proved itself an impeccable location for the Chinese Drama during the 2010s, making it no. 7.
8. Thailand
For Chinese dramas, Thailand is a mood setter for romance. Why, you can ask? The answer lies in the quantity of romantic Chinese Dramas shot in Thailand. The majority of Chinese drama shots in Thailand happened to be romantic. The easy access, affordable production cost in Thailand, and local support make it better for Chinese production houses to shoot in Thailand. Like the number 9, Thailand is getting featured more & more in recent dramas. The reason can vary from an increased curiosity of local viewers and better budgets to the cost-effectiveness of Thailand. Nevertheless, all of it contributed to Thailand to number 8.
9. New Zealand
Being a country in Oceania, having beautiful landscapes that showcase comes in handy for ideal Chinese drama scenes' for shots of mountains, waterfalls, and forests while maintaining the environment of a foreign country with white and English-speaking citizens, with stunning. Auckland city is the apple of the eye for Chinese drama directors when shooting in New Zealand. The country is increasing its feature in new Chinese dramas.
10. Singapore
Being a modern and cosmopolitan city with a good mix of Chinese culture and other cultures, it set up a perfect place for a production crew to work, as it feels like a home away from home. In addition, Singapore's government offers an incentive to production houses to Shoot in Singapore. Thus, it decreases Chinese Dramas relatively. The majority of dramas filmed in Singapore have been filmed partially, causing the nation's low rankings.
