Among all the storylines Asian dramas tend to follow, the “enemies to lovers” trope is among the most popular. It usually revolves around two people who start off as enemies or competitors, but they learn to set aside their differences with time. Eventually, they fall in love. These dramas can be set in any timeline, be it modern, contemporary, or traditional. This article features the Chinese dramas that follow this popular trope;
The Untamed (2019)
It is one of the most prominent Chinese BL dramas of all time. It features popular actors Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo in the main roles. A censored adaptation of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, it follows the story of Wei Wu Xian (Xiao Zhan), a talented martial artist.
After he dies under mysterious circumstances, Lan Wang Ji (Wang Yibo) performs a self-sacrificing ritual to bring him back to life. They team up to unveil the hidden truth that caused Wu Xian’s death. While investigating side by side, they develop feelings for each other. The Untamed is available to stream on Netflix, Tencent Video, We TV, and Viki.
A Dream of Splendor (2022)
Zhao Pan Er (Liu Yifei), the owner of a teahouse, travels outside the capital to find the truth after her fiancé leaves her for another woman. On the other hand, Gu Qian Fan (Chen Xiao) is a commander who was betrayed and ultimately framed by the people he was once loyal to. He intends to decode a twisted scheme involving the imperial court.
When the two cross paths, they get off on the wrong foot. Due to their past, they can not trust each other. Yet, eventually, they learn to ask for help and rely on each other to fulfill their own purposes. The question remains about how love will blossom between the two wronged individuals. The drama is available to stream on Tencent Video, We TV, Prime TV, and Viki.
The Long Ballad (2021)
This “enemies to lovers” costume drama, featuring Dilraba Dilmurat and Leo Wu in the lead roles, is set during the Tang Dynasty. In the middle of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Chang Ge (Dilraba Dilmurat) somehow manages to escape. Her whole family is slaughtered. She is infuriated and takes an oath to avenge her family. Thus, Chang Ge forms an army to confront the new emperor.
However, a sudden attack by the Eastern Turkic Khaganate forces interrupts her plans. General Ashile Sun (Leo Wu) spares her life but keeps her captive to use as his strategist. Eventually, they form a powerful military partnership and, later on, fall for each other. The Long Ballad is available to stream on Tencent Video, iQIYI, Netflix, and Viki.
Falling Into Your Smile
In this drama, Xu Kai plays the character of Lu Si Cheng. Lu Si is the captain of the gaming team ZGDX. It is one of the most popular teams in the world of e-sports. Lu Si is also mysterious and he likes to keep to himself.
As the team’s popularity grows, he decides to recruit a female gamer to help with the team’s PR. He meets Tong Yao (Cheng Xiao). Initially, he is not fond of Yao. However, as time goes by, the two start to form a bond and gradually fall in love. This series is available for streaming on Netflix.
Meteor Garden
This “enemies to lovers” Chinese Drama is a remake of the popular South Korean show Boys over Flowers (2009). Meteor Garden follows the story of Shan Cai (Shen Yue), a girl from an ordinary household who gets a scholarship and joins a prestigious elite school.
However, soon, her happiness fades when she finds that her classmates are elitists who want her out of the campus. Among them, four of her classmates, called by the name F4, are especially vicious. Yet, Shan Cai chooses to not give in to the situation. Her determination and diligence win their heart, and they slowly form a bond that soon turns into romance. Meteor Garden is available to stream on Netflix.
Everyone Loves Me (2024)
Yue Qian Ling (Zhou Ye) has a hopeless crush on her batchmate, Gu Xun (Lin Yi). However, when she confesses to him, Gu Xun not only turns her down but also humiliates her in front of the entire college. The rejection leaves her heartbroken, and she begins despising the man she once loved.
Meanwhile, Gu Xin is in love with his online video game partner, not knowing that it is none other than Qian Ling, the girl he rejected. In a turn of fate, they start working at the same company that develops games. Gu Xin soon comes to know about her real identity, and he does everything in his power to win back her love. However, Qian Ling completely ignores him and winning over her proves to be a challenge. Everyone Loves Me is available for streaming on Youku, Viki, and Netflix.
Other than these popular dramas, Till the End of the Moon (2023), Gen Z (2023), Our Interpreter (2024), The Legends (2019), Word of Honor (2021), The Eternal Love (2017), The Romance of Hua Rong (2019), A River Runs Through It (2021), Legend of Fei (2020) etc., are also worth mentioning.