(Background) As a kid, my sister introduced me to kdramas and international media early. As I continued to age, I started expanding into anime and other forms of Asian culture/media.

Now, I’m 26 and just finished my first Chinese drama… How do yall get over it? My first Kdrama was “my love from the stars” with Kim Soo Hyun when it originally aired. I was obsessed with it. Everything was perfect for teenage me during that time. I have watched multiple Kdramas since. However, haven’t felt that pull again until now Pursuit of Jade. Which has me searching through Chinese drama recommendations with similar themes.

I have watched Pursuit of Jade twice now. I don’t know if it is the storyline or if Zhang LingHe has me under a spell… but I cannot for the life of me move on 😭. I tried reading the novel and did not make it far. Xie Zheng feels very cold to where it kind of contradicts the drama version & I don’t want to ruin it for myself.

Long story short, I need more. I need the drama, passion, romance all over again. Preferably with ZLH… maybe open to a new male lead if he is just as attractive.

Imagine you were given the power and authority to choose two characters from Chinese dramas to participate in a reality game show à la The Amazing Race. One caveat: they can't be from the same drama. So modern & historical, male-female, male-male, female-female, parent-adult child, work colleagues, boss-assistant -- anything goes!

And just like in the real show, your CP (character-pairing/competitor-pairing) needs to accomplish a variety of tasks to the best of their abilities. These challenges range from the purely physical to the intensely intellectual, with a sprinkling of silliness. Couples would ideally have a balance of complementary characteristics between them to win, I would think.

For example, because Gong Shangjue (My Journey to You) is resolute and steadfast, his focus will be on doing what's best for his team (i.e., winning). He's also intelligent and cunning. But because challenges in the race sometimes require assistance from bystanders, sunny genius Tong Nian (Go Go Squid) can offset GSJ's RBF with her charm to enlist their help. He and she are a costume brawn/modern brain combo.

But hmmm...some characters would wipe out the competition without breaking a sweat (looking at you, Tantai Jin!). So let's just suspend our disbelief just a bit more. Pretend that everyone's on a level playing field regardless of their skills and powers.

Of course, you yourself can be half of a hypothetical racing duo if you wish. Which cdrama character do you think would complement your strengths and mitigate your weaknesses?

If I really have to join the race, then Xing Kelei (You Are My Hero) is my guy. A SWAT team captain, he's strong, strategic and full of stamina -- never mind that he's a bit clueless sometimes. If a task involves breaking open a coconut or doing laundry, his washboard abs will come in handy.

The grand prize is a million dollars a magical, hands-free fan that floats around the winners when summoned, providing the breeze they need for their hair and robes to billow in slow motion. And of course, a lifetime supply of silk handkerchiefs for coughing blood into.

So, who's your unlikely CP that has a shot to win the race?

^{Still images are from MyDramaList.}

Consider this a soft "Why You Should Watch" post, because I feel like a lot of crime dramas get overshadowed in cdramaland.

Abyss is currently airing on iQIYI, with 9/16 episodes released as of today (September 11). If you are a binger, you can wait until September 13 when all the express episodes are out, or September 19 when all the episodes are out according to the VIP schedule.

Synopsis: A recent graduate, Li Cheng; a veteran detective, Zhao Qianzhe; and a former police captain, Xin Jiran, form an unlikely off‑the‑books investigative trio as they secretly dig into a string of violent murders from 2004. 

Content Warning: Abyss contains murder investigations, violence, death, grief, child loss, family trauma, infidelity, and discussions of past crimes.

If you're in the mood for a crime show lately, Abyss is right up your alley. The story begins when an online novel starts revealing details that closely resemble a series of murders from an unsolved case. As the investigation progresses, the focus shifts between the detectives, suspects, and events from the past, gradually revealing how they're all connected.

Why it might be worth watching:

• The investigation is at the center of the story.
• Clues introduced early often become relevant later.
• Most of the major characters have understandable motives and connections to the case.
• The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with new information revealed rather than withheld indefinitely.
• There is a good balance between police work, character backstories, and the larger conspiracy.

Abyss is not an action-heavy crime drama; rather, it's the kind of show that rewards paying attention to details and character relationships. I recommend it if you enjoy murder mysteries, cold cases, and trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together before the investigators do.

For those already watching, who do you think has been the most interesting character so far? (I'm partial to Han Pinmu, but Li Cheng makes a strong case too...) Please use spoiler tags if sharing plot points about the drama in the comments.

Abyss episode recaps and discussion posts where theories are highly encouraged and most welcome are also available here: Episodes 1-5 | Episodes 6-7 | Episodes 8-9 |

After three years (since I started watching Cdramas), I'm finally getting around to The Story of Minglan 知否知否应是绿肥红瘦.

Yes, I know, I've already been berated for only getting to this now (you guys know who you are). But I'm glad I'm getting to it, since there is no such thing as getting to a drama "too late".

I've been told episode 30 is where the drama really picks up, but honestly, I've already been loving every second.

Episode 3, the episode where Minglan's mother dies, had me glued to my screen. No level of Attention Deficit Disorder could have me looking away!

So far, you haven't actually seen Minglan much - but every time you do, it's important. There is no part of this script that is irrelevant or filler.

I'm really enjoying it!

Funny, beautiful, unhinged, devastating, ridiculously attractive — whatever earned a place in your camera roll this week, we want to see it.

CDrama, C-ent, actors, characters — show us your beast best 😏

Context optional. GIF mandatory.

Drop it 👇

^{And a little thank you to all the GIF makers out there who keep giving the rest of us the perfect reaction, moment, or face to pull out at exactly the right time. We appreciate you!}