Best Novel-Based Chinese Dramas List

Some of the most famous Chinese dramas have been adapted from novels. These shows are popular not only in China but all over the world. The premises of such adaptations are usually set in the present or the past. At the same time, these storylines are faithful to the books or web-novels from which they are adapted.

The listicle below explores well-received shows based on novels written by prominent novelists, ranging from Go Go Squid to Word of Honor.

Love Like the Galaxy 1 & 2 (2022)

Love Like the Galaxy is an adaptation of Guan Xin Ze Luan’s novel Xing Han Can Lan, Xing Shen Zhi Zai. It consists of two parts, both of which came out in July 2022. Ling Buyi (Leo Wu), the fierce general of the king’s army, is troubled by his past. While on a mission, he meets Cheng Shao Shang (Zhao Lusi), a girl who has been abandoned by her parents.

Even though she is uneducated and has never had a loving family, Cheng Shao Shang catches Buyi’s attention because of her witty and determined nature. In a twisted turn of fates, they end up getting engaged. The question remains as to whether they will be able to overcome their hardships and find comfort in each other.

Viewers can watch both the seasons of Love Like the Galaxy on iQIYI and WeTV.

Nirvana in Fire (2015)

An adaptation of Hai Yan’s Lang Ya Bang, the backdrop of this political Chinese drama is set in sixth-century China. The Emperor of Great Liang orders the unjust execution of his brother-in-law, Marshal Lin Xie, alongside the entire Lin family, his 70,000 army soldiers, and Crown Prince Qi. Lin Xie’s son, Lin Shu, somehow escapes the execution and secretly undergoes surgery.

However, it changes his appearance entirely and weakens him so much that he considers giving up martial arts. In fact, Lin Shu even changed his name to Mei Chang Su. Later championed pugilism and established the Jiangzuo Alliance. Several years later, Mei Chang Su returned to the capital. He decides to covertly assist Prince Jing, the disadvantaged son of the Emperor, in his fight for the throne.

Nirvana in Fire is available to stream on Prime Video and Viki.

Legend of Fuyao (2018)

This drama is an adaptation of Tian Xia Gui Yuan’s novel Empress Fuyao. Xuan Yuan Sect had adopted Fuyao (Yang Mi) as a child. She spent her entire life as a slave. After encountering a series of tragedies, she embarks on a journey to free herself from the curse that wrecked her life.

While searching for a way to turn her tragic life, she meets the Crown Prince of Tianquan, Zhang Sun Wu Ji (Etan Juan). After the two fall in love, Wu Ji helps her find her true identity.

Legend of Fu Yao is available to stream on iQIYI, Viki, and Prime Video.

Go Go Squid! (2019)

Adapted from Mo Bao Fei Bao’s novel Stewed Squid with Honey, the drama follows the story of Tong Nian (Yang Zi), a computer science genius who falls for Han Shang Yan (Li Xian) at first sight. Shang Yan is an e-sports legend, but he retired due to some misunderstandings. On the other hand, Tong Nian has gained significant fame and has lots of followers.

Unfortunately, she fails to gain his attention, even after making desperate efforts. Yet, as circumstances change, Shang Yan begins to see her in a new light. Gradually, she helps him get over his past trauma.

The drama is available to stream on Netflix, Viki, and WeTV.

Word of Honor (2021)

This popular BL Chinese drama is an adaptation of Priest’s novel, Faraway Wanderers. After Zhou Zhishu (Zhang Zhehan) and Wen Kexin (Gong Jun) unite in the martial arts realm, their lives are completely transformed.

Zhishu has only a few months left to live. Kexin can sense his situation and wants to help him. The duo grow closer as they investigate a series of conspiracies together.

Word of Honor is available for streaming on Netflix.

Eternal Love (2017)

It is an adaptation of Tang Qi Gong Zi’s web novel Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms. It is a Xianxia drama that tells the story of Bai Qian (Yang Mi), a nine-tailed fox who reincarnates in the mortal realm while trying to reseal a demon.

However, Bai Qian is timid in her new life, unlike her past self. Bai Qian meets the crown prince Ye Hua (Mark Chao), who resembles her former lover from her past life, Mo Yuan (Mark Chao). The duo ends up falling in love.

Viewers can stream Eternal Love on Netflix and Viki.

The Princess Royal (2024)

This period romance Chinese drama is an adaptation of Mo Shu Bai’s The Grand Princess and features Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai in the lead roles. It follows the story of Li Rong (Zhao Jinmai) and Pei Wen Xuan (Zhang Linghe), who get married at a very young age. Although they were fond of each other at first, their relationship turned bitter as time passed, and Li Rong fell for someone else.

Meanwhile, Wen Xuan entirely devotes himself to serving his nation. Conspirators use this situation and turn them against each other, which leads to their murder. However, a supernatural phenomenon brings them back in time, and they wake up in the year of their wedding. Although they want to stop the marriage before the situation escalates, they eventually fall for each other.

The Princess Royal is available to stream on Youku, Netflix and Viki.