The cliché “first marriage, then love” is a perennial favorite in Chinese dramas, offering a unique blend of initial tension, unexpected cohabitation, and the slow, satisfying ardor of developing genuine affection. Over the past decade, numerous series have refined this concept, ranging from intense historical settings to lighthearted modern tales.
Here are the top 10 Chinese romantic dramas of the “marriage first, then love” decade that fans must watch:
1. Love heals
Adapted from Ji Xiangye’s novel, this medical novel stars Wang Churan and Peng Guanying as former lovers-turned-colleagues. After years of estrangement, Ruan Liuzheng reunites with her ex-husband, Ning Zhiqian, a top neurosurgeon determined to make amends. Through shared struggles and newfound trust, they gradually heal old wounds and fall in love again.
2. Fall before the fireworks
This drama tells the tender and realistic love story between Siqing (Lu Yangyang) and Jingchen (Chen Xinhai), two people from completely different worlds. Peace is sought in the countryside; the other battles for survival in the bustling city. Despite their contrasts, fate intertwines their paths, leading them to a sweet and sincere love story, founded on authenticity and emotional depth.
3. The sword and the brocade
Set during the Ming Dynasty, this historical masterpiece stars Tan Songyun as Luo Shiyi Niang, the daughter of a concubine forced into marriage to Duke Xu Lingyi (Wallace Chung). What begins as a cold, strategic union blossoms into mutual respect and affection as Shiyi Niang’s intelligence and grace win over her husband, proving that love can blossom even in the most limited circumstances.
4. Start a new life
A delightful historical romantic comedy starring Tian Xiwei and Bai Jingting, it follows a marriage of convenience between the carefree Li Wei and the reserved Prince Yin Zheng. What begins as an awkward arrangement turns into a partnership full of laughter, affection, and growth. The show’s brilliant visuals, charming humor and dynamic chemistry make it one of the most refreshing dramas of the decade.
5. Unforgettable love
Wei Zheming plays He Qiaoyan, a cold but devoted CEO raising his young nephew. To comfort the boy, he impulsively marries psychologist Qin Yiyue, creating funny and touching moments as the trio learns to become a family. Balancing comedy and emotion, this drama shows how love can be formed through care and companionship rather than passion alone.
6. My heroic husband
A creative twist on the trope, this drama blends time travel with romance. A modern businessman accidentally finds himself in ancient China, trapped in the body of a “useless” son-in-law named Ning Yi. Using his modern knowledge, he helps his wife Su Tan’er (Song Yi) transform the family business and discovers a true partnership in the process. Smart, funny and surprisingly powerful.
7. Perfect and casual
When an uptight professor (Miles Wei) and a cheerful student (Xu Ruohan) enter into a fake marriage to please his ailing grandfather, neither expects to develop real feelings. As they navigate everyday life together, their differences merge in affection, creating one of the most fascinating “contractual marriage” love stories of recent years.
8. Once we get married
A business deal gone wrong forces fashion designer Gu Xixi (Wang Yuwen) and CEO Yin Sichen (Wang Ziqi) into a three-month fake marriage. Between constant arguments and an undeniable attraction, their fake relationship soon becomes dangerously real. The lighthearted tone and sizzling chemistry make it a must-see for fans of modern romantic comedies.
9. The prisoner of beauty
This historical drama brings together Liu Yuning and Song Zuer in a turbulent love story between enemies-turned-lovers. General Wei Shao forces his rival’s daughter, Qiao Man, to marry as part of his revenge, but as they endure battles and betrayals together, hatred slowly turns to passionate devotion. A visually stunning and emotionally charged period piece.
10. The Glory
Loosely based on the novel The Hard to Get Noble Lady, this drama follows the noblewoman Zhuang Hanyan (Chen Duling), who returns from exile seeking revenge. His path crosses with the mysterious prince Fu Yunxi (Xin Yulai), a man burdened by illness and secrets. What begins as a union of convenience evolves into a bond of trust, healing and redemption, blending intrigue and sweeping romance.
From arranged marriages born of duty to modern contracts of convenience, these dramas prove that love doesn’t always start with sparks: sometimes, it’s the quiet moments of understanding that make hearts burn the brightest. Whether you want elegant period storytelling or contemporary emotional warmth, these ten titles perfectly capture the magic of falling in love after saying “I do.”
Sources: Kenh14,WeTV,iQIYI,Tencent Video,Youku
