Watching Mandarin Chinese dramas is an enjoyable and effective way to improve your language skills, especially if you’re aiming to advance from conversational to more complex levels. These shows not only enhance your listening skills but also introduce you to new vocabulary. Many Chinese dramas come with Chinese subtitles, providing an excellent opportunity for reading practice.

Even if you’re not in China, you can access a variety of engaging Chinese TV shows to aid your learning journey. Here are some top recommendations:

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

1. 西部世界 (Xībù shìjiè) — Westworld (2016-present) A futuristic park where androids fulfill visitors’ fantasies, leading to moral dilemmas and rebellion.
2. 黑镜 (Hēi jìng) — Black Mirror (2011-present) Anthology series exploring the dark and often dystopian aspects of modern society and technology.
3. 异星觉醒 (Yìxīng juéxǐng) — The Expanse (2015-present) Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, this series blends politics and space exploration.
4. 奇幻森林 (Qíhuàn sēnlín) — The Magicians (2015-2020) A university setting where students learn magic, discovering darker forces and challenges.
5. 阴阳师 (Yīnyáng shī) — Onmyoji (2021-present) Based on Japanese folklore, this series follows a mystical onmyoji dealing with supernatural beings.

Crime and Mystery

6. 破冰行动 (Pòbīng xíngdòng) — Ice Breaking Operation (2019) A gripping crime drama revolving around the fight against drug trafficking in China.
7. 无证之罪 (Wúzhèng zhī zuì) — The Untamed (2019) A crime-solving drama with a complex plot and rich character development set in a historical Chinese backdrop.
8. 重案六组 (Zhòng àn liù zǔ) — Criminal Minds: China (2014-2017) An adaptation of the American show, focusing on a specialized team solving complex criminal cases.
9. 全职高手 (Quánzhí gāoshǒu) — The King’s Avatar (2019) An intense look at the world of competitive gaming and the mysteries surrounding its champions.
10. 法医秦明 (Fǎyī Qín Míng) — Medical Examiner Dr. Qin (2016-present) A forensic scientist solves intricate cases using his expertise and forensic techniques.

Historical and Period Dramas

11. 甄嬛传 (Zhēn huàn zhuàn) — Empresses in the Palace (2011) A historical drama set in the Qing dynasty, exploring palace intrigue and power struggles.
12. 宫锁心玉 (Gōng suǒ xīn yù) — Palace: The Lost Daughter (2011) A romance and intrigue-filled story set in a historical palace.
13. 大明宫词 (Dàmíng gōng cí) — The Palace of Desire (2006) Set during the Tang Dynasty, focusing on palace life and political machinations.
14. 三生三世十里桃花 (Sānshēng sānshì shílǐ táohuā) — Eternal Love (2017) A tale of love across multiple lifetimes set in a fantasy world.
15. 铁道游击队 (Tiědào yóujīduì) — Railway Guerrilla (2020) A war drama centered around resistance fighters during the Japanese occupation of China.

Romance and Drama

16. 步步惊心 (Bùbù jīng xīn) — Scarlet Heart (2011) A modern woman travels back to the Qing Dynasty, entangled in palace romance and intrigue.
17. 步步惊心：丽 (Bùbù jīng xīn: lì) — Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) A Korean adaptation of the Chinese original, with a similar plot set in a historical Korean context.
18. 何以笙箫默 (Héyǐ shēngxiāo mò) — My Sunshine (2015) A touching love story about two individuals reuniting after years apart.
19. 择天记 (Zé tiān jì) — Fighter of the Destiny (2017) A romance and adventure series with fantasy elements and martial arts.
20. 遇见王沥川 (Yùjiàn wáng lì chuān) — When a Snail Falls in Love (2016) A romance drama with a police procedural backdrop, featuring an intense love story.

Modern Drama

21. 在一起 (Zài yīqǐ) — In the Name of the People (2017) A political drama focusing on anti-corruption efforts and power struggles.
22. 青春环游记 (Qīngchūn huán yóu jì) — Youth Travel Diary (2020) A reality show combining travel and youth, with insightful stories and experiences.
23. 我的前半生 (Wǒ de qiánbànshēng) — The First Half of My Life (2017) A modern drama exploring the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.
24. 都挺好 (Dū tǐng hǎo) — All Is Well (2019) A family drama that delves into sibling rivalry and family dynamics.
25. 延禧攻略 (Yánxǐ gōnglüè) — Story of Yanxi Palace (2018) A palace drama with intrigue, romance, and political machinations set in the Qing Dynasty.

Comedy and Slice of Life

26. 欢乐颂 (Huānlè sòng) — Ode to Joy (2016) A slice-of-life series following five women living in the same apartment complex.
27. 小欢喜 (Xiǎo huān xǐ) — A Little Reunion (2019) A drama-comedy focusing on family life and the pressures of high school.
28. 她的生活 (Tā de shēnghuó) — Her Life (2020) A light-hearted drama about a woman’s everyday experiences and career challenges.
29. 爸爸去哪儿 (Bàba qù nǎr) — Dad, Where Are We Going? (2013-present) A reality show featuring celebrity fathers and their children on various adventures.
30. 非诚勿扰 (Fēi chéng wù rǎo) — If You Are the One (2008-present) A dating show with humor and heartfelt moments, exploring modern relationships.

Thriller and Suspense

31. 无声的证言 (Wú shēng de zhèngyàn) — Silent Evidence (2022) A gripping thriller with a focus on crime-solving and justice.
32. 诛仙 (Zhū xiān) — The Legend of Chusen (2016) A fantasy drama with elements of suspense, focusing on magical battles and dark secrets.
33. 猎狐 (Liè hú) — Fox Hunting (2020) A crime drama about a team of investigators pursuing international criminals.
34. 黑色灯塔 (Hēisè dēngtǎ) — Black Lighthouse (2021) A suspenseful series with a dark atmosphere and intricate plot twists.
35. 追踪 (Zhuīzōng) — Trace (2022) A high-stakes thriller revolving around a mysterious disappearance.

Action and Adventure

36. 扫黑风暴 (Sǎo hēi fēngbào) — Storm of the Black Hole (2021) A powerful action drama focusing on anti-corruption and organized crime.
37. 铁拳 (Tiěquán) — Iron Fist (2017) A superhero series with martial arts and action, based on the Marvel Comics character.
38. 红色 (Hóngsè) — Red (2016) A historical action drama set during the revolutionary era.
39. 神雕侠侣 (Shén diāo xiá lǚ) — The Return of the Condor Heroes (2014) A classic martial arts drama based on Jin Yong’s novel.
40. 大漠谣 (Dàmò yáo) — The Deserted (2018) An action-packed series set in the historical desert landscape.

Family and Relationships

41. 家的N次方 (Jiā de N cì fāng) — The Nth Degree of Home (2020) A family-centric drama exploring the complexities of domestic life and relationships.
42. 生活广角镜 (Shēnghuó guǎngjiǎo jìng) — Life Wide Angle (2019) A drama focusing on family bonds and the trials of modern life.
43. 老爸老妈的浪漫史 (Lǎo bà lǎo mā de làngmàn shǐ) — The Romance of Dad and Mom (2018) A humorous and heartwarming series about an older couple rediscovering love.
44. 亲爱的, 热爱的 (Qīn ài de, rè ài de) — My True Friend (2019) A modern romantic drama featuring a relationship challenged by life’s trials.
45. 金牌客服部 (Jīnpái kèfú bù) — The Gold Medal Customer Service (2021) A workplace drama with a focus on customer service and professional relationships.

Youth and Coming-of-Age

46. 最好的我们 (Zuì hǎo de wǒmen) — The Best of Us (2016) A coming-of-age story about high school students navigating friendships and first loves.
47. 致我们单纯的小美好 (Zhì wǒmen dānchún de xiǎo měihǎo) — A Love So Beautiful (2017) A sweet high school romance that follows the lives of young lovers.
48. 无声的告白 (Wú shēng de gàobái) — Silent Confession (2022) A youth drama about young adults facing personal and social challenges.
49. 生活大爆炸 (Shēnghuó dà bàozhà) — The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) A comedy series that has been dubbed into Mandarin, blending humor with nerd culture.
50. 青春寄语 (Qīngchūn jìyǔ) — Youthful Messages (2022) A drama about the struggles and dreams of young people as they embark on adulthood.

By incorporating these TV shows into your study routine, you’ll gain exposure to various aspects of Chinese culture and language. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there’s a Mandarin drama out there that can help you elevate your skills while keeping you entertained.