9 Best Dramas Starring Chen Zhe Yuan
Chen Zhe Yuan, a Chinese actor who has recently become quite popular, is attracting a lot of attention. People are drawn not only to his good looks and charming personality but also to his impressive acting skills which have garnered much acclaim.
What sets Chen Zhe Yuan apart is his remarkable ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his eyes. Whether he's portraying happiness, sadness, curiosity, or anger, he skillfully communicates these feelings through his intense gaze.
Speaking of his acting abilities, Chen Zhe Yuan has taken on roles in numerous Chinese TV dramas. These dramas span different genres, from modern stories to historical sagas, and he consistently captivates the audience with his performances.
Since he embarked on his career in 2017, there's a collection of TV dramas featuring Chen Zhe Yuan that you should absolutely consider watching. Interested to know which ones? Our team at Showpoiler has compiled the list for you.
1. Hidden Love
Hidden Love (2023) is a drama featuring Chen Zhe Yuan that you should definitely consider watching. This drama achieved commercial success and significantly boosted Chen Zhe Yuan's reputation as a talented and eagerly awaited young actor.
The storyline is adapted from a web novel titled Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It by Zhu Yi. In this drama, Chen Zhe Yuan takes on the role of a character named Duan Jia Xu, while the female lead, Sang Zhi, is portrayed by Zhao Lu Si.
Duan Jia Xu is a close friend of Sang Zhi's brother, Sang Yan (Victor Ma). Duan Jia Xu is known for his vibrant personality, especially his handsome looks and charming demeanor that endear him to everyone. This includes Sang Zhi, a 14-year-old girl who falls for him at first sight.
However, Duan Jia Xu sees Sang Zhi differently. He sees her as his younger sister, someone he needs to protect. Yet, this perspective shifts as Duan Jia Xu encounters the now grown-up Sang Zhi. Her attention gradually kindles his own romantic feelings.
Yet, he grapples with a dilemma. It's not just because Sang Zhi is his best friend's younger sister, but he is also haunted by a painful past. Moreover, he fears that his past might negatively impact Sang Zhi.
When he was young, Duan Jia Xu's father was involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in a fatality. To avoid the consequences, his father chose to end his own life. Following this tragedy, Duan Jia Xu's mother passed away due to a terminal illness. He accumulated substantial debts to cover the victim's compensation and his mother's medical bills.
Will Duan Jia Xu ultimately overcome his past trauma and find the courage to express his feelings to Sang Zhi?
2. Our Secret
Our Secret (2021) is a romantic Chinese drama that earned an impressive rating of 8.6/10 on MyDramaList. This drama is known for its intense yet easily understandable storyline. In this drama, Chen Zhe Yuan takes on the leading role as Zhou Si Yue.
Zhou Si Yue is a freshman in college who holds both a positive and negative reputation among her peers. He is nicknamed "God" due to his reputation as a brilliant student. With consistently high grades and the ability to tackle any task effortlessly, combined with his attractive appearance, Zhou Si Yue garners admiration from everyone. However, beneath his academic success lies a determined and rebellious side.
Zhou Si Yue's life takes a turn when he crosses paths with Ding Xia (Xu Meng Jie), a carefree student. Ding Xia's attempt to enter the men's dormitory is caught by Zhou Si Yue. Unexpectedly, this encounter between the two leads them to discover important life lessons, including aspects of love, friendship, and their true selves.
3. Mr. Bad
Another best Chinese drama that is recommended for you to watch is Mr. Bad (2022). This drama gained popularity within the C-drama community due to its lighthearted plot and the strong chemistry between the lead actors.
In Mr. Bad, Chen Zhe Yuan takes on the role of Xiao Wu Di, also known as Xiao Xiong. His co-star, Shen Yue, portrays Nan Xing.
The story kicks off when Nan Xing, an amateur writer, accidentally brings the antagonist character from her novel into the real world. This character goes by the name Xiao Wu Di, and he's a martial arts expert with a brilliant mind. He excels at cleverly and shrewdly solving problems.
Since he's been unexpectedly summoned, Xiao Wu Di must adapt to the real world. As a result, he wants to make this transition as smooth as possible.
He then requests compensation from Nan Xing, who reluctantly agrees and ends up living in the neighboring apartment. Amidst the mixture of bewilderment and apprehension, Nan Xing finds herself with no choice but to accommodate Xiao Wu Di's demands.
This marks the beginning of the amusing and endearing exchanges between Xiao Wu Di and Nan Xing. As their interactions unfold, their initial disdain gradually transforms into affection. Can a genuine romantic connection blossom between two individuals hailing from such different worlds?
4. The Legend of Zu: Season 2
Just from its title, we can tell that it's a Chinese historical and action-packed drama. In The Legend of Zu: Season 2 (2018), Chen Zhe Yuan takes on the role of Yu Ying Qi, a knight, while Fortuna Yu portrays Yu Ying Nan.
Yu Ying Nan and Yu Ying Qi share a close bond as siblings who grew up together. However, there's a hidden truth that Ying Qi has never revealed to Ying Nan: they are not biologically related.
In the past, Ying Qi stumbled upon Ying Nan, a girl with amnesia. Refusing to abandon her, he gave her a new identity and treated her as his sister.
Meanwhile, Ying Qi's tribe has been enduring the effects of the Chihun Stone for years, leading them to live in a small village. To save their community, the siblings decide to become disciples of Bai Gu Yi (Nie Zi Hao), a famous warrior who serves as a hero and role model for Ying Nan.
During their training at Mount Zu, they encounter numerous challenges that test their abilities. And to Ying Nan's surprise, she finds herself falling in love with her own adoptive brother.
Interestingly, Ying Qi shares the same feelings, having harbored emotions for his adopted sister for a long time. Yet, the question remains: Should Ying Qi reveal the truth to Ying Nan? Will this honesty lead to love or complicate their relationship further?
5. Handsome Siblings
Adapted from the well-loved novel Juedai Shuangjiao by Gu Long, the drama Handsome Siblings (2020) aligns well with Chen Zhe Yuan's persona. This historical drama features a cast of popular actors. Chen Zhe Yuan takes on the role of Jiang Xiao Yu, while Hu Yi Tian portrays his twin, Jiang Feng.
These twin brothers are separated shortly after birth but grow up to become exceptional martial artists. Jiang Xiao Yu, also known as Xiao Yu Er, is raised by the Ten Great Villains in the Valley of Villains. He is groomed to become the top villain in the realm of martial arts. Over time, he masters numerous skills and gains a reputation as a playful troublemaker, even though his core nature is gentle.
Conversely, Jiang Feng, or Hua Wu Que, is Jiang Xiao Yu's twin sibling, raised within the palace. He regards Princess Yao Yue as his mother, despite her being the one responsible for parting him from his twin brother.
Princess Yao Yue's heartache caused by their father drives her to intentionally separate the twins, aiming for them to confront each other in the future. However, circumstances change as a grave threat to the martial arts world emerges. In response, Jiang Xiao Yu and Jiang Feng decide to put aside their differences and collaborate to address the impending conflict.
6. Renascence
Another captivating historical and action drama featuring Chen Zhe Yuan that comes highly recommended is Renascence (2020), adapted from a graphic novel called The Cry of the Phoenix that Reached Ninth Heaven. Despite its complex premise, the storyline is presented coherently, making it easily comprehensible.
Set in the early 12th century, Renascence unfolds in a land called Da Chu, where war rages and corruption festers within the imperial court. The story begins with the cruel emperor (Johnny Zhang) and his accomplices orchestrating the murder of Empress Yao Mo Xin (Chen Yan Qiu).
Fuelled by a desire for vengeance, the spirit of the empress enters the body of her sister, Yao Mo Wan (Li Mo Zhi), with the intent of seeking revenge. Disguised as Yao Mo Wan, Empress Yao Mo Xin endeavors to infiltrate the imperial palace. Along her journey, she crosses paths with Ye Jun Qing (Chen Zhe Yuan), a young prince of the Da Chu Kingdom.
Empress Yao Mo Xin in the guise of Yao Mo Wan, and Prince Ye Jun Qing, work together to uncover evidence of the king's corrupt activities. In fact, their ultimate goal is to assist Prince Ye Jun Qing in claiming the throne and dethroning the wicked emperor. Will their attempts prove successful?
7. Detective Chinatown
Detective Chinatown (2020) is a contemporary drama that combines elements of thriller, action, and crime genres. This show serves as a spin-off of the original Detective Chinatown (2015) drama and boasts a cast of accomplished actors. Among them is Chen Zhe Yuan, who portrays a character named Noda Koji. It's important to note that even though he is the main character, Chen Zhe Yuan's appearance is limited to episodes nine through twelve.
The story centers around Lin Mo (Roy Chiu), a student of the top detective in Chinatown. Well-known for his exceptional problem-solving skills, this detective has successfully tackled challenging cases, including the "Four-Faced Buddha" in Bangkok and the "The Name of the Rose" in Kaohsiung.
In one instance, Lin Mo collaborates with Noda Koji, the leader of a Japanese detective group called Crimastes. Noda Koji is no ordinary individual; he comes from a prestigious and influential family in Japan, positioning him as an heir to substantial wealth.
Amidst this wealth, Noda Koji faces significant issues with his own brother, stemming from a contentious battle over their inheritance. This rivalry gives rise to a plethora of complications. With the assistance of Lin Mo, Noda Koji embarks on a journey to uncover various mysteries within his own family.
8. She is Beautiful
If you're into office romance themes, consider adding the Chinese drama She is Beautiful (2018) to your list. It narrates the story of Zhang Xiao Na, portrayed by Zhang Xing Yi in the lead role. Chen Zhe Yuan, although a supporting actor, is also part of the cast.
The storyline follows Zhang Xiao Na, who now holds the position of content department president at a digital company. Despite her impressive career, Zhang Xiao Na struggles with a lack of confidence due to a birthmark on her face, which she feels affects her appearance.
Facing numerous rejections from men and unsuccessful attempts with dating agencies, Zhang Xiao Na's brother, Lu Xiao Wei (Chen Zhe Yuan), secretly enrolls her in a matchmaking service. This decision leads Zhang Xiao Na to a singles event, where she encounters Chang Qing (Guo Jing Fei).
While they seem to connect well, Zhang Xiao Na remains oblivious to the fact that Chang Qing is actually the technical director at her workplace. This revelation sparks frequent conflicts between them. Nevertheless, their undeniable attraction gradually evolves into love.
9. Hello Dear Ancestors
Hello Dear Ancestors (2018) is another romantic comedy-drama featuring Chen Zhe Yuan as the main character, Zhen Jun.
Set during the Han Dynasty, Zhen Jun is the son of a noble family. However, his life becomes endangered due to a power struggle within his own family.
In a critical moment, Zhen Jun finds himself trapped and cornered. With no way to escape and facing imminent danger, he reaches the edge of a cliff. Faced with a desperate situation, Zhen Jun makes a decision to end his life by jumping off the cliff.
Unexpectedly, an otherworldly being comes to Zhen Jun's aid. In his unconscious state, this entity places him in a room to recover from his injuries.
Fast-forward to the year 2020, Zhen Jun awakens from his prolonged sleep. To his surprise, he discovers that he now possesses extraordinary powers. Moreover, Zhen Jun finds himself utterly bewildered by the vastly different world he wakes up to. The modern world is drastically distinct from what he once knew.
What transpired during Zhen Jun's time of absence, and how did he gain these newfound abilities?
Those are some of Chen Zhe Yuan's dramas that you might find interesting to watch. Chen Zhe Yuan is an actor who does a lot of acting work. That's why we can likely expect to see even more shows featuring Chen Zhe Yuan in the future, covering a wider range of genres and story concepts.