24 Chinese School Romance Dramas That Bring Nostalgia, Romance, and Feels

Kapanlagi.com - Have you ever felt your heart race when you see someone's smile from afar? Or felt the first tremors of puppy love that make your days feel more vibrant? The Chinese school romance dramas that evoke nostalgia bring all those memories back to the surface. This genre successfully transforms past memories into heartwarming viewing experiences.

The presence of school-themed dramas in China is not just entertainment. They serve as a mirror for many to remember the times when everything felt simpler. From first love stories to enduring friendships, each tale has its own charm. The Chinese school romance dramas that evoke nostalgia can transport viewers back to those laughter-filled and tearful school days.

Every generation has different school memories. However, these dramas unite the same feeling: longing for the past. In this article, KapanLagi summarizes 24 of the most memorable titles from various sources, Sunday (19/7/2026). From classics to newly aired ones, all are worthy of your watchlist. Check out the complete recommendations below.

1. A Love So Beautiful (2017)

A Love So Beautiful (2017). (Image: IMDb)

This drama tells the story of Chen Xiaoxi, an ordinary girl who falls in love with her neighbor and childhood friend, Jiang Chen. Jiang Chen is a popular, intelligent, and handsome student. Chen Xiaoxi is not shy about expressing her feelings from high school to adulthood.

Starring Hu Yitian and Shen Yue, this series became a phenomenon in its time. The long and winding story of love struggles successfully touched the hearts of many viewers.

2. When I Fly Towards You (2023)

The story begins when Su Zaizai meets Zhang Lurang on a rainy day. Su Zaizai is a cheerful girl who becomes the light for the quiet and insecure Zhang Lurang. This series stars Zhou Yiran and Zhang Miaoyi.

This drama features five friends who grow up together from high school to adulthood. Its light and fresh storyline allows viewers to feel the warmth of friendship and first love.

3. My Huckleberry Friends (2017)

Also known by the title Hello, Old Days, this drama stars Li Landi and Zhang Xincheng. The story centers on Yu Zhouzhou and Lin Yang who reunite at Zhenhua High School. They go through various ups and downs together with their classmates.

This series is part of the highly popular Zhenhua trilogy. Its story highlights themes of friendship, dreams, and love that blossom during adolescence.

4. With You (2016)

With You (2016). (Image: IMDb)

This drama stars Liu Haoran and Tan Songyun. The story follows the journey of Geng Geng, an ordinary student who accidentally gets into a prestigious high school. There, she meets and sits next to Yu Huai, an outstanding student.

Their story portrays the dynamics of the relationship between a smart student and an ordinary student who complement each other. This series is adapted from the highly famous novel by Bayue Chang'an.

5. Sweet First Love (2020)

Starring Ren Shihao and Xu Yating, this drama tells the story of Su Nianfeng who loses her memory due to an accident. She lives with her adoptive brother, Su Muyun, who secretly loves her.

Su Nianfeng is determined to enter medical school to help her sick friend. This story depicts the complicated relationship between two individuals who grew up under the same roof.

6. Lovely Us (2020)

This series is directed by Mao de Shu and stars Li Mingde and Tian Xiwei. Set in 2007, this drama follows five friends who grow up in the same housing community.

They call themselves "Group Number 1992". The story highlights their journey from middle school to high school, filled with dreams and the first feelings that blossom.

7. When You Be Me (2022)

When You Be Me (2022). (Image: IMDb)

Starring Zhou Yiran and Ma Sichao, this drama raises the theme of soul exchange. Mu Xiangxiang is a girl without a background and friends, while Qiao Nan is a proud child of a wealthy family.

An event causes them to swap bodies and live each other's lives. This story is unique because it combines fantasy elements with a touching school drama.

8. Our Secret (2021)

This drama is adapted from a popular novel and stars Chen Zheyuan and Xu Mengjie. The story follows the love journey of Ding Xian and Zhou Siyue from high school to college. Zhou Siyue is Ding Xian's childhood fiancée who always protects him.

Their relationship is filled with secrets and unexpressed feelings. The series successfully showcases the strong chemistry between the two main actors.

9. Shining for One Thing (2022)

This unique drama combines the school genre with fantasy and mystery. Starring Zhang Jianing and Qu Chuxiao. The story centers around Lin Beixing who accidentally travels back to the past through her old phone. In the past, she meets Zhang Wansen, a student she has always ignored. This series presents a sweet yet sad love story with an intriguing time plot.

10. A Little Thing Called First Love (2019)

A Little Thing Called First Love (2019). (Image: IMDb)

This drama is adapted from the popular Thai film of the same name. Starring Lai Guanlin and Zhao Jinmai. The story follows the journey of Xia Miaomiao, a shy girl who falls in love with Liang Younian, a popular student at school. Xia Miaomiao tries to improve herself to attract the attention of her crush. This story teaches about the process of self-growth through first love.

11. I Don't Want To Be Friends With You (2020)

This drama stars Chen Haoyu and Zhuang Dafei. The story follows Li Jinbu, a high school student who magically travels back 20 years in time. There, she meets and befriends her own teenage mother. This series is unique as it explores the parent-child relationship from a different perspective. The story is entertaining yet touching, highlighting intergenerational understanding.

12. Remember My Boy (2021)

Based on a novel by Jian Man, this drama stars Zhou Keyu and Zhu Linyu. The story centers on Zhang Yang, a popular student at school, and Zhou Jingmang, a quiet girl. Together with their friends, they navigate high school days filled with dreams and challenges. The series also features their reunion as adults and the resolution of past conflicts.

13. Exclusive Fairytale (2023)

Exclusive Fairytale (2023). (Image: IMDb)

This drama is adapted from the novel Rabbit Overwhelms the Grass. Starring Wen Junhui and Zhang Miaoyi, the story follows Ling Chao, a quiet and high-achieving student, and Xiao Tu, a clumsy girl who has been his neighbor since childhood. They grow up together in a relationship filled with love and hatred, with support from family and friends helping their relationship develop.

14. Flourish in Time (2021)

Starring Deng Enxi and Zhang Linghe, this drama tells the story of Lu Miao and Jiang Haoyue. They grow up together like siblings after Lu Miao's father hits Jiang Haoyue. Lu Miao protects Jiang Haoyue from bullying due to her condition. Over time, Lu Miao realizes her feelings for Jiang Haoyue are more than just sibling love. This story touches on sacrifice and love that grows from guilt.

15. Don't Disturb My Study (2021)

This drama stars Lai Guanlin and Li Landi. The story follows Nan Xiangwan, a 28-year-old HRD director who suddenly returns to high school. She must repeat her senior year in a class full of talented students. Nan Xiangwan is determined to get into a prestigious university while facing various distractions. The series combines elements of time travel with academic struggles.

16. Time and Him are Just Right (2022)

Time and Him are Just Right (2022). (Image: IMDb)

Adapted from a novel by Jiang Mutong, this drama stars Lu Yuxiao and Wu Junting. The story follows Lin Xi, who intentionally approaches Ji Junxing, a cunning high-achieving student. In her efforts to become friends, they end up falling in love and growing together. The series also showcases their journey in pursuing their respective dreams. The story illustrates how a person can change due to the influence of others.

17. Meeting You (2020)

This drama stars Guo Junchen and Wan Peng. The story follows Nan Xi, a quiet student who struggles to socialize. Her life changes when she meets Xia Rui, a girl who helps her open up. This series is known as a warm healing-themed drama. Its story teaches that every encounter has its own meaning in a person's life.

18. Put Your Head on My Shoulder (2019)

This drama is adapted from a novel by Zhao Qianqian. Starring Xing Fei and Lin Yi. The story follows Situ Mo, a college student who is confused about her future. Her life changes when Gu Weiyi, a genius physics student, enters her life. They accidentally become roommates, and their relationship develops from there. The series is light and entertaining with a fresh touch of comedy.

19. Love O2O (2016)

Love O2O (2016). (Image: IMDb)

This drama is adapted from a novel by Gu Man. Starring Zheng Shuang and Yang Yang. The story centers on Bei Weiwei, a computer science student who is also an excellent gamer. She meets Xiao Nai, a popular student and top game player. Their relationship begins in the virtual world and becomes real in the campus world. This series became one of the most iconic school dramas of its time.

20. Skate Into Love (2020)

This drama stars Wu Qian and Zhang Xincheng. The story follows Tang Xue who reunites with Li Yubing, her elementary school classmate. In the past, Tang Xue often teased Li Yubing, but now Li Yubing has become a star ice hockey player at campus. Both pursue their dreams in ice sports while navigating a complicated relationship. This series became the first drama in China to highlight the theme of ice sports.

21. The Best of You in My Mind (2020)

Adapted from the novel Buttercream Crush by Zhu Yi. Starring Song Yiren and Zhang Yao. The story follows Lin Xichi, a girl from a broken home, and Xu Fang, a proud skilled archer. They have been childhood friends who secretly harbor feelings for each other. Their relationship is filled with competition and adorable temptations. This series successfully portrays the dynamics of love that grows from friendship.

22. Unrequited Love (2021)

Unrequited Love (2021). (Image: IMDb)

This drama is part of the Zhenhua trilogy along with With You and My Huckleberry Friends. Starring Hu Yitian and Hu Bingqing. The story follows Luo Zhi, who has secretly loved Sheng Huainan since childhood. They reunite in Zhenhua High School and later at the same university. This tale depicts the struggles of unrequited love that lasts for 15 years. The drama is touching as it raises the theme of unreturned love.

23. Hidden Love (2023)

This drama is adapted from the popular novel by Zhu Yi. Starring Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan. The story follows Sang Zhi, who secretly has a crush on her older brother's classmate, Duan Jiaxu. Their relationship begins when Duan Jiaxu helps Sang Zhi face a teacher at school. Over time, Sang Zhi's feelings develop into deeper love. This series has become one of the most popular school dramas in 2023.

24. Meteor Garden (2018)

This drama is adapted from the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango. Starring Shen Yue and Wang Hedi. The story follows Dong Shancai, an ordinary girl who enters an elite university. There, she meets F4, the most influential student group on campus. Conflicts with the leader of F4, Daoming Si, lead Shancai into an unexpected love story. This series is a remake of the very famous classic version.

25. Questions About Chinese School Romance Dramas

1. What are the most popular Chinese school romance dramas?

Some of the most popular titles include A Love So Beautiful, Hidden Love, When I Fly Towards You, With You, and Meteor Garden. These dramas have received widespread acclaim for their relatable stories and the impressive performances of the cast.

2. Where can I watch Chinese school romance dramas?

Most of these dramas are available on streaming platforms like Youku. Some can also be accessed through international services such as Netflix, Viki, and iQIYI.

3. What makes Chinese school romance dramas so appealing?

This genre successfully evokes nostalgia for school days. The simple yet relatable stories make it easy for viewers to connect. In addition, the beautiful visuals and the performances of the young actors are also a unique attraction.

4. Are there any Chinese school romance dramas adapted from novels?

Almost all the dramas on this list are adapted from popular novels. Some well-known authors such as Bayue Chang'an, Zhao Qianqian, and Zhu Yi have many works that have been brought to the screen. These adaptations are usually faithful to the original story, satisfying the novel's readers.

5. What are the recommendations for the latest Chinese school romance dramas?

For the latest shows, When I Fly Towards You (2023), Hidden Love (2023), and Exclusive Fairytale (2023) are great choices. All three offer fresh stories with more modern production while still capturing the heartwarming essence of school dramas.

(kpl/bim)