7 Modern Chinese Dramas with High School Romance Trope, Warm and Realistic Touch

Kapanlagi.com - School love stories always hold a special place in the hearts of drama viewers. From the awkward first love, academic rivals turning into partners, to friendships that slowly develop into deeper feelings, everything feels simple yet leaves a lasting impression. Modern Chinese dramas successfully package high school romance stories with a warm and realistic touch that makes it easy for viewers to relate.

Not only focusing on romance, school-themed dramas often depict the journey of growing up, academic pressure, and family dynamics that resonate with today's youth. With a light yet emotional storyline and lovable characters, the following dramas are perfect for a relaxing watch while evoking nostalgia for youth. Here are recommendations for modern Chinese dramas with the high school romance trope that should be on your watchlist.

1. Our Secret (2021)

Classmate Becomes Lifelong Love (Credit: Mydramalist.com)

This drama tells the sweet story of Ding Xian and Zhou Si Yue's journey that begins in high school and continues through college. Zhou Si Yue is known as a genius and popular student at school, while Ding Xian is a cheerful and stubborn girl. Initially, they often argue due to their differing personalities, but their daily interactions lead them to start understanding each other. This slowly growing relationship eventually develops into love that accompanies their youthful journey.

Rating: 8.4 (MyDramaList)
Cast: Chen Zhe Yuan, Rainbow Xu, Wang Ze Xuan, Wang Yilan
Genre: Romance, Life, Youth
Streaming Platform: iQIYI, Viu
Number of Episodes: 24

2. Exclusive Fairytale (2023)

Childhood Friends Who Secretly Like Each Other (Credit: Mydramalist.com)

This drama tells the story of Ling Chao and Xiao Tu, two childhood friends who grew up together. Ling Chao is a genius child who always wants to be perfect, while Xiao Tu is the only person who truly understands him. Their relationship is filled with little competitions as well as a strong emotional closeness. As they grow older, Ling Chao begins to realize that his feelings for Xiao Tu are no longer just friendship.

Rating: 8.3 (MyDramaList)
Cast: Jun SEVENTEEN, Zhang Miao Yi, Xiong Ao Bao, Lv Zhao
Genre: Romance, Youth, Family
Streaming Platform: iQIYI
Number of Episodes: 24

3. Always Home (2025)

High School Friendship That Grows Together into Adulthood (Credit: Mydramalist.com)

This drama follows the journey of Chen Huan Er who moves to a big city and starts a new life in high school. She meets Jing Xi Chi and Song Cong, two friends who later become an important part of her life. From school days to graduation, they face various teenage experiences such as first love, family changes, and loss. Through this long journey, their friendship becomes a warm place to return to.

Rating: 8.6 (MyDramaList)
Cast: Zhai Xiao Wen, Yang Xi Zi, Daniel Zhou, He Qiu
Genre: Romance, Life, Youth, Drama
Streaming Platform: WeTV
Number of Episodes: 30

4. A River Runs through It (2021)

Friendship and Love That Comes at Unexpected Times (Credit: Mydramalist.com)

This drama tells the story of Xia Xiao Ju who has to transfer schools just before the university entrance exam. At first, she struggles to adapt, but a misunderstanding brings her together with a new group of friends. Together, they face academic pressure and complex friendship dynamics. As she enters the campus world, she must confront the bitter reality of unrequited love, unaware that someone has always been quietly supporting her.

Rating: 8.3 (MyDramaList)
Cast: Wang Rui Chang, Hu Yi Xuan, Chen Bo Hao, Qi Yan Di
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Life, Youth
Streaming Platform: Viki, Prime Video, YOUKU
Number of Episodes: 36

5. When I Fly Towards You (2023)

First Love That Changes the Way You See the World (Credit: Mydramalist.com)

This drama presents the story of Su Zai Zai, who instantly falls in love with the quiet student Zhang Lu Rang after transferring schools. Behind his academic achievements, Lu Rang harbors feelings of insecurity due to family pressure. The cheerful presence of Zai Zai gradually helps him find his true self. Together with their group of friends, their relationship develops naturally, presenting a warm and supportive teenage love story.

Rating: 9.0 (MyDramaList)
Cast: Zhou Yiran, Zhang Miaoyi, Bian Tian Yang, Jiang Zhi Nan
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Youth
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Number of Episodes: 24

6. You Are Desire (2023)

A Healing Reunion for Past Wounds (Credit: Mydramalist.com)

This drama follows Lin Yu Jing who has to move to a new city after her parents' divorce and becomes a classmate of Shen Juan, a student known for her temperamental nature. Their relationship gradually changes when they meet again in college. With the support of a new family and friends around her, Lin Yu Jing finds her direction in life, while Shen Juan slowly heals from past trauma through her presence.

Rating: 7.8 (MyDramaList)
Cast: Sabrina Zhuang, Zhou Yiran, Chen Heyi, Fan Shi Ran
Genre: Romance, Youth
Streaming Platform: iQIYI
Number of Episodes: 30

(kpl/flt)