Best Chinese Drama Recommendations 2025 with Strong Female Leads

Kapanlagi.com - Chinese dramas always have a unique way to captivate audiences, especially through tough female characters who are determined and headstrong. The year 2025 is no less exciting with a series of new titles featuring strong female characters, who are brave in making decisions and not easily defeated by circumstances. Their stories are not just about love, but also about struggles and ambitions that inspire.

For those of you who enjoy dramas with female protagonists who have strong convictions and are not afraid to challenge fate, this list of the best Chinese dramas of 2025 is a must-add to your watchlist. Come on, check it out in full only on KapanLagi.com!

1. The Legend of Shen Li

A.Synopsis

The Chinese drama The Legend of Shen Li tells the story of Shen Li, a female general from the demon world who is known for her strength, toughness, and determination. After growing weary of endless warfare, she decides to leave her throne and descend to the mortal world in search of a new life. Unexpectedly, in the human world, she meets Xing Yun, a mysterious figure from the divine realm who turns out to have a fateful connection with her.

Their meeting opens a complicated and emotional love story. From a relationship filled with conflict, they gradually discover the true meaning of sacrifice and love that transcends the boundaries of worlds. With stunning visuals and a flowing plot, the Chinese drama The Legend of Shen Li offers a viewing experience full of surprises.

B.Cast and Production Team

This series stars Zhao Liying as Shen Li and Lin Gengxin as Xing Yun. This duo previously captured attention through the popular drama Princess Agents, and now they return to act together with increasingly mature chemistry.

In addition to them, several supporting actors also strengthen the story, such as Xuan Lu, Zeng Li, and Liu Guanlin, each bringing their own color to the plot of the drama.

This drama is created by director Deng Ke, known for high-quality fantasy works. The story is adapted from a popular novel by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, who also writes stories themed around the world of gods and demons.

Release Schedule

This wuxia fantasy series has officially aired and completed its 39 episodes. The airing of the Chinese drama The Legend of Shen Li began on March 18, 2024, and ended on April 5, 2024.

This drama is broadcast almost every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday, through the original television network Hunan TV as well as major streaming platforms like Mango TV, Tencent Video, WeTV, and Viki. Availability on various platforms makes access to watch the Chinese drama The Legend of Shen Li very easy.

2. The Legends

The Legends - Copywriting: MyDramaList

A. Synopsis

The Chinese drama The Legends tells the story of Lu Zhaoyao, a brave girl living a simple life with her grandfather in the mountains. Her life changes when she accidentally releases Li Chenlan, the son of the Demon King who had been sealed away. Although she initially intends to help, Zhaoyao feels betrayed and faces a tragic fate while trying to reclaim the magical sword that was meant to be hers.

Several years later, Li Chenlan appears as the leader of the Demon Sect, which is now in power. Zhaoyao, who has been reborn in another body, is determined to seek revenge. However, her revenge plan changes as she slowly realizes that feelings of love still exist between them. The internal struggle between love and hate is the core of the story in the Chinese drama The Legends, presenting an emotional journey that captivates from start to finish.

B.

Cast and Production Team

The Chinese drama The Legends stars Bai Lu as Lu Zhaoyao, a strong and spirited female character, and Xu Kai as Li Chenlan, a gentle-hearted man with great power. Their chemistry successfully draws the audience into every scene filled with conflict and romance.

In addition to them, supporting actors like Xiao Yan and Dai Xu strengthen the story with characters that add depth to Zhaoyao and Chenlan's journey. This drama is crafted with beautiful cinematography, intense fight choreography, and a strong script that makes the plot flow naturally and easy to enjoy.

C. Release Schedule

The Chinese drama The Legends has completed all of its episodes and can be watched in full. The series consists of 56 episodes (for the TV version, and 55 episodes for the online version), and premiered on January 28, 2019, ending on April 3, 2019.

This drama originally aired on Hunan TV and the streaming platform iQiyi, and is now available on various streaming services like Viki and iQIYI with complete subtitles. The success of the Chinese drama The Legends proves that fantasy stories with strong female protagonists always have a place in the hearts of viewers.

3. Love Like the Galaxy

Love Like the Galaxy - Copywriting: MyDramaList

A. Synopsis

The Chinese drama Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 tells the story of Cheng Shaoshang, a smart but headstrong girl who grows up without parental affection. After enduring many trials in life, she begins to understand the meaning of love and trust when faced with Ling Buyi, a young general known for his cold demeanor but who harbors a great secret.

Their story continues with various new obstacles, including family conflict, betrayal, and past truths that slowly come to light. Amidst inner turmoil and palace pressures, Cheng Shaoshang and Ling Buyi learn to accept old wounds while keeping their love alive.

With intense emotions and mature characters, the Chinese drama Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 offers a realistic and heartfelt journey of love, while depicting the strength of women in facing a harsh world.

B. Cast and Production Team

This drama stars Zhao Lusi as Cheng Shaoshang and Leo Wu as Ling Buyi. Their chemistry remains a major attraction, showcasing a relationship full of push and pull between love and trust.

In addition to them, several supporting actors such as Guo Tao, Zeng Li, and Xu Jiao strengthen the story with characters that have their own conflicts. Directed by Fei Zhenxiang, this drama highlights beautiful cinematography details, magnificent costumes, and a storyline that flows gently yet is full of surprises.

C. Release Schedule

The Chinese drama Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2 premiered on July 27, 2022, and received an extraordinary response from viewers. To this day, this drama remains a hot topic among fans of the historical romance genre thanks to its touching storyline and emotional dialogue.

4. The Long Ballad

The Long Ballad - Copywriting: MyDramaList

A. Synopsis

The Chinese drama The Long Ballad is set during the Tang Dynasty and follows the journey of Li Chang Ge, a princess who loses her family due to a coup. She disguises herself as a man to escape and seek revenge. Along her journey, Chang Ge meets Ashina Sun, a leader of a nomadic tribe who initially becomes her enemy. However, over time, the two come to understand each other and collaborate against a great threat that endangers the country.

This drama depicts how Chang Ge grows into a strong figure who learns that true strength comes not only from the sword but also from the heart and wisdom. The emotionally charged and strategic storyline allows viewers to feel the main character's inner conflict amidst the turmoil of war and love.

B. Cast and Production Team

The Chinese drama The Long Ballad stars Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Chang Ge, Leo Wu as Ashina Sun, Zhao Lusi as Li Leyan, and Liu Yuning as Hao Du. The chemistry between the main characters is one of the main attractions of this drama. Directed by Zhu Ruibin, this drama is adapted from the famous comic by Xia Da that has been a huge success among fans.

C.Release Schedule

The Chinese drama The Long Ballad premiered in China in 2021 with a total of 49 episodes. For international fans, this series can be watched on various official streaming platforms that feature Chinese dramas with Indonesian subtitles.

For those looking for a show with a strong female lead and a thrilling storyline, this drama is a must-watch on your list, only on KapanLagi.com!

5. Story of Kunning Palace

Story of Kunning Palace - Copywriting: MyDramaList

1. Synopsis

The Chinese drama Story of Kunning Palace follows the tale of Jiang Xuening, a noblewoman who was once an empress but met a tragic end due to a coup. She comes back to life in the past and is determined to redeem her mistakes. This time, Jiang Xuening chooses to stay away from power, but fate brings her back to the palace and reunites her with Xie Wei, a mysterious man who slowly wins her heart.

This story depicts the struggles of a smart, brave, and stubborn woman facing palace politics and complicated love.

2. Cast and Production

This drama stars Bai Lu as Jiang Xuening and Zhang Linghe as Xie Wei, directed by Zhu Ruibin. An adaptation of the novel by Shi Jing, it features beautiful cinematography and strong characters that captivate the audience.

3. Release Schedule

Good news for fans, the Chinese drama Story of Kunning Palace has completed its airing period. The series, consisting of 38 episodes, premiered on November 7, 2023, and concluded on November 25, 2023.

The drama aired on the Original Network iQiyi and is also available on various streaming platforms such as WeTV and Prime Video, ensuring easy access for global viewers to dive into this drama-filled and intriguing tale of reincarnation.

6. Arsenal Military Academy

Arsenal Military Academy - Copywriting: MyDramaList

A.Synopsis

The Chinese drama Arsenal Military Academy is set during wartime, when China is struggling to defend its sovereignty. Xie Xiang, a brave girl, disguises herself as a boy and uses her brother's identity to join the military academy. This decision leads her to a new life that is tough and full of challenges.

At the academy, she meets Gu Yanzhen, a cheerful and arrogant wealthy young man, and Shen Junshan, a calm and intelligent young officer. Together with them, Xie Xiang undergoes rigorous training, faces tests of friendship, and becomes involved in a major conspiracy that threatens the country. In the process, her secret as a woman slowly begins to unravel and changes everything.

The story of the Chinese drama Arsenal Military Academy combines tension, a spirit of nationalism, and warm romance. The character Xie Xiang is portrayed as stubborn yet unyielding, making her an inspiring figure in a male-dominated world.

B. List of Cast and Production Team

This drama stars Bai Lu as Xie Xiang, Xu Kai as Gu Yanzhen, and Li Chengbin as Shen Junshan. The chemistry between the actors successfully brings the story to life and makes it touching.
Directed by Hue Kaidong and produced by Yu Zheng, this drama features beautiful cinematography and a realistic military era atmosphere.

C.Release Schedule
The Chinese drama Arsenal Military Academy has completed its full airing (48 episodes). It premiered on August 6, 2019, and ended on September 6, 2019, broadcasted through iQiyi.

7. Love and Redemption

Love and Redemption - Copywriting: MyDramaList

A.Synopsis

The Chinese drama Love and Redemption follows the story of Chu Xuanji, a naive girl born without six senses, often considered weak. However, behind her weakness lies a great strength that she has yet to realize. One day, she meets Yu Sifeng, a talented disciple from a powerful sect whose life is full of secrets and past wounds. Their meeting brings significant changes to both of their fates.

Over time, Xuanji and Sifeng become involved in a complicated love story, colored by conflicts between the human world and the world of gods. They must face a tragic destiny that has been predetermined for thousands of years. This story highlights not only romance but also the journey of discovering the meaning of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

B. Cast and Production Team

This drama stars Yuan Bingyan as Chu Xuanji and Cheng Yi as Yu Sifeng. Their chemistry is one of the main attractions of this series. Enhanced by the performances of Zhang Yuxi and Liu Xueyi, the drama comes alive with stunning visuals and an emotional storyline.

Directed by Yin Tao, the Chinese drama Love and Redemption is adapted from a popular fantasy-romance novel. With beautiful cinematography and subtle visual effects, this drama successfully captivates audiences in various countries.

C.Release Schedule

The Chinese drama Love and Redemption premiered in August 2020 and is available on various official streaming platforms with Indonesian subtitles.

8. A Journey to Love

A Journey to Love - Copywriting: MyDramaList

A.Synopsis

The Chinese drama A Journey to Love tells the story of Ren Ruyi, a former member of a secret force who is intelligent, brave, and stubborn. After leaving service, she unexpectedly becomes involved in a dangerous mission with Ning Yuanzhou, the leader of an elite group known for being cold and strategic.

On their journey to protect the king from a neighboring country, they face various dangers, betrayals, and political conflicts. Gradually, their relationship evolves from tense cooperation to mutual trust and sincere love. This drama highlights the struggles of two strong figures who risk everything for the truth and hope for peace.

B.Cast and Production Team

This drama stars Liu Shishi as Ren Ruyi and Liu Yuning as Ning Yuanzhou. Both deliver stunning performances with intense and emotional chemistry.

Supported by talented supporting actors like Fang Yilun, Chen Youwei, and He Landou, who strengthen the dynamics between the characters. This drama is directed by Zhou Jingtao and Zou Xi, with a total of 40 episodes featuring stunning visuals and an intricate storyline.

C.Release Schedule

The Chinese drama Love and Redemption has completed its airing period. This series, consisting of 59 episodes, aired from August 6, 2020, to September 10, 2020.

This series was broadcast on Mango TV, Tencent Video, and Youku, and can be watched on various global streaming services like Viki and Prime Video, making it easy for fans to follow this epic and tearful love journey.

(kpl/chn)