Recommendations for Chinese Dramas with a Marriage Arrangement Theme, Love Stories from Unplanned Marriages

Kapanlagi.com - Hello, Chinese drama lovers! The theme of arranged marriages always has its own charm because it often presents marriages without love that arise from family coercion, political interests, or unexpected situations.

From cold relationships full of misunderstandings to love that slowly grows amidst conflict, dramas with arranged marriage themes successfully deliver emotional romances that draw viewers into their feelings. Not only set in modern times, similar stories also frequently appear in costume dramas rich in intrigue.

Here are recommendations for Chinese dramas with a marriage arrangement theme that are worth adding to your watchlist.

Read other articles on the same topic at Liputan6.

1. Recommendations for Chinese Dramas about Matchmaking

(credit: mydramalist)

ROMANCE WITH BLIND MASTER (2023)

This short drama scored 7.4 on MyDramaList and tells the story of Ruan Qingtian, who is forced to become the personal assistant of Ren Hao Ming, a blind businessman with a tough personality. The initially tense working relationship gradually evolves into an unexpected romance through emotional daily interactions.

THE LEGEND OF YUNXI (2018)

With a rating of 8.1, this epic drama follows Yunxi, a genius medicine girl who is forced to marry for the sake of the empire. This political matchmaking opens the door to a love story that grows amidst palace intrigues and power struggles.

INTENSE LOVE (2020)

Scoring 8.2 on MyDramaList, this drama highlights the matchmaking between genius doctor Zhou Shi Yun and popular actress Su Jian Bei. The initial rejection turns into a bold one-sided love struggle filled with sweet moments.

LOVE FROM DIVORCE (2023)

This short drama with a rating of 7.1 tells the story of Wen Lan, who loses her memory and is forced to marry Mu Bai. As her memory returns and divorce is desired, feelings begin to change between them.

SHE IS THE ONE (2021)

Scoring 7.5, this drama follows Yuan Yue Yue, who disguises herself as her sister and gets trapped in an unwanted marriage. The situation becomes more complicated when she tries to escape but ends up meeting her fiancé directly.

2. Recommendations for Chinese Dramas about Forced Marriage

(credit: mydramalist)

DESTINED (2023)

This matchmaking-themed drama records a high rating of 8.5 with the story of Liu Yu Ru, who is matched with the wealthy heir Gu Jiusi. Underestimated from the start, Liu Yu Ru struggles to build her self-esteem and her own future.

THE LOVE BY HYPNOTIC (2019)

With a score of 7.9, this drama begins with a hostile diplomatic marriage. Hypnosis and lost memories force the main couple to undergo a bond that slowly turns into love.

DECREED BY FATE (2022)

This wuxia drama achieved a rating of 7.9 and tells the story of Ye Rong Er, who is forced to marry through an imperial decree. Ironically, she opens a divorce hall and discovers shocking facts about her husband's identity.

BROKEN THE HEART (2024)

With a score of 7.2, this short drama features Princess Yin Ruo Shui, who is trapped in a cruel political marriage. Her escape for freedom actually sows the seeds of love amid pursuit and conflict.

GENERAL'S LADY (2020)

Achieving a rating of 8.2, this drama tells the story of Shen Jin, who is matched with General Chu Xiu Ming. This unexpected marriage opens a romantic journey amid military and palace intrigues.

3. Recommendations for Chinese Dramas about Marriage under Pressure

(credit: mydramalist)

THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY (2025)

With a high score of 8.9, this drama follows Xiao Qiao who marries for political peace with Wei Shao, a man who harbors a grudge against her family. The tension slowly transforms into cooperation and a strong love.

LOVE'S AMBITION (2025)

This modern drama has a rating of 8.4 and tells the story of a high-pressure marriage between successful host Xu Yan and wealthy heir Shen Hao Ming. Their divorce marks the beginning of their journey to rediscover the meaning of love.

BETTER HALVES (2025)

This drama tells the story of Shi Fa Ke, the daughter of a prominent family who boldly becomes a matchmaker to help Lu Chi, a mysterious man disguised as a wealthy merchant. Behind the matchmaking story of others, they become involved in a grand conspiracy that tests their trust and feelings.

FLOURISHED PEONY (2025)

With a solid rating of 8.6, this drama set in the Tang Dynasty highlights He Wei Fang who escapes from a marriage based on interests and builds a flower business with Jiang Chang Yang. Their collaboration evolves into a hidden love amidst political turmoil.

FATED HEARTS (2025)

Scoring 8.7 on MyDramaList, this drama brings together Fu Yi Xiao and Feng Sui Ge, two enemies bound by fate after a war and memory loss. In their struggle for survival and to uncover a conspiracy, hatred slowly transforms into a love that grows quietly.

4. Questions Related to Recommendations for Chinese Dramas with Marriage Themes

Q: What is meant by Chinese dramas with marriage themes?
A: Dramas with marriage themes focus on stories of arranged marriages by families, empires, or certain circumstances without love being the foundation from the beginning.

Q: Are all the dramas above of the historical costume genre?
A: No, some dramas are set in modern times like INTENSE LOVE and LOVE'S AMBITION, while others feature a colossal or wuxia backdrop.

Q: Which dramas are suitable for viewers who like short stories?
A: ROMANCE WITH BLIND MASTER, LOVE FROM DIVORCE, and BROKEN THE HEART are suitable as they have shorter episode durations.

Q: Which dramas have strong political conflict and romance?
A: THE LEGEND OF YUNXI, THE PRISONER OF BEAUTY, and FATED HEARTS showcase a blend of power struggles and intense romance.

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