Recommendations for Chinese Dramas with Sad Endings, Guaranteed to Tug at Your Heart Until It Hurts

For fans of Chinese dramas, love stories that end painfully often become the most memorable ones. The emotionally charged scenes, the sorrowful gazes of the actors, and the melancholic background music make the audience feel the grief in every episode. Instead of forgetting, dramas with sad endings often make it hard for the heart to look away because their love messages are so deep and realistic.

Interestingly, many Chinese dramas with sad endings are crafted with mature plots and strong characters. From tales of revenge, spiritual journeys, to love across time, each has its own charm. Every story is not just about loss, but also about how love and sacrifice can make someone grow stronger. Here are recommendations for Chinese dramas with sad endings that are guaranteed to make you unable to move on after watching them.

1. Kill Me Love Me

Main cast: Liu Xue Yi and Wu Ji Yan

This drama is set in the Great Yan Dynasty and tells the story of Prince Murong Jing He who successfully reclaims the territory of Qingzhou. However, that victory ends in tragedy when the city is set on fire and he is accused of being the “Butcher General.” Amidst the chaos, Mei Lin loses her family and vows to take revenge. She joins a group of assassins and receives a mission to kill Murong Jing He. But who would have thought that the mastermind behind her mission is the prince himself? This tale full of intrigue and revenge culminates in a fateful meeting that brings tears.

2. The Story of Pearl Girl

The Story of Pearl Girl - mydramalist

Main cast: Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning

After escaping from a cruel pearl farm, Duan Wu—a skilled diver—meets wealthy merchant Yan Zi Jing and noble Zhang Jin Ran. She becomes involved in the dazzling world of gems while uncovering the secrets of her dark past. Changing her name to Su Mu Zhe, she establishes a business called “Clear Mind” and collaborates with Zhang to uphold justice. Although she manages to rise, the path she takes is filled with wounds and loss. The ending leaves mixed feelings, both proud and sad, as her struggles come at a high cost.

3. My Journey to You

My Journey to You - mydramalist

Main cast: Esther Yu and Zhang Ling He

This drama follows the story of Yun Wei Shan, a spy who longs for freedom and infiltrates the Gong family residence to carry out a dangerous mission. In that mysterious place, she meets Gong Zi Yu, a rebellious young nobleman. Their encounter leads to a journey filled with danger, love, and betrayal. Their relationship grows amidst uncertainty, and a tragic ending leaves many viewers unable to stop thinking about the fate of these two characters.

4. Fangs of Fortune

Fangs of Fortune - mydramalist

Main cast: Hou Ming Hao and Chen Du Ling

This story takes place during the Zhenyuan era, when the death of the goddess Bai Ze causes chaos in the world of humans and demons. To stabilize the situation, the demon leader Zhu Yan—disguised as Zhao Yuan Zhou—forms a demon hunting team. Along with him are Wen Xiao, Zhuo Yi Chen, Pei Si Jing, and Bai Jiu who fight against monsters from the legend “The Classic of Mountains and Seas.” Along the journey, past secrets and the love between demons and goddesses begin to unravel. The story is both beautiful and heartbreaking, especially when sacrifice becomes the only way out.

5. Love of Nirvana

Love of Nirvana - mydramalist

Main cast: Ren Jia Lun and Li Landy

Xiao Wu Xia, the young heir of Yueluo City, lives under a false identity as Wei Zhao in the Liang Kingdom. He strives to uncover the truth behind his family's downfall and capture the responsible culprits. However, everything changes when he meets Jiang Ci and Pei Yan. Their relationship grows amidst politics and betrayal. When love must confront power, there is no truly happy ending. This drama becomes one of the most heart-wrenching must-watch shows.

6. Till the End of the Moon

Till the End of the Moon - mydramalist

Main cast: Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu

This drama tells the story of Li Su Su, a cultivator who travels back in time to prevent the rise of the demon lord, Tantai Jin. She disguises herself as Ye Xi Wu, the general's daughter who becomes Tantai Jin's wife. Her goal is clear: to destroy the would-be demon before it’s too late. However, the journey through time reveals another side of Tantai Jin that makes Su Su fall in love. Their tragic story ends with great sacrifice and a love that cannot unite—making the audience cry endlessly.

7. Love in Pavilion

Love in Pavilion - mydramalist

Main cast: Liu Shi Shi and Zhang Yun Long

Dongfang Huai Zhu and Wangquan Hong Ye are two leaders of large families trying to maintain peace in a time when humans and demons are in conflict. They work together to form the Alliance of Unity, but behind this grand mission lies a tender and heart-wrenching love story. In the Bamboo Pavilion, on the seventh day of the seventh month, their promise is eternally etched despite their inability to unite. The story is beautiful, poetic, and leaves a profound message about love that transcends time.

(kpl/chn)