In the wave of Chinese TV dramas in recent years, a prominent trend has gradually taken the spotlight in modern films. These are works that honor the image of modern women with independence, resilience, daring to love, daring to pursue dreams and ready to face all challenges in life. These films are not simply for entertainment but also bring humanistic values, deeply inspiring viewers. More and more female characters are built with psychological depth and a clear development journey. They can be successful businesswomen, devoted mothers, young girls taking their first steps into life, or women who have just gone through a crisis. Regardless of age, circumstances or class, they all exude a spirit of independent living, strong and full of aspirations. The appeal of these works comes from their authenticity, closeness and accurate reflection of the concerns of women in modern society. Not only that, the films also open up multi-dimensional perspectives on love, family, career and self-worth. If you are looking for profound stories with positive energy, the series below is the ideal choice.
1 The Tale of Rose
Rose Story (Source: Tencent Video)
ROSE STORY TRAILER
The Tale of Rose takes the audience along with Huang Yimei from her teenage years to adulthood, on her journey of finding a career while experiencing many ups and downs in love. The film depicts the growth process of a modern woman facing the impacts of everyday life and society. This is a story about the resilience, the desire to live fully and the spirit of constantly striving of a brilliant rose.
- Chinese name: 《玫瑰的故事》
- English name: The Tale of Rose
- Genre: Urban, romance, slice of life
- Director: Wang Jun
- Screenwriter: Li Xiao, Wang Si
- Original work: Adapted from the novel The Story of Rose by author Yi Shu
- Number of episodes: 38 episodes
- Broadcasting platform: Broadcast on CCTV-8 and online on Tencent Video from June 8, 2024. Also broadcast in Taiwan on WeTV and Hong Kong on myTV SUPER
- Country of production: China
Production unit: CCTV, New Classics Media, and Tencent Penguin Film Culture Media
The film revolves around the life of Huang Yimei/Hua Hong (played by Liu Yifei), a girl born into an intellectual family, beautiful, intelligent, and always loved by everyone. Since childhood, she has been protected and nurtured with a passion for art. Growing up, she entered the path of artistic collaboration and had a deep first love with Zhuang Guodong (played by Peng Guanying), but decided to break up because of different ideals. After that, Hua Hong returned to the university to pursue her studies, then married her senior Fang Xiewen (played by Lin Gengxin), but this marriage was full of control and suffocation, causing her to quickly fall into a deadlock. After leaving her 10-year marriage with Fang Xiewen, Hua Hong decided to start a business, opening an exhibition room in Beijing. At this time, she met Pho Gia Minh (played by Hac Kien Hoa), her soul mate, who always understood her. The feelings between Hoa Hong and Gia Minh were short but deep, leaving many regrets when he passed away due to cancer. At the age of 40, Hoa Hong signed up for a pilot course. Here, she met a young pilot, who was also in charge of teaching her, Ha Tay (played by Lam Nhat). Ha Tay was impressed by Hoang Diec Mai's intelligence and bravery, from which a silent feeling arose. To him, she was not only a student but also an encourager, giving him the motivation to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional pilot. Their relationship ended with an open ending. The film ends with Hoang Diec Mai's narration:
"From now on, I no longer seek happiness, I am happiness myself. I cherish everything I encounter, ready to accept everything. From now on, I am not limited, I give myself freedom. I will go wherever I want. I am completely and absolutely in control of myself."
From brokenness, loss to short moments of love, Diec Mai still firmly holds on to her ego and shines like a strong "rose", blooming brilliantly in her own way.
2 To the Wonder/ My Altay
My Ala Thai (Source: Pinterest)
My Altay Trailer
My Altay is a healing romance drama set in the majestic Altay grasslands of Xinjiang. The film captivates audiences with its gentle pace and breathtaking natural scenery. Not only that, the work is also honored to be selected to screen at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in the Canneseries category. The film depicts a young girl's journey to find herself after her failures in the city, only to realize the meaning of attachment to her homeland and the healing value of nature.
- Chinese title:《我的阿勒泰》
- English title: To the Wonder/ My Altay
- Genre: Drama, family, healing
- Director: Teng Songsong
- Screenwriter: Teng Songsong, Peng Yingning
- Original work: Adapted from the magazine of the same name by author Li Juan
- Number of episodes: 8 episodes, each episode is about 40 - 45 minutes
- Broadcasting platform: Broadcast during prime time on CCTV-1 and streamed online on iQIYI (Weichen Theatre) from May 7, 2024
- Production country: China
Production unit: Created and supported by Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, Xinjiang Propaganda Department, under the High-quality Creative Support Program of the General Administration of Radio and Television of China; Produced by iQIYI
The film follows Li Wenxiu, a Han Chinese girl who grew up in the Altay region of Xinjiang. With a dream of becoming a writer, Wenxiu left her hometown for the city of Urumqi to pursue a literary career. However, after many failures, Wenxiu was forced to return to her hometown and live with her mother, the owner of a small convenience store. In this wild and idyllic land, she gradually found inspiration for writing and peace of mind. Here, Wenxiu met Ba Tai, a native Kazakh boy who was good at horse riding, simple and warm. This meeting opened up a new perspective for her on life, love and attachment to her homeland. The film is set in the majestic Altay grassland, with the vast nature as a "healing medicine", giving the audience a feeling of relaxation and relief amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
Chau Y Nhien as Ly Van Tu, a young girl who dreams of becoming a writer but is traumatized, returns to her hometown to seek freedom and healing.
Vu Thich as Ba Thai (Batai), a gentle, strong, sincere Kazakh boy who becomes Van Tu's spiritual support.
Ma Y Loi as Truong Phuong Ha, Van Tu's mother, simple and always loving to her children.
3 Nothing But Thirty
Nothing But Thirty
Nothing But Thirty Trailer
30 is not the end is one of the outstanding urban dramas in China, which created a "fever" when it was released. The work depicts the lives of modern women in their 30s, when they have to face the pressure of their careers, while struggling in love and marriage. With a realistic script, a talented cast and an inspiring message, the film not only touches the hearts of female audiences but also makes many people reflect on the journey of growing up and asserting themselves. Chinese name: 《三十而已》
- English name: Nothing But Thirty
- Genre: Modern, psychological, urban
- Director: Zhang Xiaowen (张晓波)
- Screenwriter: Zhang Ying (张英姬)
- Number of episodes: 43 episodes
- Broadcasting platform: Dragon TV, Tencent Video
- Production country: China
- Production unit: Shanghai Drama Apple Limited, Tencent Pictures
30 is not the end revolves around the story of three women in their 30s, each with their own circumstances and personalities, but all facing pressures, choices and changes in life. The film realistically depicts modern issues: marriage, love, career, friendship and self-worth, thereby sending the message that 30 is not the end, but a new beginning.
Jiang Shuying plays Gu Jia, a perfect housewife, intelligent and capable, devoted to her family but facing marital turmoil.
Tong Yao plays Wang Man Ni, a beautiful, independent girl, an excellent saleswoman in the luxury goods industry, always eager to assert herself and find true love.
Mao Xiaotong plays Zhang Zhixian (Zhong Xiaoqin), a normal, gentle girl, whose seemingly peaceful married life is facing unexpected turns.
4 Wild Bloom
Wild Bloom (Source: iQIYI)
Wild Bloom Trailer
Wild Bloom tells the story of a female entrepreneur's journey to establish her career in the mid-1990s, a period when China's economy changed dramatically. The content revolves around Xu Banxia, from an unfortunate girl to a powerful female president in the steel industry. The work marks the strong rise of modern women in the midst of the storm of economic and social reform.
- Chinese name: 《风吹半夏》
- English name: Wild Bloom
- Genre: Psychological, emotional, urban
- Director: Fu Dongyu, Mao Wei
- Screenwriter: Fu Dongyu, Zhang Ding
- Original work: Novel Not Being Born by author A Nai
- Number of episodes: 36 episodes, each episode is about 45 minutes
- Broadcasting platform: Broadcast on Zhejiang and Jiangsu TV stations; online on iQIYI from November 27, 2022
- Country of production: China
The film follows Xu Banxia, a girl who suffered many misfortunes since childhood when her mother died due to difficult childbirth and her father was indifferent, causing her to form a strong and independent personality early on. When she grew up, she saw opportunities in the steel industry, which was considered a "playground" for men. Banxia and her two friends, Xiao Chen and Dong Jiaoji, started a business from purchasing scrap and transporting. Despite facing contempt, fierce competition and even violence in the marketplace, she remained steadfast in her vision, devoted herself to expanding her business, and then became a successful businesswoman in the field of international trade. Along with her career path, the film also depicts Banxia's journey to find happiness in the midst of a challenging life.
Zhao Liying plays Xu Banxia, a strong and determined female lead who rises to become a boss in the steel industry.
Au Hao as Dong Kieu Ky, Ban Ha's companion in her entrepreneurial journey, both a partner and a spiritual support.
Ly Quang Kien as Tieu Tran, a close friend and business partner, who has been with Ban Ha since the early difficult days.
5 My Best Friend’s Story
My Best Friend's Story (Source: Pinterest)
My Best Friend's Story Trailer
Liu Jin Tue Nguyet is an urban drama that deeply explores the friendship between two young women. From childhood to adulthood, they accompany each other, experiencing changes in family, love and career. The film clearly depicts the aspirations, hurts and determination of modern women. With its delicate rhythm and many meaningful messages, Liu Jin Tue Nguyet has created a big buzz when it was broadcast.
- Chinese name:《流金岁月》
- English name: My Best Friend's Story
- Genre: Urban, romance, family
- Director: Shen Yan
- Screenwriter: Qin Wen
- Original work: Liu Jin Sui Yue novel by Yi Shu
- Number of episodes: 38 episodes
- Broadcasting platform: CCTV-8 and iQIYI, aired from December 28, 2020 to January 15, 2021
- Production country: China
Production unit: New Classics Media, iQIYI, Tomorrow Film, Ju Zheng Ying Ye (television and film production)
The film tells the story of the deep friendship between Jiang Nansun and Zhou Suo Suo, two girls who grew up in Shanghai in the 1990s. As a child, Suo Suo encountered many difficulties, and was helped by Nansun's family, from then on both become close friends. When they grow up, they go on different paths. Toa Toa enters a career path with many ups and downs, while Nam Ton continues to pursue his studies. Through many ups and downs, both share joys and sorrows to find their own "golden days".
Ni Ni plays Chu Toa Toa, a girl with an ordinary background, lively and straightforward personality, always striving to improve in her career and life.
Liu Thi Thi plays Tuong Nam Ton, a gentle and calm young lady, raised in an intellectual family. In contrast to Toa Toa, Nam Ton has a more stable life but also has to face challenges in love and marriage.
6 Ode to Joy
Ode to Joy (Source: Pinterest)
Ode to Joy Trailer
Ode to Joy is a famous modern Chinese TV series, revolving around the lives, love, careers and friendships of five young women living together in an apartment building in Shanghai. The work not only realistically depicts the struggles of women in a bustling urban area but also conveys the message of companionship, sharing and constant improvement.
- Chinese name: 《欢乐颂》
- English name: Ode to Joy
- Genre: Modern urban, romance, friendship, slice of life
- Director: Kong Sheng, Jian Chuan He
- Screenwriter: Yuan Zi Dan
- Original: Novel of the same name by A Nai
- Number of episodes: 5 seasons. 42 episodes (season 1), 55 (season 2), 33 (season 3), 37 (season 4), 34 episodes (season 5)
- Broadcasting platform: Dragon TV and Zhejiang TV
- Production country: China
- Production unit: Daylight Entertainment in cooperation with Shandong Film & TV Production Co., Ltd
Ode to Joy tells the story of five young girls including Andy, Fan Shengmei, Qu Xiaoxiao, Qiu Yingmei and Guan Shier. Despite differences in personality, social status and dreams, they live together on the 22nd floor of the Huanle apartment building, becoming close friends, accompanying each other in both life and career. The film clearly depicts the journey that each girl must go through: Andy struggles with the past and the pressures from work; Fan Shengmei's ambition to rise up to escape poverty; Khuc Tieu Tieu tries to assert herself, escape the shadow of her family; Khuu Oanh Oanh, an innocent and impulsive girl, gradually matures; and Quan Su Nhi learns to step out of her comfort zone to face the big world. Through collisions at work, vibrations in love, as well as family incidents, the five girls both taste bitterness and enjoy happiness. They become more mature, learn to accept their own imperfections and cherish deep friendships. Not only stopping at entertainment, Ode to Joy also sends a message about the strength, resilience and inner beauty of modern women, who, despite facing prejudice or difficulties, are always independent, emotional and dare to live their dreams to the fullest.
Liu Tao plays Andy: A talented, rational and progressive female director who lived abroad before returning to China. Despite her success in work, she suffered a lot of trauma in her childhood and always longs to find her family. Andy represents the model of a modern woman: strong, independent but also full of emotional voids that need to be filled.
Tuong Han as Phan Thang My: Coming from a poor family, she nurtures the ambition to escape poverty with determination and determination. Thang My is not afraid of conflict, sometimes straightforward to the point of causing hurt, but deep inside is a sensitive heart, longing to be recognized and loved.
Vuong Tu Van as Khuc Tieu Tieu: A girl coming from a wealthy family, with a liberal, straightforward personality, not afraid to express herself. However, Tieu Tieu also has to constantly strive to prove that she can stand on her own, not relying on the existing foundation. Her image is a blend of freedom, youthful enthusiasm and responsibility.
Duong Tu as Khuu Oanh Oanh: A young girl who has been protected by her family since childhood, has an innocent personality, and is sometimes impulsive. When entering a competitive environment, Oanh Oanh must learn to face difficulties, gradually mature and find confidence in herself. This character brings a fresh, familiar color to the film.
Kieu Han as Quan Su Nhi: Growing up in an academic family, Su Nhi is calm, reserved and somewhat conservative. Only when she steps into the world does she realize that she needs to open her heart and explore the big world.
7 The Story of Xing Fu
The Story of Xing Fu (Source: Youku)
The Story of Xing Fu Trailer
Happiness to a Thousand Families tells the story of a young girl named Ha Hanh Phuc, who struggles to build a good life amidst social prejudice and a troubled marriage. From the countryside to the city, she continues to grow and leads the community through difficulties. The film is a testament to the aspirations of modern women who dare to take responsibility, dare to stand up and fight, and inspire many people around them.
- Chinese name: 《幸福到万家》
- English name: The Story of Xing Fu
- Genre: Urban - rural, psychological, realistic
- Director: Trinh Hieu Long, Luu Tuyet Tung
- Screenwriter: Trieu Dong Linh
- Original: Based on the novel Thu Cuc Truyen Ky by Tran Nguyen Ban
- Number of episodes: 40 episodes, each episode is about 45 minutes
- Broadcasting platform: Dong Phuong TV and Beijing TV; At the same time, broadcast exclusively on Youku platform
- Country of production: China
Production unit: Chunyu Pictures, SG-Culture Media, Times Media, Le Flower Film and TV, Alibaba (Beijing)
Happiness to Wanjia tells the resilient journey of Ha Hanh Phuc, a strong rural girl who starts her married life in Wanjia village. On the wedding day, the "wedding night" incident hurts her younger sister, forcing Hanh Phuc to stand up and fight; from there, creating a conflict between Hanh Phuc and Wanjia. When the local government wants to build a factory on her family's land, she is determined to sue to protect her legal rights. To avoid the dissatisfaction of the villagers, Hanh Phuc and her husband have to leave their hometown to go to the city to make a living, facing a broken marriage and an unstable life. Returning to her hometown, Hanh Phuc boldly starts a homestay tourism business, and at the same time firmly fights against the polluting factory. It was her resilience and dedication to the community that helped her gain trust and become the village head of Wanjia Village.
Zhao Liying plays He Hanh Phuc, a strong, persistent rural girl who always dares to stand up and fight for justice. Later, she becomes the village head of Wanjia, representing the model of a strong-willed modern woman.
Tang Seng plays Wang Qinglai, He Hanh Phuc's husband; gentle, simple but timid, lacking in opinions. Under the influence of Hanh Phuc, he gradually changes and becomes a supporter in community development
Liu Wei plays Secretary Wan Thien Duong, the head of Wanjia Village, who holds great power and carries the image of a conservative, face-conscious, patriarchal rural cadre. Initially, he often favors family and the collective over individuals, but after many conflicts with Hanh Phuc, he gradually changes, learning to respect fairness, the law and sustainable development. This character reflects the transformation of Chinese villages during the reform period.
Cao Zheng plays Wan Chuan Tang, the son of Wan Shan Tang, who is rebellious, conservative, selfish, often puts family interests above justice, and often confronts Hanh Phuc.
8 A Better Life
A Better Life (Source: Youku)
A Better Life
A Better Life is a story about a modern woman in a challenging office environment. The work strongly exploits the theme of career rebirth, generational conflicts, efforts to overcome crises to restore careers and find inner values. Thereby sending a meaningful message: the age of 39 is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey.
- Chinese name: 《蛮好的人生》
- English name: A Better Life
- Genre: Urban drama, psychology, family
- Director: Wang Jun
- Screenwriter: Fei Hui Kun, Li Xiao Liang
- Number of episodes: 36 episodes, each episode is about 45 minutes long
- Broadcasting platform: Broadcast on CCTV-8 from April 17, 2025 to May 4, 2025. In parallel, streaming on Youku platform
- Country of production: China
Production unit: China Central Television (CCTV), Shangshi Film & TV, Youku
Hu Man Le is a talented 39-year-old insurance agent who has fought tirelessly to achieve her current position. However, at the time when she thought she was at her most fulfilled when she had both a career and a marriage, she was suddenly harmed, causing her life to fall into crisis. The one who caused it all was Tuyet Hieu Chu, a 28-year-old young master who had fallen on hard times and had just joined the insurance industry. Through many collisions, they gradually realized each other's value and strengths, from there becoming "comrades" who were both teachers and friends, together restoring their careers and finding the meaning of life.
Sun Le plays Hu Man Le, 39 years old, an experienced insurance agent, the center of the story.
Dong Tu Kien plays Tuyet Hieu Chu, a young master with many hidden secrets. He is initially a hurtful factor but later becomes a partner with Man Le.
9 The First Half of My Life
The First Half of My Life (Source: Pinterest)
The First Half of My Life Trailer
The First Half of My Life is a journey of awakening and rebirth of La Zi Jun, a woman who used to be a devoted housewife until her marriage suddenly fell apart. After the shock of divorce, she decided to return to office life and reassert herself. With the help of her best friend Tang Jing and her partner Xia Han, she gradually overcame the crisis and found herself again, thus starting a new chapter of her life. Chinese name:《我的前半生》
- English name: The First Half of My Life
- Genre: Psychological, romance, urban, modern
- Director: Shen Yan
- Screenwriter: Qin Wen
- Original work: Based on the novel of the same name by writer Diec Thu
- Number of episodes: 42 episodes, each episode is about 45 minutes WikipediaWikipediatv.sohu.com
- Broadcasting platform:
- Television: Beijing Television and Dragon (Eastern) Television from 04.07.2017 to 26.07.2017
- Online: iQiyi, Tencent Video
- Country of production: China
- Production unit: New Classics Media
La Zi Jun (played by Ma Yili) after marrying Chen Jun Sheng (played by Lei Jiayin) retired to be a full-time housewife. Her life seemed perfect until her husband filed for divorce, which took her by surprise and turned her life upside down overnight. On her journey to recovery, she received help from her best friend Duong Tinh (played by Vien Tuyen), a strong, independent woman, and Ha Ham (played by Can Dong), a calm and thoughtful colleague. Thanks to them, Tu Quan gradually emerged from the shock, started over, and matured both cognitively and emotionally. From a weak woman, she rose to become a model of resilience and self-reliance, and discovered a new chapter full of hope in the "second half of her life".
10 Best Choice Ever
Best Choice Ever
Best Choice Ever Trailer
Cheng Huan Ji tells the story of Mai Cheng Huan, an independent and strong girl who is forced by her family to marry her rich boyfriend Tan Gia Luong. However, she does not want to live according to her family's arrangement but wants to decide her own life. The film depicts the female lead's journey to find true love and assert herself, while also reflecting the problems in family relationships and modern society. Chinese name:《盛世欢颜》
- English name: Best Choice Ever
- Genre: Modern, romance, family
- Director: Tian Yu, Wang Chengxin
- Screenwriter: Li Xingling, Wu Xiangling, Hu Xiaoyu
- Original work: Based on the novel of the same name by Yishu
- Number of episodes: 38 episodes
- Broadcasting platform: CCTV8, Tencent Video, WeTV
- Production country: China
- Production unit: CCTV, Huasach, Tencent
Thua Hoan Ky tells the journey of Mai Thua Hoan (played by Duong Tu), a modern, independent and strong girl, but is forced by her family to marry Tan Gia Luong (played by Xu Kai), a rich and powerful man. Although she has certain feelings for Gia Luong, Thua Hoan does not accept the marriage arranged by her family and insists on deciding her own life. Through this, the film clearly shows the struggle between personal desires and family pressure, as well as conflicts between traditional and modern concepts of love and marriage. Throughout the journey, Thua Hoan not only searches for true love but also learns to assert himself, take control of his life and overcome difficulties and challenges from both family and society. The film also deeply reflects the problems in family relationships, the independence of modern women, and social values that are changing every day. This is an emotional and inspirational story about freedom of choice and being true to oneself.
