Costume period C-dramas have an undeniable charm, whether it is for the beautiful cinematography, the astonishing wardrobe styles, or the intriguing plots that combine history, martial arts, and fantasy. But sometimes, what draws people in the most is the incredible chemistry between the main leads. Sometimes a pairing turns so iconic that it redefines the standards for what to expect in these types of shows. Here are some C-dramas that will definitely change your brain chemistry with their perfect pairings!

1. ”Blossom”

Dou Zhao (Meng Zi Yi) has lived as a fine noblewoman her entire life, despite her political family being a mess and her husband cheating on her with her own sister. However, when her family is framed for treason, she tries her best to save her own life. That’s when she encounters General Song Mo (Li Yun Rui). Although his life has been far from easy, having to fight injustice after injustice and even facing a mortal illness, when he meets Dou Zhao, something in him flourishes instantly. Sadly, they are already too deep into disgrace, and both tragically die at the hands of the real traitors. However, their lives are far from over.

After her early death, Dou Zhao wakes up as her younger self, before her mother passed away. She realizes that the heavens have given her a second chance at life to change her destiny and in the process, probably saving Song Mo’s life as well. This story follows a convoluted plan, devastating truths, and unexpected villains, but it is also filled with a romance that burns slow and deep. As Dou Zhao and Song Mo challenge every obstacle, going from reluctant acquaintances to fierce lovers, you will find yourself invested in their story, which not only vindicates their tragic past lives but also opens the door for a brighter and warmer future for them together.

Watch “Blossom” here: 

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2. ”The Prisoner of Beauty”

This C-drama shows us what the true definition of enemies to lovers is. Not even Romeo and Juliet could have had a worse beginning than this couple; however, their love story proves to be all the more epic for it. Wei Shao (Liu Yu Ning), one of the last remaining members of the Wei family, has lived his entire life with only two things in mind: to recover his family’s lost territory and to get revenge on the Qiao family, the clan that betrayed them, resulting in his father’s and brother’s deaths. However, as he is returning to conquer his land, the Qiaos offer a last olive branch by proposing a marriage between him and their youngest daughter.

Sick at the idea of marrying the daughter of a traitor, Wei Shao does everything in his power to prevent their union until he meets Xiao Qiao (Song Zu Er), the Qiao’s eldest daughter. In an attempt to protect her family, she accepts the marriage proposal without ever guessing the turbulent journey ahead of her. Their relationship doesn’t exactly have smooth sailing, with resentment and bitterness standing between them. However, the charm of their dynamic lies in that. Her values, passion, and courage end up melting away all of his barriers, and she slowly but passionately falls in love with the crass man who hides a wounded child within his heart, eventually finding in each other the home they once lost.

Watch “The Prisoner of Beauty” here: 

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3. ”Legend of the Female General”

This story follows He Yan (Zhou Ye), the oldest daughter of the He family, who, in some sort of Mulan-like fashion, lives as a man to protect her family’s honor. But after turning into a prominent General, her family decides to cast her aside, getting rid of her in the most despicable way. At the same time, her brother, taking her position as a commander, ends up joining a treacherous plan to get rid of Xiao Jue’s (Ryan Cheng) father and his army. With both their lives completely broken, He Yan and Xiao Jue reunite again, but this time, she is determined to recover her own identity while he is set to get revenge on those who destroyed his whole world. 

This show not only captivates you with its intriguing plot, but also with its unique characters and solid development. From the very beginning, He Yan stands on her own, strong and resilient, defying the status quo of her role as a woman, being as skilled as the best warrior. On the other hand, after his life’s tragedy, Xiao Jue finds it hard to trust her; however, he also cannot turn away from the unmatched woman in front of him. As both overcome painful truths, fighting side by side on the battlefield, a love that could conquer every mountain blooms between them, delivering an unmatchable story for years to come.  

Watch “Legend of the Female General” here: 

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4. ”A Splendid Match”

After Gu Jin Zhao (Ren Min) is cast aside as an infant by her biological father, on the belief that she will bring disgrace to him, she decides that no one but herself will choose her fate. Growing up coddled by her maternal grandmother, she turns into a strong-willed, smart, and rich young girl, someone able to defy every expectation. At her coming-of-age ceremony, she meets Chen San Ye (Ci Sha), a calculating minister who is determined to bring reform to the empire, even if that means putting his life on the line. Their paths don’t seem to be meant to cross, but as circumstances make her go back to her ancestral home, their lives start to tangle up until they are unable to separate.

Though their interactions start awkwardly, given that he is much older than she is, as time passes, Gu Jin Zhao is capable of taking an equal stand beside Chen San Ye on her own, which leads to her opening her heart to him. On the other hand, once he figures out his feelings for her, Chen San Ye is willing to give it all to ensure she will become his wife. Though it is a slow-burn romance, once they become a couple, they don’t shy away from showing how passionate they can be. As they unite in one heart and one mind, they become a force to be reckoned with, one that will be able to bring down the evil forces within the court.

Watch “A Splendid Match” here: 

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5. ”The Double” 

If we’re talking about chemistry, then this couple cannot be missed. “The Double” is a story that’s so set on the revenge plot but it somehow still manages to bring out an outstanding romance. When Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jin Yan) finds herself in a pit, being buried by her own husband, she feels like dying. However, after sweet Jiang Li (Yang Chao Yue) saves her, Fang Fei decides that her own death will serve as a way to avenge her savior, who tragically dies, and to discover the truth behind the malicious scheme to get rid of her. Once Fang Fei returns to the city pretending to be Jiang Li, she realizes right away that, to achieve her goals, she will need a powerful ally.

That’s when she meets Duke Xiao Heng (Wang Xing Yue). Standing at the top of the court, he is on his own journey to reveal who tried to kill him as a child, forever tarnishing his life. Although he never planned to fall in love with the mysterious Fang Fei, the more he deciphers her personality, the more he is drawn to her. As they uncover who is pulling the threads behind the scenes at the palace, they will face risks, envy, and mortal enemies to win their freedom and obtain justice, fighting to live their lives against all odds.

Watch “The Double” here: 

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Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Find her on Instagram @wuaitboni. 

Currently watching: “My Bias, My Boss” and “Blossom Through the Cloud“
Plans to watch: “The Ordinary Jackpot”