Zhu Yu Claims the Top Spot with 11.6 Million Views! Netflix's Top 10 Chinese Dramas of the First Half of 2026

From Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan's 'Love Like the Galaxy' to Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan's 'Hidden Love,' multiple popular romance dramas continued to attract global audiences in early 2026. However, the true champion of the first half of the year was 'Zhu Yu,' starring Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwēi, which achieved a staggering 11.6 million views—over three times more than the second-place title. This ranking is based on Netflix's 'What We Watched' global viewing report for January to June 2026, filtering for live-action series produced in mainland China, and highlights the top 10 Chinese dramas that captured viewers' attention across historical, modern romance, and suspense genres.

Ranked 10th is Zhao Jinmai and Zhang Linghe's 'Cherry Amber,' with 900,000 views. A nostalgic youth romance set in the 1990s, it follows the evolving bond between the cheerful Lin Qile and the aloof Jiang Qiaoxi from childhood to adulthood. Viewers praised its vintage aesthetic and Zhao Jinmai's convincing portrayal of a student, though some criticized the extended childhood arc and limited screen time for Zhang Linghe early on.

In 9th place is the same duo's 'Du Hua Nian,' also with 900,000 views. A historical romance featuring reincarnation and political intrigue, it stars Zhao Jinmai as Princess Li Rong and Zhang Linghe as her estranged husband Pei Wenxuan, who reunite with memories of their tragic past. While performances were lauded, some viewers felt the marital reconciliation plot was diluted by increased focus on political subplots in the latter half.

8th is Hou Minghao and Lu Yuxiao's 'Enter the Azure Clouds,' with 1 million views. Set in a fictional realm, it follows the cold war goddess Mingyi and the enigmatic Ji Bozai as they conceal their identities and gradually fall in love. Praised for its intricate plotting and Hou Minghao's striking white-haired look, the drama captivated fans with its dual-strong leads and emotional depth.

7th is Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan's 'Difficult to Please,' with 1.1 million views. Adapted from Zhu Yi's novel and a companion to 'Hidden Love,' it portrays the rekindled romance between high school sweethearts turned roommates. Viewers praised its refined production quality and the actors' nuanced performances, particularly the restrained yet emotionally rich chemistry between the leads.

6th is Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan's 'Hidden Love,' with 1.2 million views. Despite airing years prior, it remained a favorite, with fans repeatedly rewatching and streaming its soundtrack. The portrayal of innocent first love and emotional growth resonated deeply, solidifying its status as a beloved romance classic.

5th is Ju Jingyi and Zeng Shunxi's 'Moonlight and Scales,' with 1.3 million views. A fantasy ensemble drama centered on a nine-tailed fox and demon hunters, it dazzled with its visual design and costume aesthetics. However, the expansion of side plots and flashbacks in the second half led to mixed reactions about its pacing and focus.

4th is Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue's 'Tang Palace Mystery: The Whistling Wind of Green Mist,' with 2 million views. A historical mystery set in the Tang Dynasty, it follows a skilled investigator and a meticulous official solving palace intrigues. While praised for its intricate cases and twists, some viewers found the editing and pacing inconsistent, especially in flashback sequences.

3rd is Chen Duling and Zhou Yiran's 'Qiao Chu,' with 2.1 million views. Adapted from 'The Empress Chu,' this revenge-driven historical drama features a female general reborn to reclaim her fate. Viewers hailed it as a refreshing 'anti-love-obsessed' empowerment story, with tight pacing and strong character arcs making it a standout hit.

2nd is Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai's 'Bright as the Sun,' with 3 million views. Adapted from Gu Man's novel with her involvement in the script, it traces a woman's journey from unrequited school crush to finding love and career fulfillment. The faithful adaptation of iconic scenes and the mature, respectful dynamic between leads earned widespread acclaim.

Claiming the top spot is Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwēi's 'Zhu Yu,' with a massive 11.6 million views. The story follows Fan Changyu, a butcher's daughter who saves a fallen marquis, Xie Zheng, and proposes a fake marriage to protect her family. What begins as a transactional arrangement blossoms into genuine love, captivating audiences with its sweetness, emotional authenticity, and compelling character development. Its viewership far surpassed the competition, marking a historic achievement in Netflix's Chinese drama landscape.