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Chinese Short Dramas in English

The vertical short drama is a Chinese format, and most of what you find in English is that format subtitled or dubbed. These are not. Every series here was made in English, and the ones on this page carry Chinese settings, characters or story traditions — dynasty courts, wuxia, a Chongqing childhood, a family business in Shanghai.

These are Chinese-set short dramas recorded in original English, not translations. The format — vertical, one to three minute episodes, dozens to a season — came out of China, and this collection is the part of our catalogue that keeps its settings and story traditions. The audio is English throughout, so there is nothing to read.

33 series · free to start in your browser

The 10 best chinese short dramas in english to watch right now

Ordered by how complete each series is, how recently it added an episode, and how much play it is getting. Every one starts free in your browser.

The Great FeastHistorical
Set in the Qing Dynasty, this series blends historical storytelling with the art of traditional Chinese cuisine, focusing on the creation and cultural significance of almond tofu. …
Story signals: qing dynasty · chinese history · chinese
I Won 1 Billion DollarsDrama
A man who refuses to embellish data unexpectedly wins a 100 million yuan lottery with his last two yuan. The series explores the immediate and long-term consequences of sudden weal…
Story signals: china
The In-Between RomanceRomance
An American man who is direct and straightforward in love meets a Chinese woman who is the opposite—reserved and indirect. Their cultural differences create misunderstandings and t…
Story signals: american-chinese · chinese
Destroying Epang PalaceCartoon
Set in ancient China, this animated series explores the construction and destruction of the legendary Epang Palace, delving into the human desires and political intrigues that surr…
Story signals: chinese · china
Excuse Me, I'm Taking It All BackDrama
A determined woman rises from adversity to reclaim her life and seek justice against those who wronged her. With wit and resilience, she navigates a world of betrayal and power, tu…
Story signals: chinese-drama · chinese
The Legendary Monkey KingFantasy
In a world where the legendary Monkey King's soul is shattered, a mysterious revelation implicates the mighty Buddha himself in a heinous crime. As the immortal Patriarch Subodhi s…
Story signals: chinese
Fired Season 1Drama
A young woman faces the harsh realities of the corporate world after being laid off. As she navigates the challenges of unemployment and societal judgment, she discovers the import…
Story signals: china
MemoriesSci-Fi
In a world where memories can be stored and erased, a woman grapples with the loss of her most precious recollections. As she delves into the depths of her own mind, she uncovers a…
Story signals: chinese
Chongqing Girl in SeoulDrama
A Chongqing native navigates life in Seoul, blending Sichuan cuisine with Korean culture while pursuing dreams in the entertainment industry. The series explores cultural clashes, …
Story signals: chinese · chongqing
Music Cover 2026 FallDrama
A collection of song covers staged as short vertical episodes, one performance to an episode. The material is classical Chinese lyric pop — tinted glaze, a glance that lands like …
Story signals: chinese

Up to Ep 147

The Great Feast

Historicalqing dynasty

Set in the Qing Dynasty, this series blends historical storytelling with the art of traditional Chinese cuisine, focusing on the creation and cultural significance of almond tofu. As the protagonist navigates the imperial court's intricate social dynamics, the series explores how food becomes a medium for memory, power, and identity.

Up to Ep 51

I Won 1 Billion Dollars

Dramalottery

A man who refuses to embellish data unexpectedly wins a 100 million yuan lottery with his last two yuan. The series explores the immediate and long-term consequences of sudden wealth on his life and values, as he navigates the challenges and moral dilemmas that come with his new fortune.

Up to Ep 2

The In-Between Romance

Romanceculture-clash

An American man who is direct and straightforward in love meets a Chinese woman who is the opposite—reserved and indirect. Their cultural differences create misunderstandings and tension as they navigate a budding romance, forcing both to question their own approaches to love and communication.

Up to Ep 12

Destroying Epang Palace

Cartoonhistorical

Set in ancient China, this animated series explores the construction and destruction of the legendary Epang Palace, delving into the human desires and political intrigues that surround it. As the palace rises, so do the ambitions and conflicts of those who seek power, leading to a climactic fire that questions the true nature of desire and the cost of ambition.

All 53 episodes

Excuse Me, I'm Taking It All Back

Dramafemale-lead

A determined woman rises from adversity to reclaim her life and seek justice against those who wronged her. With wit and resilience, she navigates a world of betrayal and power, turning the tables on her enemies while forging her own path to happiness.

Up to Ep 2

The Legendary Monkey King

Fantasyjourney to the west

In a world where the legendary Monkey King's soul is shattered, a mysterious revelation implicates the mighty Buddha himself in a heinous crime. As the immortal Patriarch Subodhi seethes with rage, an epic confrontation brews that could shake the heavens. The series follows the aftermath of this explosive accusation, weaving a tale of vengeance, cosmic justice, and the blurred lines between gods and demons.

Up to Ep 114

Fired Season 1

Dramaworkplace

A young woman faces the harsh realities of the corporate world after being laid off. As she navigates the challenges of unemployment and societal judgment, she discovers the importance of self-worth and the moment of clarity that comes with it.

Up to Ep 4

Memories

Sci-Fimemory

In a world where memories can be stored and erased, a woman grapples with the loss of her most precious recollections. As she delves into the depths of her own mind, she uncovers a truth that challenges the very nature of identity and love. The series explores the haunting question: if memories define us, what happens when they fade away?

Up to Ep 1

Chongqing Girl in Seoul

Dramachinese

A Chongqing native navigates life in Seoul, blending Sichuan cuisine with Korean culture while pursuing dreams in the entertainment industry. The series explores cultural clashes, language barriers, and the bittersweet pursuit of love and ambition across borders.

Up to Ep 10

Music Cover 2026 Fall

Dramacover

A collection of song covers staged as short vertical episodes, one performance to an episode. The material is classical Chinese lyric pop — tinted glaze, a glance that lands like a movie poster, a clear sky fading to rain — and each episode gives a single song its own setting and shoot.

Up to Ep 1

P.S.我爱你

Musiccover

A soulful cover of the classic song 'P.S. I Love You' performed by a female vocalist with a distinctive raspy voice. The series captures intimate, heartfelt performances that resonate with themes of love and longing, inviting viewers to feel deeply connected through music.

Up to Ep 1

Love

Musiccover

A singer with a smoky voice performs heartfelt covers of classic songs, offering a nostalgic refuge for adults navigating the complexities of life. Each episode captures the raw emotion of familiar melodies, creating a space for reflection and connection.

Up to Ep 2

Lover (Cover)

Musicshort-form

A cover of Jonathan Lee's "Love" — a song about the parts of a relationship that keep replaying and keep catching in the same place, sung in Mandarin with English subtitles.

Up to Ep 1

I Body-Swapped Into the Beauty Queen

Dramamystery

A Chinese high school student suddenly body-swaps with the most popular girl at an American high school. Beautiful, rich, and instantly at the top of the social hierarchy, she discovers a world of mean girls, toxic boyfriends, secret crushes, and high school drama. But she isn’t interested in becoming prom queen. Armed with a new face and absolutely no patience for terrible boys, she begins a mission to break hearts, expose cheaters, and destroy the school’s most popular guys—one by one. A funny, chaotic teen body-swap drama about revenge, romance, friendship, and surviving American high school.

Up to Ep 11

Above the water

Dramamigration

Based on the true history of Chinese reservoir resettlement, the series follows individuals uprooted from their homeland as they navigate displacement and memory. Each episode explores the emotional toll of leaving behind a place that can no longer be recognized, and the quiet moments of reckoning with the past.

Up to Ep 8

当归

Dramaaward-winning

Three years into a civil war, a unit is ordered to withdraw with the main force to Taiwan. The front has already fallen, the men have been away from home just as long, and the order to leave is the one order they are not willing to follow.

Up to Ep 2

My Toxic Stepbrother

Dramastepbrother

A young woman finds herself drawn into a dangerous and complicated relationship with her stepbrother, whose charm masks a toxic and controlling nature. As family tensions rise and secrets surface, she must navigate a web of desire, betrayal, and the blurred lines between love and obsession.

Up to Ep 5

Mulan

Cartoonanimation

A retelling of the legendary tale of Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her aging father's place in the army. As she trains and fights alongside her comrades, she must navigate the challenges of war while keeping her true identity hidden. The series explores themes of courage, honor, and self-discovery against the backdrop of ancient China.

Up to Ep 1

Billionaire Heir

Romancesecret heir

Five years after being wrongly cast aside by the man she loved, a woman returns with his child in tow, thrusting them both into the orbit of a billionaire heir who never knew he had a family. As secrets of the past surface, the couple must navigate the fallout of old misunderstandings and the dangerous dynamics of a powerful dynasty.

All 23 episodes

The Apocalypse Outside the Wall

Sci-FiAI-generated

The mines still run, because somebody has to haul the ore, and the wall still holds, because the alternative is what is outside it. Captain Chen's squad pulls survivors out of the swarm and brings them back to a base that is running out of room to put them, while the UDA's people take an unusual interest in what the anomaly at the eastern site actually is. New recruits get one month to kill a xenobeast alone. Most of the training is spent explaining why that is the easy part.

Up to Ep 52

After the Collapse, I Looked for Her

Sci-Fipost-apocalyptic

In a world shattered by an unexplained catastrophe, a lone survivor embarks on a desperate search for a missing loved one. As they navigate the ruins of civilization, they uncover clues that hint at a deeper, more sinister truth behind the disaster. The series follows their journey through desolation, where every step brings them closer to answers—and to the edge of hope.

Up to Ep 95

Sold by My Sister, Kept by His Obsession

RomanceRomance

Lin Wan is betrayed by her sister, kidnapped and sold overseas. By chance, Ye Xiao rescues her and keeps her in his heavily‑guarded manor in Thailand. What starts as a captive‑protector dynamic slowly develops into intense, possessive love. Ye Xiao is used to cruelty and violence, yet he softens only for Lin Wan. Meanwhile, his rival Lin Moyuan repeatedly schemes to snatch Lin Wan to break Ye Xiao. Lin Wan navigates fear and growing feelings for Ye Xiao. Later she returns home to China to take revenge on her treacherous sister, breaks off her old arranged engagement, and fights to reclaim her family’s business.

Up to Ep 6

Zodiac Department

Fantasyanimals

In a world where the twelve zodiac animals govern the balance of nature, a mysterious bureau oversees their affairs. When an unexpected disruption threatens the harmony, a young recruit must navigate the intricate politics and hidden dangers within the zodiac realm. As tensions rise, the fate of the mortal world hangs in the balance.

All 20 episodes

The Betrothal We Never Admitted

Dramaai-generated

She has argued with Pei Yanhe since they were children, and neither of them has ever once acknowledged the betrothal their families arranged. Being ambushed at the airport by him, sent to collect her, is a poor start to coming home. What she does not know yet is that the person who has always seemed to hate her most keeps a hundred entries in his phone, and every one of them is something she likes.

Up to Ep 31

Naval

Sci-Fimecha

In a near-future where AI and advanced mecha redefine naval warfare, a secret project aboard a Chinese aircraft carrier tests the limits of human-machine integration. As the line between pilot and machine blurs, a young operator must confront the ethical and tactical consequences of wielding unprecedented power. The series explores the tension between technological progress and human agency in the heat of combat.

Up to Ep 16

Time Travel

Sci-Fitime travel

A modern special forces soldier is transported to the late Ming Dynasty, where he must use his futuristic knowledge and combat skills to survive as a military household. As he rises through the ranks, he faces the challenges of a crumbling empire and the threat of war, all while navigating the politics of a bygone era.

Up to Ep 3

Relief

DramaAI-generated

A young woman discovers that the cages she has been living in are not walls but doors, leading her to question the nature of her reality and the choices that define her freedom. As she navigates between confinement and liberation, she must decide whether to step through the open door or remain in the familiar safety of her cage.

Up to Ep 27

Golden Threads Know the Heart

Romanceai-generated

A captivating animated romance unfolds as two protagonists navigate a relationship filled with intrigue and shifting dynamics. With each episode, their interactions take unexpected turns, promising new challenges and deeper connections.

Up to Ep 3

Desire

Dramanortheast china

A boy packs a rock inside a snowball, licks a freezing railing to see what it tastes like, and asks his mother why people enjoy themselves after a funeral. She tells him he will know when he is older. Three short episodes set in Northeast China, about the things a family says instead of the things it means.

Up to Ep 1

BOH

Dramaai-generated

He has had a woman in his head for years — a look, a feeling, something no shoot has ever managed to catch — and he says he will know her the moment he sees her. One by one the models are called forward and sent away again. The one he is describing is already in the room, and he does not recognise her.

Up to Ep 41

Reborn as the Outlaw Hero

Historicaltime travel

A modern military commander is reborn as the legendary hero Lin Chong in the Water Margin universe, landing right in the middle of a chaotic wedding feast. His modern sensibilities clash with ancient martial world codes as he navigates a world of outlaws and intrigue.

Up to Ep 1

Will Wait for U

Sci-FiAI-generated

In a world where AI can replicate human emotions with startling precision, a creator explores the boundaries between reality and simulation. As they delve into parallel universes, they uncover a connection that transcends digital and physical realms, blurring the lines of love and existence.

Up to Ep 6

Batu Season 1

Fantasyabandoned twins

In a royal court, a venomous queen abandons her twin infants, a boy and a girl, in the wilderness. A compassionate soldier spares them, and a mystical bear raises them deep in the mountains. As they grow, the brother vows to slay demons and protect his sister, setting the stage for a journey of survival and vengeance.

Chinese Short Dramas in English

The 10 best chinese short dramas in english to watch right now

The Great FeastHistorical

I Won 1 Billion DollarsDrama

The In-Between RomanceRomance

Destroying Epang PalaceCartoon

Excuse Me, I'm Taking It All BackDrama

The Legendary Monkey KingFantasy

Fired Season 1Drama

MemoriesSci-Fi

Chongqing Girl in SeoulDrama

Music Cover 2026 FallDrama

The Great Feast

I Won 1 Billion Dollars

The In-Between Romance

Destroying Epang Palace

Excuse Me, I'm Taking It All Back

The Legendary Monkey King

Fired Season 1

Memories

Chongqing Girl in Seoul

Music Cover 2026 Fall

P.S.我爱你

Love

Lover (Cover)

I Body-Swapped Into the Beauty Queen

Above the water

当归

My Toxic Stepbrother

Mulan

Billionaire Heir

The Apocalypse Outside the Wall

After the Collapse, I Looked for Her

Sold by My Sister, Kept by His Obsession

Zodiac Department

The Betrothal We Never Admitted

Naval

Time Travel

Relief

Golden Threads Know the Heart

Desire

BOH

Reborn as the Outlaw Hero

Will Wait for U

Batu Season 1

More chinese short dramas in english

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