8 / 10 (based on 32 reviews)
Zhen Yuan is a plump girl who fell in love with her high school senior, Dong Shen, both separated by a misunderstanding. Years later they reunited, Yuan become slim fashion model, Eva while Shen became a successful entrepreneur and chef.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Derek Chang, Yandi Qi, Mengwei Ma, Haoyue Zhang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes, 45-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Shen wei yi ge pang zi (2019)
Wan mei xian sheng he cha bu duo xiao jie (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 383 reviews)
The story revolves around cold and icy “male god” professor Zhang Sinian and the calm and sunny Yun Shu.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Yunfan Dai, Yan-Ting Ma, Zheming Wei, Ruohan Xu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
Put Your Head on My Shoulder (2019)
8 / 10 (based on 2540 reviews)
Si Tu Mo’s graduation is close and she’s unsure of her future plans, she then meets genius Physics student Gu Wei Yi and the two accidentally end up living together.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Xing Fei, Lin Yi, Tara Clance, Junwei Zhou
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Ni shi wo de rong yao (2021)
8.3 / 10 (based on 1391 reviews)
Based on the novel of the same name written by Man Gu , the play tells the story of the popular actress Qiao Jingjing and her former high school classmate Yu Tu unexpectedly reuniting in the game.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yang Yang, Dilraba Dilmurat, Ke Hu, Sun Yali
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 7 episodes
Hao xiang he ni zai yi qi (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 114 reviews)
A young cartoonist intentionally gets near Ji Yan Xin, a cold and arrogant professor. Qi Nian, a girl with a straightforward personality hopes that interacting with Ji Yan Xin would give her inspiration and creative materials for her comic plot. Coincidentally Ji Yan Xin’s younger brother Ji Si Qi becomes Qi Nian’s assistant and a catalyst for their relationship to progress and blossom.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Xiaobing Ji, Yaqin Zhang, Mingde Li, Kaikai Zhou
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
Yun Se Guo Nong (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 168 reviews)
It tells the love story between a genius doctor and an actress, two people who both refuse to have their marriage arranged by their parents. Actress Su Jinbei has a beauty that can defy the heavens. With her popularity on the rise, she is used to being the center of attention. However, the dark side to fame means that she’s a magnet for controversy. She may be the best at flirting but she hasn’t yet gotten any further, claiming a single status since birth. Zhou Shiyunis is a genius doctor with the looks, the money and the smarts. He is a perfectionist who likes to be in control but doesn’t care much for many things as he can be quite indifferent. Women flock around him in droves and he doesn’t bat an eye. Instead of the usual overbearing CEO that falls for the woman, it’s the actress who takes initiative in love.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yuxi Ding, Xinyi Lin, Mingze Shi, Luorong Wanyan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
Ni shi wo de ming zhong zhu ding (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 349 reviews)
Two people living on “parallel lines” were never meant to interact, but an unanticipated meeting transforms them into each other’s destiny.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Rebecka Johnston, Zhaolin Xing, Liang Jie, Leanne Lau
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 1 episode
Lou Xia Nv You Qing Qian Shou (2020)
7.7 / 10 (based on 56 reviews)
Bit-part actress, Wen Xiao Nuan, is hired to play An Ning Wen Hua’s CEO, Ye Fei Mo’s, secret admirer in order to earn funds to support the Huang Mei Opera group back in her hometown. The two fall in love while pretending to be lovers.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Lawrence Wong, Hao Xu, Shuyang Fu, Zexuan Wang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 7 episodes
Love O2O (2016)
7.8 / 10 (based on 2907 reviews)
A story of two popular college students who fell in love through an online game.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Yang Yang, Shuang Zheng, Denny Huang, Junfeng Niu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 30 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Falling Into Your Smile (2021)
8.3 / 10 (based on 2766 reviews)
Romance between two professional gamers.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Kai Xu, Xiao Cheng, Zhai Xiaowen, Merxat Mi Re
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 18 episodes
Yue ding qi jian ai shang ni (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 96 reviews)
An unknown writer gets into a contract marriage with a high-ranking officer of an investment company to solve her personal crisis. During their fake marriage, the two begin to slowly understand each other and gradually fall in love.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Xiaomeng Cheng, Yan-Kai Ren
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
46.0-minute runtime
Begin Again (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 274 reviews)
It tells the story of a domineering female CEO and a warm doctor who turn a fake relationship into reality due to practical reasons. Having exchanged their ‘I do’s’, they start on a new chapter of their lives as they learn to fall in love. Lu Fangning is the general manager of Luning Group, a large corporation in the business of home furniture. Lu Fangning is a woman who has it all – talented, beautiful and rich. Nearing her thirties, Lu Fangning succumbs to family pressures and decides that she urgently needs a husband with whom she will have a child. Coincidentally, surgeon Ling Rui appears in front of her. Ling Rui is not only blessed with good looks but also has an angelic heart, which makes him the perfect candidate in the eyes of Lu Fangning. She schemes her way to his life and they finally become husband and wife. Lu Fangning eventually realizes the error in her ways and strives to be better. However, keeping a marriage is not as easy as it seems.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jun Gong, Yutong Zhou, Mansi Wu, Jiawei Zhang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 1 episode
In the realm of TV shows, every so often, a series comes along that defies the usual tropes and offers something refreshingly different. “Shen wei yi ge pang zi” (2019), also known as “The Life of the White Fox” in English, is one such series. This Chinese fantasy drama, while not as widely discussed in Western media, has garnered a dedicated following thanks to its unique storyline, compelling characters, and its approach to traditional themes with a modern twist. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this show stand out.
The Premise
At its core, “Shen wei yi ge pang zi” revolves around the life of Bai Xiao Bai, a white fox spirit who, after a series of events, ends up living among humans. The show weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, all while exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the quest for belonging. What sets it apart isn’t just its storyline but the way it’s told, blending humor with heart in a manner that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Characters and Development
One of the show’s strongest suits is its character development. Bai Xiao Bai, the protagonist, is not your typical hero. Yes, he possesses supernatural abilities and a noble heart, but it’s his flaws and quirks that make him relatable. His journey from a naive spirit to a protector of both realms offers viewers a deep dive into his psyche, revealing layers of complexity that are often missing in fantasy characters.
Supporting characters, too, are given their due, with backstories and arcs that intertwine with the main narrative in meaningful ways. From the stern yet caring Li Heng, a human who becomes Bai’s unlikely friend and ally, to the mischievous fox spirit Hu Li, each character adds depth to the story, making the world of “Shen wei yi ge pang zi” rich and vibrant.
Breaking Stereotypes
Fantasy genres are notorious for falling into the trap of stereotypes, but this show manages to sidestep many of them. For starters, the portrayal of spirits and humans living side by side challenges the usual “us vs. them” narrative, promoting a message of understanding and coexistence. Additionally, the show doesn’t shy away from addressing societal issues, albeit in a fantasy setting, giving it a layer of relevance that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Moreover, the female characters in the series are strong, independent, and integral to the plot, a refreshing change from the damsel-in-distress trope that plagues many fantasy narratives. They are warriors, scholars, and leaders, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, contributing to the story in significant ways.
Visuals and Cinematography
Visually, “Shen wei yi ge pang zi” is a feast for the eyes. The use of CGI to bring the mystical elements of the story to life is impressive, creating an immersive experience without feeling overdone. The attention to detail in the settings, from the bustling streets of the human world to the serene landscapes of the spirit realm, adds to the show’s allure, making it visually captivating.
The cinematography, too, deserves mention. The way scenes are shot, from sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups, adds an emotional depth to the story, enhancing the viewing experience. The use of color, light, and shadow plays a significant role in setting the tone of the series, distinguishing between the worlds and reflecting the mood of the scenes.
Cultural Significance
For viewers unfamiliar with Chinese mythology, “Shen wei yi ge pang zi” offers a fascinating glimpse into a rich cultural heritage. The show draws heavily from traditional beliefs and legends, presenting them in a way that’s both respectful and innovative. It provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, allowing audiences to explore themes of morality, spirituality, and the natural world through a different lens.
The incorporation of folklore and myth into the storyline not only adds depth to the narrative but also pays homage to China’s storytelling tradition. It’s a reminder of the power of stories to bridge worlds, both real and imagined, and to connect us to our past while engaging with the present.
Conclusion
“Shen wei yi ge pang zi” stands out not just for its engaging plot and well-developed characters but for its ability to blend fantasy with reality in a way that’s both entertaining and insightful. It challenges stereotypes, offers a fresh perspective on traditional themes, and captivates with its visuals and storytelling.
For those looking for a series that combines action, romance, and fantasy with thoughtful commentary on societal issues, this show is a must-watch. It’s a testament to the creativity and depth that can be found in the fantasy genre, proving that even in a world of spirits and magic, the most compelling stories are those that reflect our own.