Lance Joseph Martinez

Upcoming C-Drama Couple Pairings Fans Should Watch Out For

Article (news)

It’s hard to deny that more and more eyes are now turning toward Chinese drama stars, as C-dramas continue to gain global attention.While many fans have long been following the genre since the days of Empresses in the Palace, and later through hits like A Love So Beautiful and Put Your Head on My Shoulder, the recent buzz surrounding Pursuit of Jade has further amplified its worldwide appeal—drawing even more viewers into the ever-growing world of Chinese dramas.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe src="https://em.iq.com/player.html?id=25u6ongz5sc&amp;sh_pltf=4" width="925" height="525" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true"></iframe> </div><div> </div>Now, the excitement continues to build as audiences look forward to new on-screen pairings. With that, METRO has put together a complete cheat guide featuring the upcoming Chinese drama couple pairings everyone should keep an eye on.<div>Disclaimer: All information provided is based on official announcements and is considered accurate at the time of writing. However, details such as the title, characters, storyline, and overall format may still change prior to release.</div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Ashes to Crown — Chen Duling and Zhou Yiran<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780331158707DkeKxp_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from Youkou</div><div> </div>Another Chinese drama is set to dominate Netflix this June with the arrival of Ashes to Crown. The historical fantasy romance, licensed from streaming giant YOUKU, premieres on June 1, 2026, with Netflix opting for an unusual rollout strategy by releasing episodes daily throughout the month instead of the traditional weekly format.The story follows Chu Zhao, a general’s daughter reborn with memories of her past life, who refuses to be used as a political pawn and instead takes control of her own destiny. Along the way, she meets Xie Yan Lai, an illegitimate son who rises from Imperial Guard to a powerful general after their encounter reshapes his fate and fuels his growth.The series also introduces a new on-screen pairing, Chen Duling and Zhou Yiran. Chen Duling, known for My Journey to You and Fox Spirit Matchmaker, plays the strong-willed Chu Zhao, while Zhou Yiran of When I Fly Towards You portrays Xie Yan Lai, a reserved outsider whose journey from soldier to general is shaped by ambition, loyalty, and destiny.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Chasing Dreams — Chen Zheyuan and Zhang Jingyi<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780331099286nOzz8B_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from WeTV</div><div> </div>Craving another historical romance drama? Adapted from Xiao Ru Se’s novel Xie Luo, Chasing Dreams is set to hit screens soon, starring Chen Zheyuan and Zhang Jingyi.The story follows Princess Ti Lan of Xiangnan, whose peaceful royal life is shattered after a sudden coup. In its aftermath, she awakens a mysterious ability to foresee the future as a “Blind Songstress.” Her path soon crosses with General Tang Qian Zhi, and fate binds them together as they become betrothed, forming a deep and unexpected bond.Meanwhile, Prince Zhong Xu of Great Zheng becomes dangerously fixated on Ti Lan, drawn to her resemblance to his late consort. As war and chaos spread across the land, Ti Lan is forced to confront destiny itself, fighting to protect her love and change the course of a collapsing world.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Empress Reborn — Dylan Wang and Meng Zi Yi<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780331023287Lw0wBy_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from WeTV</div><div> </div>Adapted from Qian Shan Cha Ke’s novel The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage, Empress Reborn stars Dylan Wang and Meng Zi Yi as Xie Jing Xing and Shen Miao.The story follows Shen Miao, a disgraced empress who meets a tragic end in the cold palace, only to mysteriously return to her teenage years. Armed with memories of betrayal, she quickly sees the true colors of those around her and begins a calculated journey of revenge to alter the doomed fate of the Shen family.Along the way, she encounters the seemingly carefree yet deeply strategic young Marquis Xie Jing Xing. What begins in suspicion slowly evolves into a powerful alliance as the two join forces to confront corruption, overturn injustice, and restore stability to a kingdom on the brink of chaos.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Genius Girlfriend — Tian Xiwei and Hu Yitian<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780330982806ABdlgE_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from iQIYI</div><div> </div>Among the most highly anticipated upcoming Chinese dramas, Genius Girlfriend is set to bring together two of the industry’s hottest stars today—Tian Xiwei, fresh from the success of Pursuit of Jade, and Hu Yitian, known for his acclaimed performances in Blossoms in Adversity and A Love So Beautiful. The story follows Lin Zhi Xia, a brilliant but socially awkward student who enters a top high school and becomes desk partners with the popular and talented Jiang Yu Bai. As he helps her open up and make friends, their rivalry slowly turns into a close bond and growing affection.As they navigate school life and competitions together, Jiang Yu Bai falls in love with her. However, just as he prepares to confess, a sudden family crisis forces them apart, leaving their future uncertain.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Irreplaceable — Wei Da Xun and Zhao Jin Mai<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780330894163JB5XQd_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from Youkou</div><div> </div>An original Chinese melodrama, Irreplaceable stars Wei Da Xun and Zhao Jin Mai as Ye Xin Zhi and Xu Chi.The story follows Xu Chi, who, shaped by the tragedy of her mother’s suicide, rises from an ordinary graduate to a top-tier consultant through sheer grit and sharp instincts. Ye Xin Zhi, an elite industry partner who was betrayed early in his career, quietly builds a path of revenge before recognizing Xu Chi’s potential and taking her in as his assistant.As they work closely together, their professional dynamic slowly transforms into something more intimate, but just as their feelings deepen, sudden career upheavals force them to confront a difficult crossroads between love, ambition, and revenge.<div style="text-align:center"> </div><div style="text-align:center">Love For You — Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780330766564b3XAox_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from Mango TV</div><div> </div>Officially set to air in July 2026, Love For You is an upcoming 32-episode Chinese modern romance drama produced by Mango TV, starring Song Weilong as Chen Yi and Zhang Jingyi as Miao Jing.Set in the 1990s, Chen Yi and Miao Jing grow up connected through their parents, with initial hostility gradually giving way to a close bond after she helps him during an injury, until tragedy forces them apart as family losses reshape their lives.In college, Miao Jing confesses her feelings, but Chen Yi becomes entangled in an arson case and, in order to protect her, distances himself while assisting the police—only for fate to reunite them years later in Tengcheng, where he runs a billiards hall and she returns for work, reigniting their unresolved past.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Overdo — Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780330640822b3AW5V_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from iQIYI</div><div> </div>Fresh off the success of his global hit Chinese drama Pursuit of Jade, Zhang Linghe is set to team up with Wang Churan in the highly anticipated Republican-era drama Overdo, where they will portray Murong Qing Yi and Ren Su Su.Set in Shanghai during the Republic of China era, the story follows Murong Qing Yi, the youngest son of a warlord who endures abuse after being mistakenly raised in a powerful household. After being saved by Ren Su Su, the two fall in love, but she later fakes her death to protect others, leaving him consumed by grief and resentment.Three years later, Ren Su Su returns as his prospective sister-in-law, reigniting a complicated past as love, betrayal, and unresolved emotions resurface amid a national crisis.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">The First Jasmine — Ryan Cheng and Bai Lu<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780330596424mOKDAJ_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Photo from WeTV</div><div> </div>Among the highly anticipated upcoming dramas, The First Jasmine stars Ryan Cheng and Bai Lu as Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li.The story follows Ye Li, the eldest daughter of the Ye family, who is married off to the disabled Prince Mo Xiu Yao, while her sister Ye Ying weds Prince Mo Jing Li on the same day. A descendant of Lishan, Ye Li harbors a hidden mission of revenge against those who destroyed her clan, unaware that her husband is also concealing his own agenda.Initially bound by suspicion and mistrust, Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao gradually become reluctant allies as they uncover each other’s secrets. As Prince Jing Li schemes to seize the throne, the two ultimately join forces to confront their enemies and restore order to the empire.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">The Legend of Rosy Clouds — Li Yitong, Joseph Zeng, and Deng Wei<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17803320536383oQ8NV_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from iQIYI</div><div> </div>Adapted from the novel series Saiunkoku Monogatari by Yukino Sai, The Legend of Rosy Clouds is an upcoming Chinese drama led by Li Yitong as Fan Yun, Joseph Zeng as Qi Zheng, and Deng Wei as Zheng Shi/Lou Qiyan.Set in the legendary Nine Cities, the story follows Fan Yun, a fallen noblewoman who unexpectedly crosses paths with Qi Zheng, a cunning and ambitious city lord. What starts in mistrust gradually evolves into a strategic alliance as they navigate ruthless power struggles, political schemes, and shifting loyalties—ultimately leading them to confront challenges that test their beliefs while uncovering trust, friendship, and love along the way.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center">When I Meet the Moon — Lin Yi and Lu Yuxiao<img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780330537594Kp48Qq_4f.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from iQIYI</div><div> </div>When I Meet the Moon, adapted from Zhu Yi’s web novel of the same name and a sister work to Hidden Love and The First Frost, stars Lin Yi and Lu Yuxiao.The story follows shy and socially anxious Yun Li, who enters graduate school to prove her independence, only to unexpectedly reunite with her high school crush, the brilliant Fu Shi Ze. Determined to overcome her insecurities, she steps out of her comfort zone to pursue him, and their relationship slowly blossoms.However, as love grows, past wounds and personal differences eventually pull them apart. Years later, Fu Shi Ze, now a renowned researcher, sets out to win her back when she returns from abroad, and through growth and persistence, the two find their way back to each other.<div> </div>Lead photos from @zhanglinghe__1230 @vv.tian @songsongswl

Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan, Tian Xiwei and Hu Yitian, Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi, and more are set to headline upcoming Chinese dramas as new on-screen pairings, bringing fresh chemistry to highly anticipated projects.

Zhang Linghe and Wang Churan, Tian Xiwei and Hu Yitian, Song Weilong and Zhang Jingyi, and more are set to headline upcoming Chinese dramas as new on-screen pairings, bringing fresh chemistry to highly anticipated projects.

New C-Drama Tandems Fans Should Watch For

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New C-Drama Tandems Fans Should Watch For

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published June 02, 2026 01:28 PM PHT

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Updated June 02, 2026 01:37 PM PHT

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Zhang Linghe

Tian Xiwei

Song Wei Long

Hu Yi Tian

Chinese Drama

Couple Pairings

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