 |
| 9 Chinese Romance Dramas Like The First Frost with Great Reviews (Pics: Weibo/Youku/WeTV/iQIYI) |
Modern C-dramas are truly on the rise right now, and The First Frost is leading the pack. With Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan pulling off serious chemistry and storytelling magic, it’s no wonder the show has climbed high in the ratings. It's got the feels, the aesthetics, and that slow-burn, soft-angst charm that keeps you watching 'til 2am.
But if you’ve already binged it and feel a bit frostbitten waiting for your next obsession with another CPs, we’ve got your back. Here’s a round-up of 9 other dramas that give off major The First Frost energy—romantic, youthful, heart-tugging, and all sorts of emotionally satisfying.
1. Lighter & Princess (2022)
Starring Chen Feiyu & Zhang Jingyi
 |
The blueprint for cold-boy-meets-sunshine-girl stories. Genius programmer Li Xun doesn't give a toss about campus life and keeps his emotional walls sky high—until Zhu Yun, the quiet rule-follower, strolls into his orbit. She’s curious, he’s prickly, and before long, the sparks are flying. But just when things start warming up, a big twist throws their young love into the deep end. Basically, if you liked The First Frost's quiet tension and layered leads, this one’ll hit home.
2. Hidden Love (2023)
Starring Zhao Lusi & Chen Zheyuan
 |
Sang Zhi’s been crushing on her brother’s mate Duan Jiaxu since forever, and when she ends up in the same city as him for uni, their paths naturally cross again. There’s a 5-year age gap, a pile of old feelings, and loads of “will-they-won’t-they” moments that’ll leave your heart in shambles. Perfect if you’re a sucker for childhood crushes finally getting their moment.
Also Read: Most Popular Cdrama Couples Fans Want to See IRL
3. Falling Into You (2022)
Starring Gina Jin & Wang Anyu
 |
This one’s more about dreams and resilience, but the emotional core’s just as strong. Duan Yucheng wants to be a world-class high jumper, but his height says otherwise. Still, he’s relentless and ends up training under no-nonsense coach Luo Na. What starts as a mentorship blossoms into something deeper. It's all about finding belief—in yourself, and in someone else.
4. Always Home (2025)
Starring Yang Xizi, Daniel Zhou, Zhai Xiaowen & He Qiu
 |
A fresh 2025 gem that follows a group of mates from high school all the way through uni and adulthood. Think friendship, first love, heartbreaks, loss, and all the confusing stuff in between. If The First Frost gave you that warm sense of growing up with someone, Always Home doubles down on it with layered emotions and coming-of-age nostalgia.
5. The Oath of Love (2022)
 |
Music student Lin Zhixiao's life does a full 180 when her dad falls ill. Amid hospital corridors and family struggles, she meets Dr. Gu Wei, who’s got his own share of emotional baggage. They go from awkward strangers to unexpected soulmates in a relationship that grows through life’s harshest tests. For fans of slow-building romance and heartfelt scenes that leave you teary-eyed.
6. Crush (2021)
Starring Evan Lin & Wan Peng
 |
Sang Wuyan dreams of becoming a radio host and falls for the mysterious songwriter “Yi Jin.” Surprise—he turns out to be Su Nianqin, a visually impaired guy with a past darker than it seems. The romance that follows is gentle, poetic, and a bit tragic. If you liked the poetic melancholy of The First Frost, Crush is right up your alley.
7. Love Endures (2024)
Starring Yang Zi, Fan Chengcheng & Zhu Yanmanzi
 |
Six childhood friends, once inseparable, find their bond shattered after one life-altering moment around Gaokao. Years later, they reunite at a wedding and realise... those teenage feelings never really left. A heartwarming and sometimes painful look at how time changes everything—and how some connections never really die. For fans who love bittersweet second chances.
8. You Are My Lover Friend (2024)
Starring Wang Yuwen & Zhang Xincheng
 |
From classmates to lifelong companions, Tang Yang and Jiang Shiyan share a bond forged from over a decade of friendship. She works in small business loans, he films heartfelt documentaries. Their love story blooms from mutual respect, shared purpose, and years of trust. Think The First Frost’s grown-up vibes with a side of social depth.
9. The Youth Memories (2023)
 |
Set in the reform-era '70s, this one’s about three boys growing up in a military family compound and the girl who crosses their paths. It's a story of dreams, responsibilities, and growing up in a rapidly changing world. With deep friendships, youthful ambition, and romance wrapped into one sweeping journey, it’s perfect if you liked the reflective tone of The First Frost.