Fragrance of the Pomegranates Drama Ending Explained and Review

Ming Liang returns home to save his family restaurant, facing betrayal, love, and redemption in a heartfelt, bittersweet iQIYI drama finale.
Chinese drama Fragrance of the Pomegranates ending explained
Fragrance of the Pomegranates Ending Explained — Love, Loss, and Life’s Second Chances

The 2025 Chinese drama Fragrance of the Pomegranates (红石榴餐厅) has officially wrapped up its 20-episode run on iQIYI, leaving viewers with a rollercoaster of emotions and a deeply touching finale. 

Blending heartfelt storytelling, Xinjiang’s rich cultural backdrop, and strong performances from Bai Yu Fan and Jia Nai Na, the series paints a vivid picture of family, dreams, and redemption. 

As fans debate the ending and wonder if Fragrance of the Pomegranates Season 2 will ever happen, here’s a full recap and ending explained of this underrated gem that’s quietly stealing hearts across Asia.

🌸 Quick Recap of Fragrance of the Pomegranates Final Episode

Cdrama Fragrance of the Pomegranates ending recap review

Finale (Ep 20) of Fragrance of the Pomegranates hits like a bittersweet storm. 

After everything Ming Liang and the Red Pomegranate team built, their restaurant faces collapse when investor Fang Tao demands a massive breach fee of three million yuan. 

Chef An Dong, exposed for his earlier deception, decides to shoulder the blame alone — but Fang Tao’s real goal is clear: he wants the restaurant for himself.

When even Gu Li Na Er and the whole town rally to help Ming Liang, their unity becomes the heart of the finale. 

Fragrance of the Pomegranates chinese drama ending explained

Everyone chips in savings, sacrifices, and emotional support to rescue the restaurant. 

Just when it seems impossible, An Dong’s ex-wife steps in with the last million, saving both the restaurant and her former husband from ruin.

Yet fate remains cruel — the restaurant is still taken over by Fang Tao. 

As he reopens the place under his name, Ming Liang discovers a farewell letter from An Dong, who nearly takes his own life. 

Thankfully, he’s saved just in time. It’s a sobering end that blends redemption, forgiveness, and renewal in a surprisingly grounded tone.


💫  Fragrance of the Pomegranates Ending Explained: What It Really Means

Fragrance of the Pomegranates Final Episode recap full review

The finale isn’t about who “wins” — it’s about what remains

Despite losing the restaurant, Ming Liang and his friends win something far deeper: self-worth, resilience, and community. 

The show closes on a quiet yet meaningful note — a reminder that not every story ends with riches or romance, but with peace and purpose.

An Dong’s near-tragic arc mirrors Ming Liang’s growth. 

His fall symbolises the price of pride, while his rescue reaffirms the series’ theme — that empathy can still save a broken soul. 

Ming Liang’s refusal to compromise integrity for money, even at his lowest, defines the emotional core of the drama. 

Meanwhile, Gu Li Na Er’s presence as both romantic and moral support completes his journey from dream-chaser to grounded creator, ready to start anew.

In essence, Fragrance of the Pomegranates closes on a hopeful but imperfect note — just like life itself.


👥 Characters Wrapped Up

C-Drama Fragrance of the Pomegranates drama ending recap explained

Ming Liang (Bai Yu Fan): Grows from an ambitious dreamer into a humble leader who values people over success. His bond with Gu Li Na Er becomes symbolic — love born from mutual respect.

Gu Li Na Er (Jia Nai Na): Once career-obsessed, she softens emotionally, showing that strength doesn’t mean solitude. Her support during Ming Liang’s darkest hours cements her as the story’s quiet heart.

An Dong (Tu Song Yan): From flawed mentor to redeemed soul. His near-death moment and ex-wife’s faith mark his true turning point.

Fang Tao (Hao Ping): The ultimate capitalist foil — ruthless yet necessary for the story’s moral contrast.

Ai Yi Sha (Alima Mayutian): The adoptive mother who symbolises unconditional love and the emotional backbone of Red Pomegranate.

⚖️ TL;DR + Short Review

Is Fragrance of the Pomegranates sad or happy ending explained

Fragrance of the Pomegranates ends not with victory, but with a bittersweet acceptance of loss — and the courage to rebuild. 

While it’s not a tear-jerker finale, it hits emotionally where it matters most. 

Strong ensemble acting (especially Bai Yu Fan and Tu Song Yan), grounded writing, and beautiful Xinjiang cinematography make this iQIYI series a surprisingly heartfelt watch.

⭐ Verdict: 4/5 – Poetic, slow-burn, and emotionally satisfying in its imperfection.


❓ FAQs

Details on Fragrance of the Pomegranates Season 2 or Sequel Series

Q: Is the ending happy or sad?
It’s bittersweet — they lose the restaurant but gain emotional closure and hope. An Dong is saved, Ming Liang finds his purpose, and Gu Li Na Er’s feelings finally surface.

Q: Will there be a Season 2 of Fragrance of the Pomegranates?
Possibly! The production team recently hinted that Season 2 could happen, depending on fan support and viewership. Whether it continues Ming Liang’s story or introduces new faces, the door isn’t closed just yet.

Q: Where can I watch Fragrance of the Pomegranates?
You can stream all 20 episodes exclusively on iQIYI (available with English subtitles).

Q: Does Ming Liang and Gu Li Na Er end up together?
Their relationship is left open-ended — romantic tension stays, but it’s more about emotional connection than official couple status.


💬 Final Thoughts

Full Fragrance of the Pomegranates Finale Breakdown

Fragrance of the Pomegranates ends like a warm sunset — not dazzling, but deeply human. 

It celebrates how failure can still lead to rebirth, and how love doesn’t need grand gestures to feel real.

Would you like Fragrance of the Pomegranates to get a Season 2? Drop your thoughts below — let’s see how strong the fan support truly is!

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