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| From Political Intrigue to Lip-Biting Romance: 2025’s Most Talked-About C-Drama Kiss Scenes. (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese netizens have spoken, and the results are in. Data platform Huanwang Big Data has officially released its ranking of the Top 10 Most Popular Kiss Scenes in China’s 2025 Historical Dramas, with Legend of Zang Hai claiming the crown.
Taking the number one spot is the unforgettable lip-biting kiss between Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi, a moment viewers are still replaying months after it aired. In a year packed with political intrigue, cultivation epics, and revenge plots, romance still proved to be the emotional heartbeat of Chinese historical dramas.
At No.1 is Legend of Zang Hai, led by Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi. The drama centres on Zhinü, who returns to the capital under a new identity as Zanghai after his family’s tragic downfall.
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While much of the story revolves around strategy, loyalty, and long-planned vengeance, the romance between Zang Hai and Xiang Antu caught audiences off guard in the best way.
Their now-viral pavilion scene unfolds after layers of misunderstanding are cleared. Zang Hai apologises sincerely, only for Xiang Antu to take charge, grabbing his collar and initiating the kiss herself.
Just when he begins to respond, she unexpectedly bites his upper lip. His shift from stunned to shyly flustered made the scene feel fresh and human.
According to Huanwang data, #LegendofZangHai has the best kiss into drama in 2025 which created the the most screams and buzz online
— Xiao Zhan Melons🍉 (@xzmelons) January 8, 2026
Well done to Xiang Antu #ZhangJingyi who took what she wanted from Zang Hai #XiaoZhan (and never forget the bite🤭) pic.twitter.com/YM1RtK3C3A
Bathed in warm afternoon lighting, the moment blended sweetness with subtle tension, standing out even in a drama driven by political chess games.
In second place is The Prisoner of Beauty, starring Liu Yuning and Song Zuer. Adapted from the novel by Peng Lai Ke, the drama follows Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao, heirs of feuding families who enter a calculated marriage that slowly transforms into genuine affection.
Their dynamic begins with suspicion and playful testing. Wei Shao is rigid and emotionally reserved, while Xiao Qiao is bold and expressive.
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As their relationship evolves, so do the romantic scenes. One fan-favourite moment shows a tipsy Wei Shao finally placing a gentle kiss on Xiao Qiao’s forehead, unable to disguise his feelings any longer.
However, what truly set social media buzzing were their two first-night kiss scenes. The first features an almost two-minute-long passionate exchange before urgent military news interrupts them.
The second scene is even more intimate in tone, built on whispered conversations and natural closeness between the couple.
Netizens praised it as the “highest standard of first-night scenes” in 2025 historical dramas, applauding the chemistry and emotional build-up rather than just surface-level romance.
Securing third place is Love of the Divine Tree, starring Deng Wei and Xiang Hanzhi. Adapted from Kuang Shang Jia Kuang’s novel, the drama tells the story of cultivation genius Su Yishui, whose fate was reshaped 18 years earlier by his master Mu Qingge.
After being wrongly accused and meeting a tragic end, Mu Qingge reincarnates as Xue Ranran and later becomes Su Yishui’s disciple, reversing their former roles.
The drama’s romantic moments are layered with emotional conflict. From gentle healing kisses to soft forehead kisses beneath a tree while Xue Ranran sleeps, the tone often leans tender.
Yet the most impactful scene arrives when Su Yishui, who has suppressed his feelings for nearly two decades while walking a path of detachment, can no longer hold back.
The kiss ends with her pushing him away!💔#iQIYIOriginal #仙台有树 #LoveoftheDivineTree #邓为 #DengWei #向涵之 #XiangHanzhi #cdrama #costumedrama pic.twitter.com/rzL1OFW3MH
— iQIYI (@iQIYI) February 17, 2025
With reddened eyes sparked by jealousy and long-hidden affection, he confesses before pulling her into a deeply emotional kiss. Viewers praised the scene for merging sweetness and lingering pain in a single breath.
Beyond the top three, Huanwang Big Data’s full Top 10 list of 2025 historical drama kiss scenes includes:
- Xiao Zhan, Zhang Jingyi – Legend of Zang Hai
- Liu Yuning, Song Zuer – The Prisoner of Beauty
- Deng Wei, Xiang Hanzhi – Love of the Divine Tree
- Dylan Wang Hedi, Tian Xiwei – Guardians of the Dafeng
- Arthur Chen Feiyu, Wang Yinglu – When Destiny Brings the Demon
- Song Weilong, Bao Shangen – Youthful Glory
- Li Landi, Ao Ruipeng – Coroner’s Diary
- Ren Jialun, Song Zuer – The Demon Hunter’s Romance
- Hou Minghao, Lu Yuxiao – Love in the Clouds
- Xu Kai, Tian Xiwei – Moonlit Reunion
This ranking once again proves that no matter how complex the court politics, intense the cultivation battles, or heavy the family feuds, romance remains a driving force in Chinese historical storytelling. In 2025, kiss scenes were not simply about sweetness. They carried longing, regret, power shifts, reconciliation, and emotional payoff built over dozens of episodes.
Now the real question is: do you agree with the No.1 pick? Was The Legend of Zanghai truly unbeatable this year, or did another couple deserve the crown? Let us know which 2025 historical drama kiss scene you’re still thinking about.