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| How Webtoons Helped Shape Some of China’s Most Popular TV Dramas. (Image via: Tencent Video) |
Chinese television producers have increasingly turned to webtoons and online novels as fertile ground for new stories, and the results are hard to ignore. Several Chinese dramas adapted from Korean webtoons and digital novels have become global streaming hits, blending recognisable source material with distinctly Chinese storytelling and production values.
Rather than simply copying the original stories, these adaptations reshape characters, settings and themes to suit local audiences while still retaining the spirit that made the source material popular in the first place.
From esports arenas and romantic campus life to self-aware fantasy plots, the genre has quietly produced some of the most widely watched series of the past decade.
The Best Chinese Dramas Adapted From Webtoons and Web Novels Fans Still Love
Here is a look at some of the most notable Chinese dramas adapted from webtoons or online novels, listed in reverse order from the most recent titles to earlier hits.
8. One Day in July (2025)
One of the newest additions to the trend, One Day in July explores a metafiction romance that plays with the idea of fictional worlds. The story follows a high school girl who suddenly realises she is only a supporting character inside a comic book. Determined to escape a predictable storyline, she begins rewriting her own fate.
Adapted from the Korean webtoon July Found by Moo Ryu, the drama leans heavily into self-aware humour and teenage romance. The concept gained attention among younger viewers who enjoy fantasy stories about characters challenging their predetermined roles.
Online discussions have focused on how the drama balances comedy and romance while exploring the idea of identity inside a fictional universe. Many fans say the premise feels refreshing compared with traditional campus dramas.
7. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (2024)
This romantic drama unfolds around professional billiards players who cross paths in New York during an international tournament. What begins as a chance encounter gradually grows into a relationship shaped by ambition, personal sacrifice and the pressures of competitive sport.
The series stars Leo Wu and Zhao Jinmai, whose chemistry quickly became one of the talking points among viewers. Adapted from a novel by Mo Bao Fei Bao, the story mixes romance with the discipline and rivalry of professional sports.
Fans praised the drama’s polished visuals and the calm yet emotionally driven storytelling. Many viewers said the billiards setting offered a refreshing alternative to the more familiar esports and campus backdrops seen in other adaptations.
6. Stand or Fall (2023)
Focusing on adulthood rather than teenage romance, Stand or Fall explores the lives of friends navigating careers, relationships and personal ambition. The story examines how people’s choices in their thirties reshape friendships and life goals.
The series features Qin Lan and Wang Yang in central roles. Adapted from the webtoon Ben San Na Nian, the series highlights emotional realism and the quiet struggles of balancing work, love and personal identity.
Viewer reactions have been mixed but thoughtful. Some audiences praised its mature storytelling and grounded characters, while others felt the pacing leaned more toward reflective drama than fast-moving plot.
5. Use for My Talent (2021)
Romantic comedy takes centre stage in this adaptation of the Korean webtoon Clean with Passion for Now by Aengo. The story follows a perfectionist CEO who suffers from mysophobia and runs a cleaning company.
His orderly world changes when he hires a cheerful and carefree employee who sees life very differently. The clash of personalities slowly evolves into romance.
The drama stars Jasper Liu and Shen Yue, whose light-hearted performances helped draw younger viewers. Many fans described the show as a comforting watch thanks to its playful humour and charming character dynamics.
4. My Holo Love (Chinese Adaptation, 2020)
Another notable entry inspired by Korean digital storytelling trends is the Chinese adaptation of the concept behind My Holo Love. The plot centres on a lonely woman who begins interacting with an advanced hologram assistant designed to help people in daily life.
As the technology becomes more emotionally responsive, the line between artificial companionship and genuine human connection starts to blur.
The drama’s futuristic theme sparked online debate about technology and relationships. Viewers particularly discussed how the adaptation reshaped the narrative to emphasise emotional growth rather than pure science fiction.
3. The King’s Avatar (2019)
Few Chinese dramas have captured the spirit of competitive gaming quite like The King’s Avatar. The series tells the story of a legendary esports player forced to retire from his professional team.
Rather than leaving the gaming world behind, he begins rebuilding his reputation from scratch while working at an internet café. The drama stars Yang Yang, whose portrayal of the calm yet determined protagonist became widely praised.
Adapted from Butterfly Blue’s hugely popular web novel, the series helped bring esports storytelling into mainstream television and remains one of the most recognisable gaming dramas in China.
2. Go Go Squid! (2019)
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| iQIYI |
Romance and esports collide in this hugely popular drama starring Yang Zi and Li Xian. The story follows a brilliant computer science student who develops a crush on a quiet but highly respected esports team leader.
The series is based on Mo Bao Fei Bao’s novel Honey Stewed Squid. While the competition scenes add excitement, the heart of the drama lies in its warm and slightly awkward romance.
Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive when it aired. Many viewers praised the chemistry between the leads and the mix of youthful romance with the intense world of professional gaming.
1. Lookism (2019)
Among the earliest Chinese adaptations of a Korean webtoon, Lookism tackles the social impact of appearance and identity. The story centres on a bullied student who suddenly gains the ability to switch between two bodies: one ordinary and one exceptionally attractive.
Through this unusual situation, the drama explores how people treat others differently based on looks. The series stars Lomon and Wanye Zhang, bringing the popular webtoon by Park Tae Jun to the screen.
Fans often point to the show’s central theme about social bias as one of its most memorable elements. Discussions online frequently revolve around how accurately the drama reflects real-life pressures around appearance.
Across social media and fan forums, reactions to these adaptations vary widely. Some viewers enjoy seeing beloved webtoon characters come to life with large-scale production and star actors. Others compare the adaptations closely with the original stories, debating which changes improved the narrative and which altered it too much.
What remains clear is that webtoon-based storytelling continues to shape Chinese drama production, offering ready-made worlds and loyal fan communities eager to see their favourite stories on screen. As more studios experiment with cross-border adaptations, audiences are likely to see even more webtoon-inspired series in the coming years.
Which of these webtoon-based Chinese dramas is your favourite, and are there any others you think deserve a spot on the list?