Historical #cdrama that are more realistic or include interesting multicultural features:
#WinterBegonia - 1930s, transitioning to western-influenced era, theatre, architecture, trade, transport, commerce
#TheStoryOfMingLan - includes canal culture and class differences
#LegendOfTheMagnate - story tours around different geographical and cultural areas
#TheLongBallad - warring factions, war tactics, different geo and cultural areas
#ThisThrivingLand - China on the cusp of revolution
My top #cdrama by year 🤓 (from bsky)
2015 #NirvanaInFire
2018 #TheStoryOfMingLan
2019 #TheUntamed
2020 #WinterBegonia
2021 #FallingIntoYourSmile *
2022 #SheAndHerPerfectHusband
2023 #HiddenLove
2024 #ToTheWonder
2025 #WhyIsHeStillSingle
* started it all for me
I had to edit to pick ONLY ONE so that meant excellent dramas like "Joy of Life" or "Find Yourself" or "Lighter & Princess" or "Are You The One" didn't make the cut. 😫
End of Year Drama Challenge Day 30: was 2025 a good drama year for you?
Yes. Out of 53 I finished so far this year, 18 (34%) I rated as 9/10 or higher. 9 #cdrama, 8 #kdrama, and 1 #TWdrama
The ones I haven't mentioned so far this month:
#HommeFatale 9⭐️
#HelloMonster #RememberYou 9⭐️
#MeetYourself 9⭐️
#RebornRich 9.5⭐️
My two 10s were both from 2020: #Hyena and #WinterBegonia
https://mydramalist.com/list/3EExvzX3
#EYDC2025 #EndOfYearDramaChallenge
End of Year Drama Challenge Day 12: a platonic relationship you loved
Does it count that the web novel was a bl and the adapted drama was platonic?
2020 #cdrama #WinterBegonia was phenomenal and the unlikely friendship between opera singer Shang Xi Rui and business mogul Cheng Fengtai was so good!
#EYDC2025 #EndOfYearDramaChallenge
Day 11
A drama that taught you something new
Once again, Khemjira. It made me read about Isaan, the Isaan language (not dialect ¬¬), the culture of the Northeastern region (like morlam, the desserts, or the Holy Man Rebellion), and about spiritual beliefs of Thailand.
Not from 2025, but Winter Begonia. I didn’t know a single thing about Beijing Opera.
Also, the historical context of Shine…
But what can I say? I like when something makes me want to read more about it
#EYDC2025 #Khemjira #WinterBegonia #ShineTheSeries #ThaiBL #ThaiDrama #ThaiSeries #CDrama
End of the Year Drama Challenge Day 3: favorite actor discovered in 2025
Tan Jianci.
Now, technically, I first tried watching him in "Go East" last year, but I ended up dropping it. Seeing him in his minor part in #WinterBegonia and then intriguing main role in #LostYouForever this year won me over. I'm now currently watching him in #UnderTheSkin where he plays a genius forensic artist who helps solve crimes.
#cdrama #EYDC2025 #EndOfYearDramaChallenge
#cdrama #WinterBegonia #WinterBegoniaWP
Wow. Making Shang Xi Rui put on a kimono and singing a Japanese song in order to get the medicine for Cheng Fengtai is ... quite the "lick my boot and obey" mentality.
Shang Xi Rui will call that fucker's bluff? "You'd use your own fairy to disgust me." 
"Get out! I don't wish to ever see you again!" 😦
Second Madam and Xi Rui are no longer adversaries. 🥹 Nor he and Senior Sister. 🥹
#cdrama #WinterBegonia #WinterBegoniaWP
He has the seal and the Shang Family Stick moves! Shang Xi Rui set him up for strength! "Who else doesn't believe me? Just try me!"
"We will open for performance tomorrow!" I really hope it goes well and he hasn't bitten off more than he can chew. There is only one Shang Xi Rui, but he genuinely taught this kid to be his successor.
"Why do you think a leg is more important than a life?!" I love Shang Xi Rui!
#cdrama #WinterBegonia #WinterBegoniaWP
Shit, Cheng Fengtai didn't run fast enough! Did Gu Dali survive?
Why won't they let Shang Xi Rui in to see him?! Holding this grudge for so many months and using it as punishment when hearts are hurting... ugh, Fengtai's older sister makes some strange choices. And then showing a coffin instead of his injured friend?! 😤😡 Gah, she's such a jerk. "Why did you provoke him?" Exactly! Bitter power trip.
Jill
The BL Xpress
Poisonous Mushroom