Asian dramas like
Met As Strangers Once Acquainted

In 1937, the Japanese imperialists initiated a violent war against China, putting the Chinese nation in a crucial phase. Xu Tian, a color-blind accountant in Shanghai with military training, chose to stay close to his mother following his father's passing. After encountering a group of patriots connected to his late father, he was inspired by their patriotic fervor. Utilizing his keen intellect, he aided the patriots in transporting crucial materials, attracting the attention of the Japanese occupying forces in the city. Amidst these events, he formed bonds with Jin, a former conman now businessman, and Tielin, a police officer in the Shanghai French Concession. Simultaneously, pharmacist Tian Dan sought refuge in Xu's home after losing her parents in a situation he was deeply involved in. Against the backdrop of the national crisis, individuals navigated their interconnected lives driven by motives of revenge, duty, self-interest, or ideology.

The play depicts the experiences of three individuals during a challenging period in history. Diverse characters navigate through a tumultuous time, facing both positive and negative circumstances while resisting Japanese influence.

The plot revolves around Bai Wen Huan, who is the head of the Northern Shaanxi Brothers Association

During the 1930s in Shanghai, Peng Yu Tian, a National Army officer, bravely fought against the Japanese forces and was gravely wounded. He was saved by Lei Jin Yi, a field nurse, and the two developed a deep bond. Just as they were preparing to wed, Peng was called back to the battlefield. Tragically, Peng's family was targeted and bombed by the Japanese. Lei managed to escape with Peng's child and later assumed a new identity as Shen Han Bing, working as a dancer to support her family. Meanwhile, Peng, believing Lei had perished in the bombing, went on to marry a wealthy businessman named Wu Jiang. However, fate brought Peng and Lei back together when they crossed paths at a party hosted by Wujiang. As a member of the Communist underground, Peng was tasked with investigating Wu Jiang, and sought Lei's help in uncovering the truth. It was ultimately revealed that Wu Jiang was a Japanese spy posing as a Chinese. After the Anti-Japanese War, Wu Jiang attempted to flee with Lei, but was apprehended and met his end at the hands of Peng and Lei.

In 1942, in the northern region of Fujian, Qian Wei Min, a member of the underground CCP party, was tasked with retrieving the "Wuyi Cadre School List" from the leader of the Sun Mountain known as "Balchangcao", as well as collecting military funds for the New Fourth Army. Meanwhile, Xue Zi Qi, the head of the Kuomintang's Special Intelligence Bureau, had devised the "Zhong Kui Operation" to capture the "Cruise officinalis" with the help of Qian Wei Min. The Japanese espionage leader Toshiro Tanaka aimed to exploit this situation to further their plans for invading China. However, Qian Wei Min uncovered the Japanese spies' scheme just as he was about to carry out his mission. He joined forces with Xue Zi Qi to thwart the Japanese plot and successfully put an end to their plans, leading to a victorious outcome.

Following a violent attack on China by the Imperial Japanese Army, a Chinese academic residing in Boston, Wu Ming Tai, chooses to go back to Beijing to translate a crucial document for the UN. This document provided evidence of the Japanese army's atrocities in China. Nevertheless, the Japanese military leader was informed of the professor's journey back to his homeland. The army was willing to go to extreme lengths to stop Wu Ming Tai from returning, such as kidnapping his sibling and coercing him to become a Japanese national.

In a time of military expansionism, He Tao Hua's father, a highly respected military official, was killed. Adopting a new persona, Tao Hua embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father's murder. By 1925, the He Family had been wiped out, leaving only He Tao Hua alive. She ventures to a different city and finds employment as a servant for the Liao Family. Her quick wit and charm win over Old Master Liao, while she also forms a romantic relationship with Young Master Liao Chun Feng. However, just before their wedding, Liao Chun Feng learns of her true identity and, unable to bear the burden, confesses before leaving to join the war effort. Recognizing her feelings for him, He Tao Hua decides to pursue him despite the challenges that lie ahead.

Following the Mukden Incident on September 18, 1931, Ma Zhong Qiu and his family's tranquil existence is thrown into turmoil. Ma Zhong Qiu transitions from a humble swordsman to an honorable police officer, and eventually joins the ranks of the Communist Party of China as a soldier. Throughout his journey, he faces numerous challenges and life-threatening situations. Initially driven by the desire to reunite his family in peace, his motivations later shift to fighting for love and eventually, as a defender of his nation and people. Along the way, he crosses paths with dancer Nan Yan and falls deeply in love. Their relationship weathers the storms of war, but their genuine and selfless love becomes a source of strength as they stand together to defend their country.

"A Leaf in the Storm" portrays the tale of two households and youthful romantics at the onset of the Sino-Japanese Conflict. Derived from Lin Yu Tang's book "Feng Sheng He Li."

The show centers around Shun Liu, a talented marksman who joins the New Fourth Army as a soldier. His remarkable shooting skills are acknowledged, leading him to play a crucial part in multiple military missions against Japanese troops. The series explores concepts of loyalty to one's country, individual development, and the relationships forged during times of war.

This is the tale of a town that relied on its gold mines for economic stability. When the Sino-Japanese war erupted, the townspeople banded together to defend their gold from the invading Japanese army. The narrative centers on two individuals, Lu Jianshan and Guo Lin. Lu, a Communist, is seen as a disappointment in his father's eyes, while Guo, who is adopted, always feels like he is playing second fiddle. Eager to prove himself to his father and the community, Guo takes action. Lu is engaged to Meng Ximei, who presents him with a large gold nugget from the mines as a dowry on their wedding day. Despite marrying her, Lu leaves Meng on their wedding night to join the Communist fighters. As she stays with her father-in-law, Guo develops feelings for Meng. With the outbreak of war, a series of tragic events unfolds, impacting everyone's lives in unforeseen ways. Whether these changes are for the better or worse remains to be seen.

The story revolves around three separate households in Beijing as they experience China's transition from a feudal society to a democracy. The themes of familial bonds, love, and patriotism are interconnected as individuals, both men and women, evolve in their relationships for the sake of love or friendship.

Set in Shanxi during the early Republican era, the story centers around the Long family, a wealthy clan. The protagonist, Ying Niang, along with her children, face numerous challenges in a harsh world. Ying Gu, a young mistress of the affluent Long family, has three daughters during her eight-year marriage. Due to superstitions surrounding her third daughter, Ying Gu and her husband, Long Ji Zong, are compelled to leave with their daughter for her safety. Tragedy strikes when Xu Zhi passes away, leaving Ying Gu pregnant with his son and deserted by her in-laws. Facing rejection from her own family, Ying Gu is forced to marry an opium addict who callously sells her daughter for drugs. In a moment of desperation, Ying Gu starts a fire and is imprisoned. Despite giving birth to her son while incarcerated, her life post-release is grim. Long Yan Zong, her husband's younger twin, tries to assist, but the tumultuous times lead to her separation from her children. Determined to reunite her family, Ying Gu embarks on a challenging journey.

A tale depicting the challenges faced by Huang Xiao Hua, a retired soldier and member of the Communist party, from her youth at 18 to her old age at 80. Following the Chinese victory in the Anti-Japanese Occupation war, Huang Xiao Hua settles down in a peaceful farming village. She attracts the attention of two young men - war hero Wei Shou Gen and party branch secretary Tan Shan Tang - who both vie for her affections. Forced to flee, Huang Xiao Hua disguises herself as a man and relocates to a different village. There, she meets military leader Zhao Jing Song and joins the military as a medical worker. The two develop a romantic relationship, but Huang Xiao Hua is injured in battle and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, she embarks on a quest to find her lover, only to discover that he has passed away. She then dedicates herself to caring for his children until they come of age.

Taking place in the Republican era, the narrative centers around Chen Huai Hai, the proprietor of a traditional Shandong inn, as he endeavors to eke out a living in Dalian. Formerly a ginseng hunter in the dense forests of Dong Bei, Chen Huai Hai faces a major setback when his children are separated and his wife departs. With no other options, he relocates to Dalian, which was then under Japanese colonial control, in order to establish an inn. The inn evolves into a hub of intelligence where individuals from diverse backgrounds gather. Driven by a strong sense of ethics, Chen Huai Hai does everything in his power to shield his fellow countrymen from the Japanese authorities. He crosses paths with Gu San Mei, who transforms the inn into a hub for Communist party communications. Influenced by her, Chen Huai Hai and his family become involved in the resistance against the occupation.

In the midst of the 1944 Battle of Henan, Hunan, and Guangxi, Qian Huai En conceals his family's valuables, only to be betrayed by his friend Long Qian. With the help of the Japanese, Long Qian murders Qian Huai En's family and manipulates Qian Ze Hua in an attempt to claim the hidden treasure. However, Long Qian's plan ultimately fails as Qian Ze Hua, alongside Communist guerrilla Long Xin Yi, successfully defeats the Japanese forces. Following the war, Qian Ze Hua and Long Xin Yi join forces in the revolution. Upon returning home, Qian Ze Hua discovers Long Qian's treachery and seeks vengeance, leading to a clash with Long Xin Yi who advocates for a peaceful liberation. As it is revealed that Long Qian's surrender was a deceitful ploy, Qian Ze Hua and Long Xin Yi unite to vanquish him and liberate Fucheng.

To honor the 75th anniversary of the triumph in the Second Sino-Japanese War, we celebrate the courageous tale of youthful hunters Yang Tian Zhu, Chang Jiu Kuan, and other brave Chinese individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle for their nation's freedom from the Empire of Japan.

The Lusu region is known for its abundance of minerals, but it became a battleground for military strategists during the anti-Japanese war. The Communist party dispatched Zhu Yan Ming and Li Mu Xia to Huangqiushan to unite the local armed groups and combat the Japanese army. Leading the anti-Japanese forces in the area are Sun Da Dao and Tong Qi Gang, who have difficulty cooperating. Zhu Yan Ming and Li Mu Xia aim to bring everyone together to fight against the common enemy.

Mu Liang Feng, a skilled young marksman from a rural mountain community, accidentally injures an army officer with his exceptional gun skills

The narrative follows the individuals residing at the base of the mountains in North-eastern China, who, guided by the Communist Party of China and the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces, stood up against the Japanese invaders to protect their country

During their childhood, Huai Yu, Zhi Gao, and Dan Dan made a pact to be as close as siblings and visited a mysterious old eunuch for fortune-telling using divination sticks. However, the sticks were accidentally shuffled by the eunuch's cat before they could be interpreted. One stick mentioned preferring death over birth, another suggested life was better than death, and the third talked about dying and being reborn. The meaning behind these messages remains a mystery.

Qin Yue Xiang, a former housekeeper, unintentionally causes the death of her husband who was a builder while trying to protect her 9-year-old daughter Sang Cai Qing from being forced into marriage with an elderly man. Facing punishment by the local official Xiao Ru Zhang, Yue Xiang arranges for Cai Qing to seek safety with her biological father, wealthy businessman Chen Yuan. However, Chen's envious wife, Yu Ru, forces Cai Qing to work as a servant in their mansion. As Cai Qing grows older, she becomes entangled in a series of romantic entanglements.

In the aftermath of World War II in Shanghai in 1945, Tang Teng, a fighter pilot, and Shen Ying, a Qi Pao saleswoman, fell in love. Despite facing consequences such as being court-martialed for desertion, Tang Teng was determined to be with Shen Ying. He was ultimately saved from a death sentence by family friend Ji Wen, who helped him escape to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Shen Ying, believing Tang Teng to be dead, agreed to marry another man for financial support. However, upon learning that Tang Teng was alive in Hong Kong from expert tailor Lu Xiao Mao, she broke off the engagement and traveled to Hong Kong. Instead of a joyful reunion, Shen Ying discovered that Tang Teng had married Ji Wen.

Phoenix Wears Peony is set during the winter of 1923 in Northern China, a time of conflict and uncertainty. Wu Xia, a young Buddhist nun, discovers that she is the eldest daughter of the renowned Yu Family in Suzhou, famous for their silk embroidery. Fleeing from the military, she is rescued by Huo Dong Qing, a young and idealistic businessman, who guides her to Suzhou. Throughout her journey, Wu Xia must navigate challenges stemming from family and societal expectations, demonstrating resilience and determination.

A Chinese TV show that tells the story of Huang Yan Pei, a well-known figure in Chinese history who was a respected educator, businessman, and political leader. He played a pivotal role in founding the China Democratic League. (Wikipedia)

A sudden blockade forces militia captain Li Chi Shui to take charge on the front line. He employs tactical strategies to build and train his brigade, which eventually grows stronger. The county brigade is tasked with halting an advance by over 30,000 elite Japanese troops to protect the Eighth Route Army headquarters in the rear. Facing this critical mission, Li Chi Shui requests for a regular main force to be designated. The soldiers of the county brigade march into battle with the chief's promise in mind. They fight relentlessly for days and nights, defending the Eighth Route Army's honor with their lives. After more than a month, the chief returns to the battlefield and fulfills his promise in front of the fallen soldiers' graves. He declares that the designation bestowed upon them will endure for generations, emphasizing their commitment to defending the Chinese nation against any enemy.

The narrative primarily focuses on the events surrounding the chase and elimination of the Chinese Expeditionary Forces Northeast Camp by the Japanese Army within the jungle spanning China and Burma

During the harsh winter of 1944, as the Kwantung Army faced defeat, they devised a plan known as the "horse slaughter plan" involving horse anthrax to hinder the Soviet cavalry's advancement southward. Upon discovering this scheme, the anti-Japanese forces dispatched a team led by Hu Tierong to thwart the Japanese plot. During the mission, an unexpected event occurred, leading Hu Tierong to cross paths with Xie Huan, an expert in horse medicine. Xie Huan willingly joined the Red Man Society, a clandestine group dedicated to fighting against Japan and defending the nation, in order to secure essential Chinese medicinal resources to contain the anthrax outbreak. While undercover in the Red Man Society, Xie Huan encountered Luo Xue, a courageous woman with a deep-seated animosity towards enemies of the family and the country. Together, they eliminated the traitorous Qin Luo within the Red Man Society, ultimately guiding the organization back to a righteous path under the leadership of our army, causing the collapse of the Japanese conspiracy.

Tale of Liu Chuan Shuo's transformation into a remarkable revolutionary fighter, nurtured and supported by the party organization's care and affection.

The narrative revolves around Li San Qiang, a member of an underground party, who rises to the position of governor in Wuze county and displays bravery and intelligence in protecting his homeland during the Anti-Japanese War. When the war reached a stalemate, the iron-rich Wuze County became a prime target for the Japanese forces. The Kuomintang faced difficulties in appointing a county head due to previous assassinations. Eventually, Li San Qiang successfully secures the position with the support of his wife Wang Qiao Gu, her brother Wang Tie Chui, and fellow party members. Despite appearing carefree on the surface, Li San Qiang manipulates events from behind the scenes, causing suspicion among other leaders about his political affiliations. However, when the identity of one of the underground party members is revealed, Li San Qiang leads his county in bravely defending against Japanese invasion.

In 1955, the play begins with Xu Hui Zhen, who became a widow shortly after getting married. She now operates a small tavern that was passed down to her. Despite facing various challenges such as the socialist transformation of businesses, the Great Leap Forward, natural calamities, and the Cultural Revolution, Hui Zhen stays committed to her principles on managing the tavern. As economic reforms are eventually implemented, Hui Zhen and her tavern reap the rewards of her dedication and unwavering belief in her values.

In January 1940, Liang Shuo, a party member working clandestinely, awoke in the mountains after surviving a blizzard despite suffering a head injury. His amnesia led him to Shanghai in search of answers, but he was mistaken for a member of the army during a Japanese army operation. Identified as the director of the Operations Division by Wang Puppet No. 76, Liang found himself caught in a precarious situation as the "Peace and Co-Prosperity Conference" between the Japanese and Wang governments approached. The conference threatened the lives of imprisoned refugee workers who faced being forced into battle afterwards.

A television comedy series taking place amidst the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese Conflict.

Derived from Du Liang's book "Sword Sketch."

A romantic thriller unfolding in the chaotic era of Shanghai. (DramaWiki)

Based on the book "Four Generations Living Together" by the author Lao She.