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Chinese Drama Novel Lists

The novels behind Chinese dramas, grouped so you can find your next read. Every novel on these lists is translated into English and free to read.

On My Way cover
Live Long and Prosper cover
Love in Red Dust cover
When I Meet the Moon cover

Upcoming Chinese Dramas Based on Novels

Chinese dramas that haven't aired yet, adapted from novels you can read in English now. Soonest first, so you can finish the book before the drama starts.

76 novels

Where the Mask Ends (Transfer Gold Hairpin) cover
Tigers Sniff the Rose cover
The Lament of Autumn (Yu Dian Qiu) cover
Against the Current cover

Chinese Dramas Based on Novels in 2026

Every 2026 Chinese drama on ReadTheDrama that was adapted from a novel, with the English translation of the original book.

89 novels

Where the Mask Ends (Transfer Gold Hairpin) cover
Tigers Sniff the Rose cover
The Lament of Autumn (Yu Dian Qiu) cover
Against the Current cover

Historical Chinese Drama Novels in English

The novels behind historical and costume C-dramas, translated into English.

89 novels

Live Long and Prosper cover
Yunchu's Vengeance cover
Night Wanderer cover
Shadow Punisher cover

Xianxia, Wuxia and Fantasy Drama Novels

Cultivation, martial arts and fantasy novels that were adapted into Chinese dramas, translated into English.

68 novels

The Early Spring cover
Small Town Remedy (Xiao Cheng Liang Fang) cover
On My Way cover
The Vanishing Beauty cover

Modern Romance Chinese Drama Novels

Contemporary romance novels that became Chinese dramas: no palaces, no cultivation, just modern love stories.

69 novels