FAN PILGRIMAGE: C-dramas reshape Asian pop culture

For over a decade, the path for Asian drama lovers was clear and well-trodden. Fans packed their bags for Seoul, eager to step into the world of their favorite oppas, sip iced Americanos in aesthetic cafes and recreate iconic romantic scenes under the glow of Namsan Tower. The influence of K-dramas on global tourism was unmistakable.

Now, a quiet revolution is happening on streaming screens worldwide—and it is sending travelers in a whole new direction.

As Chinese dramas gain massive international traction on platforms like Netflix, iQIYI and WeTV, a new generation of fans is turning their eyes toward China. Driven by charismatic leading men, deeply comforting romance tropes and breathtaking cinematography, viewers are no longer just swooning over on-screen heartthrobs like Bai Jingting, Zhang Linghe, Chen Zheyuan and Li Xian. They are falling in love with the places these actors inhabit on screen, sparking a booming trend of TV-inspired travel.

Unlike K-dramas, which often center their stories around the familiar urban sprawl of Seoul, C-dramas serve as a vibrant tapestry of China’s vast geographical diversity. Modern productions showcase real, distinct cities that feel like living, breathing characters in their own right.

Fans craving a moody, cyberpunk aesthetic head straight to Chongqing, where Bai Jingting’s The First Frost captures a multi-layered metropolis of elevated skywalks and the magical, lit-up nightscapes of Hongya Cave. Those looking for classic elegance prefer Hangzhou, where Zhang Linghe’s The Best Thing highlights tranquil lakeside views and lush tea plantations.

For coastal youth nostalgia, Chen Zheyuan’s hit Hidden Love turned the island architecture of Xiamen into an instant dream destination, much like Zhou Yiran’s When I Fly Towards You did for the red-roofed seaside streets of Qingdao. Meanwhile, Li Xian’s Meet Yourself triggered a massive real-world rush to Yunnan, as burned-out viewers sought the same slow-paced, countryside healing along the shores of Erhai Lake in Dali. Even winter sports and high-energy city life get their spotlight, with snowy Jilin setting the scene for Ski Into Love and Nanjing’s historic Qinhuai River area featured in Speed and Love with He Yu.

What makes this cultural shift so compelling is how tangible these worlds feel. Viewers are not just passively watching green-flag male leads; they are booking flights to walk those exact coastal boardwalks, eat at the local street stalls, and soak in the atmosphere that brought their favorite stories to life. From snowy mountain peaks and peaceful countryside retreats to neon-lit riverbanks, C-dramas have officially written a fresh, exciting travel itinerary for the modern fan.