Summer Streaming Guide: Youth C-dramas You Shouldn’t Miss

Coming-of-age stories, first loves, and youthful dreams and ambitions are staples of the youth C-drama genre. But some series go beyond the familiar school romance formula, exploring topics of mental health, grief, family relationships, friendships, and personal growth in depth. If you are interested in shows that stay with you long after you finish watching, EnVi has compiled a list of recent youth C-dramas that are engaging and offer much more than a typical romance.

Dazzling (2026)

In Dazzling, city girl Qing Ye (Guan Xiaotong) is forced to stay with her estranged “aunt” and her son, Xing Wu (Li Yunrui), in a small coastal town because of a sudden family emergency. Initially struggling with small-town life, she gradually finds warmth and a better sense of family through her aunt, grandmother, Xing Wu, and the local community. During her stay, she questions her academic goals, torn between her previous dreams of studying abroad and now considering a more local institution. Constrained by his family’s complicated circumstances, Xing Wu juggles family responsibilities and puts his future dreams on hold. The drama follows Qing Ye and Xing Wu as they grow closer to each other, despite their different personalities and life priorities. This work was adapted from the novel “Dazzling (耀眼)” by Shi Jiuyuan.

Love For You (2026)

Spanning from the 1990s into adulthood, Love For You follows two young people, Chen Yi (Song Weilong) and Miao Jing (Zhang Jingyi), whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined. Surviving is an understatement as they both endure family hardships, abuse, neglect, and personal setbacks. As they mature, their relationship evolves into a complicated, romantic one as they reunite after years of separation. This drama showcases the emotional highs and lows of first love, self-discovery, healing, and finding comfort in someone who understands you. This work was adapted from the novel “Wild Dog Bones (野狗骨头)” by Xiu Tucheng. 

Reborn (2025) 

Qiao Qingyu (Zhang Jingyi) and her family relocate from their small town to the city to get away from the rumors surrounding the death of her older sister, Qiao Beiyu. She refuses to accept the narrative surrounding her sister’s death and takes it upon herself, along with the help of her classmate Ming Sheng (Zhou Yiran), to uncover the truth. Reborn is an emotionally intense mystery drama that examines gender-based issues, social injustices, and toxic family dynamics, expectations, and obligations placed on children. This work was adapted from the novel “Renewed Feathers (焕羽)” by Qiang Yu.

Always Home (2025) 

Always Home follows a group of friends, Chen Huaner (Yang Xizi), Jing Xichi (Zhai Xiaowen), Qiqi (He Qiu), and Song Cong (Zhou Keyu), from adolescence into adulthood. Rather than focusing on plot twists, this series captures the more everyday moments and struggles in life, including friendship, love, family changes, the pain of loss, and personal ambitions, which shape their identities over time. This drama illustrates the gap between youthful expectations and adult realities, the bittersweet nature of change, and enduring bonds. This work was adapted from the novel “A Red House Under the Tree (树下有片红房子)” by Xiao Ge.

When I Fly Towards You (2023) 

The drama follows the friends-to-lovers Su Zaizai (Zhang Miaoyi), a bubbly new transfer student, and Zhang Lurang (Zhou Yiran), a reserved schoolmate. Zhang Lurang struggles with self-esteem issues as he constantly feels academically overshadowed by his younger brother, despite performing well too. Su Zaizai’s bright and optimistic personality rubs off on him, who, along with their circle of friends, Jiang Jia (Jiang Zhinan), Gu Ran (Bian Tianyang), and Guan Fang (Guo Zhe), support him with his self-discovery. This series celebrates friendship and shows the emotional growth of youth, making the romance as much about personal healing and self-acceptance as it is about love. When I Fly Towards You is a popular series with many praising the healthy relationship dynamics, well-rounded supporting characters, and the nostalgic and aesthetic direction by Cattree. This work was adapted from the novel “She’s a Little Crazy (她病得不轻)” by Zhu Yi. 

To Fly With You (2021)

This sports romance follows aspiring speed skater Shen Zhengyi (Song Zuer) and figure skater Shao Beisheng (Wang Anyu) as they support each other’s athletic careers and personal lives despite their initial differences. Without any prior professional training, a determined Shen Zhengyi engages in intensive training, navigates workplace drama and family opposition, and other setbacks to achieve her speed skating goals. At the same time, Shao Beisheng deals with skating partner changes and manages injuries and family dynamics to keep his dreams on the ice. Fueled by grit, ambitions, and dreams, the characters in To Fly With You discover friendship, love, and the courage to soar beyond their limits.

Be Yourself (2021)

The story centers on four university roommates whose contrasting personalities and experiences shape their student life. At university, Xia Langlang (Shen Yue) begins exploring femininity on her own terms while navigating a growing crush. Huangfu Shumin (Zhang Ruonan) grew up pampered, and university life offers an opportunity to become a more independent, responsible person who is in control of her own emotions. Fan Xiaoyu (Vivienne Tien) struggles with expectations and the pressure to define herself beyond her privileged upbringing. Yang Jiaqian (Zhang Xinyi) outwardly appears mature, dependable, and responsible, but finds it difficult to share her private life, secret hobbies, and personal interests, often hiding herself behind a composed exterior. Be Yourself explores friendships, personal growth, and the balance between vulnerability and strength.

Sunshine Through The Rain (TBA) 

With the premise of being academic rivals-to-lovers, top biology students Zheng Yu (Yang Chaoyue) and Chen Yanzhou (Winwin) support each other to overcome academic and personal challenges. Sunshine Through The Rain follows youth struggling through cloudy days, only to find that the brightest sunlight often arrives after the heaviest downpour. This series is gaining anticipation across online platforms, as many look forward to a new campus romance directed by Cattree, known for his aesthetic direction. 

Want to add more to your watchlist? Check out EnVi’s June Premiere Picks.