Top 11 Detective Chinese Dramas

Looking for the top detective Chinese dramas? Here’s the list of some of the best investigation and crime-solving series!

Set in the Republican era, the series reveals around a policeman with multiple personalities, one of which is dark. Together with his friend and fiance, he heads to a mysterious city to solve the series of connected outrageous murders. Solving the mystery layer by layer, he starts to gradually uncover the twenty-year-old case.

Check out “Detective” if you are looking for a well-written mystery where everything makes sense. However, there are some confusing additional mysteries here and there. Also, be prepared to see many characters whom you can suspect in crimes because of their behavior. It’s like a created illusion to confuse you.

This crime-solving duo Chinese drama starts off with the male lead, a talented detective, getting promoted to the position in major crimes division. Not only does he starts to work in a new team but also crosses paths with a woman who has a photographic memory. Together, they solve one case at a time. Also, they reveal that the woman has a connection to the death of the detective’s father long ago.

The first part of “My Supernatural Power” provides quite many interesting cases, but the second one switches its focus to romance (sometimes to quite unnecessary romance elements). It may disappoint those viewers who watch the series for its mystery/detective genre. However, if you like romantic dramas, give it a try!

The protagonist of this investigation Chinese drama is not a detective but an entomologist student who helps the police solve a bizarre case. The investigation is about a death caused by the bite of a rare bug. With the help of a forensic doctor, they find the murderer who has been hiding for a long time and learns many interesting things about the student’s identity.

If you are discouraged to watch this drama because of the title, don’t be afraid – actually, it is not about insects. “Insect Detective” does follow the lead who is obsessed with insects, and it has a beautiful greenish theme, but it’s much more complicated than that. If you are here not for romance but the crime-solving genre, then you will enjoy it (although it tells about teacher-student, parent-child, and sibling relationships).

This detective Chinese series follows two different people – they are on opposite sides of the low, yet have no choice but to rely on each other. The main story centers on a lawyer who just got out of prison and a highly successful policeman. They both have some sense of guilt for what had happened in their lives in the past and they both find solace through their professions. Thus, they join hands and work on upholding justice.

You may not be blown away by the brain twisters the drama provides but you still can’t be sure who the criminal is and have to think about it. On one hand, “Original Sin” preaches justice but on the other, shows that it’s not always possible. As for the romance, it does tell us about a romantic relationship, but not much.

Here’s another drama on the list about an unlikely detective duo. Set in 1940, this investigation Chinese series revolves around a smart and beautiful aristocrat woman forming joining hands with a hardworking inspector. Although they have different personalities, they have great chemistry and achieve great results when working together.

Like many detective dramas on this list, this one is also set in Shanghai during the Republican Era. If you love such dramas, don’t miss “Miss S”! Also, you will enjoy it in case you need a lighthearted detective drama. It has a well-written story, but not too heavy and serious like many others of this genre. It’s fun but not immature or childish. It does tell us a cute love story, but the leads here are not obsessed with each other to the point where it becomes the main focus.

The story follows a detective who trains a rookie, the criminal profiler. She has her strengths but runs slowly as a snail. Still, they appreciate each other’s skills and efforts and gradually fall for each other while solving numerous cases.

This is one of those detective C-dramas that are not easy to follow. Each episode is rich in information and characters, so you better always be on guard. You need to stay focused to understand the whole case since all small cases are interconnected into a big one. To be more precise, it’s like one big case with many criminals. The acting here is quite realistic and serious because the investigation is the main focus of the story. Choose “When a Snail Falls In Love” if you like slow-burn serious stories.

C-Dramas Similar to “When a Snail Falls In Love”: Top 14 Slow Burn Romance Chinese Dramas

One of the top detective Chinese dramas, it is another one set in the Republican Era. The story focuses on a pretty female graduate of the police academy and a gifted detective who end up working in the same department. With the help of a criminal psychologist and a forensic doctor, they work on solving cases.

“Detective L” is like the new version of “Sherlock Holmes”. Looking for cleverly written cases, intriguing and engaging stories, and excellent production? Then make sure you give it a try! Besides, here you won’t see any repetitive flashbacks and story fillers!

This Chinese thriller revolves around a mysterious murder of a beautiful girl. One day, she was found dead in her apartment at the Horizon Tower. When she was found, she wore doll-like make-up. All the clues of this “Doll Murder Case” point to three suspects, each of whom tells their own version. However, each of them was charmed by the girl’s beauty and had a relationship with her. Soon, we learn about her complicated family history, and new suspects emerge. So, is it a love crime or not?

One of the top detective Chinese dramas, it is especially interesting since each suspect tells a different version of the story. Besides, it’s short, so the pacing is just perfect! Plus, each episode ends up with either a cliffhanger or an unexpected twist. There’s simply no chance that you will be able to stop clicking the next episode! As for the case, everything is logical but is not easy to guess. Be prepared for an unexpected end!
Also, “A Murderous Affair in Horizon Tower” covers many disturbing social topics such as toxic relationships, domestic violence, and more.

This suspenseful mystery centers on an amnesiac detective who is trying to find his father’s killer. On his quest, he finds a friend and a sweetheart who work on solving cases together with him.

Who should watch “Ancient Detective”? Those who a crazy about wuxia and/or mystery, love kick-ass action scenes and adore characters with super fighting skills. It will pull you in the cases and let you solve them together with its protagonist! That means there are enough hints and clues for you to solve the riddle before the end of the story! However, it doesn’t mean it’s obvious or not challenging enough!

Do you like this historical C-drama and love wuxia and fantasy genres? Then you can’t miss the list of Top 23 Historical Chinese Drama Recommendations!

You can never have too many dramas set in the Republican Era! Yes, this one is one of them too! One of the top detective Chinese dramas, it follows the adventures of an elite detective team formed by a young police officer. One of the members is a student who has finished his studies in Great Britain and the other is an independent female reporter.

“My Roommate Is a Detective” is another drama on the list where all cases get solved in Sherlock Holmes style. Besides, it’s a perfect choice for those who prefer bromance over a love triangle!

If you like it when the leads are either roommates or live in the same neighborhood, don’t miss the list of the 10 Best Neighbors Fall In Love Chinese Dramas!

Here’s another top Chinese drama that follows the adventures of a trio. Not only do they share the same goals but also become best friends. An authoritative eunuch, a low-ranked magistrate, and a high-ranked guard try to stop a conspiracy and establish peace.

Why do you need to watch “The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty”? It follows the Jackie-Chan style story of three lovely and humorous characters. You will enjoy watching all silly coincidences, dialogues, and chasing scenes! A great watch for fans of tightly choreographed acrobatic scenes!