In the Name of People has been considered as the Chinese version of House of Cards by western observers. [Photo/Mtime]

More materials for foreigners to choose

If you think only costume dramas attract the attention of foreigners, think again.

In the first half of this year, an anti-corruption-themed TV series, In the Name of People, made waves both at home and abroad.

The plot revolves around a detective's efforts to unearth corruption within a fictional Chinese city.

The drama has been critically acclaimed with a high rating of 8.3 out of 10 on Chinese TV review site Douban for its ensemble cast of skilled veteran actors and high quality plot.

Due to the popularity of the TV series in China, the drama has also attracted the attention of foreign media and many western observers regard it as the Chinese version of House of Cards.

Poster for Ode to Joy [Photo/Mtime]

Meanwhile, the Chinese popular urban drama, Ode to Joy, and its sequel also appealed to audiences in Vietnam.

In addition to the high audience ratings, the makeup and fashion of the protagonists influenced local people’s daily lifestyle.

"While watching stories of family, study, work and the love lives of the five young women, viewers can see themselves in the characters during some part of their lives," says Vu Quynh Mai, 28, a marketing officer at a book company in Hanoi.

"The five girls have their respective strengths and weaknesses. All characters are featured clearly and realistically. While following colorful stories about the five women, we can learn lesson about life, work, study and love."

Zhang Guofeng, an expert from the China Artists Association, said that in the past, most Chinese TV dramas either distorted the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) or blindly copied foreign programs.

As the Chinese government pays more attention to the soft power of the TV and film markets, he says foreign viewers may be surprised more often.

Many Chinese TV dramas have been introduced into Japan in recent years. [Photo/Mtime]