literal perfection
Meet yourself is the type of drama that everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime. I decided to watch thus drama because of the reviews and they were so right, this was such a comforting, life changing and a easy watch. Every character has such depth to them that you feel connected to all of them and the actors and actresses portrayed their characters with ease and grace. Everything about this drama was perfect, realistic and mature. I would recommend everyone to watch this dramaWas this review helpful to you?
Sloooowwwww, but so pretty!
OVERALLThis drama is truly unique. As of now, I don't think there's another one quite like it. Watch it if you 1) are looking for a nice slow burn, 2) want a drama with mature vibes, 3) like slice-of-life series. Skip if 1) lowkey propaganda bothers you, 2) ensemble dramas (which focus on many different characters) bother you, 3) dramas without a plot bother you.
THE STORY
Let's be honest: there is no story here haha This drama is just about life. It does start out as a story (something happens, FL needs a break and goes to the countryside), but then it's just 40 eps of FL living in the countryside, travelling back to the city, and living some more in the countryside. As someone who is not really into slice-of-life dramas, I dropped the drama at least 10 times. But I kept going back to it every couple of months because it's SO different, and I can now say I'm really glad I pulled through.
What's good about the drama:
- Mature vibes, from ALL the characters. No childish, annoying women, no high-pitched baby voices. Real people. I LOVE it.
- FL and ML have a very refreshing relationship, the friends-to-lovers type but in which both are really self-aware. Once they get together, they're also quite playful, and they have pretty decent chemistry. I liked them a lot!
- The script is at times quite deep. Lots of topics are addressed in this drama, from burnout and work stress to mourning and loss, and many inspiring quotes are told. You can tell when a drama takes itself seriously because the writing is 10x better than average.
- The cinematography is AMAZING. Awesome scenery, great filters, nice sets. Everything is flawless in that department! It makes you yearn for country life haha
- Story-wise, the second half of the drama is MUCH better than the first. It feels faster paced, and we get more of the main leads (rather than the many side characters)
- The relationship between family members is super endearing, especially in FL's family
That being said, Meet Yourself is not going to be in my list of favorite dramas of all times for a couple of reasons:
- I prefer dramas with a plot. The first half of this drama felt SO slow. I kept falling asleep while watching, even when skipping parts. Artistically, the slow pace is meaningful (it reflects how life also feels slower in the country), but I personally do not watch a drama to see life unfold in real time. I have enough of that in real life, thank you! Give me a plot and a decent pace! Luckily, the pace picks up in the second half.
- There are too many characters with a "story" of their own, and they're not all interesting. At least, I couldn't care for most of them. It would have been better if only 2-3 of them were 3D (developed) and the rest were just 2D friends or neighbors.
- In the first half (mostly), this drama feels too much like government propaganda to lure people into the countryside (go there, there's less stress, people are nicer, and they need you). Almost every ep had the characters gathering somewhere to talk shit about the city and how their lives were miserable there, and every other ep, some characters pointing out how life is hard for the people in the country because of lack of funds/labour/etc. It kind of got old and pulled me out of the story.
I still definitely think everyone should give this drama a try. If Chinese contemporary dramas could all go in this direction (and improve it), that would be so great!
THE ACTING
Fab, fab, fab. Liu Yifei was awesome! But the rest of the cast didn't fall too much behind. Their interactions were so organic, you don't often see that in dramas!
THE MUSIC
Catchy and fitting, but only the Chinese songs. The English songs were a monstrosity! haha
REWATCH VALUE
Low. It's just too slow for me. But I'd love to rewatch some clips, especially of main couple!
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A Slow Drama That Makes Time Move Fast Also LIU YIFEI !!!!
The drama is slow and very heartwarming but i have bever had 2 days go by so fast in my life. I Was outting this drama off until I realized Crystal Liu is Liu Yifei. Yes THAT LIU YIFEI (If you don't know who she is, she was at one point the most sought after actress in the ENTIRE WORLD and I mean it, like the only thing that limited her growth was her Chinese roots despite her US citizenship). It's also the only chinese drama thats actaully worth the 40 episodes. Not discounting Li Xian and the other actors especially Ma Meng Wei who played the writer. Her character development was very heart warming. There really isnt that much thats bad, but its also one of those dramas that only a few really enjoy.Was this review helpful to you?
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A rewatch after sometime
Wow, this drama truly deserves it's rating. I wish I could forget this series and watch it over and over again. It is that good in my opinion. This rewatch was a little bit different from my first watch, this time I watched it as a business student. I was much more engrossed in the, venture and career aspect of the drama. They actually talk about things I learn in university, it just adds to the charm of the drama. What I think is the best about this drama is it's set of characters, they have thought in them, they have distinct personalities, they felt like real people. Unlike lead centric stories where supporting characters are just there to further the romantic progress of the leads. In this drama a lot of the characters are actually fleshed out, in fact the romance between the leads progressed so naturally without the help of the supporting characters, that's what I also really like with the slow burn romance here, no unbelievable scenes, like accidentally kissing, accidentally hugging, stuff like that, yet it never felt boring, because they showed how love is nurtured, they started as strangers, they became friends, they began to have feelings for each other, they couldn't realize those feelings at first but gave in after realising that they can't move on, they sacrificed and helped each other to be together. It's so much better than clichés like contract marriage ( i still watch them if the chemistry between leads is amazing lol). Not just romance, everything was depicted really well, from friendships, to the community, hardships, family dynamics, so on so forth. It's a really well made drama. Very recommended.Was this review helpful to you?
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Not all love needs fireworks. Some love just feels like home — soft, peaceful, and true.
From the very first episode, Meet Yourself draws you into a world that feels like a soft breeze under gentle sunlight, quietly soothing and full of warmth. The female lead, Xu Hongdou, once a successful hotel manager, loses her sense of purpose after the passing of her best friend. Seeking peace, she leaves behind the noise of the city and retreats to a quiet village to heal her heart.There, she meets Xie Zhiyao, a man who gave up his high-paying urban career to return home and rebuild life in his hometown. Their encounter is unassuming yet fateful — and their relationship blossoms like a slow-burning flame, tender, steady, and deeply comforting.
What makes this drama truly moving is its honesty. Life in this village isn’t a dreamy escape; it’s filled with grief, hope, and the quiet weight of everyday struggles. Each person Hongdou meets carries their own story — the villagers, the returnees, the dreamers, and even the broken-hearted. Together, they form a living, breathing community that makes the village feel more than scenic — it becomes alive.
The love between the main couple feels like a quiet wind and soft sunlight — never loud or dramatic, but filled with warmth and mutual understanding. Their bond grows naturally, built on shared respect and emotional growth rather than instant passion or grand gestures.
Both Hongdou and Zhiyao’s journeys remind us that every life holds its own meaning and pace. Her path of healing and his devotion to his hometown mirror the beauty of slow, imperfect growth. There’s no sudden magic — just two souls finding peace side by side.
✨ Highlights
🌾 Scenic & soothing atmosphere: The breathtaking village, calm visuals, and peaceful tone make this a truly healing watch.
💞 Mature chemistry: The leads’ connection feels natural and genuine, developing patiently over time.
🌱 Themes of healing and belonging: Grief, rediscovery, and finding home again are deeply explored.
👥 Strong ensemble cast: Every side character adds something valuable, making the story richer and more heartfelt.
⚖️ Things to Note
⏳ The pacing is deliberately slow — more meditative than dramatic.
💔 The first episode begins with emotional heaviness, but the tone gradually shifts to hope and light.
💬 Final Thoughts
Meet Yourself is a tender and peaceful journey, offering more than a simple romance. It teaches you to slow down, breathe, and listen — to the sound of nature, to the rhythm of small-town life, and to the quiet voice of the heart.
If you’re looking for a drama that heals rather than thrills, that values quiet growth over quick sparks — this is a story you’ll want to linger in. 🌸
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Expectation of life summarized in 40 Episodes !!
This drama is the perfect example of how vulnerable humas are !! It does not matter what color of skin or culture you come from, we all experiment a moment in life were feeling defeated is the common goal. This drama tells the story of a successful professional that learned the hard and sad way how life should work.This is how we humans develop relations that would make us feel alive. Understanding how different cultures help you heal when you need it the most makes this drama a gem. An example, I come from a culture that is known for its vibrant colors, the happy we live, how music plays a role and how exited we are to enjoy every aspect. Latin culture for most is that a set of extravagant people that dance to every opportunity we have. The other side of Latin culture that often people do not see is how important family and values are for us and how we respect and always remember to maintain those values.
Understanding how timing works in life and how every new thing we learn in life can make us better is the final message of this drama.
The characters, children, granys, and side characters ,make this drama develop a fond with everyone. A simple drama with a positive message that feels is meant for you in your OWN INDIVIDUAL way.
Do not hesitate and watch this gem !!!
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Slow Burning Love
This drama is the same genre as Go Ahead. I might say it's somehow much better because it deals with more adult matters, and how the relationship of the main leads are very respectful and mature.The main leads have a very strong chemistry. Li Xian is so adorable, the way he looks at the FL, you can really see love! I wasn't really his fan before, even though I liked Go Go Squid, I watched it mainly because of Yang Zi. But this drama made me his fan!
Crystal Liu, she's so beautiful and so calming. I also wasn't her fan before, I watched her in Once Upon a Time (with Yang Yang). That movie made me cringe even though I love Ten Miles of Peach Blossom. Anyway, I love her in this drama.
The reason for not giving a 10 is because the side characters storyline. Some of them are okay, but some I really don't care about (like the singer, the guy who meditated a lot, the spoiled girl who's Dad has a supermarket, the novelist, the waitress - wait aren't they all of them hahaha). I understand the side characters storyline are important to bring the drama to intertwine together. And I did watch them all (fast forwarding the singer and the meditate guy).
They have lots of very catchy beautiful songs, some which I put in my Spotify playlist.
Overall a beautiful drama to watch and I will wholeheartedly recommend this (and recommend you to just fast forward the sideline stories you're not interested on haha).
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Rediscovering Life's Simple Pleasures in 'Meet Yourself'
'Meet Yourself' is a slow-paced drama that invites viewers into a peaceful, tranquil world, far removed from the bustling city life. Its serene atmosphere and charming portrayal of village life make it a compelling watch for those seeking a respite from the fast-paced world.One of the most captivating aspects of the show is the relationships between the characters. The bonds between siblings, friends, and other relatives are depicted in a heartwarming manner, inspiring viewers to strive for similar connections in their own lives. The interactions among the characters are natural and engaging, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
While I am not typically a fan of music, I found myself appreciating the OST and songs in this drama. The music perfectly complements the show's serene atmosphere, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
**Meet Yourself** is a healing drama that encourages viewers to embrace their own pace of recovery. It highlights the fact that everyone faces different challenges and may require varying amounts of time to heal. The show emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and moving forward, even in the face of setbacks.
The drama also offers valuable life lessons about the importance of appreciating the present moment. In our pursuit of success and ambition, we often overlook the simple joys of life. **Meet Yourself** reminds us that life is a journey, and the experiences along the way are just as important as the destination.
Overall, **Meet Yourself** is a beautifully crafted drama that offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its serene atmosphere, heartwarming relationships, and valuable life lessons make it a must-watch for those seeking a peaceful and thought-provoking viewing experience.
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AN ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL DRAMA
What a terrific drama. you feel like you are watching a period of time in the life of a village, not actors in a drama. It is so so well done. The ML and FL were brilliant, there relationship is natural and caring. Granny was outstanding, she has a smile in her eyes, a little mischievous, fabulous, as were all the Aunties, the children all were wonderful. The cinematography , the music, perfect. the whole drama was soothing, calming, caring, the conversations were really worth listening too. A lot of wisdom. and fun also. i was indeed sad when i watched the last episode, so i have just rewatched it. and enjoyed it all again, and of course you see something you missed the first time around. Many thanks to the cast and crew for producing such a wonderful dramaWas this review helpful to you?
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Beautiful journey
One of the best Cdramas i have seen hands down.Its not just a journey of a ML & FL but the whole quaint village. Their problems, their happiness, pros & cons of changing times for people in a village, for old aged people and for people who were lost and found themselves in this village. Its so so beautifully brought out. If audiences start feeling like they are part of the lives of the characters thats the ultimate goal a drama would have achieved & this drama achieves that effortlessly. In first episode itself you start rooting for FL. Same goes with every character thats introduced. Adding to that all the great actors and characters and the beautiful setting making it so perfect.
One special mention on ML. I think one of the very realistic next door "rural" ML i have ever seen in any languages. They really show ML working not just talking about working. The scene where he helps a stuck truck shows how he really helps people. Have never seen such scenes natually without highlighting "machoness" or "manliness" in front of FL(FL is not even present in that scene).
only downside could be a little bit slow and a romance between the musician and the much older women. I found it a little dragging and couldnt relate to that part of the story but otherwise very good.
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The title Meet Yourself truly says it all
Meet Yourself isn’t for everyone—but if you’re in a season of burnout, heartbreak, or just feel emotionally drained, this drama might be exactly what you need.Yes, it’s slow-paced. Painfully slow at times. But that’s also kind of the point. The show doesn’t rush anything—just like real healing, it takes time. It lets you breathe, sit in silence, and soak in the little things: the sound of birds, the warmth of a shared meal, the stillness of rural life. And somehow, that simplicity becomes deeply moving.
Liu Yifei brings this quiet strength to her role, and her chemistry with Li Xian is calm and steady—not explosive, but deeply comforting. Their relationship builds gently, without dramatic twists, and that's what makes it feel real. The entire village, its people, and the daily rhythms slowly become a balm for the soul.
The title Meet Yourself truly says it all. This isn’t just about escaping the city or falling in love—it’s about slowing down long enough to meet your true self. The part of you that’s been hurting, hiding, or forgotten. And that quiet journey of self-rediscovery is what makes this drama so special.
If you’re looking for action, high drama, or fast-moving romance, this probably isn’t it. But if you're going through something—or just need peace—this show is like a soft blanket. You just need patience to appreciate it.
Pros:
✔ Beautifully healing atmosphere
✔ Natural, grounded performances
✔ Reflective and emotionally warm
✔ Perfect for when you feel lost or overwhelmed
Cons:
✘ Very slow pacing (you have to be in the right mindset)
✘ Some subplots feel repetitive
Would I rewatch? Yes—on a quiet night when I need to feel like everything will be okay.
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