Cute and fluffy with an underlying deep message
This is one of those dramas perfect for when you want something cute, fluffy, and light to watch. I binged this drama over two days because it was so hard to stop once I started. The theme of the drama is lying and deception, which I hadn't seen much of in dramaland before, which made for a unique perspective that the story took onThe story is about the FL who continuously tells lies and a ML who despises lies and how despite their differing views come together. This drama also has plotlines for the main supporting characters, who are a friend group with the ML and FL that each bring something interesting to the overall story. The story did feel a bit cliche at times, but I think its focus on lying and deception made it so much more unique and interesting.
In the beginning, some of the FL's behaviors felt slightly annoying but made sense considering her past experiences, so it makes that less bad. But overall, I found myself rooting for her and really liking her as the story continued since the drama. This is especially aided by the fact that the story brings up a deeper conversation about lying and deception that I think almost everyone can at least somewhat relate to. I found the ML refreshing, especially since he's quiet but super respectful of the FL. The contrast between the ML who is more quiet and the FL who is more bubbly also made the story more interesting. I loved their relationship since they both uplifted and supported each other through each of their struggles. It felt like they were truly growing together, which is something I love to see in couples. Some of their moments together made me squeal and giggle so much because they are so cute together.
The leads' acting was the best as I could see and feel everything that they were portraying. What made me knock a few points off was the acting of some of the main supporting characters, which felt a bit too surface-level at some points. That didn't affect my enjoyment of the drama too much, but it was obvious to me a lack of emotional depth in some of the portrayals, which would have enhanced the impact of the story.
I would definitely comeback to this drama when I'm looking for something comfortable to enjoy.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Cute, Complicated, and Kinda Addictive
A story that centers around Bai Xiaoduo, a college girl with a messy past—she used to struggle with her weight and now deals with the tangled web of lies she’s spun to protect herself. It sounds heavy, but the drama balances it all so well with themes like identity, trust, and growth, all set against the fun and colorful world of a college comic club.What really pulled me in, though, was the characters—especially the dynamic between Bai Xiaoduo and Su Yancheng. And let’s just say, hello slow-burn romance. Su Yancheng is secretly the mysterious comic creator Black, and the way he and Xiaoduo interact? So much tension, so much chemistry, and so many sweet moments that had me smiling like an idiot. Their relationship goes from awkward and guarded to something really deep and genuine. I loved watching that slow shift—it felt earned, not rushed.
And I really appreciated how the show didn’t sugarcoat things. It tackled some pretty tough stuff—bullying, trauma, the fallout from lies—and did it with real sensitivity. Xiaoduo’s backstory was heartbreaking but also gave her character so much depth. I found myself rooting for her, even when she made mistakes, because the show made her so relatable.
The side characters were also a total win. Xiao Yang was adorable in that shy, lovestruck kind of way. And then there’s the tangled drama with He Rui and Yu Shubo, which added so much flavor to the story. Their friendships, little rivalries, and complicated feelings made the whole group dynamic feel super real.
And I loved the comic club setting. It wasn’t just a backdrop—it actually tied into the story in a meaningful way. Seeing the behind-the-scenes of comic creation, and how passionate everyone was about it, added a whole new layer of depth. Plus, the mystery of Black’s identity kept things extra juicy.
Pacing-wise, the drama did a pretty solid job balancing fun, lighthearted moments with deeper emotional ones. The romantic beats—especially those big confessions and quiet, tender scenes—were so well done. You could really feel the emotions.
That said, not everything hit perfectly. A few scenes—like the escape room bit and the scene where Xiaoduo was jealous seeing Yu Chi and Su Yancheng have such good rapport—felt a little over-the-top or didn’t land quite right emotionally. Also, a couple of the misunderstandings felt a bit too convenient, like they were just there to stir the pot - Yu Shubo and Yu Chi, for instance.
But those hiccups aside, the ending wrapped things up in such a satisfying way. Everyone faced their demons, grew as people, and came out stronger. I especially loved how Black’s identity reveal and Xiaoduo’s acceptance felt so sincere. The whole message about being honest and true to yourself really stuck with me.
All in all, this drama was such a rewarding watch. It had heart, it had tension, and it had characters I genuinely cared about. If you're into stories that mix romance, personal growth, and creative passion, definitely give this one a shot.
Was this review helpful to you?
got me giggling and kicking my feet
a pleasant surprise!!! to be honest, i wasn't expecting much of it when i first started and k thought it would just be a good enough drama with some cute sceneswell, it had some /really/ cute scenes but it was much better than i initially expected! it is comfortable to watch and enjoy, it has a simple and yet interesting plot, no major misunderstandings or unnecessary drama (which was really refreshing!!) and all characters are likeable in their own way.
it is a 10/10 not because it is revolutionary bjt because it does really well in its own genre and niche in only 22 episodes with an average 25/30 minutes per episode. i wish more dramas were like this one, nothing too complicated but still fun to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
It is actually really good
I really like Wang Zixuan and have been watching most of her stuff ever since the release of “Gank your heart”. She has great chemistry with all her male lead partners and this drama is no exception. Her chemistry with Yu Cheng En is crazy. They looked so good together!The story was also surprisingly great for a romance drama. There were themes I really resonated with, such as overcoming bullying traumas, the fear of loneliness and so on… It actually managed to pull some strings of my fragile heart and I even teared up.
On the other hand, the chemistry was on fire between the two leads. They just look so good together. And I think they both use their real voices which is a plus when it comes to Chinese dramas (I hate it when one of the leading actors gets dubbed, and the other doesn’t, it looks and sounds really awkward. Actually, I hate dubbed dramas in general…)
Anyway… I highly recommend watching this drama. It is really good and criminally underrated. This drama is a breath of fresh air in times when Chinese dramas really aren’t that entertaining and good quality.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Romance I Didn’t Know I Needed—Soft, Healing, and So Underrated!
I just finished City of Romance, and I can confidently say—THIS is my comfort drama of 2025! From start to finish, it gave me that warm, cozy feeling, and I already know I’ll be rewatching it whenever I need a pick-me-up.🌸 The Story: More Than Just Romance, A Journey of Healing
At first, the plot may seem like a typical city romance, but as the story unfolds, it reveals something much deeper. Bai Xiao Duo, who has learned to protect herself with lies due to her low self-esteem, meets Su Yan Cheng, a genius cartoonist who despises dishonesty. Their initial clash feels inevitable—two people with opposite worldviews—but as they’re thrown into each other’s lives, their relationship slowly transforms into something truly meaningful.
What makes this drama so special is how it portrays growth and healing. Through a series of events, they challenge each other, forcing one another to break down walls, question long-held beliefs, and confront past wounds. The pacing is just right—never rushed, never dragging—allowing the emotions to settle and feel genuine. If you love soft but impactful romances like When I Fly Towards You or Our Secret, this one will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
💖 The Leads: Chemistry That Feels Natural
Yu Cheng En and Wang Zi Xuan absolutely nailed their roles. Their chemistry isn’t loud or dramatic; instead, it’s soft, genuine, and beautifully understated. Bai Xiao Duo is one of those characters you can’t help but root for—her journey toward self-acceptance is handled with so much care. Meanwhile, Su Yan Cheng’s mix of cold logic and hidden warmth makes his transformation feel incredibly rewarding. Watching them grow together felt earned and authentic, which is what makes their romance so impactful.
🌟 The Supporting Cast: A Delightful Bonus
While the main couple is the heart of the drama, the supporting cast adds so much depth! Xu Bin (Xiao Yang) was MY joy in this show! His humor and effortless comedic timing had me laughing every time he was on screen. Whether he was teasing the leads, dropping sharp one-liners, or just being his lovable self, he truly stole the show in so many moments. I had already seen him in Stay With Me, but after this drama, I need to see him in more roles—2025, give him ALL the projects!
Gao Mao Tong (Yu Shu Bo) brought that perfect mix of loyalty and wit, while Thea Lin (Lin Xiao Miao) surprised me with a more complex arc than I expected. Every character had their place—no one felt wasted or irrelevant, which is rare in romance dramas.
🎶 Music & Rewatch Value
The OST? Beautiful. The cinematography? Aesthetic and dreamy. The rewatch value? Through the roof. From the soft lighting to the carefully framed moments, everything about this drama feels intentional and immersive. I already know this will be one of those comfort rewatches I turn to whenever I need something soothing and heartfelt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a drama that will make you smile, give you butterflies, and feel like a cozy hug—WATCH THIS! City of Romance deserves way more love, and I hope more people discover its charm. 💕
P.S. Don’t trust the ratings—this one is a hidden gem! ✨
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
ONE OF THE BEST YOUTH DRAMAS IN 2025!!! YU CHENG EN & WANG ZI XUAN ARE SO BEAUTIFUL!
One of the best dramas of 2025, seriously. When I started, I didn’t have high expectations, but after seeing the plot and the incredible acting of Yu Cheng En and Wang Zi Xuan, I was completely mesmerized. Their performances were insane, especially when Wang Zi Xuan finally opens up—their eye acting was immaculate. Also, their friends in the drama were hilarious; I loved them so much. OMG, the tension and chemistry between them were everything! Yu Cheng En acting all nonchalant was insanely hot, and the physical scenes felt so real. Overall, this is easily my top drama of the year—hands down to the actors! No unnecessary drama too, which I loved!Was this review helpful to you?
Sweet romance cdrama
This cdrama is the very thing for the genre of romance! Sweet and not overloaded, it's very easy and interesting to watch, especially when you want to watch something sweet, and it’s also about student love!An incredibly beautiful and harmonious couple emerged from the main leads! So they also raised the topic of lies in relationships in the drama, which is why misunderstandings most often occur and people drift apart from each other. I was really proud of Xiao Do! Because she finally gathered the courage and revealed the truth to everyone, because it was extremely difficult for her, she lived this way for several years and plunged into a veil of lies more and more, but loyal friends and love became the light at the end of the tunnel for her.
I definitely recommend this one to fans of youthful love dramas!
Was this review helpful to you?
A really nice watch.
I wasn’t anticipating this drama but definitely glad I came across it. It was very touching and sweet and one I’d recommend.The Good
I loved how age appropriate everyone behaved and dressed. Many college age CDramas usually display young adults who seem more like 14 year olds for laughs and giggles. Sometimes it comes off really immature and out of place for college aged adults. The love triangle was done very tasteful and mature. No evil people. Misunderstandings weren’t dragged out too long and no unnecessary break ups. Next, I loved the overall plot being about compulsive lying. It was definitely a fresh idea and I appreciated the consistency of the lies and how it tied to mental health throughout the drama and visible growth as the FL began to heal from her past. I also really liked the imagery used for the ML with his constant need to wear all black as a representation of his morose feelings. As the story progressed, he began to eventually wear brighter colors like grays, blues and white to represent his uplifted mood. The friendships were definitely a highlight for me. The friends were extremely mature, talked through their disagreements and didn’t ruin friendships over crushes. The chemistry between all the couples were just right. Great job with the pairings and the romance was tasteful, sweet, and passionate. Great OST as well.
The Bad
I would say there was still some cliche moments and non unique ideas. The fake identity/secret comic writer isn’t a new CDrama concept and childhood trauma tropes are definitely nothing new with our main couple in CDramas. One thing that bothered me was they dragged the compulsive lying too far to the end of the story, even down to the final episodes. Even though the story wrapped up nicely, I wish that plot would have been solved sooner so we could have gotten more extended happy romance. People in these dramas need to learn the number to the police. With all the harmful crimes committed in a lot of these dramas, they let too many of the bad people get away with things. It’s very odd.
Was this review helpful to you?
EU AMEI
eu me senti tanto assistindo malhação, me diverti tanto. eu amo quando dramas assim tem uma vibe bem adolescente, mas abordando assuntos importantes. O Q EU MAIS AMEI É O DESENVOLVIMENTO DO CASAL, af dorama chinês é outro nível né. apesar de ter uma vibe bem teen, os protas tem maturidade e n teve coisas genéricas como em todo os dramas. eu gostei TANTO de como as coisas foram conduzidas aq, como n teve uma rivalidade entre ela e a outra amg q gostava dele, como n tiveram um ciúmes nd a ver, como tudo era romântico e o esforço dele pra ser especial e apesar de ter tido um problema de comunicação no final, ainda era algo bem desenvolvido em q os protas conversaram e trataram sobre! af eu gostei tanto desse, peguei um sentimento tão grande. totalmente subestimado merecia tanto o reconhecimento.Was this review helpful to you?
Beyond the Clichés: A Look at the Psychological Growth in City of Romance
I picked up City of Romance expecting a standard fluffy college romance, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a story with genuine psychological depth. While we have seen the 'Genius Male Lead' trope countless times in C-dramas, this show manages to make it feel fresh. Su Yan Cheng isn’t just cold for the sake of being cool; his rigid obsession with honesty makes him a fascinating foil to Bai Xiao Duo.The core conflict is compelling because it isn’t black and white. Xiao Duo isn’t a malicious liar; she uses lies as a shield to protect her low self-esteem. Watching these two distinct personalities collide creates a natural tension that evolves beautifully into understanding. The synopsis promises "healing," and the drama truly delivers on that. They don't just fall in love; they actually fix each other's inner wounds. Yan Cheng learns empathy, while Xiao Duo learns that she is worthy of love without the facade.
I gave this an 8.5/10 because the pacing and character growth felt earned rather than forced. The acting really sells the emotional scenes, especially as Xiao Duo slowly drops her guard. It’s a respectful adaptation of Rao Xue Man’s novel that feels nostalgic yet mature. If you are tired of misunderstandings that drag on for no reason and want to watch a couple with healthy development, this is highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cliche but with complex characters that add nuance (with some interesting psychological aspects)
This feels like your average college romance, but then the FL ends up being a complex character that adds a lot of dimension to the story. The FL deals with trauma (bullying), anxiety, panic attacks, there are hints of an ED, and she deals with compulsive lying.The plot plays out like a coming of life romance with one dimensional characters until suddenly it's so much more. The story revolves around the FL's psychological issues and how her past reflects on how she acts in her relationships, whether it's friendship or romantic. You learn that she was bullied for her appearance and for her habit of lying. I would've enjoyed seeing more of her past and how she managed to become a cheerful girl. I also think it would've been interesting for them to explore the fact that she dropped an extreme amount of weight. There are hints of an eating disorder and that would've been an interesting aspect to dive into since her appearance was part of her bullying and that kind of internalized hate could cause her to be anxious about her current body/may still about body dysmorphia.
The ML was raised by neglectful parents which caused him to internalize his emotions to the point that he doesn't show affection, sadness, or anger clearly. But he's always able to see when other people are struggling, react empathically, and never pushes away affection. The ML's best friend is often hanging on his shoulders, sitting in the ML's space, or just placing his hand on the ML when he's talking to him. The ML never initiates, but always welcomes when his friend does this; he is afriad or simply not used to showing affection because he was never taught how or felt safe enough to do so. Through the show and seeing the FL's struggles and her reasoning with lying, he learns to widen his perspective on his life. He begins to grow after getting to know the FL, he begins to act like a warm child; he begins to show more warmth for others, holds love in his eyes, acts clingy/cuddly, and is open about his sadness and loneliness. He even begins to open up more to his best friend emotionally/communicative.
The plot is straightforward and cliche, but the characters come with trauma and past's that have shaped them. They feel like "real" people that face their struggles and learn how to be better versions of themselves as they learn about each other. They learn to view themselves differently and in turn it helps them to care more for themselves, their friends, and for each other.
Was this review helpful to you?
WORST CASTING
I'm honestly confused about how this drama has an 8.1 rating. I get that everyone has different tastes, but in my opinion, the heroine just doesn't suit the character at all. She doesn't come across as bubbly, and her innocence is completely missing. As for the romance, I don’t feel any chemistry between the leads—they just don’t seem compatible. In fact, the second leads are much more appealing than the main ones.While the actors did an okay job, I think the casting choices really let the drama down. Honestly, it feels like a waste of time, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. If you’re looking for something to watch, you’re better off rewatching your favorite drama. The actors look too young to pull off these attitude-heavy roles, and it just doesn’t suit their personalities.
The guy, as "DEMO, in GO GO SQUID" was great—he’s definitely more suited for a bubbly, innocent hero rather than one with an arrogant attitude. As for the girl, I loved her in "Gank Your Heart," but here, every time I see her, I can’t help but feel frustrated with her performance.
And don’t even get me started on her wardrobe—it’s honestly so bad, I can't even put it into words. It’s hard to look past, and she doesn’t seem cute at all in those outfits.
Was this review helpful to you?
