After a long day, sometimes the best way for my kids (and me!) to unwind is to curl up on the couch and watch something fun, meaningful, or just downright silly. In our house, we try to keep things bilingual — an equal mix of Chinese and English shows. That balance has gotten trickier as the kids get older and outgrow the usual animated fare. So I’ve been on the hunt for live-action Chinese dramas that still appeal to their tween energy without being too grown-up.
A while back, I wrote two separate posts about Chinese cartoons and non-animated Chinese shows mainly for younger kids. Many of those are still firm favourites, but we’ve since added a bunch of new titles to our watchlist — especially now that they’re tweens. That’s what this post is all about – great Chinese series for upper elementary children to enjoy (C dramas but without the romance, relationships, etc).
Some shows may be geo-fenced to Singapore (thanks, MeWatch), but with a little digging, you might find them elsewhere (think YouTube and Douban…). Sorry in advance to my non-Singapore readers — I know you are there, and I’ll try to note any alternatives when I can!
Singaporean Chinese Dramas
Born to Shine 孺子可教也
What it’s about: A heartwarming, honest look at three families navigating the pressures of PSLE. The spotlight is on the dads — their parenting styles are wildly different, and it makes for great conversation fodder.
Why we love it: My kids binged all 20 episodes in record time. Then I also binged it (secretly, with subtitles on). It’s one of those shows that actually opens the door to real conversations about school stress, family, and resilience.
Age guide: 10 and up (note: includes themes like self-harm, so definitely watch with them)
Where to watch:
MeWatch: Born to Shine on MeWatch
Youtube: Born To Shine 孺子可教也 EP1 | 新传媒新加坡电视剧 | 新传媒新加坡电视剧
I Not Stupid 小孩不笨
What it’s about: This classic Singaporean series (plus movies!) follows a group of Primary 6 students placed in the “lower” academic stream. It’s part comedy, part social commentary — tackling big topics like pressure, inequality, and family expectations with warmth and humour.
Why we love it: It’s old-school, a little cliché, but full of heart. Also, the nostalgia hits hard for adults who grew up with it.
Age guide: Upper primary and above (PG-rated)
Where to watch:
- Series: I Not Stupid – MeWatch
- Movies: Search for 2002 – 小孩不笨 I Not Stupid (Movie) and I Not Stupid Too (2006) on YouTube 2002 Movie Im not stupid 2 FULL
We Are Good Kids 我们这一班
What it’s about: Adventures of the coolest kid in Grade 6 and his schoolyard rivals. It’s a light, fun look at friendships, rivalries, and growing up.
Why we love it: Okay, we clearly have a thing for school-based dramas! But this one is charming, relatable, and easy for kids to enjoy.
Age guide: 6 and up
Where to watch: We Are Good Kids – MeWatch
Mainland Chinese Dramas
Mi Xiao Quan 上学记 米小圈
What it’s about: Based on the popular Chinese book series, this show follows the misadventures of Mi Xiao Quan and his classmates as they navigate primary school life.
Why we love it: Funny, familiar, and very relatable for younger kids.
Age guide: 6 and up
Where to watch: Mi Xiao Quan on YouTube (EP1) (Youtube)
Xiaoling Magicland 小伶魔法世界
What it’s about: Imagine a Mandarin mash-up of Harry Potter and Glee. A magical school full of sparkly drama, singing, and dance battles.
Why we love it: It’s pure escapism, and the music numbers are catchy enough to get stuck in your head (consider yourself warned).
Age guide: 6 and up
Where to watch: Search for Xiaoling Magicland EP1 on YouTube Xiaoling Magic land EP 1: The Magic Land in Crisis
Star of Tomorrow 小戏骨
What it’s about: A genius concept — child actors recreate famous Chinese dramas like Mulan, Dream of the Red Chamber, and Legend of the White Snake. The productions are beautifully done and surprisingly faithful to the originals.
Why we love it: It introduces classic Chinese literature in a fresh, accessible way. And the kids are incredibly talented! Fun bonus: the soundtracks often include familiar Western songs (yes, Frozen and Aladdin make appearances).
Age guide: 6 and up (but be warned — the pacing is slow. Adults may enjoy it more than kids with shorter attention spans)
Where to watch: Try searching Tiny performers of Mulan – Episode 2 on YouTube or Douban “Tiny performers of Mulan” Episode 2
Looking for More?
If your kids are a little younger (or you’re just starting your Chinese TV journey), check out the post I wrote a few years ago: 👉 Chinese Kids Shows: Best Non-Animated. A lot of those shows still hold up today, especially for early primary years and preschoolers. One in particular we cannot stop recommending is Mama Laoshi who never ceases to come up with new and interesting content.
Got a tween-friendly Chinese drama your family loves? Let me know — we’re always looking to add to our queue too! 👇
Happy watching!