Smart Male Lead is a popular tag in Chinese dramas that refers to male protagonists who possess high intelligence, strategic thinking, and quick wit. These characters often outsmart their opponents and navigate complex situations with ease, making them captivating and intriguing to watch. Explore our comprehensive list of Chinese dramas featuring the Smart Male Lead tag.
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Legend of Zang Hai
#1
Historical, Political, Drama
Xiao Zhan, Zhang Jingyi, Zhou Qi
Overnight, the family of Zhi Nu, the son of Kua Duo, Chief of the Imperial Astronomical Observatory of the Great Yong Kingdom, was annihilated. He tempered his edges, acquired skills in construction and strategic mastery. Ten years later, under the alias Zang Hai, he returned to the capital and sought reconciliation with his enemy, the Marquis of Pingjin. In order to gain the Marquis's...The Prisoner of Beauty
#2
Historical, Romance, Political
Song Zu Er, Liu Yuning, Xuan Lu
During a time of chaos, Wei Shao, having suffered the loss of his father and brothers, devotes himself to revitalizing his family and taking on its heavy responsibilities. As he leads his clan to avenge the humiliating massacre they once endured, he comes to realize that what the people truly need is not revenge and war, but peace. For the sake of the people's livelihood, he sends a...Serendipity
#3
Historical, Romance, Suspense
Wang Ziqi, Lu Yuxiao, Wang Hongyi
Jian Ming Shu, the young lady of the Jiangning Jian family, who unexpectedly falls off a cliff and loses her memory, escaping a tragic massacre of her family. She is saved by her love interest, Lu Chang, and they travel together to the capital for the imperial exam. As the story progresses, Ming Shu, who has doubts about her own identity, enters the inner courtyard to investigate and...Phoenix's Gambit: Love or Crown
#4
Historical, Romance
Gao Siwen, Lu Dongxu
Bai Xiyue was once a cunning and ambitious concubine-born daughter who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted. She caused the death of her noble sister Bai Xiyao and won the heart of Duke Yun Yichen, eventually ascending to the throne as empress. But on the day of her coronation, she was poisoned and died. Fate gives her a second chance—only this time, she awakens as the very...Playing Go
#5
Crime, Suspense
Wang Baoqiang, Chen Minghao
At the beginning of the 21st century, an ordinary Go teacher, Cui Ye, is taken hostage during a credit union robbery. In order to survive, he is forced to assist the robbers in escaping from the police. However, during this process, he realizes that his Go talent can be applied to criminal activities. Under the pressures of life and harsh realities, Cui Ye gradually falls deeper into...Game of True Love
#6
Urban, Romance
Fan Zhixin, He Ruixian
Xu Nuo, the heiress of Yuanfei Group, who grew up spoiled by her parents. After returning from studying abroad, she is shocked to discover that her once-happy family has fallen apart—her mother has been left with nothing, and Shen Jiahe, who was fostered in her home since childhood but has no blood relation to her, is about to take her place as the heir to the family business. To...Les Belles
#7
Historical, Romance
Lin Yun, Alen Fang
Both prideful individuals gradually develop feelings for each other, but neither is willing to admit it first. At this time, the "refugee incident" erupts, intensifying the conflict between the noble families and commoners at the court. To promote equality between the two classes, Lu Yun risks his life to investigate the issue. During her efforts to help him, Luo Lingyu realizes that...The White Olive Tree
#8
Romance, Military
Chen Zheyuan, Liang Jie
Song Ran, a female reporter from Liangcheng TV, encounters danger while on an interview assignment in a turbulent Eastern country. Fortunately, she is rescued by Li Zan, a Chinese-American explosive engineer volunteering in the East. Li Zan's gentle nature and his heart full of love deeply attract Song Ran. Through their many interactions, Li Zan discovers that although Song Ran appears...Live or Love?
#9
Fantasy, Romance
Zhang Yao, Hanna Lu
The real-life competitors Fang Li and An Hang, who, after an accident, find themselves trapped in a virtual world and become a married couple. However, their system tasks are in direct opposition, and they must defeat each other to return to reality. As a result, the two engage in intense competition, becoming the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" of the system. In the process of loving and fighting,...Flourished Peony
#10
Historical, Romance, Drama
Yang Zi, Li Xian
After the merchant's daughter He Weifang meets Jiang Changyang, the prominent figure in Chang'an, the two form a partnership as a craftsman and an investor. Leveraging He Weifang's exceptional skills in cultivating rare peonies and her outstanding business acumen, she leads a group of women with tumultuous destinies to collectively run a flower shop. Through numerous trials and tribulations,...Guardians of the Dafeng
#11
Historical, Drama, Fantasy
Dylan Wang, Tian Xiwei, Liu Yijun
Modern office worker Yang Ling accidentally finds himself transported to the mystical and fantastical Da Feng Dynasty. There, he assumes a new identity as Xu Qi’an, a bronze gong of the night watchmen responsible for supervising officials and solving crimes for the people of Da Feng. Relying on his modern knowledge and reasoning skills, he successfully cracks one bizarre case after...Riverside Code at Qingming Festival
#12
Historical, Suspense
Zhang Songwen, Bai Baihe
During the Northern Song Dynasty, in a corner of Que'er Alley in Bianliang City, lived a family of five with vastly different personalities: Zhao Bu-you, Wen Yue, and their household. Zhao Bu-you was a low-ranking clerk in the Court of Judicial Review, content with leading a simple life, while his wife, Wen Yue, was determined to buy land and property. Despite their frequent quarrels,...The Story of Pearl Girl
#13
Historical, Romance, Business
Zhao Lusi, Liu Yuning, Daddi Tang
In Hepu, a pearl-harvesting slave named Duanwu escapes from the human-devouring pearl field during the Dragon Boat Festival, overcoming countless obstacles. She crosses paths with a Western merchant, Yan Zijin, and the gentle scholar, Zhang Jinran. Joining Yan’s caravan, she pushes forward, reaching closer to the dazzling world of gemstones. However, on the journey through the northwest,...Love Game in Eastern Fantasy
#14
Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Esther Yu, Ding Yuxi
Ling Miaomiao unexpectedly enters the “novel world,” becoming a minor supporting character and is forcibly bound to a task system. Besides the main task of defeating the powerful demons, Miaomiao is also assigned a side mission: to capture the heart of Mu Sheng, the “black lotus” villain in the story. Failure in this mission would mean she can never return to the real world....Kill Me Love Me
#15
Historical, Romance
Liu Xueyi, Wu Jinyan
Prince Murong Jinghe of the Dayan Empire led the Wei Bei army to reclaim the lost territory of Qingzhou. After their victorious entry into the city, a sudden fire erupted. Rumors spread that Murong Jinghe, harboring resentment against the Qingzhou people for betraying Dayan, ordered the city to be burned, turning him from a just general into a feared butcher. A Qingzhou girl, Mei Lin,...Love in the Desert
#16
Historical, Romance
Hani Kyzy, Alen Fang
Huang Beishuang, the most beautiful woman of the desert and the princess of a fallen tribe, unexpectedly becomes the envoy for the arranged marriage of the Enaci tribe, heading to Yunpei City. Along the way, she crosses paths with Huo Qingyun, the lord of Beijing, and is reluctantly drawn into the power struggle to unify the desert. Meanwhile, the desert bandit Ruo Wen, after mistakenly...A Talented Girl Grows up
#17
Historical, Romance, Comedy
Chen Fangtong, Zhao Wenhao
The "World's Number One Scholar," Wen Chenyu, encounters the fake "World's Number One Talented Girl," Cheng Manyi, and the two embark on a contract life as "teacher and student by day, husband and wife by night." As they grow from acquaintances to lovers, they support each other through challenges, determined to change the Feng Dynasty. However, due to a conspiracy, they are forced...Fateful Love
#18
Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Zhang Han, Zhu Xudan
Han Ziqing, a concubine daughter of a prime minister, accidentally encounters Jun Beiyue, the god of war of Tianming. She is forced to get involved in the strife between powerful countries and foreign clans. In order to unravel the mystery, Han Ziqing and Jun Beiyue fight together with various powerful forces on the Longyuan Continent. After going through a lot of difficult tests,...Debit Queen
#19
Historical, Romance
Zhao Yiqin, Nicky Li
Miss Ling Se, the eldest daughter of the Ling family, has always dreamed of leaving her family on her birthday to live a carefree life, free from the pressure of marriage and the need to please others. However, her plans quickly go awry when she unexpectedly encounters Xu Zilu, the wealthiest man in Linchun City. Not only does he snatch away the shop she had long set her sights on,...Go East
#20
Historical, Comedy, Drama
Tan Jianci, Zhou Yiran, Du Chun
During the Anping era of the Dayong dynasty, Yuan Mo, a commoner from Changle City, was handling documentation for foreign visitors at the city gate while holding the seal of the Sifang Office. Unexpectedly, he encountered Ashu, a refugee from the Yanle Kingdom trying to sneak into the city, and due to an error, was demoted and sent to the Sifang Office under the newly appointed frontier...Are You the One
#21
Historical, Romance, Drama
Zhang Wanyi, Wang Churan
The clever and decisive Liu Miantang, as the first lord of Yangshan, led the people of Yangshan to punish the wicked, promote goodness, and uphold justice. However, he suffered serious injuries under the attack of various evil forces and was rescued by Cui Xingzhou, the Prince of Huaiyang. When Liu Miantang woke up, she had no memory of Yangshan, mistaking Cui Xingzhou for her husband...The Unexpected Marriage
#22
Historical, Romance, Drama
Qi Yuchen, Wu Junting
In the kingdom of Fuyu, rumors about the Princess Changsheng's eagerness to marry spread like wildfire, known by everyone. Even though she held the noble status of a princess, many suitors were deterred by the gossip. Princess Changsheng, however, did not fear the rumors. Clever and spirited, she was also famed as a beauty in Fuyu. She believed that good love must be pursued actively....Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West
#23
Historical, Thriller, Suspense
Yang Xuwen, Yang Zhigang
In the year 712 AD, Emperor Ruizong of Tang changed the era name to Yanhe. The Tang Dynasty remained prosperous, but beneath the flourishing surface, crises loomed, and a storm was brewing. Various forces took the opportunity to stir, leading to a surge in strange cases among the populace. What mysterious and eerie puzzles will Lu Lingfeng, the Assistant Minister of the Dali Temple,...The Princess Royal
#24
Historical, Fantasy, Romance
Zhao Jinmai, Zhang Linghe
Princess Li Rong of the Da Xia Dynasty and the current Grand Chancellor Pei Wenxuan journey back to their youthful years in their dreams. They transform from enemies to close confidants, and from confidants to lovers. Trusting and supporting each other, they finally mend their broken relationship, embarking on their ventures together, uncovering the truth together, and ultimately discovering...Follow Your Heart
#25
Historical, Romance, Suspense
Luo Yunxi, Song Yi
The aloof and proud Duke of Yuejiang, Jiang Xinbai, who suffers from face blindness and vows to eradicate the world's "Zornia Herb," arrives in He Man to secretly investigate the "Zornia Herb Case." There, he unexpectedly meets Yan Nanxing, a passionate and wild itinerant doctor who transforms once a month. Despite their initial clashes, they come to know each other through conflict....The Double
#26
Historical, Romance, Drama
Wu Jinyan, Wang Xingyue, Chen Xinhai
Xue Li, the daughter of a well-off and content county magistrate, loses everything after a major upheaval. Saved by her benefactor, Jiang Ruoyu, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, she returns to the capital city in Jiang Ruoyu's identity. With the help of people like Xiao Heng, the Duke of Suguo, she overcomes numerous challenges, continually fights against injustice, and ultimately...My Wife's Double Life
#27
Historical, Romance, Comedy
Daddi Tang, Sabrina Zhuang
The mysterious thief "Liu Ye Thief", whose name is Liu Rong, was saved by Duke Su 13 years ago during a flood in the south. To repay him for saving her life, Liu Rong marries Xu Muchen as Su Jinzhen, the daughter of Duke Su. Both husband and wife have no feelings for this marriage. On the surface, Liu Rong is the gentle and caring Mrs. Xu, but in secret, she is the "Liu Ye Thief". Under...Nancheng Banquet
#28
Romance, Historical, Comedy
Wang Youshuo, Zhao Zhaoyi
A top-secret assassination mission intertwines the lives of the righteous heroine Fu Xiao and the scheming commander Yan Changyun, who initially have nothing to do with each other. A single misstep leads to Fu Xiao's mission failure, causing her to lose her memory and become an innocent "little white rabbit." She is then forced to become embroiled in Yan Changyun's grand revenge scheme....Joy of Life Season 2
#29
Historical, Suspense, Fantasy
Zhang Ruoyun, Li Qin, Chen Daoming
The drama continues from the first season of the Joy of Life, which tells the story of Fan Xian, a young man with a mysterious background, who comes from a small seaside town and undergoes various tests and refinements in his family, Jianghu, and the court.In the Name of the Brother
#30
Suspense, Political, Historical
Qin Hao, Yang Mi
In the spring and summer of 1945, Communist intelligence operative Song Zhuowen successfully infiltrated the Harbin Special Service Division of the puppet Manchukuo regime. Utilizing his exceptional deductive skills and meticulous approach, Song gained the admiration of his superiors while also drawing jealousy and covert hostility from his colleagues. In order to uncover the location...Shooting Stars
#31
War, Suspense, Drama
Li Xian, Ren Min, Zhou You
During the war, Shao Yi, who came from a family of senior Kuomintang officials, was about to join the navy and realise his dream of becoming a ship's captain. But an unexpected trip to Shanghai changed Shao Yi's life forever. He changes his name to Xia Jicheng and becomes a junior police officer in a rundown police station. It is here that Xia Jicheng meets two of the most important...City of The City
#32
Drama
Bai Yufan, Yu Hewei, Xia Meng
Set in the bustling financial hub of a metropolis, the drama portrays an intense showdown revolving around interests and original intentions between the newcomer to the banking industry, Tao Wuji, the deputy branch manager Zhao Hui, and the head of auditing Miao Che. In this battle of emotions and laws, Tao Wuji gradually matures into a guardian of the new generation's financial order....Live Surgery Room
#33
Medical, Urban
Vin Zhang, Dai Xu
The genius doctor Zheng Ren arrives at Haicheng Hospital to investigate a "wrongful case" from eighteen years ago. He forms a bittersweet partnership with emergency department chief Su Yun, overcoming one challenging medical case after another through mutual support and collaboration. During this time, Zheng Ren not only uncovers the "cruel truth" of the past events but also forms a...Blossoms in Adversity
#34
Romance, Historical
Hu Yitian, Zhang Jingyi
Qinggui Hua Mansion suddenly faces confiscation and exile, leaving only women and children desperate and destitute. Miss Huazhi, no longer pretending to be foolish and naive, leads the women, navigating through adversity with determination and wit. Along the way, she turns the Qixiu Defterdar Gu Yanxi into the charming and beloved "Mr. Yan." Amidst the chaos and warmth, Huazhi evolves...Undercover Affair
#35
Romance, Urban
Yang Yeming, Han Leyao
A Sen from the Kuntai Group meets Lingyi, a hostess, in a bar. Their paths cross, and A Sen learns about Lingyi's suffering after accidentally killing someone and being abandoned by her boyfriend. Despite his emotional barriers, A en develops genuine feelings for the kind-hearted girl. In a chance encounter, A Sen confesses to Lingyi that he is an undercover agent for the police, working...Guess Who I Am
#36
Suspense, Thriller, Romance
Zhang Yuxi, Wang Ziqi
According to legend, there is a person wandering in Jianghu who makes wealthy scumbags tremble at the mention of her name. Her name is Song Yao, and she specializes in punishing scumbags and has never failed. All of this is due to her fantastic ability - to attract the rich. Any wealthy person with a net worth of over 100 million yuan who meets her gaze will be unable to resist falling...War of Faith
#37
Historical, Political, War
Wang Yibo, Li Qin
In Shanghai in 1930, Wei Ruolai, an ordinary employee of the Central Bank of the Kuomintang, gradually earns the appreciation of senior advisor Shen Tunan due to his outstanding work ability. During this process, Wei Ruolai witnesses numerous instances of corruption and darkness within the Kuomintang's financial sector. Lost and depressed, Communist Party member Shen Jinzhen illuminates...The Legend of Shen Li
#38
Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin
The ancient gods perished, leaving only the last one in the world - Xing Zhi. According to rumors, this immortal had lived alone in the heavens for tens of thousands of years, without emotion or desire. During the war between the immortals and the devils, he saved the world with his own strength, and since then, he has kept the door closed and is nowhere to be found. Hundreds of years...In Blossom
#39
Historical, Romance, Suspense
Ju Jingyi, Liu Xueyi
In the city of He Yang, where sin reigns, Pan Yue, admired by many women for his charm, marries the universally despised Yang Caiwei. On their wedding day, Yang Caiwei is murdered, and the prime suspect is Pan Yue. However, Yang Caiwei miraculously returns from the dead, assuming the fierce persona of "evil woman" Shangguan Zhi, determined to expose Pan Yue's true nature. As they bravely...Everyone Loves Me
#40
Urban, Romance
Lin Yi, Zhou Ye
The Campus Belle, Yue Qianling, harbors a secret admiration for the academic genius Gu Xun. Taking the advice of her friends, she decides to play the role of a 'naive beauty' to pursue his love. Unfortunately, Gu Xun has already fallen for his skilled and charming gaming partner, 'Rou Mi Xiao Ma Hua', in the virtual world. While he remains indifferent to Yue Qianling's advances in real...The Hunter
#41
Crime, Suspense
Zhang Songwen, Annabel Yao
In the tranquil coastal town of Sanping, the anti-drug task force accidentally seizes a batch of a new and exceptionally rare form of crystal meth during an operation, both in scale and purity. Sanping Public Security immediately launches an investigation. Zhao Younan, a former military policewoman transitioning into civilian life, with her sharp instincts and insightful deduction...White Cat Legend
#42
Historical, Suspense, Comedy
Ding Yuxi, Zhou Qi
In the Tang Dynasty, during the reign of Wu Zetian, the Da Li Si was in charge of the most important cases in the country. At a night banquet at the Tang Palace, Li Bing is appointed as the Young Master of the Da Li Si by the empress. Under the leadership of Li Bing, Chen Shi, Wang Qi, Ali Baba, Cui Bei and Sun Bao are able to clear the "fog" of the divine capital, fighting against...Fighting for Love
#43
Historical, Romance, Military
Crystal Zhang, Zhang Haowei
The Duke of Nan Xia, the family of A Mai, was killed by Chen Qi, a childhood friend. After a few years, A Mai grew up to be a young girl and dressed as a man in Jianghu to seek revenge on Chen Qi. By chance, she saved Shang Yizhi, the son of the Princess, and then helped him to escape from his predicament many times. Their fates have been intertwined ever since. When war broke out,...Sword and Fairy
#44
Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Xu Kai, Esther Yu, Fu Xinbo
Yue Jinzhao, a young man from a small town, and his sister, Yue Qi, have been wandering in the Jinghu for many years. By chance, they meet the young master of the Luo family, Luo Zhaoyin, and learn that Yue Qi's mother, Chu Yu, is the head of the dreaded Kunpeng Valley. The people have been suffering for years because of the "magic medicine - Qi Yuan Zhu" spread in the Kunpeng Valley,...Our Interpreter
#45
Urban, Romance, Drama
Victoria Song, Chen Xingxu
Lin Xi, a "magical girl" in the translation industry, reunites with her ex-boyfriend Xiao Yicheng. Eight years ago, in order to fulfill her mother's unfulfilled career dream, Lin Xi broke up with Xiao Yicheng and became a professional interpreter for the United Nations. Eight years later, Lin Xi is now the youngest chief interpretation expert and the "Queen of Performance" at Huasheng,...My Boss
#46
Urban, Romance, Comedy
Chen Xingxu, Zhang Ruonan
Carrying the innocent dreams of becoming a lawyer, Cheng Yao was admitted to a top-tier law firm. She decided to move to a location closer to the company for a more convenient work life. Unexpectedly, her landlord rented the same room to another tenant, leading to a dispute between Cheng Yao and the other tenant. To her surprise, that person turned out to be her law firm's boss, Qian...Ex-Boyfriend & Boss
#47
Romance, Drama
Jin Xiao, Li Jiajia
Liao Yuncheng and Tong Nian, who were childhood sweethearts, fell in love during their university days but broke up due to misunderstandings. Many years later, they meet again, but their social statuses have changed drastically. Tong Nian's company is acquired by Liao Yuncheng's company, and they are forced to become colleagues. Upon learning that Tong Nian has remained single all these...A Journey to Love
#48
Historical, Action, Wuxia
Liu Shishi, Liu Yuning
the former left envoy of Zhuyi Guard of An Kingdom, , Ren Ruyi, became a member of the Emperor's welcoming team of Wu Kingdom due to a fortuitous opportunity. Together with the Wu Kingdom Liudao Hall Master Ning Yuanzhou, Princess Yang Ying, the intelligent youth Yuan Lu, and the imperial guard Qian Zhao, they experienced life and death, growing together.Story of Kunning Palace
#49
Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Bai Lu, Zhang Linghe
Jiang Xuening once struggled hard to become a queen, only to be driven to suicide in a palace mutiny. Now, Jiang Xuening's dream is to get away from power and take charge of her own life. But by chance she enters the palace as a companion, becoming a student of the imperial teacher Xie Wei, and meets Xue Shu, the niece of Empress Dowager Xue, who enters the palace at the same time....Wonderland of Love
#50
Historical, Romance, Drama
Xu Kai, Jing Tian
When the dynasty is in turmoil and imperial power is at risk, Li Yi, the grandson of the emperor, is forced to take on the important task of quelling the rebellion. He and Cui Lin, the only daughter of a general are each leading an army in the dispute. They fight against each other among various forces and fall in love during several encounters, staging a romantic love story.
