HANOI – As cultural ties between Vietnam and the Chinese mainland deepen under the Belt and Road Initiative, local enthusiasm for Chinese television dramas has become a vibrant thread in the fabric of cross-border exchanges. From historical epics to modern romances, these shows have captivated Vietnamese audiences for over three decades, serving as both entertainment and a window into regional traditions.
Street interviews conducted in Hanoi reveal widespread appreciation for the storytelling and cultural insights offered by these dramas. "Chinese dramas are actually very popular in Vietnam. They air during prime time," said Nguyen Kim Ngoc, a local employee. University student Nguyen Hoang Trung added, "Watching them helps us better understand Chinese culture, history, and lifestyle."
The trend aligns with growing economic cooperation, including joint infrastructure projects and tech innovation ventures between the two neighbors. Analysts note that cultural exports often pave the way for strengthened people-to-people connections, a key pillar of the Belt and Road framework.
For Vietnam’s younger generations, these dramas have become informal cultural ambassadors. While streaming platforms now offer global content, many Vietnamese viewers maintain a strong preference for Chinese productions that reflect shared regional heritage and contemporary societal themes.
