At first I have to say/repeat that this is an European (German) point of view and maybe it is very different from the mayor view :)
A few weeks ago Netflix started offering Asian series. Because as a child I loved reading mangas I was very glad and excited when I discoverd it. I chose Meteor Garden per accident - and couldn't stop watching it!!
It was fantastic in so many ways. After reading the other reviews I think I am the only person here, who never heard of the story Meteor Garden or Boys over flowers etc before (not until googling after being fascinated by the show). It is interesting to read that the show "combines all Asian romantic cliches" :D - I am in love with the actors/characters (esp. Doaming Si) and the atmosphere of the show. Nevertheless there are a few repetitions in plot and the main characters had more problems than they had to (in my opinion).
It was interesting to become acquainted with the Chines culture, environment, the every day life and interacting (My earlier "meetings with the Asian world" were Japanish ones, because of the Mangas, like I've already said - very interesting too!). My imagination of China was quite differnt than it was shown in Meteor Garden. For example, I was surprised (and it was great), how often (and in detail) kissing scenes were shown. It was very romantic and it could have been more... In addition the technical development in every day life was impressive (f.ex. the pay methods - don't exist in Germany right now).
At first the names were confusing to me, but I became accustomed to it ;) I watched Meteor garden three or four times (skipping the boring and recurring scenes with the architect and Meizuo's love interest) and my favourite scenes a lot more... I am very sad that it's all over. Despite this I am convinced that by repeating watching it I am just learning Mandarin by the way (It's just a joke, but I really kept some vocabulary in mind).
I am often listening to the OST - I do not understand anything and don't find English lyrics, but the melodies are transporting the emotions that I've had while watching the show. You would laufgh a lot, if you could hear me (ty to) sing along :D :D
I recommend the show to everyone and I hope I can find those (pretended) "better" love dramas on Netflix (as many of you told in their reviews ;))