You will undoubtedly find something beautiful on this list, whether you are an experienced lover of Chinese historical dramas or new to the genre. Here we have mentioned the 15 best Chinese historical dramas that are interesting and worth watching.
In the poll below, let me know which series you enjoy reading the best, and feel free to comment as well.
15 Best Chinese Historical Dramas:
15. Ever Night
- Director: Yang Yang
- Writer: Xu Run
- Cast: Chen Feiyu, Dylan Wang, Song Yiren, Yang Chaoyue, Ireine Song, Kris Sun li
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- IMDB: 8.1/10
- Platforms: Netflix
Ever Night Preview:
Ever Night Plot:
The Tang Dynasty setting of Every Night is centered on a resentful young man who seeks to uphold justice. Following the tragic murder of his royal family, the lead protagonist escapes and makes it through the wilderness with the help of his cunning and, occasionally, ruthlessness.
Things get difficult once he meets a female who later seems to be a mystery reincarnation of a potent entity destined to destroy just his quest for vengeance.
Ever Night Review:
Every Night is a spectacular C-drama with outstanding combat choreography, unforgettable action sequences, and well-rounded characters in political drama along an emotional roller coaster.
Given that it is based on palace politics in the widely read novel of the same name by Mao Ni, it could not have been any other way if you enjoy historical fantasy and action/adventure.
14. My Heroic Husband
- Director: Deng Ke
- Writer: Fen Nu De Xiang Jiao
- Cast: Song Yi, Guo Qi Lin, Jiang Yiyi, Zhang Ruoyun, Yuxian Shang, Zhao Ke, Guanlin Liu.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
- IMDB: 7.4/10
- Platforms: Viki and Prime Video.
My Heroic Husband Trailer:
This clever comedy blends contemporary individuals in a Chinese historical setting, unlike other Chinese historical dramas, as it is also a heart-wrenching story of My Heroic Husband.
My Heroic Husband Plot:
A prosperous businessman in the modern era is Ning Yi. He inexplicably travels back in time one day and wakes up in the body of a different guy who is about to wed into a family of cloth merchants.
He somehow finds himself implementing current business procedures for the business via Ning Yi, which soon begins to prosper. Additionally, he saves his buddies from being taken advantage of by corrupt local businesses.
Before long, he finds himself embroiled in state affairs, a forbidden romance, and seriously starts to wonder why he is there. This drama is one of the best C-dramas.
13. The King’s Woman
- Director: Gina Prince Bythewood
- Writer: Dana Stevens
- Cast: Viola Davis, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Thuso MBedu, Sheila Atim, Jayme Lawson.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
- IMDB: 7.5/10
- Platforms: Viki and Apple TV.
The King’s Woman Trailer:
The complex Chinese drama The King’s Woman features themes of betrayal, retaliation, and love story. This series has a huge fan base and is quite interesting.
The King’s Woman Plot:
Sun Li, a notable military commander’s granddaughter, is the tale’s main character. She is compelled to leave her house and enter the palace after the Qin Emperor, Ying Zheng, is entranced by her ethereal beauty.
She gradually joins the harem but gains their esteem by being righteous and having a solid moral code. However, she keeps a secret from a previous relationship that could endanger her stay at the palace.
12. The Rebel Princess
- Director: Huo Yong and Cheng Yuanhai.
- Writer: Mei Yu Zhe
- Cast: Yewei Zhou, Zhang Ziyi, Tony Yang, Yuan Hong, Duanduan Liu, Zuo Xiao Qi, Angie Chiu, Hewei Yu.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- IMDB: 8.2/10
- Platforms: Prime Video
The Rebel Princess Trailer:
The Rebel Princess, starring the always mysterious Zang Zi Yi, tells the fascinating story of a young woman who marries off to a commander.
The Rebel Princess Plot:
Wang Xuan is a courageous woman who stands up for what is right. A general from humble beginnings, Xiao Qi, seeks to unite the country in peace and prosperity. For the benefit of their nation, they jointly resolve to be married.
They do, however, develop as a pair and learn to love one another through many hardships. They start to understand they can only rely on each other as they deal with challenges posed by their foes and the outside world.
The Rebel Princess is one of the top-rated Chinese historical dramas, and people find it worth watching.
11. The Princess Weiyoung
- Director: Li Huizhu
- Writer: Cheng Tingyu
- Cast: Luo Jin, Tiffany Tang, Li Xin’ai, Yukee Chen, Mao XiaoTong, Vanness Wu, Lily Tian, Liang Zhenlun.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
- IMDB: 8/10
- Platforms: Netflix
The Princess Wei Young Preview:
The story focuses on reimagining the well-known book “The Poisonous Daughter.”
The Princess Weiyoung Plot:
This Chinese drama‘s main character is a good-hearted royal princess who prevails in a male-dominated world using her wits, purity, and willpower. This is what makes it so refreshing. The entire royal family of Feng Xin’er is brutally murdered, and Feng Xin’er flees.
She finds herself at the enemy’s palace and adopts the persona of Li Weiyoung, the villainous prime minister’s daughter. This drama expertly incorporates retribution, love, and heartbreak into its politically charged plot.
10. Legend of Lu Zhen
- Director: Li Huizhu Zheng Wei.
- Writer: Zhang Wei
- Cast: Chen Xiao, Zhao Liying, Yang Rong, Kiton Jiang, Deng Sha, Dong Han, Qiao Renliang, Bingqiang Chen.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 47%
- IMDB: 7.5/10
- Platforms: Viki and Apple TV.
Legend Of Lu When Preview:
Legend of Lu Zhen Review:
Legend of Lu Zhen is a must-watch if you enjoy strong female historical figures on television and film. The first female prime minister is the subject of this series, who is a remarkable, determined woman who put in a lot of effort to get there.
Legend of Lu Zhen Plot:
Le Zhen, the protagonist, is a strong lady who follows her path. Due to her proficiency in producing pottery, she enters the palace and moves up the ranks fast. She wins the crown prince’s heart, adding a healthy dose of romance and funny moments.
However, they cannot be happy together due to her lesser social standing and the fact that adversaries surround them. But even if she couldn’t become his empress, she could still hold the most significant office in the kingdom.
9. The Legend of Qin
- Director: Chen Qianyuan
- Writer: Sayling Wen
- Cast: Lu yi, Gina Jin, Qin Junjie, Sun Yizhou, Gong Beibi, Wang Yanlin, Hu Bingqing.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- IMDB: 7.4/10
- Platforms: Viki
The Legend of Qin Trailer:
The anime series Qin Moon by Shen Leping, which was based on the same-named book, served as the inspiration for The Legend of Qin.
The Legend of Qin Plot:
The play takes place during the turbulent but significant Qin Dynasty. The narrative’s main character is a small child who alters the path of China’s history. He must contend with the dictatorship’s brutality, Bloody battles, vicious foes, marital problems, and love.
The setting for the story is one of change. It is a time of significant change and outstanding accomplishments, marking the end of one era and the start of another.
8. Scarlet Heart
- Director: Lee Kwok Lap
- Writer: Tong Hua
- Cast: Cecilia Liu, Nicky Wu, Sun Yizhou, Jiang Jinfu, Damian Lau, Chen Xiang, Yico Jang, Cai Yatong, Gan Yu, Annie Liu.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
- IMDB: 8.0/10
- Platforms: Netflix
Scarlet Heart Preview:
Scarlet Heart Plot:
The main character of Scarlet Heart is a young woman from the twenty-first century who is involved in an automobile accident and goes back to the Qing Dynasty. She knows she shouldn’t get embroiled in dangerous royal intrigues because she is trapped in the teenage body of her previous existence.
But she can’t help herself and finds herself caught up in a power bloody battle. Love plays a role in this, to some extent. Don’t pass this one up if you enjoy books with strong female characters in Qing Dynasty, an excellent plot, and heartfelt sentiments.
7. The Imperial Doctress
- Director: Lee Kwok Lap
- Writer: Zhang Wei
- Cast: Cecilia Liu, Wallace Huo, Huang Xuan, Li Chang Ge, Gina Jin, He Qing, He Yin.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
- IMDB: 6.9/10
- Platforms: Viki and Prime Video.
The Imperial Doctress Preview:
The Imperial Doctress Plot:
Another drama about a courageous woman who overcomes all odds in a challenging life can be found here. The Imperial Doctress, set during the Ming Dynasty, is about the irrepressible Tan Yun Xian, a member of a line of palace physicians.
But back then, female medical professionals were frequently accused of wrongdoing. Tan Yun Xian, however, is devoted to medicine despite being forced to keep it a secret. Life gets much trickier when she meets the emperor of the Ming Dynasty (and more intriguing).
This program spans more than 20 years in its 50 episodes. Sometimes it’s hard to tell how many days or years pass in lengthy plays like this one. Fortunately, this show provides clues about how much time has elapsed so that viewers can keep track of the timeline.
6. Bloody Romance
- Director: Yi Jun
- Writer: Banming Banmei
- Cast: Li Yitong, Qu Chuxiao, Duo Wang, Zifeng Li, Puff Kuo, Jill Hsu, Mengmeng Liu.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
- IMDB: 8/10
- Platforms: Prime Video.
Bloody Romance Trailer:
Bloody Romance Plot:
Also based on a book is the movie Bloody Romance. The tale of a woman misled and dragged into a brothel is incredible. She quickly develops into a cold-blooded assassin after learning how to survive.
She interacts with psychopaths, murderers, and other dangerous individuals. Try this fascinating series if you think this sounds appealing!
5. Nirvana in Fire
- Director: Kong Sheng
- Writer: Hai Yan
- Cast: Hu Ge, Wang Kai, Leo Wu, Liu Tao, Jin Dong, Angel Wang, Qiao Xin, Wang Jinsong.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
- IMDB: 9/10
- Platforms: Netflix
Nirvana In Fire Trailer:
This drama, Nirvana will blow your mind with Fire’s storyline and cinematography. Nirvana in Fire is adored by millions of fans and is frequently likened to the wildly popular American TV series Game of Thrones.
Nirvana in Fire Plot:
The plot involves a heinous betrayal and retaliation. This series will not disappoint, taking place during one of China’s most turbulent period dramas, when the nation was split between the Northern and Southern Dynasties.
"They all say fate lasts for three lives. In the next life, I hope that we can be born into ordinary families, and spend the rest of our lives together in peace."#nirvanainfire #琅琊榜 pic.twitter.com/kcMSIOpTUw
— mie 💖 (@cuddlingsisi) September 3, 2021
4. Song of Phoenix
- Director: Wu Tianming
- Writer: Jiang Zhenhua, Zhang Hui.
- Cast: Ma Ke, Zhang Xinyu, Qiao Zhenyu, Liu Yun, Jackson Yee, Gallen Lo.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- IMDB: 7.3/10
- Platforms: Prime Video.
Song Of Phoenix Preview:
Song of Phoenix Plot:
Song of Phoenix, based on the same-titled novel by Liang Zhenhua, centers on the great Chinese poet Qu Yan during the turbulent Warring States era.
In this tale, a prodigy born into a good, wealthy household develops feelings for a slave girl. You may assume that, especially during those times, a relationship that crossed class lines would be doomed from the outset.
The pair is obstinately and desperately in love, though. They are willing to overcome many challenges to be together. Additionally, it tells the tale of a prodigy’s efforts to defend his nation. Try this fantastic drama out!
3. Douluo Continent
- Director: Yang Zhen You
- Writer: Tang Jia San Shao Wang Juan
- Cast: Xiao Zhan, Wu Xuanyi, Gan Tai Yu, Liu Meu Tong.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- IMDB: 8.3/10
- Platforms: Viki and Netflix.
Douluo Continent Trailer:
Douluo Continent Plot:
A fantasy action-adventure drama series called Douluo Continent. The main character of the novel is Tang San, who must face many challenges to defend his loved ones, aid his nation, uphold the honor of his sect, and ultimately become the most potent soul master.
The initial season is currently online. However, Season 2 is in the works.
2. General and I
- Director: Ju Jueliang
- Writer: Zhang Yongchen
- Cast: Wallace Chung, Angelababy, Sun Yizhou, Gan Tingting, Yang Zou, Song Wenzou, Mu Le’en.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- Platforms: Viki and Netflix.
General And I Preview:
General and I is an adaptation of Feng Nong’s novel A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to Be Appreciated that portrays a heartbreaking but lovely story. It’s a tale of love, with all its flaws and difficulties.
General and I Plot:
A bright female strategist and a prince-general Xu Ling Yi known as the God of War, are the two intelligent war mastermind rivals at the core of this tale. The two, citizens of rival kingdoms, must decide between fidelity to their nation and undying love for one another.
The show also explores the sacrifices people are willing to make for their families, friends, and nation. You’ll be hooked to your TV the entire time this period drama is on!
1. Sound of the Desert
- Director: Lee Kwok Lap
- Writer: Huang Weijian, Ou Yuxian, Chen Xiang, Jiang Chunlei, Zhang Yuling.
- Cast: Cecilia Liu, Eddie Peng, Hu Ge, Fala Chen, Qin Hao.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- IMDB: 7.4/10
- Platforms: Netflix
Sound Of the Desert Song and Preview:
Sound of the Desert Plot:
The Sound of the Desert protagonist is a young woman without parents, a name, or age. She grows up in the desert among wolves. The young girl eventually meets her foster father and has the opportunity to live in society.
But once her father is dead, she is once more compelled to live in the desert. Finally, she returns to the developed world after some time and encounters two guys there. She rejects one of them while ignoring the other after falling in love with him.
The story’s focus on the romantic love triangle will be an emotional rollercoaster for those who enjoy this novel. However, you might want to ignore this one if you’re searching for politics and palace intrigue.
