time travel historical romance chinese drama

The 10 Best Time Travel Chinese Dramas to Watch

In the vast world of Chinese television, few genres have captured the imagination like time travel dramas. The series seamlessly blends elements of history, fantasy, and romance, offering viewers a captivating escape into a world where the limits of time are nothing but an illusion.

In this in-depth exploration, we’ll examine the top 10 Chinese time travel dramas that left an indelible mark on the genre. See the list below and read until the end!

List of The Best Time Travel Chinese Dramas

1. i belonged to your world.

Starting our journey through the world of time travel in Chinese dramas is “ I Belonged to Your World ” which was released in 2023.

This Chinese time travel series introduces a contemporary twist to the concept, taking viewers into a world where the present collides with the past.

As the characters navigate the complexities of time, the drama unfolds, offering a unique blend of romance, suspense, and cultural exploration.

This C-drama has 20 episodes and is available on iQiyi. Stars Qi Yan Di, Liu Yi Tong, and Jerron Wu.

See Also : I Belonged to Your World Review and Ending Explained

“ Reset ” takes us on a thought-provoking journey where the fabric of time is intricately woven. This gripping series follows the characters as they grapple with the consequences of horrific events that recur over and over again.

The story follows Li Shi Qing, a college student who is trapped in a never-ending time loop. Where he is always trapped in a public service bus that is about to explode, bringing death, and destruction to himself and everyone on the bus.

The complexity of the narrative and outstanding performances from the actors make “Reset” a must-watch for those looking for one of the best time travel Chinese dramas.

This C-drama was released in 2022 and has 15 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix and Viki. Stars Bai Jing Ting and Zhao Jin Mai.

3. Joy of Life

Although “ Joy of Life ” is primarily a Chinese historical drama , the clever incorporation of time travel elements adds a layer of intrigue that captivates the audience.

Set in ancient China, the protagonist finds himself navigating the intricacies of palace life while possessing knowledge from the future.

The combination of historical splendor and storytelling that travels through time creates an engaging viewing experience. Released in 2019 and has 46 episodes. You can watch it on Viki. Stars Zhang Ruo Yun, Li Qin , Chen Dao Ming, and Wu Gang.

4. Till the End of the Moon

In ” Till the End of the Moon ” viewers are treated to a heavenly romance that transcends the limitations of time. This Chinese wuxia drama skillfully blends fantasy and time travel elements to take the audience into a love story that spans centuries.

As the characters navigate the challenges of time travel, the series develops into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant masterpiece with wrenching romance.

This is one of the best time travel Chinese dramas available on Netflix. Released in 2023 and has 40 episodes. Stars Luo Yun Xi and Bai Lu .

See Also : Till The End of The Moon Review

5. Love in Time

Next, “ Love in Time ” invites viewers into a romantic sojourn through the temporal dimension, where love defies the boundaries of time itself.

The series beautifully explores the complexities of relationships in the context of time travel, offering the perfect mix of touching moments and tense twists.

The chemistry between the characters and the well-crafted narrative make it stand out in the realm of modern romance Chinese time travel series.

Released in 2022 and has 24 episodes. You can watch it on iQiyi. Stars Yang Xu Wen and Julia Xiang.

6. Shining for One Thing

“ Shining for One Thing ” highlights the mysteries of time in a narrative full of intrigue and emotion. The series follows the characters on a quest that connects the past and present, uncovering secrets hidden for generations.

With riveting storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, this one of the best Chinese romance dramas is a shining example of the time travel genre.

This Chinese series about time travel is available on Viki. Released in 2022 and has 24 episodes. Stars Karlina Zhang and Qu Chu Xiao.

7. Scent of Time

Adapted from a novel entitled “ The Female Supporting Role “, this Chinese drama introduces a fantasy experience in a time travel series like no other.

The story of this C-drama center on the Hua family, who were punished for accusing the Mu family of crimes. The Hua family’s daughter, named Hua Qian, had to die after protecting her family.

But she suddenly woke up again on her wedding day and felt, this was an opportunity to change her family’s tragic fate.

Released in 2023 and has 30 episodes. Stars Zhou Ye , Wang Xing Yue, Peng Chu Yue, Zhang Yi Jie, and Zhao Qing.

See Also : Scent of Time Chinese Drama Review and Ending Explained

8. Legally Romance

“ Legally Romance ” adds a unique twist to the time travel genre by blending it with hate-love drama. The story follows the story of Qian Wei who has been working under Lu Xun for some time now. She felt she should have a better career, but was hindered by Lu Xun.

Lu Xun holds a grudge from his school days against Qian Wei. So he will make sure Qian Wei’s life is hell while she still works in his office.

But all that changed when Qian Wei had an accident and fell into a coma. During her coma, Qian Wei was in a dream world where she returned to being a law student and met Lu Xun who had a different character from her previous boss.

One of the best Chinese time travel dramas is available on WeTV. Released in 2022 and has 33 episodes. Stars Z. Tao and Song Zu Er.

9. Back to Seventeen

“ Back to Seventeen ” takes viewers on the journey of a 27-year-old girl named Zhong Xiao Xiao, who lives an ordinary and busy life. But at the class reunion, she wanted to give the DV recording of her youth to Xu Yang, her boyfriend, but when the DV was turned on, she returned to the age of 17.

The series explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the eternal spirit of adolescence, all within the context of time travel. Its heartfelt storytelling and interesting characters make it stand out in the world of Chinese time travel series. Released in 2023 and has 25 episodes. Stars Zhang Miao Yi and Fang Xiao Dong.

10. The Eternal Love

Closing out our exploration is “ The Eternal Love “, one of the best Chinese historical dramas with a time travel theme mixed with wuxia.

The series introduces viewers to a love story that transcends time, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy and romance. Its enduring popularity speaks to the universal appeal of a well-crafted narrative that stands the test of time.

This C-drama was released in 2017 and has 58 episodes. You can watch it on Netflix . Stars Yang Mi and Mark Chao.

That’s the list of the best Chinese dramas time travel that you must watch right now. So, cast aside your current constraints and embark on a time-traveling odyssey through China’s television treasures. Thank you for reading this article, enjoy watching!

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Chinese Drama - Time Travel

Time Travel is a popular tag in Chinese dramas, featuring characters who journey through time and experience adventures in different eras. This tag adds an element of fantasy and historical intrigue to the drama genre, making it a favorite among viewers.

Different Princess

Nine Times Time Travel

Scent of Time

Dramatic Self-Help Strategy

Gourmet in Tang Dynasty Season 2

Embrace Love

Love Is an Accident

I've Been to Your Future

A Different Mr. Xiao

The Princess's New Clothes

Blossom Dumping World

Fall In Love Stockade

Love with Mistaken Fate

An Ancient Love Song

The Journey

I Have a Smart Doctor Wife Season 2

I Have a Smart Doctor Wife

Me and My Delicate Husband

The Legends of Changing Destiny

Till the End of the Moon

I Belonged to Your World

Closer to You 2

Falling for You

Fierce Bride

Belated First Love

The Shoufu Can Read Mind

My Chubby Queen

Eight Hours

Return to Nineteen Ninety Three

Love for Two Lives

Love in Time

Hello My Noisy Mp3

My Deepest Dream

The Little Wife of the General

My Girlfriend Is an Alien 2

See You Again

Lost Track of Time

My Prince's First Love

The Heart of Genius

Love in a Loop

Legally Romance

Love Unexpected

Shining For One Thing

Bright As The Moon

Love Under the Full Moon

Good And Evil

First Love Again

Gourmet in Tang Dynasty

The Eternal Love 3

Wonderful Fate

My Heroic Husband

Dance of the Phoenix

Parallel Love

The Romance of Tiger and Rose

Joy of Life

Love Better Than Immortality

The Eternal Love 2

I'm a Pet At Dali Temple

Hello Dear Ancestors

Oh! My Emperor Season 2

Oh! My Emperor Season 1

Cinderella Chef

Love is in the Air

King is Not Easy

Let's Shake It! Season 1

Lost Love in Times

The Eternal Love

My Girlfriend's Boyfriend

The Journey 2

Proud of Love Season 2

Suddenly Seventeen

Shuttle Love Millennium

Magical Space-Time

Go Princess, Go!

Love Through a Millennium

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7 Absolutely Fun Time Travel Asian Dramas You Should Watch

Time travel stories are universally loved around the world! Hollywood is overflowing with them: the famed Back to the Future series, sci-fi films like Star Trek and X-Men , or rom-coms such as Hugh Jackman’s Kate & Leopold . Time travel Asian dramas have also grown popular.

My favorite aspect of these time-bending tales is the fish-out-of-water fun ensuing when a person deals with the inevitable time-shock from visiting the past or the future.

RELATED: The Scribe of Siena – Outlander Fans Will Enjoy this Time Travel Romance

Time travel stories are especially perfect for the romance genre. After all, it brings out the angsty and heart-rending idea that time is literally opposing two people from being together. Over the years I’ve seen many Korean/Chinese variations of time-travel romances – so now I can share seven exciting, crazy and fun time travel Asian dramas!

Update: We updated streaming availability in July 2019.

7 Fun and Romantic Time Travel Asian Dramas

(in alphabetical order), 1. bu bu jing xin.

Other Titles: Scarlet Heart, Startling by Each Step

Country: China

Synopsis: Zhang Xiao didn’t ask to be transported back to the Xing Dynasty. But after a terrible accident, she awakens in the body of a girl named Ruo Xi.

Set during the 18 th century of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, Ruo Xi becomes entangled in a battle for the throne amongst Kangxi’s many sons. Will Ruo Xi fall for the kind, quiet 8 th prince destined to die early or the enigmatic, intense 4 th Prince who will take his father’s throne no matter the cost?

Why You Should Check It Out: This extremely popular Chinese time travel drama is gorgeously filmed, subtly acted, and epically dramatic.

Ruo Xi is a likable heroine and her struggles feel relatable as she strives to fit in the harsh royal palace. This is definitely more of an angsty drama with a gray storyline that refuses to define any characters as merely good or bad.

The rain scene with Ruo Xi kneeling outside and 4 th prince covering her with his cloak is one of many striking scenes in the drama and my favorite. What’s not to love in this reverse harem drama?

Where You Can Find It: Viki, DVD.

Other Titles: The Great Doctor

Country: Korea

Synopsis: When Queen Noguk is gravely wounded, King Gongmin sends his best warrior, Choi Young, through a mysterious portal into what they believe is “heaven” in search of a heavenly doctor.

Choi Young finds Dr. Yoo Eun-Soo a plastic surgeon and takes her back to the past. Yoo Eun-Soo becomes trapped in the past until the portal opens again. But with a hunky warrior love interest and deadly political enemies after her, will she be able to return?

Why You Should Check It Out: Faith is a super fun, exciting romp set during the 14 th century of Korea with sword fights, intense political intrigue, poisoning baddies, and more.

I loved both of the romantic love stories with spunky Eun-Soo and stoic Choi Young and between the arranged marriage of Queen Noguk and King Gongmin.

I love the acting choices and feel like each actor suited his/her role. My biggest fault with this drama was the baddies could’ve been more menacing. And a few anticlimactic fight scenes left me wanting more.

However, I love the characters and romance in this drama and have re-watched my favorite scenes more times than I will admit!

Where You Can Find It: Viki. You can also buy on Amazon Video or DVD.

3. Jade Palace Lock Heart

Synopsis: Luo Qingchuan is a sweet, history-loving girl who accidentally gets transported in time to the 18 th century during Emperor Kangxi’s reign. She gets caught in a love triangle between the 4 th and 8 th prince. Will she choose the man with all the power or the prince who won’t survive for long?

Why You Should Check It Out: Okay, so yes this is almost the exact same story as Bu Bu Jing Xin. Only Palace feels like night and day difference as it’s a much zanier, light-hearted fare.

This version, though, is pretty manic and exaggerated. And worse there aren’t as many princes who fall for Quingchan! Honestly, I watched this drama for Feng Shaofeng who is adorable even as he plays the often self-centered 8 th Prince.

This one definitely has more laughs and cheerful moments than Bu Bu Jing Xin . And amazingly enough, it does end happily. Now, how did they pull that off?

Where You Can Find It : Currently Unavailable

4. Queen In-Hyun’s Man

Synopsis: Kim Boong-Do is a young nobleman in the 17th century, protecting the deposed Queen In-Hyun. A friend gives Boong-Do a protection charm and Boong-Do is magically transported to modern Korea anytime he’s in life-threatening danger.

There he meets Choi Hee-Jin, a struggling actress, and a relationship starts to blossom. Can they truly be together, though? Or will fate intervene?

Why You Should Check It Out: Oh my goodness, this is probably my number one choice for an entertaining, romantic time travel drama!!

Queen In-Hyun’s Man is a wonderful blend of intense historical drama and light, breezy rom-com. The story bounces back and forth between the 17 th century with the scholar Kim Boong-Do and in modern times with adorable, spunky actress Choi Hee-Jin, yet never feels unbalanced.

The romantic chemistry is absolutely crackling in this drama and leaves us with a PERFECT couple.

Where You Can Find It: DVD

5. Rooftop Prince

Synopsis: The Crown Prince of Joseon desperately searches for his wife’s killer along with three loyal servants and gets transported into the future. He meets Park Ha and ends up staying at her apartment with his three servants.

Things complicate when the Crown Prince is mistaken for a rich business heir and he finds a girl who may be the reincarnation of his wife. Will he be able to untangle this mystery? And before he falls in love with Park Ha?

Why You Should Check It Out: This is a hilarious, off-beat time travel drama that totally won me over with its cute and crazy fish-out-of-water story.

The Crown Prince and his three buddies are absolutely golden, reacting to modern-day wonders such as zippers on jackets and TV.

Sadly, the show turned more melodramatic in the second half almost transforming into an office drama. The super-cute romance between Park Ha and the Crown Prince kept me around even with all the reincarnations going on which left viewers with some ambiguous moments near the end.

I’ve re-watched Episode Two a handful of times and it doesn’t fail to put a smile on my face.

Where You Can Find It: Viki, DVD

6. Splash Splash Love

Other Titles: Splish Splash Love

Synopsis: Dan Bi has been prepping for her college aptitude test but stress forces her to not show up for the test. She ends up slipping through time to the 15 th century where a young King Sejong rules.

She helps the king who has an unquestionable thirst for science and it’s not long before serious romantic feelings start brewing. But Dan Bi has to return to her home and her mom who’s waiting for her…

Why You Should Check It Out: With only two episodes, Splash Splash Love is more like a delightful 2-hour movie. Hilarious, emotional and unabashedly romantic, this drama blew past my expectations and left me with a lot of happy feels.

Dan Bi and the king bring together a fun if not adorable romance. Everything came together perfectly, including the secondary characters. This is a K-drama at its sweetest and finest.

Where You Can Find It: Viki

7. Time Slip Dr. Jin

Other Titles: Dr. Jin

Synopsis: Jin Hyuk is an extremely skilled doctor with a pretty girlfriend. But life takes a turn when his girlfriend gets in an accident and Jin Hyuk gets transported to the 19 th century.

There he associates with a nobleman who turns out to be the future Royal Prince Regent and an idealist girl who might be the reincarnation of his girlfriend. This doctor has his hands full of plagues, sicknesses, rudimentary medical tools and war brewing in the air.

Why You Should Check It Out: The pros of this time travel drama – a look at a fascinating time during the Joseon dynasty in the late 1800s with the 1871 Battle of Ganghwa with American forces, early persecution of Catholics, and the rise of the Prince Regent Heungseon into power.

However, the drama itself is manic and confusing with really no resolution by the end. The main leads are boring and difficult to empathize with. But the supporting cast fascinates with the clever, multi-layered Prince Regent, the charming lady Gisaeng (similar to a geisha), the angsty, tortured police captain and his best friend who’s secretly a rebellion leader.

Sadly, the ridiculous and unbelievable overshadows much of the good in this drama. But overall, it’s still a fun watch.

Where You Can Find It : Tubi

Do any of these Asian time travel dramas interest you? Have you seen another time travel drama you loved or hated? I’d love to hear about it!

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Faith has always enjoyed movies and TV shows from swoon-worthy period dramas to heart-stopping action-adventure flicks. Her love of Korean dramas started a few years ago when she binge-watched a 62 episode period K-drama and fell in love. She also has a passion for writing stories. Even as a young teenager she entertained her sisters with episodic superhero adventures. Now she spends her time working, blogging, sewing, juggling several novels, and watching her favorite shows, mainly K-dramas. You can visit her blog at: www.justwaytooboss.blogspot.com

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12 thoughts on “7 Absolutely Fun Time Travel Asian Dramas You Should Watch”

Thanks for this lovely list! I’m watching Bu Bu Jing Xin, even though I’m not good at handling unhappy endings, because my friend told me it doesn’t end there. Apparently in the sequel, Bu Bu Jing Qing (scarlet heart 2), things look up for our main couple. It’s also cute that the leads are a couple in real life (Nicky Wu and Cecilia Liu)! I plan to watch Queen In-Hyun’s Man soon! And one day, Rooftop Prince too.

You’re welcome! Yes, that’s true – I’d forgotten about that but Scarlet Heart 2 came out in 2014 so there is hope for the main couple! And it is adorable that they became a real life couple after doing two dramas together. 😀 I’m certain you’ll love Queen In-Hyun’s Man and Rooftop Prince is super funny!

The unnecessary unhappy ending of Rooftop Prince spoiled it for me

Can you give me a recommendation about historical drama?

Absolutely! For period dramas, my personal favorite is A Tree With Deep Roots . The story is riveting with assassins of a secret organization trying to stop the king from creating a Korean alphabet (and thus changing society by allowing everyone a chance to read). The main hero is out for revenge against the king as well. This drama is intense and addictive from beginning to the end. It’s only 24 episodes, so not too long.

Queen Seondeok would be my second favorite. This one is 62 episodes, so its extremely long, but its an epic story of a girl becoming a queen without a husband. Plus she’s surrounded by handsome loyal bodyguards (who make up the supporting characters). 😀

Other recommendations: Arang and the Magistrate (fantasy/historical. It really feels like a fairy tale.) The Princess’ Man (fantastic quality, super intense but great acting) Three Musketeers (wonderful balance of drama, humor, adventure and danger) Empress Ki (51 episodes but Ha Ji-Won is a wonderful actress and really sells the story of a young woman who becomes the queen of a foreign country) I’m also currently watching Jackpot (also known as Daebak) which is a beautifully shot drama. I’m loving the bromance between the main hero and the young prince.

These sound fun, especially Splash, Splash Love 🙂

Splash Splash Love is definitely a favorite of mine!

The list is incomplete without the KDrama “Nine: Nine Times Time Travel”. Please do not miss out on it ^^

I was looking for that!

Thank you :))

This list seriously needs the drama Go Princess Go I recommend it to everyone who <3 comedy romance time travel period dramas

I saw a Chinese tv series but only what could catch in episodes. female thief tries on empress dress and female bounty hunter shows tries capture her and they fight over a jade headrest go back in time . thief disguises herself as guy and bounty is mistaken for some rebels dead wife. I do not the name of the show.. but odd dramedy. spoiler alert , thief and her male lover return present time , he on top tourist bus and she at forbidden city . bounty hunter remains back in time with her love .

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55 Best Chinese Historical Dramas Of All Time!

Chinese historical dramas are some of the most versatile dramas in the world. They are so elegant, and stylish and encompass many different genres in one. Some can be based on historical events, while others can take place in another world and contain fantasy elements. Beautiful costumes and set design, crazy fight choreography with people defying gravity, and incredible original soundtracks are the cherries on top. There is probably a period drama series about whatever plot you can think of. This list now includes the top 50 best Chinese historical dramas to sink your teeth into, from time travel to ancient curses and magical armor.

1. Scarlet Heart 2 (2014, Rakuten VIKI, Tang Ren Theatre)

As a standalone Chinese historical drama, this movie is an average tale of a poor girl with a love triangle. However, it seems like a step backward because it is a sequel to 2011’s Scarlet Heart. This was a way to appease fans from the film’s ending rather than a standalone sequel.

Seeing Liu Shi Shi as Zhang Xiao and Nicky Wu as Yin Zheng in a modern-day setting would work in theory. However, the plot just drags everything out. Compared to the original TV series, the love story is underdeveloped.

2. The Wolf Princess (2021, Amazon Prime, Rakuten Viki)

What happens when you mix werewolves and ancient China’s aristocracy? The Wolf Princess! Whilst looking for her father, Ling Long (Connie Kang) develops a split personality after being bitten by a wolf. Ling is accused of theft by aristocrat Yan Qing (Jason Gu). Together, they set out to prove her innocence. Both main leads are hilarious and play off each other well in the first part of the film.

The dual personality element was fun to watch , and Kang does distinguish between the two. However, the plot gets confusing, and the tsundere act from Long gets annoying. The cinematography is excellent, but the CG is awkward. This is a drama that does not take itself seriously. So, have fun watching it.

3. Serenade of Peaceful Joy (2020, Rakuten Viki)

The Chinese period drama accounts for what it was like to be the Emperor. Serenade of Peaceful Joy tells the story of Emperor Zhao Zhen (Wang Kai) who faces tough decisions in court and with his family when he finds out his true parentage. Kai portrays a complex character. He wants to be virtuous and fair, but things are always more complicated when a throne and politics are involved. There is no clear good guy or bad guy here.

Instead, the social customs of the times trap many of the characters. This is most prevalent in the story of Princess Fukang, Zhao Huirou (Ren Min). Forced into a loveless marriage, she is a disgrace for wanting her own life. Despite the beautiful set and costumes, this is a sad tale of the gilded cage of royalty .

4. Court Lady (2021, Rakuten Viki)

Love, at first sight, is a powerful thing in this historical Chinese romance drama. Court Lady begins with our main protagonist Sheng Chu Mu (Xu Kai), falling head over heels for Fu Rou (Li Yitong). He then changes his slacker ways to be worthy of her love. However, Fu Rou is sent from her family business to the Royal Court due to her skill as a seamstress and talent in embroidery. While this sounds like a light romantic drama, it soon becomes serious.

The romance between the two main characters is constantly pushed to the side for the main plot, which involves surviving the Royal Palace. It would have been higher on this list if they stuck to the main protagonist’s story wanting to improve himself to win the love of his life.

5. King’s War, Legend of Chu and Han (2012, Netflix)

The film tells the story (with some historical inaccuracies ) of the fall of the Qin Dynasty and the establishment of the Han Dynasty. This Chinese historical Drama was directed by the famous director Gao Xixi, the same director as Three Dragons . This is a big-budget production, with famous actors such as Chen Daoming, Peter Ho, Yihong Duan, Yixiao Li, and Lan Qin in the cast. Notably, Chen Daoming does a fantastic job as Liu Bang, the commoner who became Emperor Gaozu of Han.

The wuxia drama takes us right into the thick of the action, with bloody battles that splatter blood onto the lens and obscure the shot. However, the CGI used in the aerial shots looks dated and out of place. K ing’s War (Legend of Chu and Han) is 80 episodes long, with some episodes being dragged out. However, it was still an enjoyable watch.

6. The Legend of Hao Lan (2019, Pluto TV)

This is the literal definition of a rags-to-riches story (based on real life). The Legend of Hao Lan tells the story of a woman called Li Hao Lan. After being sold to her future business partner Lu Buwei. They enter the palace and rise through the ranks. Hao Lan becomes Empress Dowager, known as Queen Dowager Zhao. Buwei also gains influence and power along the way.

Wu Jinyan as Li Hao Lan and Nie Yuan as Lü Buwei play off each other brilliantly. They both have solid moments and work well as a team, some of the best color tonings in cinematography out of this list. Nothing is too harsh or flashy.

7. The Legend of Qin (2015, Rakuten Viki)

The Chinese period drama is based on the Warring State Period (475–221 BC), The Legend of Qin begins with a failed assassination attempt on the Emperor of the Qin. The failed assassin, Jing Ke (Le Geng), hires Gai Nie (Yi Lu) to protect his son (Jiang Jinfu). Now, all three are public enemy number 1. There are a lot of fantasy elements. From manipulating the elements to the mystical sword battles it is all great CGI. If you are a fan of these types of fantasy, then you know what to expect.

There are some great CGI moments, but then there are shots that ruin the immersion. I don’t care for the romance, but the actors do a great job. The character Tian Ming is annoying. He is pretty stubborn and not that bright at times. This is no criticism of Jiang Jinfu. He acts well throughout the drama.

8. The Advisors Alliance (2017, China Zone YouTube)

The Advisor’s Alliance is based on the life of Sima Yi (Wu Xiu Bo), an advisor who helped Cao Pi (Li Chen) usurp the imperial throne during the Three Kingdom era . The acting from both the prominent cast members and the supporting cast is some of the best you will see in dramas. This is a veteran cast with years of experience, and it shows. These historical Chinese characters feel so real, which is pretty rare considering the genre. Small details make the story seem real, like slowly updating the army’s tactics over many battles.

The mature setting of war is beautifully captured. As the series is split into two parts with over 40 episodes each, there’s plenty to enjoy here. 

9. The Sword and the Brocade (2021, Amazon Prime)

A tale about finding love in an arranged marriage. That being said, do not expect a damsel in distress from our female lead. Luo Shi Yi Niang (Tan Song Yun) is the daughter of a concubine, set with her plan to create her destiny. Her marriage to General Xu Ling Yi (Wallace Chen) starts awkwardly. Slowly, they get closer to managing their household. Their romance has many funny moments as they struggle to connect. Whilst Chen does come off wooden, as the TV series goes on, there is a nuance to his portrayal of a loyal, wise, and mature duke. In turn, Shi Yi Niang learns to manage the household. Importance is placed on embroidery.

The Sword and the Brocade is a spectacular visual film with beautiful clothing items that are embraided, especially on the female characters. The set designs, especially the pavilion, are just as pretty.

10. Legend of Fu Yao (2018, Amazon Prime)

Fantasy film s are a real treat to watch. The costumes are exquisite and not bound by periods. The fight choreography and other fantasy elements are exaggerated; they envelop entirely screen and scene. It’s really interesting to watch a Chinese historical drama that has all of these, and it is a real treat. This is a big production with renowned martial arts choreographer Li Cai, art director Shao Changyong (Nirvana in Fire), and designer Stanley Cheung. There are so many crazy fight scenes and element manipulation going on. The world is expansive and detailed , with plot twists coming everywhere.

One of the good things about this show is the various messages of determination and following your dreams throughout the plot and characters. However, Fuyao is a Mary Sue at times. It’s a power fantasy and an enjoyable one at that.

11. Scarlet Heart 1 (2011, Rakuten Viki)

Even after a decade since its original airtime, Scarlet Heart is still one of the most viewed and highly rated as one of the best historical Chinese dramas. Zhang Xiao suffers from a car crash, and her consciousness travels back in time to her ancestor Maer’tai Ruoxi (both played by Liu Shi Shi). Whilst she tries to find her way back home, she falls for the 8th prince Yinsi (Kevin Cheng). Knowing history grants the 4th prince Yinzhen (played by Nicky Wu) the throne, and she tries to change it. This results in significant consequences.

Aside from the fantastic set and costume design, the OST, composed by Raymond Wong, Hu Ge, Alan Dawa Dolma, Cecilia Liu, and Ivy Yan, is so memorable. This old Chinese drama is based on a Korean adaptation ( Scarlet Heart: Moon Lovers ) it stuck with audiences and is still worth a watch today.

12. The Rebel Princess (2021, Amazon Prime)

The first thing that grabs your attention is the sheer beauty of The Rebel Princess . This is one of the most visual historical Chinese dramas on this list. The production value is vast, with custom cities in indoor studies and fully functioning rivers.

From the set design to the costumes and the action scenes, The Rebel Princess does not disappoint in the realistic aspect as well. This is boosted by veteran actors such as Zhang Zi Yi and Zhou Yiwei as the protagonists. However, the plot does not live up to this excellent production. The romance between the characters Ah Wu and Xiao Qi is awkward at first. Also, Wu is meant to be 15, played by the then-38-year-old actress. It completely ruins the story’s immersion as she does not look the part. Still, there are some genuinely sweet moments between them. My main issue with this film is its length. It drags on for so long, and it’s hard to get back into it once you’ve zoned out.

13. The Longest Day in Chang’an (2019, Apple TV)

This film is a breath of fresh air. We get a fast-paced mystery and espionage story. During the Tang Dynasty, our main protagonists, Zhang Xiaojing (Lei Jia Yin) and Li Bi (Jackson Yee) had 24 hours to foil a terrorist plot against the empire. While the frequent flashbacks can get boring, they come into play to understand the characters and the consequences of their actions.

As everything is set within 24 hours, you must pay attention to not miss critical details. The dialogue is hilariously witty at times, and the set design is just gorgeous, incorporating historically accurate landscapes and buildings into the show. If you like fast-paced mysteries, give this drama a go.

14. The Long Ballad (2021, Rakuten Viki)

The simplest way to describe this Chinese historical drama is by quoting the old saying “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Li Chang Ge (Dilraba Dilmurat) is a warrior and a military strategist searching for revenge. However, after a defeat against the Ashile Tribe, she becomes a military strategist for Ashile Sun (Leo Wu). Through this, both learn about the real meaning of war.

Both characters develop away from each other and learn to be a team. This makes the romance naturally build up and enjoyable to watch. With realistic and grounded action scenes, beautiful cinematography, costume design, and character development for multiple characters, even non-romance fans will like this drama.

15. Story of Yanxi Palace (2018, Amazon Prime)

In the 6 th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, Wei Ying Luo (Wu Jinyan) enters the palace to uncover the mystery behind her sister’s rape and murder. However, things are never easy when the royal court is involved. There’s a reason this was the most popular period drama in 2018. Wei Ying Lou is one of the most exciting protagonists in Chinese history. She wants answers, and she’s not afraid of getting her hands bloody to get them. Wu Jin Yan plays the intelligent and cunning heroine perfectly. Even better, she learns through her mistakes and traumas.

Because of Wu Jin, you want to know more about the palace. The plot gets even more interesting as new developments occur. The supporting cast is just as good as Wu Jin Yan. The relationships she builds are dynamic and feel organic.

16. The Story of Ming Lan (2018, Rakuten Viki)

If you want to watch a Chinese film with a power couple and slow-burn romance, look no further than The Story of Ming Lan. Zhao Li Ying plays Sheng Ming Lan, the sixth daughter of an official by his 2 nd concubine. Ming Lan has learned to hide her intelligence from her mother’s death and play the role.

This perfectly juxtaposes Feng Shao Feng’s Gu Ting Ye, a blunt but genius son of the Marquis of Ningyuan. Both are seen as the failures of their families, so it is even more satisfying to see them become a team and succeed. It also doesn’t hurt that the actors and actresses were married when this drama was filmed, so naturally, they had chemistry. You won’t regret watching this historical drama.

17. Joy of Life (2019, Amazon Prime)

From the first episode of this Chinese historical drama TV series, you can tell it will be a unique one. Joy of Life sees Fan Xian, a man born in the 21st century, reincarnated in the ancient empire of Southern Qing. As the illegitimate son of the Emperor (played by Chen Daoming), he is born with a death mark. As he still retains memories of the 21st century, Fan Xian must navigate politics, martial arts, and romance to survive the Palace.

The casting is on point , with Zhang Ruoyun as the misplaced main lead. The story takes full advantage of his knowledge of the 21st century being out of place, as he is considered weird and odd. This also leads to some hilarious scenes. Multiple storylines and mysteries intertwine with one another, meaning there is something for everyone in this drama.

18. Word of Honor (2021, Netflix)

Here’s a drama that has been causing waves. An adaptation of Faraway Wanderers by Priest, Word of Honor became an overnight sensation.

The two leads in this drama, Zhou Zishu, and Wen Kexing are more like anti-heroes than straight-up heroes. Whilst they both have different motives, they team up to uncover a conspiracy in the world of martial arts. The connection between Zhou Zishu (Zhang Zhehan) and Wen Kexing (Gong Jun) is the key to this period drama’s success. You can’t imagine other actors in their place as their ‘friendship’ grows. The other part of this show’s success is its fight choreography and incorporation of martial arts into developing the plot and characters. With an excellent supporting cast and hilarious back-and-forth between the two leads, this is a drama you can watch repeatedly.

19. Nirvana In Fire (2015, Amazon Prime)

Revenge is a dish best served cold, even more so when death is looming over you. Based on the book Lang ya bang , Lu Shu (played by Hu Ge) seeks revenge and justice for his family, who were framed as traitors. Lu Shu survived but was poisoned by the Poison of the Bitter Flame. Treatment changed his appearance and weakened his resistance to the cold. Now, under the alias Mei Changsu, he returns with allies to seek justice and find out the truth before the poison kills him.

Nirvana in Fire is one of the few dramas granted a sequel and a third sequel is currently in development. The story and characters are compelling; they stick with you long after the final credits roll.

20. Winter Begonia (2020, Rakuten Viki)

Beijing Opera and the meaning of having someone to watch your back are the core tenets of this Chinese historical drama. The film follows Shang Xirui (Zheng Yin), a talented Beijing opera looking for his big break. He soon gets a chance, as he impresses Cheng Fengtai (Huang Xiao Ming), a wealthy businessman. Together, they build a theatre and begin training other performers (who are entertaining in their own right). Soon, they must fight to preserve this during the beginning of the Japanese invasion.

The team went to great lengths to get the Pecking Opera right, even hiring 90-year-old Peking Opera performing artist Bi Guyun as a drama consultant. Each component feels authentic to the 1930s, such as the extravagant costumes, the color toning, and the music. Speaking of music, the OST is one of the best produced. It brought traditional Chinese art and culture to the mainstream media and did it justice. You will not regret watching this drama.

21. The Imperial Coroner (2021, Rakuten Viki)

Firstly, we are transported to late- Tang Dynasty China in The Imperial Coroner. Chi Chi (played by Su Xiao Tong) dreams of being in the best corner of the land – meaning she must get an appointment at the Imperial Palace. There, she makes an alliance with Imperial Prince Xiao Jin Yu (played by Wang Zi Qi) to solve the mysteries of the palace. As both characters strive to prove themselves, they become entangled in a long-term conspiracy that could have dire consequences. This series is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Qing Xian Ya Tou.

We have talked about many period dramas with some mystery elements. However, this historical Chinese drama is so well written that the mystery keeps you on your toes. The attention to detail placed in the clues and red herrings will keep you guessing who the culprit is. The excellent plot is further from our two leads. The beginning and development of their partnership is another highlight. This then makes viewers more interested in the romance between the two. If you want a well-written mystery and a comedic duo, I recommend The Imperial Coroner.

22. Legend of Awakening (2020, Rakuten Viki)

We go from a period drama straight into a new fantasy world with Legend of Awakening . In the harsh world of the Five Dynasties and the Ten Kingdoms, humans use both magic and martial arts against supernatural evils. Two orphans, Lu Ping (played by Chen Fei Yu) and Su Tang (played by Deng En Xi), escape their imprisonment, only to be taken in as students by the dean of an academy to hone their skills as martial artists. They meet fellow students Xi Fan (played by Dylan Xiong) and Mo Lin (played by Yu Yi Je). Together, the four compete with other academies and hone their skills to take on the forces of evil. This series is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Hu Die Lan.

This historical series is a mixed bag, according to reviews. Judging by the premise and trailer, it gives viewers an exciting look into a thrilling world, daring competition, and a team with each character having an individual goal. The characters are one thing universally praised, with praise going to Chen Fei Yu’s acting chops. Also, whilst the graphics are not as good as others on this list, there are some beautiful moments throughout the drama. Most complaints, however, come from the pacing of the plot and the power progression of the characters. Some viewers complained that the story dragged out and did not live up to the potential this series could have had. You need to watch this series and make your mind up (as with all other series).

23. The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty (2020, Rakuten Viki)

As the name suggests, we return to the Chinese historical dramas with The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty . In the 15th century, this drama followed senior government official Tang Fan (played by Darren Chen) and martial arts specialist guardsman Sui Zhou (played by Fu Meng Bo) to investigate the murder of Tang Fan’s landlord. What starts as a suspicious murder becomes even more significant as evidence of a planned bloody coup. This series is based on the 2015 novel The Fourteenth Year of Chenghua by Meng Xi Shi.

This drama’s core is the romance (or, as Chinese censorship would say, ‘bromance’) between Tang Fan and Sui Zhou. They are sometimes a comedic mess as both their skills and personalities clash. The natural chemistry between Darren Chen and Fu Meng Bo makes this romance one that keeps you interested throughout the show’s run . This shows that the less you know going in, the better the experience (especially with the humor). With Jackie Chan as a producer of this series, you see the action cinematography will be top-notch. Combined with the beautiful setting, developed characters, excellent plot, and superb OST, you will not regret watching The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty .

24. Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty (2019, Rakuten Viki)

C-dramas love their time-traveling romances! Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty sees Ming Wei (played by Landy Li) get transported from her modern life to the Qing Dynasty. She crosses paths with multiple historical figures, including the 13th Prince, Yin Xiang (played by Wang An Yu). Sounds familiar? This is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Jin Zi. This novel also inspired the 2011 hit show Scarlet Heart .

This show has a lot to live up to, given its legacy. First, the costumes and setting are breathtakingly beautiful. The OSTs are also good. To give this show a different feel by mixing the modern time with the Qing time. The use of quantum physics intensifies the feeling of two lovers trapped in other times. This is not usually seen in this type of drama, so it was refreshing and opened the plot to possibilities. However, many viewers say this drama did not live up to that potential. Others loved it. Once again, you need to check it out rather than listen to reviews. It’s a unique C-drama that takes star-cross lovers to the next level. 

25. Dr. Cutie (2020, Rakuten Viki)

Can a tale of revenge lead to romance? Yeah, and comedy too! Dr. Cutie follows

Shen Zhao Er (played by Sun Qian). After corrupt royal officials frame her father for a crime he did not commit, he and his family are sentenced to death. Being the sole survivor, Zhao Er seeks revenge disguised as a royal physician named Tian Qi. Because of her excellent skills, she is assigned to serve General Ji Heng (played by Huang Jun Jie). However, palace life always has its secrets and plots to discover.

This is a mixed series with mystery and revenge storylines. The back and forth between the ‘male’ imperial physician Tian Qi and General Ji Heng are at the forefront of this drama. There are plenty of hilarious moments, and the romance feels organic in its development. In comparison to other historical dramas on this list, this is very light-hearted. Of course, there are some dramatic moments, but it is not as heavy as the others. The goal of revenge is never honestly forgotten by the female lead. Even when General Ji Heng discovers her real identity, this does not stop her. Overall, Dr. Cutie is good if you are looking for a light-hearted show with some dramatic flair.

26. Legend of Yun Xi (2018, Rakuten Viki)

Like our previous entry, this drama is a romcom featuring the love story between a doctor and a royal (seriously, what’s with every royal wanting to marry a doctor? We can’t blame them, though.) In a world consisting of three separate kingdoms, Han Yun Xi (played by Ju Jing Yi) is a doctor who marries Prince Qin of Tianning, and Long Feiye (played by Zhang Zhe Han). Young and naïve, Han Yun Xi is thrown into the dangers of palace life. Whilst she is an exceptional potion maker, she might not have what it takes to survive the poisons of palace life. This drama is based on the 2015 novel Poison Genius Consort by Jie Mo.

That got a bit dramatic summary there, didn’t it? In all seriousness, there are some moments when you will cry a lot, so grab tissues if you watch this drama. Yun Xi is a polarising character. There are moments where we see her kindness, courage, and skills as a physician. But then, her mother’s bracelet does most of the work for her, which leaves her feeling underutilized. It would have been better without the bracelet. This realm does contain magic, and this gets twisted. So be aware of that.

The highlight of this show, however, was the royal family. Though the royals are only supporting characters, they add so much depth and drama. The cast did a fantastic job and had significant props for the set and costume designers. There is the dreaded love triangle, so look out for that and some very questionable plot choices. However, this is a Chinese historical drama that is still entertaining despite its flaws.

27. Lost Love in Times (2017, Rakuten Viki)

If Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty was about couples going to different points in time to be with one another, this love story is one crossing parallel universes.

Love Lost in Times follows the powerful enchantress Qing Chen (played by Liu Shi Shi), part of an elite group of magicians who protect the Imperial family. However, it is forbidden for an enchantress to have intimate relationships with the imperial family, as it could lead to disaster. Any guesses about what happened next? Yep! Qing Chen falls in love with Imperial Prince Yuan Ling (played by William Chan). This led to disaster as, on Yuan Ling’s coronation, a bloody coup incited by his brother led to a bloody battle and death for the throne. Using a magic stone to travel to an alternate world, Qing Chen is determined to prevent that from happening by not falling in love with Prince Yuan Ling. That is a lot harder than it sounds.

If you are a sucker for forbidden romance like we are, you need to watch Lost Love in Times . This is long for drama, so be aware of some padding. It does drag on in the middle part. However, the raw chemistry between Liu Shi Shi and William Chen is powerful. Also, when done right, the concept of a forbidden romance is hard to beat.

It is done right here! The battle in Qing Chen between carrying out her mission or following her heart is portrayed excellently by Liu Shi Shi. It also does not help as the OST drama perfectly matches these feelings in notable moments. The fight scenes with the magical components are pretty good, and the overall setting is attractive. The concept of time traveling here is not as well explained or expanded upon. Personally, it would have benefited the show more to see how the time-traveling affected the world more. However, if you want to have a forbidden romance that will have you crying tears of joy and pain, watch Lost Love in Times.

28. The Rise of Phoenixes (2018, Netflix)

If there is one thing any historical Chinese drama has shown us, fictional or not, palace life is full of schemes, betrayal, power grabs, and treachery around every corner. Ning Yi (played by Chen Kun) learned this through the death of his mother. Hiding behind a carefree façade, Ning Yi has secretly established an information network with Qingming Academy’s headmaster Xi. Alongside him is Feng Zhiwei (played by Ni Ni), a cross-dressing woman who becomes the Ultimate Scholar. Together, they face palace life and get ready to strike their enemies down.

We have previously talked about The Rise of Phoenixes on other lists about c-dramas. Forgive us for once again blushing over this political drama. This is one of those dramas that you don’t forget about it once you have watched it. The characters, especially our central trio, get so much development, and every scheme we come across is so detailed and excellently written. The top-notch acting from the cast sucks you in immediately. The hilarious moments then juxtapose the tragedy of the ending, which makes sense. We repeat this statement. The Rise of Phoenixes is an easy recommendation for a c-drama.

29. Ever Night (2018, Rakuten Viki)

Historical C-dramas really like their revenge plots. Ning Que (played by Chen Fei Yu) is the sole survivor of the General Li household after a brutal attack from an opposing general. He rescues a baby from a pile of corpses and names her Sang Sang (played by Song Yi Ren). When Sang Sang falls ill, it is discovered she is the reincarnation of Yong Ye, a being prophesied to bring utter chaos to the world. Ning Que is desperate to save Sang Sang, no matter the cost. This drama is based on the 2011 novel Jiang Ye by Mao Nie, it also produced a Chinese anime of the same name.

This is an unexpected gem of a drama. Reportedly, the novel is a massive hit in China, meaning this adaptation was highly anticipated. The cinematography is next level, something you see on the big screen. Every shot is beautiful. Ning Que is more anti-hero than the typical protagonist, a breath of fresh air. However, the soft spot he has for Sang Sang underneath his otherwise sarcastic and arrogant exterior makes their relationship so sweet. They are a pair who would watch the world burn for one another, and it is entertaining as all hell. The fight scenes are some of the best in recent years, boosted by the natural landscapes and excellent CGI. Do we need to say more?

30. The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020, Rakuten Viki)

Chen Xiao Qian (played by Zhao Lusi) is an aspiring screenwriter about to film her first play. However, after multiple criticisms from her lead male actor Han Ming Xing (played by Ding Yuxi), Xiao Qian enters a deep sleep after making corrections. However, when she wakes up, she realizes she is now the hated third princess, Chen Qianqian, who is to die by Han Shuo (also played by Ding Yuxi). Using her prior knowledge, her goal is now to get her two leads together and complete the story.

The idea of waking up in a parallel world is a familiar isekai story plot. Yet, there has not been a show like this one since. Part of what made this was the gender-centric cities, where depending on the gender, one gender was stronger than the other. The concept is intriguing and uncomfortable at times, as characters are discriminated against based on gender. Besides that, the excellent acting and raw chemistry between our leads, costumes, and fight scenes also make this a drama worth watching.

31. Princess Agents (2017)

The series is set in the chaotic times of the Wei dynasty. Chu Qiao (Zhao Li Ying), a strong and righteous woman, becomes a servant to Prince Yu Wen Yue (Lin Gengxin), a cold intelligent heir to the powerful Yu Wen family. Yu begins to train her as a spy in a series of strict training, and he unexpectedly falls in love with her.

Whilst watching this show, you will notice that the supporting cast is much more interesting. Zhao Li Ying’s performance as a badass brilliant warrior is graceful and full of conviction. Lin Gengxin manages to step out of the cold emotionless trope and creates a heartfelt protagonist. The chemistry between Lin and Zhao is amazing.

32. The Wind Blows from Long Xi (2022, Rakuten Viki)

Ok, now we are diving into ancient China with The Wind Blows from Long Xi . In 228 of the Common Era, the Shu army was decimated by the Wei army. Through an investigation, they discover someone is spreading misinformation to the military. Shu intelligent believes it is spy Chen Gong (played by Chen Kun). Thus, Shu sends spy Xun Xu (played by Bai Yu) to track him down. However, the mission changes as the spies discover the culprit might be a spy codenamed ‘Candle Dragon’. With this enemy now planning to steal blueprints for a new crossbow that could change the tide of the war, Chen Gong and Xun Xu must team up to save their kingdoms from this threat.

This premise of enemy spies turning allies against a common threat is not new. However, we usually associate this with modern-day spies, who have access to today’s gadgets. When this concept is put in the past, there’s usually some element of supernatural being, magic possession, or genius levels of intellect in our protagonist. None of that is here! The tension is raised so high , and it is refreshing to see pure spy work in 228 CE with the tools and the character’s intelligence. Be warned! You must pay attention throughout this historical show. There is no solid good guy/bad guy. Everyone is morally grey, which enhances this show’s charms. The cast was excellent, the plot was woven together, always to leave you on the edge of your seat, and the scenery was fantastic. Watch The Wind Blows from Longxi for an excellent spy drama with no magic way out.

33. Luoyang (2021, Rakuten Viki)

Next, we are taken to the Zhou dynasty (around 650AD) in Luoyang. In this drama, three characters from different backgrounds get embroiled in one way or another in uncovering a deadly scheme capable of destroying the city of Luoyang. Gao Bingzhu (played by Huang Xuan) is investigating the death of his friend five years earlier when he is soon suspected of another murder. Whilst running away, he meets Baili Hongyi (played by Wang Yibo), looking for the person responsible for his father’s poisoning. Palace guard Wu Siyue (played by Victoria Song) soon joins them.

We have a crime drama set in Ancient China. Based on the novel of the same name by Ma Bo Yong. For those of you who may not know, Ma Bo Yong also wrote the book adapted into the historical film The Longest Day in Chang’an (2019). In both dramas, you must pay attention. The plot moves fast, with many twists and turns along the way. The production value for this drama is enormous, from the star-studded cast to the insane level of detail in the setting. It’s almost as if the crew constructed a whole city rather than just sets. The characters each get some story and connect very well.

34. Novoland: Pearl Eclipse (Amazon, 2021)

Mermaids and the powers of their tears are essential for the next historical drama. If one can make a Naga mermaid cry, it will turn into pearls. By threatening to kill her, Hai Shi (played by Yang Mi) is used by her father to bait the mermaids into crying. These tears then pay the village’s taxes. However, her father is killed during a fishing trip, and her town is ransacked. On her way for revenge against the emperor, she meets Fang Zhu (played by William Chen), an official of the Imperial court. He agrees to train her if she hides her identity and acts like a boy. Years later, Hai Shi entered the royal military and now she is a badass assassin. Will she get her revenge? Or will something change her?

This Chinese historical drama is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Xiao Ru Se . C-dramas, as of late, have gone all out for their production quality. The cinematography is beautiful, and the fight sequences are satisfying to watch. Hai Sun is not afraid to get her hands and dress bloody if needed. However, what sells this drama is the relationships that develop between the characters. The romance between Hai Shi and Fang Zhu is top-tier. There are as many fluffy moments as genuine heart-breaking moments, especially near the end. This is a tragic love story with so many layers to unpack.

35. Who Rules the World (Amazon, 2022)

This is a love story between a prince and a princess on their journey to travel the world to become better martial arts fighters. Hei Fengxi (played by Yang Yang) is the second prince of Yongzhou and head of Fountain Abode. Bai Fengxi (played by Zhao Lusi) is a disciple of the Tian Shuang Sect and the princess of Qingzhou. This drama is based on the wuxia romance novel Let’s Try the World by Qing Lengyue.

Of course, there is more to this drama than this summary. The series takes its time developing the romance, getting the main characters to fall in love with one another. The rivalry and banter between the two leads are hilarious, especially at the show’s beginning. Both actors have natural chemistry, so the slow romance feels normal. It’s also nice that this is a balanced and healthy relationship. Besides romance, there is more to this drama than meets the eye. Want to know what I’m talking about? Watch Who Rules the World!

36. Snow Eagle Lord (2022)

What makes a hero? For most, it’s the ability to step up and do what needs to be done at the moment to protect the ones you love. Set in a fantasy world based in mainland China, Dongbo Xueying (played by Xu Kai) strives to save his parents, whom the Mo Yang Tribe arrested. To do so, he battles all sorts of evils. Joining him on his quest is Yu Jingqiu (played by Gulnezer Bextiyar), a girl of divine descent. Together, they face multiple challenges and become heroes. This drama is an adaptation of the web novel Xue Ying Ling Zhu by Wo Chi Xi Hong Shi.

This C-drama hasn’t yet come out, but it is already creating hype. Just for background info, the web novel is viral. This is not the first adaptation, as there is a 3D animation with multiple seasons. Back to this upcoming drama, it looks like it will be another high-budget production with elegant costumes and props. Undoubtedly, CGI will also be some of the best in the business. Both actors have impressive resumes. Xu Kai is famous as Fuheng in the Story of Yanxi Palace. Gulnezer Bextiyar has also appeared in numerous action films such as Dynasty Warriors and Fighter of the Dynasty. We recommend looking out for this one when it comes out, I’ll be sure to update it with my review.

37. Immortal Samsara (Dramapanda, 2022)

Another upcoming Chinese historical drama and another novel adaptation! Adapted from the novel Chen Xiang Ru Xie by Su Mo , Immortal Samsara is like no other. Our protagonist is Yan Dan (played by Yang Zi), the only descendant of the Four-Leaved Scorpion. This means her entire being is a trove of medicines. Being in a human form for 1000 years, there is only one trial she must face- the trial of love. After spending 800 years forgetting about her last love Lord Ying Yuan, she meets a new man Yu Mo (played by Ray Chang). However, she is soon reunited with her old lover’s reincarnation, Tang Zhou (played by Cheng Yi). Together, they must locate four ancient artifacts and uncover the mysteries of evil.

There’s going to be a love triangle, isn’t there? Great. All that aside, this is a very unusual premise. The concept of a being pretending to be human is a plot point the writers should take full advantage of. The teaser shots already look stunning, with a beautiful color palette. This drama is also a reunion of sorts, as Cheng Mi and Yang Zi have worked together before in The Legend of Chusen. I recommend keeping your eyes open for this drama with an intriguing premise and an impressive cast.

38. Doulou Continent (2021, Rakuten Viki)

Based on the anime of the same name by Tang Jia San Shao, Douluo Continent tells the story of Tang San (played by Zhan Xiao). At the age of 16, the talented and witty Tang San is sent to Nuoding Academy to learn how to be a great soul master. Through the training, he befriends Xiao Wu (played by Wu Xuanyi). However, after their powers grow, they then go to Shrek Academy. Here, they both find themselves in the middle of an imperial power struggle and unveiling lost secrets such as the death of Tang San’s mother.

What’s not to like about Douluo Continent ? It has a Straightforward Plot, characters that develop individually as well as in a team, and visual effects, that not even some high-budget films get. Finally, it has genuine friendship and romance.

39. My Heroic Husband (2021)

If there is one thing Historical c-dramas have taught us, karma will bite you in the butt! That is the case with our protagonist Ning Yi (played by Guo Qi Lin). Before, he was an entrepreneur in modern-day China who undercut his business partner. When he swore revenge in the next life, the businessman woke up in Ning Yi’s body. Ning Yi is about to be married into the family of a cloth merchant and become a matrilocal husband. At first, he hesitates and tries to escape. However, after meeting his bride-to-be, Su Tan Er (played by Song Yi), he changes his mind. Now, he fights for his family, using his business tact to make their cloth business the most successful.

So, this time-traveling cliché can happen to male characters too! In all seriousness, the business side of the plot is riveting. Modern ideas that seem normal to us are bought in ancient China , where they are seen as revolutionary. It’s hilarious, with witty dialogue, a premise of ordinary ideas being seen as revolutionary, and a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor. Some viewers have said that you need to understand specific cultural things to get the mood fully. But this is still hilarious regardless of that, with scenes like the first night. If you’re looking for a good laugh, watch My Heroic Husband .

40. Royal Feast (Dramapanda, 2022)

Finally! We get to talk about a historical Chinese drama with an emphasis on food ! During the Ming Dynasty, a young girl named Yao Zijin (played by Wu Jin Yan) entered the palace as a maid of the food bureau. Yao Zijin wants only one thing to perfect her craft. This is her journey through the reign of three emperors. During that time, You Zijin also makes friends and even becomes romantically involved with Zhu Zhanji (played by Xu Kai).

Do not watch this when you are hungry or dieting! This historical Chinese drama goes a lot into the cooking and hierarchy of the palace, where an official sat to determine what sort of food he would eat. The higher the official, the more luxurious the food was.

This is also a tale many of us working people can relate to. Yao Zijin gets promoted but doesn’t understand what the subject of her work, ‘food’, is to her. The romance between Wu Jin Yan and Xu Kai is natural (probably because they have been lovers before in Story of Yanxi Palace). The food shots are mouth-watering and are presented so elegantly. Whilst the cinematography did not stick out like others on this list had, there’s a certain charm to the series due to the color palette. This is a tale of passion, love, food, and determination. There’s very little not to like here.

41. The Empress of China (2014)

This is a Chinese historical drama about an innocent girl who catches the eye of the Emperor for her dancing but is falsely accused by jealous court ladies and is tortured to confession for murder. She is banished to the cold palace where she slowly rises the ranks and eventually marries the Emperor, becoming the Empress of China. It is a dramatic and beautiful tale of innocence and betrayal, passion and determination, and one woman’s rise to the highest level of power in the land.

The story of Wu Ru Yi is one of strength, dignity, and resilience in the face of adversity. She endured the challenges of palace life with grace and wisdom, proving herself to be a worthy consort to the Emperor. Her story is one of perseverance and love, and she remains an inspiration to all women who face hardships in a male-dominated society.

42. A Dream of Splendor (2022)

A young woman with an adventurous spirit named Zhao Pan Er arrives in the imperial city with two other women she saved in search of her missing fiancé. The three open a small tea house that quickly becomes celebrated for its diverse cuisine, tea making, and music. Zhao Pan Er then meets Gu Qian Fan, a commander of an elite military unit tasked with finding a missing painting of the Empress’ early life. Though they do not originally trust each other, they find their way to true love through several incidents and will eventually spark a romance they never knew was possible.

The love between a Chinese family of three sisters and a kind-hearted, handsome young man with a mysterious past, set against the backdrop of ancient China is a delight to watch. The costumes are beautiful, the sets are rich and detailed, and the cast does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. The two leads have amazing chemistry, and the FL (played by Zhao Lusi, who was indeed Mulan in the Disney remake) is just a gem – a sassy, independent woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stands up against the corruption happening around her.

43. Love Like the Galaxy (2022)

Cheng Shao Shang(Zhao Lu Si), is a tough, resourceful but stubborn young woman who grew up alone after most of her family had to leave to fight in a bloody war. After experiencing a harsh environment, she finds it hard to see the good in people and assumes that everyone she meets is trying to get the better of her, forcing her to fend for herself in a town populated by people like her, who have been left behind by the war. One day, the talented, powerful, and influential General, Ling Bu Yi(Leo Wu), falls in love with her at first sight.

My favorite thing about this Chinese period drama is that the writing is excellent, the acting is brilliant, and the chemistry between the leads is off the charts. It’s always refreshing to find a drama that has depth and complexity, and this one delivers on all fronts. You’ll feel all the highs and lows of the character’s journey as you watch the story unfold, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming back for more after each episode. It’s rare to find a show that can keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more, but this one does it.

44. The Lady in Butcher’s House (2022)

Xu Qing Jia (Tong Meng Shi) is a studious and morally principled young man who was orphaned when he was a child. He is a bit of a wimp and does not excel at anything with one exception: studying. Despite his disadvantages, he manages to place highly in a highly competitive civil service entrance exam and wins a position as a county magistrate. He hopes to bring fairness to the region with tax reforms, corruption-fighting measures, and famine-alleviating actions and finds an ally in Hu Jiao (Han Yun Zhang), the young daughter of a local pork butchery owner.

This is a light-heartedly funny romantic comedy with a little bit of drama. It is full of loveable characters, including the main couple, who support and protect each other through hard times. The show is low on angst and high on romance, so even though the female character is a bit rough around the edges, it’s easy to look past her foibles and see the heart of gold beneath. If you’re looking for a show that will give you an escape from reality, this is a perfect choice. It will leave you smiling after every episode, and you’ll feel the love that this couple shares for each other.

45. Side Story of Fox Volant (2022)

In the wuxia realm dominated by martial arts experts, heroes, and villains, a young man named Hu Fei (Qin Jun Jie) is on a quest for vengeance. His father is murdered, leaving him an orphan and his thirst for vengeance is what drives him to overcome challenges and become a justice-loving hero. He ultimately falls for the daughter of a warlord (Liang Jie), but their romance is complicated by the mystery of who Hu Fei is. This historical drama was inspired by Jin Yong’s renowned novel and is full of action, suspense, romance, and intrigue.

Xing Fei shines in this drama; she is not just an idol drama heroine, but someone who can take acting very seriously. Cheng Lingsu is a great character and her one-sided love and sacrifice for ML are touching and moving to watch. The other characters ‘ acting is also great, and they all do a good job. However, Peter Ho’s acting is a bit over the top for me. Shi WanChen is a great villain, and his bald head makes him look even more intimidating and scary. I wish there were more cool poison wars between him and Lingsu.

46. Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)

The powerful Demon Lord Dong Fang Qing Cang (Dylan Wang) once laid waste to the realms of the gods. He defeated entire clans and vanquished all his foes at the head of a fearsome demon army, but was eventually cursed and imprisoned in a magical tower. After spending thousands of years there, he is unintentionally freed by Xiao Lan Hua (Esther Yu), one of the young women from the vanquished army, who is now reincarnated as a fairy. Dong Fang Qing Cang thinks that sacrificing Xiao Lan Hua will help him regain his powers and seek revenge, but the two find themselves inexplicably swapped bodies.

The production is beautiful, as you’d expect from a drama with a big investment. The cast is ridiculously good-looking, to the point that they look like they’ve just stepped out of a painting. The costumes and sets are works of art, and I can’t fault them for anything. Dongfang Qing Cang is truly impressive, but I can’t say the same about Orchid, as I’m not a fan of innocent and cutesy characters – especially when they’re done in such a way. The drama tries to sell the story that a powerful male lead can fall in love with his sweet and kind female counterpart, despite their status.

47. The Autumn Ballad (2022)

Qiu Yan (Qiao Xin) is the eldest daughter of an influential scholar and Vice Minister of Works. She is often overlooked and frequently mistreated, leaving her an object of scorn and mistrust due to being the daughter of her father’s concubine. Determined to clear her name, Qiu Yan takes on the investigation herself into the mystery of her newly departed husband. She often crosses paths with Chief Inspector Duke Ling Yi (Jeremy Tsui), who is determined to uncover the truth. The two form an unexpected friendship, working well together to clear their name, and the sparks eventually ignite a flame.

It is such an intense and complex plot, involving many characters and complicated relationships. But at the core of the story is a love story between two people who are both determined to find their way back to each other. Their journey is filled with challenges, but they show great courage and persistence as they work to overcome them. It’s a good Xianxia Drama about friendship, and sacrifice, and one that will leave viewers rooting for the couple all the way through. There will be plenty of twists and turns along the way, but ultimately, this is a story of hope and courage in the face of great obstacles. You may also want to prepare yourself for some of the violence and torture that is depicted, as this is a show that doesn’t shy away from realism.

48. A League of Nobleman (2023)

A classic tale of two unlikely heroes! Zhang Ping is an orphan who works as a street vendor and has to overcome his unsophisticated manners and naivete to solve the crime. Lan Jue is a young minister who hides a secret, but despite some initial friction, they learn to understand each others’ unique perspectives, and this helps them solve even the most challenging of problems. Their shared passion for justice and truth empowers them to take on tough challenges, together they help to uncover corruption and solve the mystery of Lan Jue’s father’s murder.

What a great combination of characters! Lan Jue is complex and difficult to understand, his morals are unclear, but his schemings and machinations are intriguing to watch. He can be manipulative, and yet we can’t help but be drawn to his charms. Jing Boran’s performance is brilliant, too—he’s able to bring Lan Jue’s inner complexity, contradictions, and darkness to life with his acting. It’s impressive how he brings so many conflicting sides of a character to life at once and brings them together in such a nuanced way. Despite some censorship, this series sounds like it’s still full of tension and intrigue, and fans can’t get enough of Lan Jue and Jing Boran’s dynamic.

49. Who Rules The World? (2022)

This is about two young martial artists who fall deeply in love amidst the chaos and bloodshed of the martial arts world. They are caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal as they strive to keep their identities hidden and preserve their romance. The story focuses on their efforts to protect each other and their ultimate triumph over the evil forces that threaten to tear them apart. It’s an epic love story set against the backdrop of a turbulent and violent world, and one that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages.

A dark story about two warriors, a handsome and elegant prince, and a majestic and unrestrained princess, who are caught in a war-torn land. Their love is tested by chaos and betrayal, and they must be three steps ahead of their enemies to find justice and calm the ever-growing uncertainty brought about by unseen malice. It is a powerful story of love, strength, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and shows the importance of never giving up hope, even in the toughest of times. It is a story of love conquering all, no matter how dark and difficult a world may be.

50. New Life Begins (2022)

Prince Yin Zheng was a man with revolutionary ideas who wanted to save a corrupted country. However, he was trapped in the internal fighting of the royal family. In the end, he falls in love with a kind, sweet, and smart princess who was originally supposed to be his mistress but it doesn’t matter for love. In the end, the princess becomes part of the politics by helping the prince in his goal to help the country develop.

This is a love triangle with a twist. The plot starts with the Prince seeing that the girl from Ji Chuan is weak and not suitable to be a princess while the second wife, Princess Yuan Ying, has ambitions of being an official. As a result of Prince Yin Zheng’s actions, she finally succeeds in becoming the official that she had always wanted to be.

A prince who is weak physically and a princess who is independent and not ready to marry. But fate has led them to each other and with their love and courage, they will defy all odds and be together in the end. Love always conquers all. A nice and relaxing watch.

51. Lost You Forever (2023)

In the intricately woven tapestry of Dahuang, the once-divided realms of Xiyan, Chenrong, and Haoling set the stage for a tale of war, sacrifice, and unexpected alliances. General Chi Chen, leading the forces of Chenrong, faced off against the daughter of Xiyan’s Emperor, who, in a pivotal moment, assumed the mantle of the General Princess. Her sacrifice turned the tide of the war, leading to Chenrong’s defeat and Xiyan’s conquest.

Left in the aftermath were the General Princess’s two charges: her daughter, Xiao Yao, and her nephew, Cang Xuan. However, their paths diverged as Xiao Yao found herself on Jade Mountain, separated from Cang Xuan. Enduring hardships, Xiao Yao underwent a profound transformation over the ensuing 300 years, changing not only her gender but also her appearance. Now known as Wen Xiao Liu, she runs a modest clinic, navigating a world where gender and identity are fluid.

The threads of fate intertwine when Wen Xiao Liu, a healer with a mysterious past, crosses paths with a diverse group in Qingshui Town. Comprising a devoted servant, a skilled wine-maker, and a demon military advisor, their encounters in this town outside the control of the Xiyan Kingdom and the Haoling Kingdom set in motion events that will redefine the future of Dahuang. In this liminal space, where destinies converge, the stage is set for a captivating narrative that transcends time and kingdom boundaries.

52. Till the End of the Moon (2023)

“Dun Huang” weaves a visual marvel with its stunning traditional costumes, seamlessly blending historical elements into the fabric. The actors’ performances, notably Bai Lu and the revelation of Lou YunXi, are professionally captivating, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

The CGI effects are a rarity in their excellence, enhancing the overall viewing experience with meticulous attention to detail. The drama’s distinctiveness lies in its rare, new, and fresh narrative, ensuring each chapter unfolds unpredictably, keeping the audience thoroughly engaged. In a world often predictable, “Dun Huang” emerges as a breath of fresh air, delivering a captivating and visually comfortable viewing experience.

53. Snow Eagle Lord (2023)

Excitement fueled my anticipation for this drama, primarily due to Xu Kai’s track record in delivering character-rich stories with intense romance and thrilling fights. Unfortunately, this venture fell short. While the initial storyline hinted at intriguing mysteries, the revelations lacked the expected impact.

In terms of romance, Xu Kai and his counterpart performed competently, but the chemistry failed to spark excitement. The narrative lacked the usual flirtatious and intimate moments that typically captivate audiences.

A significant drawback was the frustratingly inept nature of the characters, notably the protagonist’s brother, whose continued gullibility became a source of exasperation. The numerous deaths lacked emotional depth, rendering them oddly anticlimactic.

Despite these shortcomings, the redeeming quality was the engaging fight scenes, coupled with the commitment of time already invested in the series. In essence, while the drama didn’t match its predecessors, it retained some appeal through action sequences and the sunk cost fallacy.

A decade in the past, the tranquility of Ziyuan’s family was shattered when they were ruthlessly wiped out. Fueled by a relentless desire to unravel the enigma surrounding the ascent of the current imperial family to the throne, Ziyuan embarked on a clandestine journey. Cloaked in secrecy, she assumed the identity of Ren Anle, strategically infiltrating the intricate web of the imperial court.

Within the hallowed halls of power, Ziyuan, now operating under her newfound identity, skillfully navigated the complexities of court life, each step a careful dance as she sought to expose the truth that had remained concealed for years. It was in this clandestine existence that she crossed paths with Hanye, a figure whose role in the unfolding narrative would prove pivotal.

55. Love You Seven Times (2023)

In the ethereal realm of Dahuang, the enchanting tale of Xiang Yun unfolds, a celestial being originally manifested as a cloud. A whimsical transformation by the Red Thread Master bestowed upon Xiang Yun the form of a fairy, and she took up residence in the ethereal setting of the Marriage Pavilion.

Tasked with the noble mission of assisting her master in finding a suitable match for Immortal Chu Kong, the revered God of War, Xiang Yun’s altruistic intentions took an unexpected turn when she became embroiled in a misguided attempt to auction his marriage. A clash ensued between the two, resulting in the inadvertent disruption of the delicate red thread of fate, weaving a complex entanglement that spanned numerous lifetimes.

Yet, the roots of their intertwined destinies stretch far beyond this celestial discord. Their fates were set in motion much earlier, reaching back to a distant memory that eluded both Xiang Yun and the God of War. In the cosmic dance of existence, the narrative unfolds, revealing a tale of love, misunderstanding, and destiny that transcends the boundaries of time and memory in the mystical world of Dahuang.

Which is your favorite historical Chinese drama?

Select your favorite historical chinese drama below.

• Scarlet Heart 2
• The Wolf Princess
• Serenade of Peaceful Joy
• King’s War (Legend of Chu and Han)
• The Legend of Hao Lan
• The Legend of Qin
• The Advisors Alliance
• The Sword and the Brocade
• Legend of Fu Yao
• Scarlet Heart 1
• The Rebel Princess
• The Longest Day in Chang’an
• The Long Ballad
• Story of Yanxi Palace
• The Story of Ming Lan
• Joy of Life
• Word of Honor
• Nirvana In Fire
• Winter Begonia
• The Imperial Coroner
• Legend of Awakening
• The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty
• Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty
• Legend of Yun Xi
• Lost Love in Times
• The Rise of Phoenixes
• The Romance of Tiger and Rose
• The Wind Blows from Long Xi
• Novoland: Pearl Eclipse
• Who Rules the World
• Snow Eagle Lord
• Immortal Samsara
• Doulou Continent
• My Heroic Husband
• Royal Feast
• The untamed
• Love like the galaxy
• Ruyi's Royal Love
• The Blue Whisper
• Princess Agents
• Ten Miles of Peach Blossom
• Love between fairy and devil
• Bloody romance
• The Empress of China
• A Dream of Splendor
• Love Like the Galaxy
• The Lady in Butcher’s House
• Side Story of Fox Volant
• Love Between Fairy and Devil
• The Autumn Ballad
• A League of Nobleman
• Who Rules The World?
• New Life Begins
• ASHES OF LOVE
• 10 miles of peach blossoms
• Ancient Love Poetry
• Destiny and Love
• The Song of Glory
• Demi gods semi devils
• Eternal Love, Princess wei young, Love by hypnotic, To get her, love like galaxy
• Lost u forever
• Rebel princess, lost love in times, bloody romance
• Jun Juil Jing
• Till the end of the moon
• The promise of chang’an
• Love you seven times
• The Starry love
• I want to suggest another option

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The 10 Best Chinese Historical Dramas You Should Not Miss Out

Chinese historical dramas are considered some of the most cinematically astounding, versatile, and creative dramas in the world. Their fantasy depictions, for example, generally go beyond people’s imaginations, with bright colors, grand costumes, and breathtaking structures sometimes leaving viewers speechless.

The biggest thing, however, that draws people back to watching Chinese historical dramas would be the wonderfully written characters that pull at your heartstrings every time.

From daughters destined for great things but born into struggling families, to men faced with the decision between love and their country – there’s no shortage of great characters to obsess over.

The 10 Best Chinese Historical Dramas

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get started, this is it. We’ve curated a list of some of the best Chinese historical dramas that you can start bingeing on this weekend!

• My Heroic Husband (2021)
• Ever Night (2018)
• The Untamed (2019)
• Song of Phoenix (2017)
• The Princess Weiyoung (2016)
• The King’s Woman (2017)
• General and I (2017)
• Legend of Lu Zhen (2013)
• The Sword and the Brocade (2021)
• The Rebel Princess (2021)

1. My Heroic Husband (2021)

Unlike most Chinese historical dramas, this is a witty comedy that melds together modern characters in a historical setting.

Ning Yi is a successful modern-day businessman. One day, he mysteriously gets transported back in time and finds himself in the body of another man who is set to get married into a family of cloth merchants.

He somehow finds himself adapting modern business methods for the business and it soon begins to flourish. He also becomes a savior for his friends who have been taken advantage of by corrupt local businesses.

Before he knows it, he finds himself involved in matters of the state and truly begins to question why he is there.

2. Ever Night (2018)

This action-adventure Chinese historical drama boasts the works: enigmatic characters, beautiful cinematography, and fight sequences that will have you holding your breath.

After the family of Ning Que is ruthlessly slaughtered by a general, he manages to escape into the wilderness (just barely) and survives purely on his wit. He gradually hones his fighting skills, and one day rescues a baby girl from a pile of corpses. They immediately become inseparable.

Ning Que goes on to join the military and eventually discovers some deep dark secrets that threaten to change the entire course of his life.

3. The Untamed (2019)

The Untamed is considered to be one of the greatest Chinese historical dramas by many Chinese drama enthusiasts. Its intricate and delicate plotline has got people hooked from episode one, and the epic bromance is on another level.

Wei Wu Xian and Lan Wang Ji are two sides of the same coin. They’re considered the prodigies of their respected clans and become fast friends on and off the battlefield.

One day, they discover a secret that threatens the legacy of their ancestors. In the journey to expose the secret and restore order, Wei Wu Xian shockingly dies.

Years later, he is reincarnated. He reunites with Lan Wang Ji and together they work together to solve murder mysteries and more.

4. Song of Phoenix (2017)

Song of Phoenix is about an infamous Chinese poet, Qu Yan, who falls in love with a slave girl. The difficulties of their social statuses are heightened by the uncertainty caused by the Warring State times.

However, like many seemingly star-crossed lover dramas, they work hard to face all obstacles thrown at them – all whilst Qu Yan is faced with the monumental task of saving his country.

5. The Princess Weiyoung (2016)

The Princess Weiyoung had to be one this list of the best Chinese historical dramas!

It’s an adaptation of the popular novel ‘The Poisonous Daughter’. The refreshing thing about this drama is that the main lead is a kind-hearted royal princess who, through her wits, purity, and determination, succeeds in a world dominated by men.

Feng Xin’er’s entire royal family is violently slaughtered, and Feng Xin’er goes into hiding. She somehow ends up in the enemy’s palace and assumes the identity of Li Weiyoung, the daughter of the evil prime minister.

This drama masterfully weaves in vengeance, love, and heartache through its politically-heavy plotline.

Read More : The Best Chinese Romance Dramas

6. The King’s Woman (2017)

The King’s Woman is a complex drama that involves themes of betrayal, revenge, and love triangles.

The story is centered around Sun Li, the granddaughter of a prominent military commander. Her ethereal beauty captures the eye of the Qin Emperor, Ying Zheng, and she is forced to leave her home and enter the palace.

There, she joins the harem and slowly but surely earns their respect through her righteousness and strong character.

However, she harbors a secret from her past love life that could threaten her existence in the palace.

7. General and I (2017)

This story is based on the intense rivalry between Bai Ping Ting, a war strategist from the Yan Kingdom, and Chu Beijie, the general-Prince of the Kingdom of Jin. Whilst they initially butt heads, they eventually fall in love and realize they’re not so different after all.

However, being from rival kingdoms means there are many trials that lay ahead of their paths, with the biggest one of all being how much they’re willing to sacrifice for their country.

8. Legend of Lu Zhen (2013)

Legend of Lu Zhen is yet another Chinese historical drama that has a strong female lead that you’ll fall in love with almost immediately.

Le Zhen is a confident woman who aspires to become the first female Prime Minister. She uses her wits and intelligence to rise quickly rank.

She has a fateful encounter with the Crown Prince and slowly but surely, they fall in love. However, their social statuses might present too big of an obstacle for them to overcome.

When faced with the most difficult decision of her life, what will she choose, love, or her dream?

9. The Sword and the Brocade (2021)

General Xu Ling Yi agrees to an arranged marriage with Shi Ni Yang. What he didn’t know he signed up for was a strong, outspoken, assertive woman who will fight for equal rights for women.

Fortunately, they fall in love, and with the support of her husband, she is able to open her own workshop. Meanwhile, Ling Yi is tasked with the incredibly difficult duty of fighting to save his homeland.

This is a beautiful drama that depicts love and companionship in a wonderful light. It shows that with strong support from your soulmate, you can achieve your dreams.

You May Also Like : The 15 Best Fantasy Dramas

10. The Rebel Princess (2021)

Starring the ever-so enigmatic Zang Zi Yi, The Rebel Princess is about the fascinating pairing of a young woman who is married off to a general.

Wang Xuan is a steadfast, strong woman who fights for what’s right. Xiao Qi is a general with humble beginnings who wants to bring peace and prosperity to the nation.

Together, they decide to enter into a marriage for the good of their country. However, through various trials and tribulations, they grow as a couple and learn to love each other.

As they face adversities presented by their enemies and the rest of the world, they begin to realize they can really only rely on each other.

So, what are your thoughts on the best Chinese historical dramas we’ve just listed above?

We know that the fandom of these dramas is incredibly passionate, so if you have your own recommendation, we’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!

Whether you’re a seasoned viewer or someone who’s just looking to get started on Chinese historical dramas, we’re sure that any drama you pick from this list with blow you away.

For more Asian dramas inspiration, feel to also read our selections of:

• Best Chinese Action Dramas
• Best Chinese School Dramas
• Best Vietnamese Dramas
• Best Thai Dramas
• Best Korean Dramas

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Top 23 Historical Chinese Drama Recommendations

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Seeking a good period C-drama? Here’s the list of the top 23 historical Chinese drama recommendations for you to start watching today! You will find a lot of interesting series here if you love period dramas, wuxia, fantasy genre!

Top 23 Historical Chinese Dramas:

• Legend of Awakening (48 episodes)
• The Sleuth Ming Dynasty (48 episodes)
• Novoland: the Castle In The Sky (28 episodes)
• Miss Truth (36 episodes)
• Love Is All (26 episodes)
• Love of Thousand Years (30 episodes)
• Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty (40 episodes)
• Dr. Cutie (28 episodes)
• Legend of Yun Xi (48 episodes)
• Journey of Flower (50 episodes)
• Lost Love In Times (56 episodes)
• Princess Agents (67 episodes)
• Goodbye My Princess (52 episodes)
• Rise of Phoenixes (70 episodes)
• The Legends (56 episodes)
• Evernight (60 episodes)
• Ashes of Love (63 episodes)
• The Romance of Tiger and Rose (24 episodes)
• Story of Yanxi Palace (70 episodes)
• Eternal Love (58 episodes)
• The Story of Ming Lan (78 episodes)
• The Untamed (50 episodes)
• Legend of Fuyao (66 episodes)

23. Legend of Awakening

The historical C-drama revolves around five friends and their adventures in the martial arts world. Yet, the main story happens between Lu Ping and Qing San. The loving couple goes from hating each other to making sacrifices for each other! Legend of Awakening illustrates the complexity of true love – the give and take required to form a true relationship. Not only two leads make sacrifices. All five friends sacrifice something for their lovers or friends. They all are transformed. If you want to connect to the emotions of the characters and end up being invested in their journeys, dive into this series! It’s full of twists and turns, action, romance, and fantasy!

• Arthur Chen as Lu Ping
• Cheng Xiao as Qin Sang
• Dylan Xiong as Yan Xi Fan
• Ancy Deng as Su Tang
• Jerry Yu as Mo Lin
• Shang Xuan as Ling Zi Yan

22. The Sleuth Ming Dynasty

Set during the times of Chenghua Emperor’s reign, it follows the adventures of a trio who develop not only beneficial collaboration but also friendship. The trio consists of a low ranked magistrate, an influential eunuch, and a high-ranked guard. They solve cases and want to crush a major conspiracy to establish peace and order for the people. The Sleuth Ming Dynasty introduces us to three well-written main characters! They are so hilarious and funny that it’s impossible not to fall in love with them and their interactions with each other. Moreover, if you like Jackie-Chan style (misfortunate coincidences, silly dialogues, a lot of fighting and chasing scenes, Jackie Chan’s moves), you definitely shouldn’t miss it! The historical is quite fast-moving and will become a great watch for all those who love tightly choreographed, acrobatic, and gripping action scenes. Yet, don’t look for a deep meaning here.

Check out Top 11 Detective Chinese Dramas for more crime-solving/investigation scenes!

• Darren Chen as Tang Fan
• Fu Meng Bo as Sui Zhou
• Liu Yao Yuan as Wang Zhi

21. Novoland: the Castle In The Sky

The historical Chinese drama Novoland: the Castle In The Sky tells the story set a long time ago. Then, there were two clans of humans – those who can fly and those who don’t. The winged clan has been considered superior because of it. So, both clans have almost always battled for supremacy. Finally, a fragile peace has finally been established. The supreme clan can fly thanks to the goddess who is powered to grant wings and reincarnates every 100 years. In the ancient time, the human honored the winged clan as gods for their ability to fly and to build a castle in the sky. The day when the castle was to be lifted off the ground an explosion destroyed it. A human girl was suspected to have done it. However, a man from the winged clan didn’t believe it and saved her life. As it turned out, it was a faction of the winged clan trying to start a war with the humans to expand their control. One day, a baby girl (the reincarnation of the goddess) is born. Hence, the queen of the earth starts to plan the kidnapping of the baby but misses the opportunity.

Watch Teaser For This Sageuk!

So, the child is growing up anonymously and peacefully, not even knowing she is the reincarnation of the goddess. Both clans see the goddess only as someone who grants the unique ability. But in reality, she is fated to reunite with her lover and then separate with him. That’s her fate. Can fate change and what if the war between the clans begins again?

If you are looking for a believable fantasy wuxia drama that is not overly done, look no further! This historical Chinese drama has a wonderful story that will keep you hooked!

If you liked “Novoland: The Castle In the Sky”, you might want to watch similar dramas: Top 9 Interspecies Romance Chinese Dramas.

• Zhang Ruo Yun as Feng Tian Yi
• Gabrielle Guan as Yi Fu Ling
• Ju Jing Yi as Xue Fei Shuang
• Chen Ruo Xuan as Yu Huan Zhen
• Liu Chang as Bai Ting Jun

20. Miss Truth

Set in the Tang dynasty, the series centers on a talented young lady, a forensic examiner, and her adventures when she investigates different murder cases. Even though the story is set in another time, it almost doesn’t acknowledge main historical characters end events of those days. So primarily, it revolves around a girl, the cases she is working on, and a love triangle. One day, the main heroine is tasked to solve a murder by the criminal, which makes her meet two men. One of them is the emperor’s trusted investigator, a nobleman, and the other is an assassin who saves her life. Moreover, there’s a major conspiracy going on.

If you want to see and enjoyable period mystery C-drama (which is basically the combination of Sherlock Holmes with Forensic Files and Criminal Minds ), give it a shot! The drama Miss Truth maintains an exciting pace. You will see numerous intrigues and dangers lurking around every corner, and even a few surprising reveals! You will also love both main male characters in the formed love triangle!

• Zhou Jie Qiong as Ran Yan
• Toby Lee as Xiao Song
• Tim Pei as Su Fu

19. Love Is All

The historical C-drama Love Is All focuses on the quarrelsome pair who starts on the wrong foot but end up cooperating and solving a case together. She is the daughter of a wealthy family and he is the county magistrate. She is quirky and he is well-mannered, handsome, and is sought after by many girls. Dive into this story about fighting for justice and love if cute and fluffy dramas are your cup of tea! This Chinese historical drama doesn’t take everything too seriously (compared to some other heart-wrenching melodramas, haha), but that’s what makes it so likable in its way!

• Zhang Ruo Nan as Tan Ling Yin
• Zhang Hao Wei as Tang Tian Yuan

18. Love of Thousand Years

Set in the ancient era, Love of Thousand Years focuses on the story of star-crossed lovers who have endured a thousand years of waiting. One day, an official from the Great Yan together with his enemy scheme the demise of his kingdom. Yan princess gets rescued but witnesses the horrible enslavement of her people. From this moment, she vows to save them and soon starts to search for the spiritual lamp. Soon after these events, the princess and her rescuer fall in love. Unfortunately, they discover that the princess’ savior is the one who should ignite the lamp. Moreover, he and the person who lights the lamp will vanish after doing that. Can they both accept their fates?

It’s highly recommended for you if you want to watch a historical romance that is quite easy to binge-watch and if you are not afraid of typical revenge and fate storylines. The beginning may seem to be a little slow and confusing, but just wait a couple of episodes more and you will find yourself fully invested in the show.

• Zheng Ye Cheng as Fu Jiu Yun
• Rosy Zhao as Qin Chuan / Ah-Man

17. Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty

Yay, here’s the Chinese historical for the fans of the time-travel theme! If you like Korean drama Moon Lovers, high chances are that you will like Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty.

The story revolves around a modern-day girl, an architect from the 21st century. One day, she places a lantern from the Qing dynasty in her apartment. While three hundred years in the past, the 13th prince from the Qing dynasty sees dreams about how he travels to the future and meets that 21st-century girl! After the accidental time-travel back to the dynasty, they both meet each other in the palace but the previous meeting is raised from their memories. In an attempt to find the man she liked, she meets the 13th, the 14th, the 4th princes, and the Emperor Kanf Xi. That’s how the girl from the 21st century gets involved in the political whirl of palace problems and intrigues.

Watch Trailer For This Chinese Drama!

If you want to watch a drama to shed tears on it and if you want to experience a similar level of emotions and palace intrigues as it was in Scarlet Heart, don’t think twice and give it a try! However, this one has a happier ending than the already mentioned series. Plus you will love super sweet chemistry between the leads, astonishing OST, and one of its main ideas to not stick to one mindset. Starring:

• Landy Li as Xu Qiang Wei
• Wang An Yu as Aisin Gioro Yin Xiang

16. Dr. Cutie

Dr. Cutie is a period C-drama for those who like revenge plots. The story follows Zhao Er, the daughter of the palace doctor. She grew up together with Ji Heng, the son of the king’s official. One day, a royal consort was poisoned, and Zhao Er’s father happened to be framed. Her father’s friend betrayed their family and schemed the whole plot. Such blame resulted in the entire family being executed. The family died in vain, but Zhao Er survived.

Watch Trailer For This Period Chinese Drama!

After all these events, she starts to learn medicine as hard as she can so that she has a chance to enter the Ji family home. That way, she will have an opportunity to investigate the plot behind the tragedy that happened to her family. Eventually, the girl manages to enter the family mansion under another name as the doctor of Ji Heng’s fiancee. From this day, she witnesses many cruelty and twisted murders. Will she be able to save herself and the ones she loves? In case if you need to release depression, pick up this Chinese series. It will make you laugh (yes, even despite its main plot, it’s quite hilarious). The girl is a real comedian for sure!

• Sun Qian as Tian Qi / Shen Zhao Er
• Huang Jun Jie as Ji Heng
• Zha Jie as Ji Zheng

15. Legend of Yun Xi

The C-drama focuses on the story of Han Yun Xi, a lady doctor who marries into the royal family. It is set during unstable times when the land is split into three kingdoms. The Emperor of one of those kingdoms distrusts almost everyone, including his subordinate. To distance from the subordinate, the Emperor arranges the marriage for him. He marries him to an “ugly” Han Yun Xi. He must be unaware that she is not only kind and talented, she is also a medical expert, especially concerning poisons. She becomes a royal consort and gets the opportunity to show off her skills. If you want to watch a C-drama with a constantly evolving plot, dynamic characters that are pressed to make difficult decisions, choose this one!

• Ju Jing Yi as Han Yun Xi
• Zhang Zhe Han as Long Fei Ye
• Yalkun Merxat as Gu Qi Shao
• Hu Bing as Tian Hui Di

14. Journey of Flower

Based on the novel written by Fresh Guo Guo, Journey of Flower follows the story of a girl with a strange ability to lure demons. Her mother passed away while giving her birth, and her father died when she was only 16. Before his death, he advised her to learn how to survive with her ability that is difficult to deal with. That’s why the girl sets out on a journey to Mount Shu popular by its people expertized in dealing with demons and similar creatures. On her adventure, she meets a gentle but cold-hearted man. He becomes not only a teacher to her but also a lover.

If you love breathtaking, touching stories in Chinese drama, then you are certainly in for a treat! The characters will make you feel as if you are connected to them. This one is also a good choice for all wuxia lovers. It will open for you the world of fantasy, beautiful costumes, and sets.

• Wallace Huo as Bai Zi Hua
• Zanilia Zhao as Hua Qian Gu

13. Lost Love In Times

Adapted from the novel Drunk Linglong, this Chinese series is a great combination of romance, historical, and fantasy. Especially you are sure to like Lost Love In Times if you are looking for period dramas like Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms or Scarlet Heart . The series revolves around a witch and a prince who fall in love with each other. The witch helps the prince to survive, so the mutual feelings start to develop. Moreover, they even want to marry each other. No one in the state approves of their connection. Will their love story leads to a disaster or they will be able to be happy despite all odds?

• Cecilia Liu as Feng Qing Chen
• William Chan as Yuan Ling
• Joe Xu as Yuan Zhan
• Cecilia Han as Tao Yao
• Simon Gong as Yuan Che
• Liu Yi Jun as Yuan An [Emperor]

12. Princess Agents

Do you enjoy watching dramas with independent, strong women who build up themselves despite all obstacles? If so, then Princess Agents is the right drama for you to start watching now! Here, you will see a badass female lead. She is a good fighter and a determined, witty girl. You will get acquainted with the period when any citizen could be easily turned into a slave. Our heroine is one of those unlucky people. However, she is lucky enough to be saved by the prince. Moreover, she is brought into a rich family. But it turns out that this place is also not the best to be in – it’s full of bloody power struggle. Now, she needs to survive in this new world.

• Zanilia Zhao as Chu Qiao
• Kenny Lin as Yu Wen Yue
• Shawn Dou as Yan Xun
• Li Qin as Yuan Chun

11. Goodbye My Princess

If you love dramas not only for joyful moments but also for tragedy, for hatred, sadness, and many other similar emotions they make you experience, you can’t miss this one! Goodbye, My Princess is a tragic historical Chinese drama that centers on a princess who travels to another land to become the crown prince. Her life changes drastically once she becomes the wife of a man second to the Emperor. As if her position isn’t dangerous enough, it reveals that the prince already has his favorite concubine. If you like deadly power plays and tragic dramas, you might want to dive into the series right now!

• Oliver Chen as Li Cheng Yin
• Peng Xiao Ran as Xiao Feng
• Shawn Wei as Gu Jian / Master

10. Rise of Phoenixes

Loosely based on the novel Phoenix Rise by Tianxia Guiyuan (that is inspired by history), the TV show is fully packed with assassinations, rebellions, and many other similar topics. If you love period dramas for these qualities, not accurately depicted history, Rise of Phoenixes is definitely your cup of tea. The drama focuses on the life of a girl who gets banished from her household after being accused of a crime. She doesn’t want to give up that simply, so she pretends to be a man and goes to a prestigious Academy. One day, she becomes a Royal Scholar and politician. Will she become vengeful after being manipulated into thinking that the current dynasty is established on the corpses of her loved ones from the fallen kingdom?

• Aloys Chen as Ning Yi
• Ni Ni as Feng Zhi Wei
• Ni Da Hong as Ning Shi-Zheng
• Zhao Li Xin as Xin Zi Yan

9. The Legends

One of the top historical Chinese dramas, The Legends follows the story of Lu Zhao Yao who gets attacked by immortal sects and dies. She is now a spirit who possesses the body of Qin Zhi Yan, a woman from the immortal sect. Now, she mistakes her ally for a traitor believing that Li Chen Lan is related to her death. Obtaining the new body, Zhao Yao becomes the disciple of Li Chen Lan with the main aim of taking revenge against him.

Watch Trailer For This C-Drama!

However, things don’t go according to the plan when she realizes she starts to fall in love with Chen Lan. What’s more, Jiang Wu, another ambitious character of the story, wants to kill Chen Lan. To make things even more complicated, he becomes interested in Zhi Yan. What is the future of this love triangle? Will Zhao Yao regain her body back and what is the fate of the body she now possesses? And will the love overweight the hatred?

If you want to dive into a lighthearted, sweet story that will leave you wanting for more, include this C-drama to your watch list! One of the things that make it unique is that it doesn’t generalize good and bad, gods and demons. Gods are not essentially good and vice versa.

• Bai Lu as Lu Zhao Yao
• Xu Kai as Mo Qing
• Shane Xiao as Qin Zhi Yan
• Dai Xu as Jiang Wu

8. Evernight

This Chinese historical is set during the Tang Dynasty and revolves around the story of a vengeful man. He is vengeful for a reason. His family was slaughtered. Luckily, he was able to escape and survived thanks to his cruelty and wits. As if his life wasn’t difficult enough, it became even harder after he met a strange girl. She is destined to bring chaos wherever she goes.

Evernight will have you glued to the screen, especially if you love action, beautifully choreographed fights, adventures, and amazing cinematography! Wait, who doesn’t love it?

• Arthur Chen as Ning Que
• Ireine Song as Sang Sang
• Adam Cheng as Narrator
• Crystal Yuan as Mo Shan Shan
• Zoey Meng as Ye Hong Yu
• Kris Sun as Prince Long Qing

7. Ashes of Love

One of the best period Chinese dramas, Ashes of Love tells the romantic story of two prisoners. She is the daughter of Flower Goddess and he is the son of Heavenly Emperor. Make sure you check it out if you want to see a drama that illustrates how strong love can be, even after facing numerous obstacles. Especially if you have nothing against lengthy series and want to dive into the story set in ancient times.

• Yang Zi as Jin Mi
• Allen Deng as Xu Feng
• Leo Luo as Run Yu
• Faye Wang as Sui He
• Yukee Chen as Liu Ying
• Zhou Ting Wei as Qi Yuan

6. The Romance of Tiger and Rose

If you want to watch a C-drama with a unique setup, you should check out the Romance of Tiger and Rose. The historical centers on a girl who dreams of becoming a popular screenwriter. Finally, her dreams come true and her work comes to life. However, things on-set don’t go as smoothly as she wants – the crew continuously criticizes her work. One day, the screenwriter mysteriously gets transported into her own story!

She wakes up in the body of the third princess, a side character with a bad reputation and a short lifespan. She created that character herself, and now she is desperate to change her fate! But it isn’t that easy to do, especially taking into account the fact that she catches the attention of two men! Will she manage to find her way back into reality or will she be stuck in the world of her own making forever?

Watch Trailer For This Historical C-Drama!

This drama is unique in its way – even though it parodies typical drama tropes, it places a comic spin on them, what’s more, in a completely another reality. It’s quite fast-paced. Each plotline is resolved within several episodes and various plot twists push the story forward so that it doesn’t lose steam.

• Rosy Zhao as Chen Xiao Qian
• Ryan Ding as Han Shuo
• Zhou Zi Xin as Chen Chu Chu

5. Story of Yanxi Palace

The Story of Yanxi Palace revolves around a girl who becomes a palace maid in the Forbidden City. She does so to reveal the truth behind the death of her sister. She is in good relations with the kind Empress, who helps her to let go of hatred. However, the girl becomes vengeful again after the Empress’ death. Finally, she meets the Emperor personally. Soon, they even form a stronger bond between them. But they should always remember that the palace is full of intrigues. This C-drama has all the features of a typical historical: rivalry among concubines and different palace schemes of how to overthrow one another. Yet, it has some unpredictable plot twists and the main heroine is independent and stays loyal to anyone who wishes her good.

• Wu Jin Yan as Wei Ying Luo
• Nie Yuan as Emperor Qianlong
• Charmaine Sheh as Consort Xian
• Xu Kai as Fuca Fu Heng
• Qin Lan as Empress Xiaoxianchun
• Tan Zhuo as Imperial Noble Consort Huixian

4. Eternal Love

The story in Eternal Love spans several lifetimes. It centers on two main characters – a fox spirit and the crown prince who fall deeply in love with each other. Yet, their love is constantly facing obstacles. They struggle and can meet each other only in the next lifetime. Isn’t that sad? Are they destined to struggle or will they finally be together and become happy? This is one of the most-watched C-dramas! If you want to dive into a fantasy world full of demons, gods, and immortals, you can’t skip this one!

• Yang Mi as Si Yin / Su Su / Bai Qian
• Mark Chao as Mo Yuan / Ye Hua / Jin Lian

3. The Story of Ming Lan

This series revolves around the life of Ming Lan, a concubine-born 6th child. She tries to survive in a place where no family love exists and everybody is against each other. The story also introduces us to Gu Ting Ye, a guy from a rich household who is supposed to inherit wealth not only from the parents but also the title. However, he becomes another victim of family plotting and ends up losing everything. Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye join forces and rise in their positions soon. They will shape the new regime in the Empire, so let’s see it together.

Here’s the drama for you if you are not looking for a love story told on the grand scale and that is the major theme of the series (like it is in Eternal Love , for example). In The Story of Ming Lan, a romantic story is just one of many aspects. Also, unlike in many other historicals, here you will not see palace intrigues and schemes. It’s a good watch for a whole family, full of depth and complexity.

• Zanilia Zhao as Sheng Ming Lan
• William Feng as Gu Ting Ye
• Zhu Yi Long as Qi Heng
• Karlina Zhang as Sheng Ru Lan
• Kira Shi as Sheng Mo Lan

2. The Untamed

If you like complex plots and are looking for an interesting storyline that focuses on the boy’s love as well as friendships and romantic love, give a shot to this Chinese series! The Untamed is great for anyone who likes wuxia and the fantasy genre in general. The story focuses on the lives of two male disciples who come from different clans. Suddenly, they hear about a secret that places the peace of their world at risk. They try their best to prevent bad events, but one of two disciples dies in the process. Sixteen years pass, and the lost friend comes back to life. Then, he decides to continue working with his friend solving mysterious secrets.

• Sean Xiao as Wei Wu Xian
• Wang Yi Bo as Lan Wang Ji

1. Legend of Fuyao

Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of the list! If you are still wondering what Chinese historical drama to watch, check out this one! Legend of Fuyao is set in the unique universe of five kingdoms led by an imperial city. Fu Yao, a slave girl from one of the kingdoms is the protagonist of the story. Watching the drama, you will see how a slave girl transforms into a powerful woman. It’s really interesting to see how the character changes throughout a series! The girl sets out on a journey across all the kingdoms to find a solution to her problem – an evil curse set upon her. You will also be pleased to see a beautiful love story!

• Yang Mi as Meng Fu Yao
• Ethan Juan as Zhang Sun Wu Ji

Related Posts:

• The List of Top 15 Best Chinese Dramas
• Top 16 Most Lovable (Romantic) Chinese Dramas
• 17 Best Lovable (Romantic) C-Drama List | Part 2
• Top 32 Supernatural Korean Dramas You Need to See
• Top 18 Time-Travel Chinese Dramas

Oh, don’t you forget that we have a poll and a comment section below? Your opinion may help others to make their choice!

Which Historical Chinese Drama Is Your Favorite?

• Legend of Fuyao
• The Untamed
• The Story of Ming Lan
• Eternal Love
• Story of Yanxi Palace
• The Romance of Tiger and Rose
• Ashes of Love
• The Legends
• Rise of Phoenixes
• Goodbye My Princess
• Princess Agents
• Lost Love In Times
• Journey of Flower
• Legend of Yun Xi
• Dreaming Back to the Qin Dynasty
• Love of Thousand Years
• Love Is All
• Novoland: the Castle In The Sky
• The Sleuth Ming Dynasty
• Legend of Awakening

View Results

One thought on “ Top 23 Historical Chinese Drama Recommendations ”

Legend of Yun Xi : My god, took me forever to get over this drama but watching this little 5 min clip puts me back into my feels. I forgot how hot Zhang Zhe Han was. I had a very hard time trying to move on from this drama, and the thing that made me move on is actually reading the novel i’m hopeless

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Keep It Glam

Hello! I'm Rosie.

Drama · June 27, 2023

The Best Chinese Historical Drama with Romance

Last updated on April 16th, 2024 at 03:48 pm

Chinese historical drama is one of my favorite genres and today I’m sharing a few that I liked or loved.

What is Chinese historical drama?

Chinese historical drama is a TV series set during China’s past that features a historical period’s culture, customs, beliefs, and way of life. They have action, suspense, comedy, and romance, and are quite magnificent with beautiful settings and costumes, astounding martial arts, incredible world-building and magic, and intricate plots.

The Best Chinese Historical Drama

I’ve arranged these historical C-Dramas from my least favorite to my most favorite so the last one you’ll see is the one I love the most.

My Uncanny Destiny (2023)

Ye Zhao Nan is a girl and the Lord/Lady of the city of Mu Xi. Since birth, she has always dressed as, and pretended to be, a boy in order to inherit the right to rule.

Liu Xuan Ming is the Lord of Xuanyue City.

Mu Xi and Xuanyue have been mortal enemies since the birth of these two leaders, so the two are determined to kill each other if and when they meet.

When they finally and accidentally meet without knowing who the other is and fall off a cliff resulting in Zhao Nan losing her memories, Xuan Ming is constrained to bring Zhao Nan back to his city. While there, the two fell in love with each other not knowing that they were sworn enemies.

My Uncanny Destiny is a light and funny Chinese historical romance drama. It’s not stressful to watch because there are few scheming (political or otherwise) and even less angst. There are comedic moments that would make you laugh. The acting is also good, even particularly excellent when it comes to that of the actress who played Ye Zhao Nan.

The romance is sweet, and the main leads share good chemistry. I liked that Xuan Ming had been totally smitten with Zhao Nan, always supporting and staying by her side to cheer her on even if he was as much powerful as she was. I also liked that it was wrapped up with a nice and heartwarming ending for both of them.

• Cast: Zhang Yue Nan, Yan Zi Xian
• Episodes: 24

My Sassy Princess (2022)

Liu Ling is a princess, while Shen Yan is something like an Imperial Guard. She’s sassy, while he’s cold and distant. Liu Ling liked Shen Yan from the very first moment he inadvertently landed in her presence, so she went on a quest to follow him wherever his job took him. Together they went on a journey—finding danger, uncovering secrets, and falling in love along the way.

My Sassy Princess is a Chinese costume drama that has mystery, good martial arts, a beautiful original soundtrack, and a lovely romance. 

The female lead, Liu Ling, isn’t your usual reserved heroine. She’s bold and goes after what she wants. You might find her a bit too much at first, but the reason why she’s like that is explained later in the story.

The romance in this drama was what I liked best. It was romantic with many unique swoon-worthy scenes between the main couple. It helped too that their acting was great in that they conveyed the right emotions for most scenes.

• Cast: Yuan Bing Yan, Zheng Ye Cheng
• Episodes: 22

Oh! My Sweet Liar! (2020)

Xiong Xi Rou is a talented female painter who sneaked into the home of the powerful Li family to paint a copy of a precious artifact. Li Hong Bin is the heir of that family.

Xi Rou was caught by Hong Bin, so in order to avoid punishment, she agreed to pose as pregnant with Hong Bin’s baby. The latter proposed the charade because he wanted to avoid marrying another woman.

They got married and soon started to develop feelings for each other. However, their enemies are starting to suspect that the pregnancy is fake. This could spell a lot of trouble for them.

This drama is heartwarming, funny, and just all-around feel-good. The female lead is cute and quirky. The male lead loved her so much and was fully supportive of her, her passion for art, and her need for independence sometimes.

There was some mystery that helped propel the plot forward.

One thing that made Oh! My Sweet Liar! a cut above the other Chinese period dramas is Li Hong Bin’s parents. They were not the usual rich, contrary parents you see in Chinese historical romance dramas who always disapprove of their sons marrying poor girls (Xi Rou being an orphan and poor). Nice, kind, and fully supportive of his marriage to Xi Rou, they welcomed the latter with open arms, showered her with gifts, and took care of and loved her like their own. It truly was a breath of fresh air to see.

The ending was satisfying–a happy one that gave us a peek at their life several years later.

• Cast: Xia Ning Jun, Xi Zi
• Episodes: 29

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General’s Lady (2020)

Chu Xiu Ming, a general, was ordered by the emperor to marry a noblewoman. The intended bride, however, refused because of Xiu Ming’s bad reputation, so Shen Jin, her sister, owned up to the task. Shen Jin eventually learns that Xiu Ming is far from how the bad rumors painted him to be. She falls in love with him, and he with her. The two navigate married life and solve some grand mysteries together.

I liked this drama because it was romantic, easy to watch, well-paced, and the female lead was unassuming and brave. The chemistry between Xiu Ming and Shen Jin was incredible, and they were devoted to each other and talked things out. The series manages to be interesting throughout its 30 episodes and it has that light, happy, funny, and breezy feel that makes it such a comforting watch. It was well paced too, and I didn’t feel like any part dragged. Lastly, I love the female lead because she is such an unassuming yet strong character who stays brave in whatever situation she finds herself in and fights for what is hers.

This drama is for you if you want fluffy, non-slow-burn romantic dramas with a side of mystery and with leads who are always devoted to each other and share many intimate moments.

• Cast: Tang Min, Caesar Wu
• Episodes: 30

Lost Love in Times (2017)

Feng Qing Chen is a powerful sorceress, while Yuan Ling is a mighty prince who’s also known as the god of war. Their paths crossed when Qing Chen saved an injured Ling and brought him to her place. They fell in love, but it was against the rules and the order of things. Still, they got married, which set in motion a series of unfortunate events that compelled Qing Chen to go back in time and undo their union and marriage. History seems to repeat itself, however, when she finds Ling falling for her again. It’s a harbinger of doom if they can’t find a way to change the course of things.

Lost Love in Times has a unique plot and a beautiful romance.

The magic is well-executed and aesthetically pleasing. The story arcs are intricate and the martial arts are outstanding.

The love story between Qing Chen and Ling is wonderful and compelling. Each is powerful, strong, and capable, making their tandem a force to be reckoned with. I liked that no matter what moment in time it was, Ling always ended up falling for Qing Chen. The Wǒ ài nǐ (I love you in English) he uttered to Qing Chen on a later episode was the most beautiful, sincere, and moving declaration I’ve seen in any Chinese drama.

• Cast: Liu Shi Shi, William Chan
• Episodes: 56

Love Like the Galaxy – Part 1 and 2

Cheng Shao Shang is a young girl who grew up without the care of her parents and was maltreated by her grandmother and aunt to boot. Because of this, she was rather an unconventional girl of her time and found conflict with her own mother and society. Ling Bu Yi is a young army general who fell for Shao Shang. Their love goes through the test of Bu Yi’s need for revenge.

Love Like the Galaxy is a Chinese historical drama in 2022. Apart from its romantic arc, it also looks at the family dynamics of that time period and how one’s growing up years can greatly impact adulthood. Both Shao Shang and Bu Yi carry scars from their childhood that shaped their present personalities and motivations, influenced their decisions, and paved the course of their future.

While the romance doesn’t materialize till the halfway mark of the drama, there were a few swoon-worthy moments sprinkled here and there early on that owed largely to Bu Yi pining for Shao Shang. When it (romance) finally takes shape, we are then treated to one of the sweetest couples on screen. 

My only complaint was how they rushed the ending. While a happy one, it wasn’t satisfying and didn’t provide much closure. Nevertheless, Love Like the Galaxy delivers and is one of the better slice-of-life Chinese historical dramas out there.

• Cast: Wu Lei, Zhao Lu Si
• Episodes: 27, 29

The Eternal Love – Seasons 1 and 2

Qu Xiao Tan is a modern girl whose soul got transported into the body of Qu Tan Er who lives in the past. There she meets the 8th Prince of the empire, Mo Lian Cheng, with whom she was arranged to be married.

As Tan Er’s body is inhabited by modern Xiao Tan, her actions and attitudes were found bizarre by people in that time period. Lian Cheng is no exception as he also finds Xiao Tan/Tan Er strange and therefore distrusts her and thinks she’s plotting something bad against him.

Over time, however, Lian Cheng begins to change his mind and trusts the kind-hearted Xiao Tan/Tan Er, and the two fall in love.

Qu Xiao Tan is back in the modern world and remembers nothing of her life as Qu Tan Er with Mo Lian Cheng. The latter, however, retains his memories as he gets transported to the modern world. There he looks for Xiao Tan, finds her, and befriends her with the intention of making her fall in love with him again.

The Eternal Love has 3 seasons, but I only got to watch the first two. Season 1 is low-budget and its plot is a bit messy. Season 2 is better as the costumes and sets had better quality and the plot was more refined.

The romance in both seasons, though, is excellent. The two main leads share a fantastic chemistry that translates well on screen. Their interaction as a couple in love has a sense of realness to it. They had many intimate moments, shared a number of real kisses, and were funny together. Watching them is pure joy.

If you like romance dramas that do not scrimp on the kisses and intimate moments, then The Eternal Love series is the way to go.

• Cast: Xing Zhao Lin, Liang Jie
• Episodes: 24, 30

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Maiden Holmes (2020)

Su Ci is a female detective who poses as a man. Pei Zhao (Prince Qi) is a prince. The two meet while they’re both investigating the same case. Prince Qi likes Su Ci but she avoids him because she doesn’t want her secret to be uncovered. She eventually gives in to her feelings, but a bigger secret of hers could break them apart.

Maiden Holmes is a drama of crime and investigation. Su Ci is a brilliant detective, like the female equivalent of Sherlock Homes, thus the series title. The cases she and her groups of friends investigate are quite interesting.

There is also the mystery as to Su Ci’s real identity and palace politics to add excitement to the drama.

As for Su Ci and Prince Qi’s romance, it was beautiful. They were quite perfect together and complemented each other in looks and character. Both were intelligent, good-looking, smart, and good martial artists, Prince Qi even celebrated as such. Watching them solve cases together and fight with swords side by side is wonderful.

I loved that their romance developed at a good pace. Their courtship didn’t take too long or got dragged and there was no nonsensical misunderstanding that kept them apart for long.

If you want to watch a Chinese historical drama with a strong female lead, great romance and a good plot, then don’t miss Maiden Holmes.

• Cast: Sebrina Chen, Zhang Ling He
• Episodes: 32

A Dream of Splendor (2022)

Zhao Pan Er, a tea house owner, and Gu Qian Fan, a commander of an elite military unit, got off on the wrong foot when they first met. Difficult circumstances, however, kept throwing them together and forced them to help each other and form a friendship. Qian Fan then started to like Pan Er, but couldn’t act on it as the latter was engaged to another. Their friendship continued even through many difficulties in each other’s lives. Eventually, they became a couple but that too went through trials of its own.

A Dream of Splendor is as much a romantic tale as it is a story of strong and independent women who take charge of their lives and soldier on despite difficulties.

This drama actually features three women: Pan Er, San Niang and Yin Zhang. The drama showcases the strength and resilience of these women in a time period where gender inequality is a stark reality. 

The romance between Pan Er and Qian Fan was executed very well. Zhao Pan Er and Gu Qian Fan shared such amazingly sizzling chemistry. They were so good together that you couldn’t help but forget that the actors who portrayed these characters were only acting. The way Qian Fan would look at Pan Er was… WOW — his eyes evoked so much emotion and spoke volumes that words were not needed. Those gazes were absolute perfection!

Even if the writers in later episodes created a contrived misunderstanding between them that didn’t make sense, still 90% of the romantic arc was splendid.

Moreover, A Dream of Splendor has beautiful scenery, fantastic cinematography, and a warm and cozy vibe throughout the series that makes it such a comforting watch.

• Cast: Crystal Liu, Chen Xiao
• Episodes: 40

The Love by Hypnotic (2019)

For political reasons, Li Ming Yue, the princess of Xiyue, marries Li Qian/Prince Zi, a prince of Beixuan. Ming Yue is vivacious, while Li Qian is cold and aloof. They agree to be married in name only and live separate lives when not in public, but still find themselves constantly drawn to each other.

The Love by Hypnotic is mostly a romance story. The focus is on the beginnings and growth of the relationship between Ming Yue and Li Qian. Their journey is hilarious, heart-tugging and beautiful. Romance lovers would enjoy this drama with its perfectly paired couple who share many kisses and intimate moments.

I love how the actors who played these two characters can act so well. Alen Fang who played Li Qian is so adept that his nuanced facial expressions add appropriate emotion to the scenes. He acted the best vulnerable, teary, and placating act in one scene. Ling Mei Shi was perfect too, as the spirited, brave princess who finds herself in a strange kingdom.

With its solid plot, beautiful setting, pretty costumes, and fantastic cinematography, it’s a drama worth its 36 episodes.

• Cast: Alen Fang, Ling Mei Shi
• Episodes: 36

A Girl Like Me (2021)

Ban Hua, a princess, is the opposite of Count Rong Xia, a gentleman scholar who works at the palace. She likes martial arts and archery, he likes reading books, painting, and playing a musical instrument. These two met on the wrong foot, disliking each other at the start, but slowly developing feelings as their paths kept crossing. When their union eventually came to fruition, they were a formidable pair to contend with, changing a nation and rewriting the course of history.

A Girl Like Me is a long romantic historical Chinese drama that dragged in some parts, but I made myself watch every single episode because I love the pairing of Ban Hua and Rong Xia. This couple is simply one of the best–open, honest, and supportive of each other. Their courtship, which consisted of snubbing and bickering with each other, was fun to watch. Their confession–after weeks of trying to deny their feelings for each other–was explosive. It was very emotional and one of the most well-acted scenes I’ve watched in a Chinese drama.

I also loved Ban Hua’s strong character. She was feisty, bold, and straightforward. I liked that for a change they made her to be the one good in martial arts and not the male lead.

If you like a Chinese drama historical romance with a strong female lead and a power couple that supports each other with no silly misunderstandings or break ups, then pick A Girl Like Me.

• Cast: Guan Xiao Tong, Neo Hou

Royal Feast (2022)

Yao Zijin is one of the newly hired cooks in the food department of the Imperial Palace. She’s talented, beautiful, smart, and just seems perfect overall.

Zhu Zhanji was the brilliant, handsome, smart, and talented Imperial grandson (later Crown Prince and then Emperor) of the Ming Dynasty.

Zijin was temporarily tasked to cook and deliver Zhanji’s meals. She went above the call of duty by doing things for Zhanji beyond what her job required of her. That made Zhanji take notice of her even if he hadn’t met her yet. Thus began their exchanges that at first didn’t involve meeting each other.

They fell in love with their relationship going through many tests as par for the course for those who live inside the palace walls.

Royal Feast is a Chinese historical drama based on a true story and one of the best Chinese ancient drama . Zhanji is the fifth emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the Xuande Emperor , while Zijin is Empress Xiaogongzhang. I don’t know how much of the drama stayed true to history, but many aspects of it did correspond to past events.

While the romance of Zijin and Zhanji is central to the plot of this drama, it isn’t all you see. The narrative takes you through the lives of the Imperial family and the cooks and employees of the food department, the workings of that department, and several societal issues of the time period. And all the while seamlessly and beautifully woven into the plot is Chinese cuisine–the food in those times and before that, their cooking process, method and preparation, benefits to the body, and the like.

What makes Royal Feast one of the best Chinese historical dramas is its well-written and well-thought-out plot, stellar production, brilliant acting, and a whole lot more. The story is layered and there are a number of foreshadowing that showed how well-planned the plot was. Every scene was relevant and at no point did the drama loses its footing or lag.

I loved the way the romance panned out. It was unique, cute, exciting, and never cheesy. I loved how Zhanji liked and was starting to fall for Zijin even before he laid eyes on her. Compared to other Chinese dramas, they didn’t have that many scenes of sweet moments together, but nevertheless what number they had were pure romance gold where you can see and feel their deep and mature love for each other through the big and small things they do for one another.

• Cast: Xu Kai, Wu Jin Yan

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most romantic historical chinese drama.

The most romantic historical Chinese drama is The Eternal Love because the main couple share the most sizzling chemistry and act like a real couple in real life. Their body language is like a couple in love–sweet to each other, natural, spontaneous, and comfortable.

These are some of the best historical romance Chinese dramas that are worth your time. They generally have a good plot, good production, good acting, good cinematography, and more. I hope you find a Chinese historical drama to love among these!

Watch out for my next post about Chinese historical fantasy drama or Xianxias!

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June 28, 2023 at 12:13 pm

I’m always looking for new things to watch! Thank you for these reviews!

June 28, 2023 at 1:16 pm

Really great, informative list! Will definitely look up some of these!

June 28, 2023 at 6:22 pm

I love good drama/comedy. Thanks for sharing about the Chinese drama. It quite interesting. I love some of the costumes in the pictures.

June 29, 2023 at 1:11 pm

I’ve not watched anything within this genre before but I feel like that I would really enjoy quite a few of these. Thanks for sharing — I’m always on the lookout to broaden the types of shows I watch!

June 29, 2023 at 1:13 pm

I hardly watch Chinese Historical Romance dramas. But I heard most people said they are good. And after reading your post, I believe I should give Chinese Historical Romance drama a try. Thank you for sharing.

I hardly watch Chinese Historical Romance dramas. But I heard most people said they are good. And after reading your post, I believe I should give Chinese Historical Romance drama a try. Thank you for sharing. Good recommendations.

July 1, 2023 at 10:08 am

I’ve not really explored this genre yet but it looks interesting!

July 1, 2023 at 12:22 pm

I loves to watch Chinese movies, especially action and adventure. But that movies you listed here I never seen. I would try to watch some.

July 1, 2023 at 2:02 pm

It’s a great resource for anyone interested in exploring Chinese historical dramas and experiencing the rich storytelling and beautiful cinematography they offer. I’m excited to dive into some of the recommendations you’ve shared. Keep up the excellent work!

July 19, 2023 at 2:05 pm

Great post!

July 19, 2023 at 4:40 pm

Thank you for this Chinese drama list. I don’t know much about Chinese cinema, but I will look for My Sassy Princess and Lost Love in Times. I love films with great costumes and historical plots; good love stories are always fun.

February 17, 2024 at 4:24 am

I’m so glad I found this blog post! I also love and write about Chinese dramas. Did you ever watch Love and Redemption? What about Love Between Fairy and Devil? These are my two favourite romantic Chinese historical dramas. If you haven’t, I really recommend you checking them out!

[…] historical romance drama, as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, is one of my favorite TV shows. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that I think they are even […]

[…] historical drama is my favorite genre. True, I like the modern ones, too, but sageuk or historical dramas take precedence most of the time, especially when romance is added to the […]

[…] traditions that make up China’s society. You can experience festivals, ceremonies, music, and art that are unique and fascinating. In Europe, you might have to pay a lot of money to enter museums, churches, castles, and other […]

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TV’s Best-Ever Time-Travel Romance Shows, Ranked

What’s a few centuries between meant-to-be lovers? On television, the spacetime continuum is no match for romance, as characters overcome differences of decades and centuries to be with their true loves.

In other cases, time-traveling characters journey through the years with their love interests. Sometimes they change history together. And sometimes, time travelers end up unknowingly doting on a family member! (We call that Back to the Future Syndrome.)

Here are our picks for the best time-travel romances on television — and no, HBO’s version of The Time Traveler’s Wife is not one of them . A word of caution, though: Spoilers abound, and as far as we know, there’s no way to rewind time to un-read them.

The Umbrella Academy

This superhero series introduces decades-spanning romances when Viktor ( Elliot Page ) strikes up a romance with Sissy ( Marin Ireland ) and Klaus (Robert Sheehan) falls for Dave (Cody Ray Thompson) after the two super-powered characters travel to the 1960s.

The shape-shifting Time Lord of this long-running sci-fi drama (played by various actors) has companions but not really companions , though River Song ( Alex Kingston ) becomes his wife in a timeline-repairing wedding. They even spend a 24-year night on the planet Darillum together!

This hit castaway drama features characters traveling through time, either physically or mentally. And Season 4’s “The Constant” sends Desmond ( Henry Ian Cusick ) on a decade-skipping head trip, leading to a phone call with Penny ( Sonya Walger ) that probably ranks as the most romantic moment of the series.

Fans of this sci-fi drama — based loosely on the 1995 film of the same name — shipped the couple dubbed Casserole. That’d be James Cole ( Aaron Stanford ), a time traveler from the future, and Cassandra Railly ( Amanda Schull ), the current-day virologist who helps him try to thwart a global outbreak.

Someday or One Day

In this Taiwanese drama, Yu-hsuan (Ko Chia-yen) is still mourning the death of boyfriend Chuan-sheng (Greg Hsu) when she is transported two decades in the past and finds a boy who looks exactly like him. And it’s a Walkman that triggers her time-traveling — talk about a plot device!

A wormhole in the cave system under a German town’s nuclear power plant fractures this sci-fi series’ storyline into several decades: the 2050s, 2010s, the 1980s, the 1950s, the 1920s, and the 1880s. Romance abounds, though, which leads to some weird and paradoxical relationships: One character dates his own aunt, for example, while another character’s mother is also her daughter.

Dinosaurs aren’t the only ones in the wrong timeframe in this series. Matt ( Ciarán McMenamin ), an Anomaly Research Centre researcher from the future, and Emily (Ruth Bradley), a team member from the Victorian Era, bridge a centuries-long gap with their romance.

When Montego Air Flight 828 lands five and a half years late — the travel delay from hell! — its passengers have to adjust to an unfamiliar world. And one of the biggest shocks is that, for some of them, their significant others are now involved with other people.

This Stephen King adaptation stars James Franco as Jake, an English teacher assigned to travel to 1963 and prevent John F. Kennedy ’s assassination. In that decade, he finds an ally — and a romantic prospect — in librarian Sadie (Sarah Gadon). Eventually, he tells Sarah everything, and they work together to alter history forever.

Goodnight Sweetheart

Over a six-year run in the 1990s — and a TV special in 2016 — this sitcom chronicled the double life of TV repairman Gary ( Nicholas Lyndhurst ) as a portal lets him toggle between the 1940s and the present day. In the former timeframe, he’s dating Phoebe ( Dervla Kirwan , then Elizabeth Carling ). In the latter, he’s married to Yvonne (Michelle Holmes and Emma Amos). That still qualifies as cheating in our books!

How does a guy prove to his skeptical wife he’s a time traveler? In the case of San Francisco reporter Dan Vassar ( Kevin McKidd ), he buries her wedding ring in the backyard in the past and digs it up in the present. But then there’s that pesky fact that his ex-fiancée, Livia ( Moon Bloodgood ), is traveling through time, too…

A Discovery of Witches

In this adaptation of a Deborah Harkness book series, present-day witch Diana ( Teresa Palmer ) unwittingly brings fellow witches, daemons, and a dashing vampire named Matthew ( Matthew Goode ) to her doorstep. As you might expect, Diana and Matthew form a bond in Season 1. As you might not expect, they travel back to 1590 in Season 2.

Life on Mars

You know you’re not watching any old British cop show when the main character is hit by a car and sent from 2006 to 1973. And that timeframe is when detective Sam Tyler ( John Simm ) develops a relationship with the skeptical but sympathetic constable Annie Cartwright (Liz White).

This adventure series follows a Lifeboat team tasked with recovering a time machine from a fugitive (played by Goran Višnjić ) who develops feelings for Lifeboat leader Lucy ( Abigail Spencer ). Lucy. however, only has eyes for teammate Wyatt ( Matt Lanter )… though their timeline-meddling results in her engagement to another man!

A World War II nurse mysteriously travels two centuries in the past, where she meets a Highland warrior who will become her true love. This hit show, an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon ’s historical fantasy novel series, has countless fans swooning for, shipping, and fanficcing Claire ( Caitríona Balfe ) and Jamie ( Sam Heughan ).

10 Best Historical Romance Anime

W hen it comes to the world of anime, there is a genre that captures the hearts of many with tales of love, passion, and history intertwined. Historical romance anime transport you to different eras, from the elegance of the Victorian period to the honorable days of samurai , all while weaving in captivating love stories.

RELATED: Best Anime Set In Feudal Japan

These anime not only offer a glimpse into the past, but also delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. They portray characters struggling against the constraints of their time, making choices that defy societal norms, and ultimately, finding love amidst the backdrop of history.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers

Ooku: The Inner Chambers is Netflix's new and captivating historical romance anime exploring a unique premise. The story takes place in a world where a mysterious disease has drastically reduced the male population, resulting in women taking on traditionally male roles.

Set in feudal Japan, the anime revolves around the inner chambers of the Tokugawa shogunate. It showcases political intrigue, power struggles, and forbidden love. It is a must-watch thanks to its rich historical narrative and compelling character relationships.

Cinderella Chef

Cinderella Chef is a Chinese historical drama that blends elements of romance, cooking , and time travel. The story revolves around Ye Jia Yao, a modern-day chef who finds herself transported back in time to the Qing Dynasty.

There, she must navigate the challenges of the past while showcasing her culinary talents. As she rises through the ranks, she encounters famous historical figures, and, of course, a budding romance.

The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is a visually stunning animated film directed by none other than Hayao Miyazaki . This Japanese masterpiece tells the fictionalized biographical story of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of World War II fighter planes.

RELATED: Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked Jiro always wanted to become a pilot, but due to his bad eyesight, he decided to build planes instead. While realizing his dreams, he also discovers love. J iro's and Nahoko's love story is a tragic one , as they navigate the challenges of illness and a world on the brink of war.

In This Corner Of The World

In this corner of the World is yet another great film taking place during World War II. Set primarily in Hiroshima and Kure, it follows the life of Suzu, a young woman who becomes a wife and mother amidst the hardships and horrors of war.

The film's exquisite animation and attention to historical detail immerse you in the daily struggles, resilience, and sacrifices of ordinary people during a turbulent period.

Snow White With The Red Hair

Snow White with the Red Hair is a delightful anime that draws inspiration from the famous fairytale princess . However, it puts a refreshing spin on the classic narrative. The story follows Shirayuki, a young and independent herbalist with striking red hair.

When she encounters Prince Zen and his companions, her life takes an unexpected turn. Rather than a damsel in distress, Shirayuki is a determined and capable character who takes control of her own destiny and love.

No Doubt In Us

No Doubt in Us is a Chinese historical anime that takes a comedic twist on the classic body-switching trope. After a political marriage, the emperor and empress don't seem to like each other, until they switch bodies.

The couple slowly comes to understand each other and eventually fall in love. This unique premise, blending humor, romance, and historical elements, promises an entertaining and heartwarming viewing experience.

Emma: A Victorian Romance

Emma: A Victorian Romance is an enchanting anime series that transports you to the elegant world of 19th-century England. It follows the story of Emma, a kind and diligent maid , and William, a young aristocrat.

RELATED: Best Shoujo Anime Tropes Set against the backdrop of strict societal norms, the series beautifully explores their forbidden love and the challenges they face due to their differing societal statuses. Emma beautifully captures the essence of a bygone era while delivering a captivating and heartfelt romance.

Yona Of The Dawn

Yona of the Dawn is a great Japanese romance anime blending historical fantasy and adventure elements. The story follows Princess Yona of the Kingdom of Kouka, whose life takes a tragic turn when her father is murdered.

Fleeing the palace, Yona embarks on a quest to gather legendary warriors, seeking to reclaim her throne and bring justice to her kingdom. While moving towards her revenge, she slowly gathers a reverse harem, where everyone fights for her attention.

Spice And Wolf

Spice and Wolf is set in a medieval European-inspired world and follows the journey of Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wolf deity who appears as a young woman with wolf ears and a tail . Together, they embark on a captivating adventure filled with commerce, economics, and most importantly a blossoming romance.

The series is known for its unique blend of economics and romance, as Lawrence and Holo navigate trade deals, outsmart rivals, and explore the complexities of their evolving relationship.

My Happy Marriage

My Happy Marriage explores the transformation of a troubled young woman's life through an unexpected marriage. As Miyo was born without supernatural abilities, her family abused her and married her off to an army commander with a bad reputation.

Her husband initially ignores her, but as they come to know more about each other, their relationship slowly progresses. My Happy Marriage is the tale of two individuals who find solace and love in each other despite their initial differences. It takes place in an alternative version of the Meiji Restoration era.

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