7 Chinese Period Dramas That Should Be On Your Watchlist
Chinese dramas are becoming increasingly popular by the day because of their compelling storylines and varied genres. While there are some great romantic C-dramas that are guaranteed to make you swoon, there are a number of historical TV shows that are a must-watch for anyone who’s a history buff.
These TV shows pack intriguing storylines, well-etched out characters, stunning costumes, as well as tons of action, and therefore, deserve a place on your watchlists. From romances to tales of political intrigue, here are some of our favourite historical Chinese TV shows...
Best Historical Chinese TV Shows To Watch On Netflix and Viki
Scarlet Heart
Scarlet Heart (2011)
Considered to be a pioneer of the time slip genre in East Asian TV shows, this one is based on the novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua. It follows Zhang Xiao who gets transported from the 21st century to the Qing Dynasty, during Emperor Kang Xi’s reign in the year 1704. She finds herself trapped in the body of a daughter of an aristocrat and gets involved in a complex battle for the throne. The tale of friendship, betrayal, time travel, and love became an instant hit and spawned a sequel and a K-drama remake.
Watch it here
Story of Yanxi Palace
Story Of Yanxi Palace (2018)
If you love a good mystery, then you should definitely give this one a chance. It follows Wei Ying Luo who finds herself in the emperor’s court in the Forbidden City as a palace maid to investigate her sister’s mysterious death. There’s a lot of drama, political intrigue and plot twists to keep you hooked.
Watch it here
The Untamed
The Untamed (2019)
Considered to be one of the greatest historical TV shows by C-drama enthusiasts, this one has been adapted from the web novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. It follows two friends who get separated after one dies but are reunited years later because of reincarnation. The two then team together to solve the mysteries linked to their past. In the original novel, the two friends were lovers but because of China’s ban on LGBT portrayals, the storyline made them friends instead. Upon its release, it gained widespread acclaim and became the highest earning dramas of 2019 in China.
Watch it here
My Heroic Husband
My Heroic Husband (2021)
This comedy drama follows Ning Yi, a businessman from the 21st century, who gets transported back in time to ancient China, into the body of a man who is about to be married into a matrilocal community of cloth merchants. In his new life, Ning Yi begins incorporating modern business ideas and methods to help out his new family and protect his friends from scheming business owners.
Watch it here
Song of Phoenix
Song Of Phoenix (2017)
Adapted from Liang Zhenhua’s eponymous novel, this beloved drama is based on the extraordinary life of great Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States period (from 475-221 BC). The fictionalised tale follows the forbidden romance between the poet and a slave girl from the palace and his quest to save the country from ruin.
Watch it here
The Princess Weiyoung
The Princess Weiyoung (2016)
If you loved K-dramas like The Glory, this revenge drama is right up your alley. An adaptation of Qin Jian’s popular novel The Poisonous Daughter, the drama follows kind-hearted royal princess Feng Xin Er, whose family gets slaughtered by a rival clan. She goes into hiding in the enemy’s palace as the evil prime minister’s estranged daughter and plots her revenge. The strong-spirited independent female lead was praised by critics and audience alike and it became one of the highest-rated dramas of 2019.
Watch it here
Legend of Lu Zhen
Legend of Lu Zhen (2013)
Based on the novel Female Prime Minister by Zhang Wei, this period drama traces the rise of the titular Lu Zhen from a mere lady-in-waiting to becoming a powerful prime minister during the Northern Qi Dynasty. The character is based on Lu Ling Xuan, a lady-in-waiting of the Northern Qi era, who held great power during her time.
Watch it here
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