Top 10 Must-Watch Chinese Historical Dramas of All Time

Category: Short Film

September 20, 2024 7 mins read

Chinese historical dramas have long captivated audiences with their rich storytelling, elaborate costumes, and immersive cultural settings. This article delves into the top 10 Chinese historical dramas that have defined the genre, providing a curated list of must-watch series. From heart-pounding adventures like "The Untamed" to timeless romances such as "Eternal Love," these dramas offer something for every viewer, blending historical accuracy with compelling narratives that transcend time.

Below, you can find information on each of these short drama streaming platforms.

1 The Untamed

Cast:

• Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian
• Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji

Synopsis:

The Untamed, also known as "Chén Qíng Lìng," is a 2019 Chinese web series based on the BL xianxia novel "Mo Dao Zu Shi" by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The series follows the adventures of two soulmate cultivators, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, as they travel to solve a series of murder mysteries linked to a tragic event in the past. The story begins with Wei Wuxian's reincarnation into the body of Mo Xuanyu to exact revenge on his abusive family. He then meets Lan Wangji and gets caught up in a zombie mystery in Mo Village. As they navigate through various challenges and mysteries, they uncover secrets about their past and confront the true culprit behind the tragic events.

2 Love Between Fairy and Devil

Cast:

• Yu Shuxin as Xiao Lanhua / Orchid / Goddess Xiyun: an orchid fairy who lives at Arbiter Hall of Shuiyuntian's Siming Palace, responsible for looking after her master's Destiny Books.
• Dylan Wang as Dongfang Qingcang, the Lord Devil, who was sealed in the Haotian Tower and later becomes entangled with Xiao Lanhua through a curse.

Synopsis:

The series is based on the novel "Cang Lan Jue" by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. It tells the story of Xiao Lanhua, an immortal fairy from the Po Xin tribe, who was reborn ten thousand years later as a lowly immortal of the Heavenly Tribe. Unbeknownst to her, she revives Dongfang Qingcang, the Demon Lord who was sealed in the Haotian Tower. This act links their experiences through a "One Heart Curse," causing them to share injuries, emotions, and death. As Dongfang Qingcang seeks a cure, he begins to fall in love with Xiao Lanhua, despite his initial intentions to sacrifice her immortal soul to regain his freedom.

3 Till the End of the Moon

Cast:

• Luo Yunxi as Tantai Jin / Ming Ye / Cang Jiu Min
• Bai Lu as Li Su Su / Ye Xi Wu / Sang Jiu
• Chen Duling as Ye Bing Chang / Tian Huan / Mo Nv
• Deng Wei as Xiao Lin (Prince Xuancheng) / Gongye Jiwu / Sang You

Synopsis:

The drama follows Li Su Su, the daughter of the Heng Yang Sect leader, who turns back time to 500 years ago to prevent Tantai Jin, the future Devil God, from being born. She assumes the identity of Ye Xi Wu and marries Tantai Jin. As she witnesses his past life and rise to power, she develops feelings for him, complicating her mission to destroy him. The story involves time travel, romance, and the struggle to change destiny.

4 Eternal Love

Cast:

• Yang Mi as Bai Qian (the Nine-Tailed Fox)
• Mark Chao as Ye Hua and Mo Yuan (the Crown Prince and the God of War)

Synopsis:

"Eternal Love," also known as "Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms," is a Chinese television series released in 2017. The story revolves around the Nine-tailed Fox Bai Qian, who is brought to Kunlun Mountain to become a disciple of the God of War, Mo Yuan. When a war breaks out, Mo Yuan sacrifices his life to seal a demon lord. Seventy thousand years later, Bai Qian attempts to sacrifice herself to re-seal the demon lord but is instead thrown to the mortal realm, where she loses all her memories and divine power. There, she meets Crown Prince Ye Hua, who is actually her fiancé in Heaven and resembles the late Mo Yuan. The two start falling in love, unaware of their true identities and their entangled love story that spans three different lives and three worlds.

5 Story of Kunning Palace

Cast:

• Bai Lu as Jiang Xue Ning / Jiang Ning: The protagonist who becomes empress and later reincarnates back to her 18-year-old self.
• Zhang Linghe as Xie Wei / Xie Ju'an: The crown prince's junior preceptor and a key figure in Jiang Xue Ning's life.

Synopsis:

"Story of Kunning Palace" is a historical romance drama based on the web novel "Kun Ning" by Shi Jing. The story follows Jiang Xue Ning, who in her previous life, was an ambitious woman who became empress but ultimately committed suicide after the rebellion led by Xie Wei and Yan Lin. After her rebirth, she has the chance to change her fate by not entering the palace, but she is drawn back into the palace intrigue. The redemption, power, and the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on Jiang Xue Ning's character arc as she navigates her past mistakes and seeks to make amends.

6 Ashes of Love

Cast:

• Yang Zi as Jin Mi: She is a six-petal frost flower fairy, who later becomes the Water Deity and altruistic but does not understand the true meaning of love due to the magical pill she was given at birth.
• Deng Lun as Xu Feng: He is the second prince of the Heavenly Realm and the legitimate heir of the Heavenly Throne. He becomes King Yi of Huai Wu Kingdom and later the Demon King after his rebirth in the Demon Realm.
• Luo Yunxi as Run Yu: He is the eldest prince of the Heavenly Realm and the Night Deity. He is gentle and calm but becomes coldhearted and ambitious after his mother's death.

Synopsis:

"Ashes of Love" is a 2018 Chinese television series based on the novel "Heavy Sweetness, Ash-like Frost" by Dian Xian. The story follows Jin Mi, a grape spirit and six-petal frost flower fairy, who is hidden away by her mother, the Floral Goddess. Jin Mi is naive and altruistic but does not understand the true meaning of love due to the magical pill she was given at birth. When Xu Feng, the second prince of the Heavenly Realm, accidentally lands in the Flower Realm, Jin Mi nurses him back to health and demands that he take her with him when he leaves. This sets off Jin Mi's adventure and love trial as she explores the realms and meets various immortals and demons. The series is an epic tale of love and sacrifice in different times and worlds, filled with themes of love, betrayal, revenge, redemption, acceptance, and regrets.

7 Joy of Life

Cast:

• Zhang Ruoyun as Fan Xian
• Li Qin as Lin Wan'er
• Chen Daoming as the Emperor of Qing

Synopsis:

Fan Xian, born in the ancient empire of Southern Qing, inexplicably possesses memories from the 21st century. He ventures to the capital to learn about his mysterious past, only to become entangled in the intrigues of the Emperor. Along the way, he meets Lin Wan'er, the chancellor's daughter, and together they navigate a complex web of politics, danger, and romance. As Fan Xian delves deeper into his past, he uncovers secrets about his mother and his true identity, all while facing numerous challenges and adversaries.

8 Legend of Shen Li

Cast:

• Zhao Li Ying as Shen Li, Lord Bi Cang of the Immortal Realm.
• Lin Geng Xin as Xing Zhi / Xing Yun, the last remaining ancient god of the Divine Realm.

Synopsis:

The Legend of Shen Li is a comedic fantasy romance based on the novel "Accompanying the Phoenix" by Jiulu Feixiang. The story follows Shen Li, the powerful General Bi Cang of the Immortal Realm, who is pressured into a political marriage with the Heavenly Emperor's grandson. To avoid this marriage, Shen Li escapes and transforms into her original form, a phoenix, after injuring herself in battle. She falls into the mortal realm, where Xing man with confront ancient evils and face the challenges of their worlds.

9 The Long Ballad

Cast:

• Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Chang Ge
• Leo Wu as General Ashile Sun
• Liu Yuning as Mu Jin
• Zhao Lusi as Mimi Guli.

Synopsis:

The drama is set in 626 CE during the Tang Dynasty. The story begins with the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a successful palace coup orchestrated by a cunning prince, which leads to the slaughter of Li Chang Ge's family. Despite this, she manages to escape and vows to avenge her family. Li Chang Ge raises an army to challenge the new Emperor, Tai Zong, but her plans are thwarted by the Eastern Turkic Khaganate forces. She is captured by General Ashile Sun, who makes her his military strategist. As they form a powerful military partnership, romantic feelings begin to develop between them. The drama explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and love, set against the backdrop of historical events and characters from the Tang Dynasty.

10 Nirvana in Fire

Cast:

• Hu Ge as Lin Shu/Mei Changsu
• Wang Kai as Prince Jing
• Liu Tao as Mu Ni Huang
• Ding Yongdai as Emperor Xuanming.

Synopsis:

"Nirvana in Fire" is a historical drama set in ancient China, based on the novel "Lang Ya Bang" by Hai Yan. The story revolves around Lin Shu, who survives a massacre orchestrated by the Emperor of Great Liang. Lin Shu is poisoned and loses his fighting powers, but he changes his name to Mei Changsu and returns to the capital with a secret plan to seek justice for his family and the 70,000 Chiyan soldiers who were labeled traitors. Mei Changsu covertly assists Prince Jing, the unfavored son of the Emperor, in ridding the court of scheming officials and ultimately seeking to bring down those responsible for the conspiracy that destroyed his family.

1 I Promise You Worldly Tenderness

"I Promise You Worldly Tenderness" on LokShorts is a captivating story that centers on a young woman named Lan Zhi, known for her beauty. She captures the heart of Gu Zhixing, the eldest son, at first sight. However, due to their difference in status and family pressure, Gu Zhixing proposes to make her a concubine. Lan Zhi refuses this offer and declares that she will marry whoever is willing to propose. Surprisingly, only the accountant, Yu, comes forward. Despite showing affection for each other, Gu Zhixing, driven by obsession, tries to force Lan Zhi into marriage. Little does he know, Yu has a hidden identity.

2 The Prince is a bit Crazy

The story revolves around a security guard who soul transmigrates into the body of the weak crown prince, Zhang Biao, in the decadent Great Xia Kingdom. Shedding his former timidity, he first relieves the ailing emperor's worries and then fights for the well-being of the suffering people. Later, he engages in cunning battles with powerful officials to secure his position as heir, reforms the court by rewarding the virtuous and punishing the corrupt, and cleverly outwits foreign envoys using his modern knowledge to elevate his status to the highest rank.

In conclusion, Chinese historical dramas offer a rich tapestry of storytelling that captivates audiences with their blend of romance, fantasy, intrigue, and cultural depth. Whether you are drawn to the enthralling narrative of "The Untamed," the epic romance of "Eternal Love," or the historical intrigue of "Nirvana in Fire," there is a drama to suit every taste. These top 10 recommendations showcase the best of what Chinese period dramas have to offer, combining compelling plots, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. As these dramas continue to gain international acclaim, they invite viewers into a world where history and fantasy beautifully intertwine, promising unforgettable experiences and a deeper appreciation of Chinese cultural narratives.

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William Grant

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