The 45 Best Chinese Historical Dramas That You’ll Love

Chinese Dramas have a huge fan base and are loved by audiences worldwide. If you want to explore the wide range of shows that Chinese drama offers, the one genre that you need to look into is best Chinese historical dramas.

The history buff in you would love these fantastic dramas and give you a beyond time experience. Let’s look at some of the most exciting drama series from the historical genre.

45. Scarlet Heart 2

• Director: Lee Kwok-lap
• Writer: Tong Hua
• Cast: Cecilia Lu, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng, Yuan Hong, Lin Gengxin
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

This film is an ordinary story of a poor girl with a love triangle when seen as a stand-alone Chinese historical drama. It is a sequel to 2011’s Scarlet Heart, therefore it appears to be a step backward. Instead of a stand-alone sequel, this served to placate the film’s audience.

In principle, it would work to cast Liu Shi Shi as Zhang Xiao and Nicky Wu as Yin Zheng in a contemporary setting. But the storyline just makes things go on and on. The love story is underwritten in comparison to the original television series.

44. The Wolf Princess 

• Director: Yu Zhong
• Writer: N/A
• Cast: Eleanor Lee, Peter Ho
• IMDb: 6.8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
• Streaming Platform: Amazon prime 

What happens if you combine the nobility of ancient China with werewolves? The Princess Wolf! Ling Long (Connie Kang), who is searching for her father, suffers from a dual personality after being bitten by a wolf. Yan Qing, an aristocracy, accuses Ling of stealing (Jason Gu). They set out to establish her innocence in concert. In the first half of the movie, the two major characters are entertaining and complement one another wonderfully.

It was entertaining to watch Kang differentiate between the two personalities. However, the plot becomes muddled and Long’s tsundere act becomes grating. The CG is clunky, but the cinematography is superb. Drama that doesn’t take itself too seriously is this one. Enjoy viewing it, then.

43. The Legend of Hao Lan

• Director: Yu Zheng
• Cast: Wu Jinyan, Mao Zijun and Nie Yuan
• Rotten tomatoes: 78%
• IMDb: 7.4
• Streaming platform: Amazon prime 

This is what a “rags to riches” tale (based on actual events) really means. A woman by the name of Li Hao Lan is featured in The Legend of Hao Lan. following its sale to Lu Buwei, her future business partner. They enter the palace and advance in the hierarchy. Hao Lan becomes Queen Dowager Zhao, the Empress Dowager. Along the way, Buwei also increases his stature and authority.

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.

42. The Advisors Alliance

• Director: Kong Sheng
• Writer: Chang Jiang, Zhang Yong
• Cast: Wu XiuBo, Liu Tao, Li Chen
• IMDb: 8.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
• Streaming Platform: China Zone YouTube 

Sima Yi (Wu Xiu Bo), an advisor who assisted Cao Pi (Li Chen) in usurping the imperial throne during the Three Kingdom period, is the subject of The Advisor’s Alliance, a film based on his life. Some of the best acting you will ever watch in a drama comes from both the famous cast and the supporting cast. This cast has been together for a long time, and it shows.

It’s unusual for the genre that these historical Chinese figures feel so authentic. The gradual updating of the army’s tactics across many conflicts is one of many small touches that give the narrative realism. The complex nature of battle is masterfully depicted. There is a lot to enjoy here because the series is divided into two halves with over 40 episodes each.

41. The Longest Day in Chang’an

• Director: Cao Dun
• Writer: Cao Dun
• Cast: Lei Jiayin, Jackson Yee
• IMDb: 8.1/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
• Streaming Platform: Currently available on Amazon Prime Video.

A breath of fresh air, this movie. An exciting mystery and espionage tale is presented to us. Our main characters, Zhang Xiaojing (Lei Jia Yin) and Li Bi (Jackson Yee), have one day to thwart a terrorist conspiracy against the Tang Dynasty. Although the many flashbacks can become tedious, they are necessary to comprehend the characters and the effects of their choices.

You must pay attention to ensure that you don’t miss any important details because everything is scheduled for 24 hours. The show’s set design is absolutely stunning and incorporates historically authentic landscapes and structures. The language is occasionally delightfully clever. Try this drama if you enjoy mysteries with a quick pace.

 40. King’s War, Legend of Chu and Han

The story of the collapse of the Qin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han Dynasty is depicted in the movie, though there are some historical inaccuracies. The renowned Gao Xixi, who also directed Three Dragons, directed this historical drama in China.

Famous actors like Chen Daoming, Peter Ho, Yihong Duan, Yixiao Li, and Lan Qin are among the cast members of this high-budget production. In particular, Chen Daoming excels as Liu Bang, the commoner who rose to become Emperor Gaozu of Han.

39. Court Lady

In this historical Chinese romance drama, the power of love at first sight is evident. The story of Court Lady begins with Sheng Chu Mu (Xu Kai), our main character, falling in love with Fu Rou (Li Yitong).

He then makes a change in order to earn her love Fu Rou, however, is transferred from her family business to the Royal Court because of her embroidery and sewing prowess. Although it initially seems like a light romantic drama, things quickly get serious.

38. Serenade of Peaceful Joy 

The historical Chinese drama depicts what it was like to be the emperor. In Serenade of Peaceful Joy, Wang Kai plays Emperor Zhao Zhen, who discovers his true parentage and must make difficult choices with his family and in court. Kai presents a nuanced character.

He aspires to virtue and fairness, but when a throne and politics are involved, everything becomes more challenging. Here, there isn’t a definite good guy or bad guy.

37. Princess Agents

• Genre: Historical fiction, action, romance
• Episodes: 58
• Original release: 2017

If you enjoy watching television shows about strong, independent women standing up for themselves, then Princess Agents is for you. Princess Agents features a real badass main female character who is witty, brilliant, a great fighter, incredibly loyal, and determined. Though some of the characters she meets don’t like her, most of the time her choices make sense.

36. God of War, Zhao Yun

• Genre: Historical fiction, romance
• Episodes: 49
• Original release: 2016

The 14th-century book Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which centers on Zhao Zilong, a distinguished military general, is a loose inspiration for God of War, Zhao Yun. As we watch the series, we delve into China’s early Three Kingdoms era.

The story primarily centers on the life of the general; you will learn everything there is to know about his upbringing, personality, adventures, and relationships. You will gain a thorough understanding of Zhao Yun’s inner struggles as this series highlights the most significant events in his life.

35. Colourful Bone

• Genre: Suspense, historical, romance, fantasy
• Episodes: 53
• Original release: 2017

The female protagonist of Colorful Bone () is an expert face-changer. She uses her talent to aid those in need, but she also causes trouble for herself. If you enjoy heartbreaking tales of love and hate and are intrigued by the protagonist’s unique talent, which has the power to bring either good or evil, watch this series.

 34. Scarlet Heart (2011)

• Director: Lee Kwok-lap
• Writer: Tong Hua
• Cast: Cecilia Lu, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng, Yuan Hong, Lin Gengxin
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

The scarlet heart is one of the most famous Chinese historical dramas that revolves around the life of a modern-day woman who travels back in time to the Qing Dynasty after an accident. She gets trapped in her younger self, in her old incarnation, and even though she resists the palace intrigues, she gets involved in a power struggle for the throne.

Ma’er’tai Roux, the protagonist, also falls in love with the young Prince. A series of adventures, action, politics, and emotional drama follows that keeps the audience hooked till the last.

33. Bloody Romance (2018)

• Director: Yi-Jun
• Writer: Banming Banmei
• Cast: Li Yitong, Qu Chuxiao
• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Bloody Romance is one of the best Chinese historical dramas that revolves around the life of a woman who is forced to work in a brothel. Set during the Tang Dynasty, Qi Xue turns into a cold-blooded assassin to survive. On her journey, she has to face criminals, psychopaths, and murders in the Tang Dynasty, which makes the series quite a fascinating one.

The strong female characters in such women-centric dramas have grabbed quite a lot of attention. But, with Chang An as her savior, will both get out of the deadly controversy for the power they get involved in?

32. Chinese Paladin (2005)

• Director: Wu Jinyuan, Liang Shenzhen, Mai Guanzhi
• Writer: Deng Liqi, Huang Haolan, Zhong Zhenglong
• Cast: Hu Ge, Liu Yifei, Ady An, Esther Liu, Eddie Peng
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

Considered one of the best Chinese historical dramas, Chinese Paladin is adapted from The Legend of Sword and Fairy. The story revolves around an orphan, Li Xiao Yao, who travels to a mystical land to get an antidote for her ailing aunt.

However, he meets Zhao Ling’er, whom he marries. However, the couple is faced with eternal torment from the Lunar Sect Cult and is saved by a mysterious man.

The couple discovers their history and falls in love with each other again. Will they save themselves from their enemies, or will they sacrifice love?

31. Princess Agents

• Director: Wu Jinyuan
• Writer: Jia Wen, Yang Tao, Chen Lan
• Cast: Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin, Shawn Dou, Li Qin
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Princess Agents is one of the best Chinese historical dramas from the backdrop of the chaotic times in Northern Wei. The story revolves around a former slave girl saved by the Prince of Northern Yan.

However, the story takes an exciting turn as Yan Xun turns out to be emotionally exploiting Chu Qiao in the quest for revenge. Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue join hands to stop Yan Xun from his deadly exploits.

Will the protagonists be successful in their mission, or will there be a love triangle that will keep lives at stake?

 30. One and Only (2021)

• Director: Guo Hu
• Writer: Mo Bao Fei Bao
• Cast: Ren Jialun, Bai Lu
• IMDb Rating: NA
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: AiQiyi, iQ.com

The famous Chinese historical drama of 2021, One and Only, revolves around the lives of Zhou Sheng Chen, a royal who becomes a general, and Cui Shi Yi, a well-read woman from a noble family. While situations become adverse, Zhou Sheng takes Cui Shi as his disciple, forming a solid bond. However, trouble awaits them in the royal palace.

Will the protagonists find a solution to the power struggle, or will the chaos entangle them?

29. Word of Honor (2021)

• Director: Cheng Zhi Chao, Ma Hua Gan, Li Hong Yu
• Writer: Xiao Chu
• Cast: Zhang Zhehan, Gong Jun
• IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

This popular Chinese historical drama revolves around Zhou Zishu, who is the leader of an assassin organization nut quits it in pursuit of freedom. He meets Wen Kexing, the leader of Ghost Valley who seeks revenge, and the two start on a journey where they encounter various machinations of the martial arts world.

The two develop feelings for each other become a means of each other’s redemption. What has destiny planned for the two souls, and will they fulfill their goals?

28. The Sword and the Brocade (2021)

• Director: Wen De Guang
• Writer: Cheng Ting Yu
• Cast: Wallace Chung, Tan Song Yun, He Hong Shan
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Considered to be one of the best Chinese historical dramas of 2021, The Sword and The Brocade revolves around the life of General Xu Ling Yi and his arranged marriage to Shi Yi Niang, who is an assertive woman and believes in the rights of women.

Despite the difficulties she faces due to her low social class in her family, she can open her workshop for embroidery from her husband’s support, who continues to fight to save his homeland.

The drama is a beautiful depiction of companionship and love after marriage. How will the young husband and wife face the obstacles and succeed in achieving their dreams?

27. Song of Youth (2021)

• Director: Gao Han, Bai Yun Mo
• Writer: Yang Mo
• Cast: Bai Lu, Wang Yi Zhe
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Song of Youth is a Chinese drama set during the Ming Dynasty and follows the story of Lin Shao Chun, who tries hard to make ends meet after her father loses everything in embezzlement. However, she falls in Love with Sun Yu Lou, who helps her. As a result, she becomes a successful businesswoman and marries the Love of her life.

However, will she be able to find the culprit behind her family’s downfall, and how will her life be after her marriage?

26. Legend of the Dragon Pearl

• Genre: Historical fiction, romance, comedy
• Episodes: 90
• Original release: 2017

The love story between Yi Huan, the final princess of the Ming Dynasty, and Kang Xi, the young emperor of the Qing Dynasty, is depicted in Legend of the Dragon Pearl (). The throne was taken over by a regent after Kang Xi became an orphan. The oppressive government begins spying on Kang Xi and takes all necessary measures to keep him from reclaiming his legitimate position of authority.

True friendship or love have never before existed for the young heir to the throne. In this tale, he develops feelings for Princess Yi Huan because she treats him equally.

The emotional whirlwind that is Legend of the Dragon Pearl is intense. You’ll simultaneously burst out laughing and sobbing uncontrollably at it!

25. Lost You Forever

The drama is set in a prehistoric era when humans coexisted with gods, goddesses, demons, and other mythical creatures. Sheng Nong, Xuan Yuan, and Gao Xing are three mythical kingdoms that rule over a particular part of the world.

Jiu Yao, the princess of Gao Xing, encounters a variety of difficulties while traveling through the wilderness, including losing both her identity and her true appearance.

She eventually makes her home in the town of Qing Shui while posing as Wen Xiao Liu, a man who works as a doctor. Wen Xiao Liu meets her cousin Qiang Xuan, a prince of the Xuan Yuan, by accident as a result of circumstances.

Unexpectedly, Qiang Xuan had been looking for her in the wilderness the entire time. The destiny has now been altered by the fated encounter.

24. Till the End of the Moon: Part 1

The drama takes place in a time when demons are in charge and rule over evil cultivators and mortals. The cultivator elders believe that in order to find the demon lord’s beginnings and stop his awakening, it is necessary to send someone back in time.

Li Su Su accepts the task and changes into the mortal Ye Xi Wu, General Ye’s third daughter. Tan Tai Jin is the hostage prince and upcoming demon lord, and they are married.

Tan Tai Jin, who will massacre numerous mortals in the future, is someone she is determined to destroy. However, a surprising tale that she witnesses about Tan Tai Jin’s past life and ascent to power complicates her search.

23. The Untamed (2019) 

• Director: Zheng Weiwen, Chen Jialin
• Writer: Yang Xia, Deng Yaoyu, Ma Jing, Guo Guangyun
• Cast: Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo
• IMDb Rating: 9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

The Untamed is one of the best Chinese Historical dramas that revolve around Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Both the companions take on many adventures, and when misadventure befell them, they do not leave each other’s side.

After Wei Wuxian committed suicide, he was resurrected, and both the friends tried to find what happened in the past. The drama is a beautiful depiction of friendship and is full of action and thriller sequences.

22. My Heroic Husband (2021) 

• Director: Deng Ke
• Writer: Qin Wen
• Cast: Guo Qi Lin, Song Yi, Jiang Yi Yi
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Considered to be one of the best Chinese historical dramas of 2021, the story revolves around a young businessman of the modern-day who travels back in time and finds himself in the body of another man who is about to get married.

He begins incorporating modern methods that help the local businesses to flourish and also helps the people battle against the corrupt local businesses, thus getting involved in the matters of the state.

21. The Rebel Princess(2021)

• Director: Hou Yong, Cheng Yuanhai
• Writer: Luo Song, Song Jinchuan
• Cast: Zang Zi Yi, Zhou Yi Wei, Tony Yang, Angie Chiu, Yu He Wei
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

The Rebel Princess is one of the best Chinese historical dramas that revolves around the life of Wang Xuan, a young girl who is married to Xiao Qi, a general. However, despite their odd marriage, the couple forms a good companionship and goes on to investigate a series of evil plots of power struggles against the Imperial court.

Will the young couple be able to save the kingdom from utter chaos after they become the rulers, or will they escape the deadly plot against them?

20. Joy of Life (2019) 

• Director: Sun Hao
• Writer: Wang Juan
• Cast: Chen Daoming, Wu Gang, Li Xiaoran, Xin Zhilei, Li Chun. Song Yi
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

The joy of Life is a popular Chinese historical drama that has gained quite a lot of attention. The story revolves around Fan Xian, born in Southern Qing, and has his memory of the 21st century. Protected by his grandmother and his mother’s bodyguard, he grows to become a martial arts expert and also an expert in poison.

He tries to discover hidden secrets as his life is at risk and meets Princess Lin Waner. Will the young couple be able to solve the mystery of the threat together or has destiny planned something else?

19. The Long Ballad (2021) 

• Director: Zhu Ruibin
• Writer: Pei Yufei, Chang Jiang
• Cast: Dilraba Dilmurat, Leo Wu, Liu Yuning, Zhao Lusi
• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

Set during the Tang Dynasty, The Long Ballad is a Chinese drama that revolves around the love story of Li Chang ge, a princess who lost her family due to court politics, and Ashile Sun, the son of a tribal king. As the Tribal king plots against the court of Tang, Li Chang ge has to take action to stop the tribal king.

Both the young lovers are deemed as enemies of the tribal kingdom. However, a bigger enemy is plotting against both the Tang and Qaghan kingdoms. Will the lovers be able to save their kingdoms as well as each other?

18. Goodbye My Princess (2019) 

• Director: Li Muge
• Writer: Qian Yu, Wang Yihan, Xu Xiaolin Hu Rong, Liu Xiao, Hi Yitong
• Cast: Chen Xingxu, Peng Xiaoran, Shawn Wei
• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

Considered to be one of the best Chinese historical dramas, Goodbye My Princess revolves around the lives of Qu Xiaofeng, a princess, and Li Chengyin, a crown prince. Li Chengyin disguises himself as a tea merchant to gain Qu Xiaofeng’s trust to become the crown prince by infiltrating Qu Xiaofeng’s kingdom.

However, when this is revealed, the betrayed young princess, heartbroken in love, jumps into the River of Forgetfulness.

Even though both the lovers are married, the painful memories of the past are ready to haunt as they battle the cruel schemes and politics of the Eastern Palace. Will old memories come back, or will the lovers overcome the hardships?

17. The Legend of Qin (2015)

• Director: Hon-to Wai, Kwok-Lap Lee
• Writer: Shiren Wen
• Cast: Michelle Chen, Yi Lu, Bingqing Hu, Le Geng
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Legend of the Qin is one of the best Chinese historical dramas and was adapted from Qin Moon, an animation series inspired by a novel of the same name.

Set during the Qin Dynasty, the story centers around the life of a young boy Jing Tianming who is faced with violence, cruel enemies, complicated relationships, and Love yet goes on to change the course of history.

The drama is full of action scenes, adventure, emotional instances, and palace politics to keep the audience hooked and give insight into one of the most defining moments in Chinese history.

16. God of War, Zhao Yun (2016)

• Director: Cheng Lidong, Yuan Yingming, Guo Jianyong
• Writer: Li Lizhuo, Ying Ning, Yong Zheng
• Cast: Wallace Chung, Angelababy, Sun Yizhou, Gan Tingting
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%
• Platforms Available: Rakuten Viki

Inspired by Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a 14th-century novel, God of War, Zhao Yu is one of the best Chinese historical dramas. The story focuses on Zhao Zilong, a great military general, and takes us into the Three kingdoms period in China’s history.

The storyline depicts the general’s life aspects from his background, adventures, personality, and professional and personal battles. The series is full of action, drama, emotional roller coaster, and historical incidents to keep the audience hooked.

What more is there to the general’s life is explored through the series.

15. Eternal Love (2017)

• Director: Lam Yuk- fan, Yu Cuihua, Ren Haitao
• Writer: Hong Qiu
• Cast: Yang Mi, Mark Chao
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

Eternal Love also called Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, is one of the most famous Chinese historical dramas adapted from the book of the same name called Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms. This Chinese drama depicts a story span spanning several lifetimes and periods.

The story revolves around two deities, Bai Qian and Ye Hua, who fall in Love that stand the test of three lifetimes. The story is full of mystical figures, deities, and demons and depicts how love has its complications. Spread across three different worlds, this story gives the viewers a roller coaster ride of emotions.

14. Sound of the Desert (2014)

• Director: Lee Kwok -lap
• Writer: Huang Weijian, Ou Yuxian, Chen Xiang, Jiang Chunlei, Zhang Yuling
• Cast: Cecilia Lu, Eddie Peng, Hu Ge
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix

Sound of the Desert is a Chinese historical drama that depicts the life of a nameless girl without parents raised in the desert by wolves. However, things change for her when she meets her foster father. After her father is killed, she is rendered in the desert but decides to come back into mainstream society.

She meets two young men and falls in Love with one of them but is spurned. This leads to a fascinating Love Triangle. The show is full of funny moments, friendship, and emotional drama that will keep the audience hooked for a long time.

13. The Imperial Doctress (2016)

• Director: Lee Kwok Lap
• Writer: Zhang Wei
• Cast: Cecilia Liu, Wallace Huo, Huang Xuan
• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Considered as one of the loved Chinese dramas that revolve around women, The Imperial Doctress is about the life of a strong-willed woman who takes on every odd she is faced with and overcomes them. Tan Yun Xian has to keep her identity as a medical practitioner a secret to save herself from society’s suppression.

However, things become more complicated when she falls in Love with Zhu Qizen and Zhu Qiyu, the royal siblings who compete for the throne. Will Yun Xian become a famous doctor and what turn her love life will take will keep the audience hooked.

12. Legend of Lu Zhen (2013) 

• Director: Li Huizhu, Zheng Wei’en, Liang Guoguan
• Writer: Zhang Wei
• Cast: Zhao Liying, Chen Xiao, Qiao Renliang, Yang Rong, Tang Yixin, Maggie Cheung Ho- Yee
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
• Platforms Available: Rakuten Viki

Legend of Lu Zhen is a Chinese historical drama that centers around the life of Le Zhen, a powerful woman who aspires to be the first Woman Prime Minister of the kingdom. She falls in love with the Crown Prince, but obstacles due to class differences meet their Love.

Le Zhen is a talented woman and makes her way up to the ranks through her skills and intelligence. However, many enemies are lurking in the shadows. Will Le Zhen become the Prime Minister and save her relationship, or will she lose everything?

11. The King’s Woman (2017) 

• Director: Liu Xin
• Writer: Zhu Xianzhong
• Cast: Dilraba ilmurat, Vin Zhang, Li Tai, Liu Chamg , Zhang Xuan
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Rakuten Viki

This Chinese drama revolves around the first emperor of China and Sun Li, the daughter of a commander. The story centers around how Sun Li gets married to Ying Zheng, the first emperor of China, to save her childhood lover’s life.

However, she falls in Love with Zheng and is loved and respected in the harem with time due to her intelligence and kindness.

The wuxia drama is full of Romance, palace politics, suspense, and a love triangle that will put lives at stake. The king’s Woman is one of the most loved Chinese historical dramas.

10. Nirvana In Fire (2015)

• Director: Kong Sheng, Li Xue
• Writer: Hai Yan
• Cast: Hu Ge, Liu Tao, Wang Kai
• IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
• Platforms Available: Netflix

Considered one of the best Chinese historical dramas, Nirvana in Fire is set during a tumultuous time in Chinese history when the northern and southern dynasties were at war.

This Chinese drama revolves around the story of Lin Shu, who stirs up controversy in Jin Ling as a way of bringing to justice the injustice done to his family and 70000 Chian Soldiers who were labeled as traitors many years ago.

This infamous Chinese drama is known for its fantastic screenplay and content and presents the audience with a roller coaster of emotions.

9. Legend of Fu Yao (2018)

• Director: Yang Wenjun, Xie Ze, Li Cai
• Writer: Jie Yanyan
• Cast: Yang Mi, Ethan Juan
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video, Rakuten viki

This Chinese historical drama depicts the story of a stubborn slave girl named Fu Yao and how she transforms herself into a powerful woman. Set in the Five Kingdoms Universe, the story is adapted from Tianxia Guiyuan’s book Empress Fuyao.

This woman-centric Chinese drama depicts the journey of Fu Yao across all the kingdoms to set herself free from a curse. The Legend of Fu Yao is full of adventures, action, thrill, Romance, palace intrigues, and royal politics that will keep the audience hooked.

8. Fights Break Sphere (2018)

• Director: Yu Rongguang
• Writer: Zang Ting
• Cast: Leo Wu, Lin Yun, Baron Chen, Li Qin, Xin Zhilei, Liu Meitong
• IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 50%
• Platforms Available: Rakuten Viki

The historical drama is adapted from a novel called Battle Through The Heavens. The drama is set in ancient China and is about a child who learns martial arts. However, has not progressed as expected in his martial arts training.

His life takes an unexpected turn when an older man helps him enhance his martial arts skills. The boy discovers the truth about his family’s assassination and seeks justice. This Chinese drama is full of fantasy, superpowers, revenge, emotions, and relationships and is an excellent Chinese historical drama to watch.

7. General and I (2017)

• Director: Ju Jueliang
• Writer: Zhang Yongchen
• Cast: Wallace Chung, Angelababy, Sun Yizhou, Gan Tingting
• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Rakuten Viki

Considered one of the best Chinese historical dramas, this drama is adapted from Feng Nong’s novel A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated.

The 2017 Chinese drama depicts a heart-wrenching story of two rivals, Bai Pingting, an intelligent war strategist from the Yan Kingdom, and Chu Beijie, the general -Prince of the Kingdom of Jin. As the two protagonists fall in Love, they face many obstacles as they belong to rival kingdoms.

The series depicts how loyalty to the country comes with a price to sacrifice many things, including family and Love.

6. Song of Phoenix 

• Director: Chang Hsiao- Cheng, Ting Yang- Kuo
• Writer: Liang Zhenhua, Zhang Hui, Hu Yating, Qin Wen
• Cast: Ma Ke, Viann Zhang, Qiao Zhenyu, Jackson Yi
• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Like many other historical dramas, the drama is based upon Song of Phoenix by Liang Zhenhua. The plotline revolves around Qu Yan, an infamous Chinese poet during the Warring States times. The prodigy falls in Love with a slave girl.

Even though their relationship defies the class and caste restrictions, they are ready to face any obstacles together, and the young prodigy has to save his country. Will their Love be accepted, and Qu Yan saves the country are the questions that will keep the audience hooked to the show.

5. Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace (2018)

• Director: Wang Jun
• Writer: Liu Lianzi
• Cast: Zhou Xun, Wallace Huo
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

The drama has been adapted from Liu Lianzi’s novel, Hou Gong Ru Yi Zhuan, and depicts the story of Emperor Qianlong’s marriage to Empress Ruyi. As the series progresses, the Empress’s constant battles to move up to the ranks of Empress depict her treacherous and challenging life.

Even after becoming the Empress, she has to face obstacles, and her relationship with her husband and family is put to the test.

The drama is a realistic depiction of the evolution of royal relationships, the condition and insecurities of women in the court, and the internal politics in royal palaces.

4. Legend of the Dragon Pearl (2017)

• Director: Zhu Shaojie, Zhou Yuanzhou
• Writer: Li Yaling
• Cast: Yang Zi, Qin Junjie, Shu Chang, Mao Zijun
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video

Considered one of the best Chinese dramas, Legend of the Dragon Pearl revolves around the love story of the young Prince of the Qing Dynasty named Kang Xi and the princess of the Ming Dynasty, Yi Huan.

As a regent takes over the throne of the kingdom, Kang Xi is faced with a threat to his life, and the oppressive government does everything in its power to stop Kang Xi claim his throne.

As Kang Xi finds solace in Princess Yi Huan and is treated as an equal and experience true friendship and Love. The drama depicts the beautiful side of Love and friendship.

3. Lost Love in Times (2017)

• Director: Lin Yufen, Liang Sengquan, Yu Cuihua, Ren Haitao
• Writer: Rao Jun, Han Peizhen, Shi Siye, Chen Whenjuan, Dong Xinru
• Cast: Cecilia Liu, William Chan
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating:NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix, Rakuten viki

This Chinese historical drama series is based upon Shi Siye’s novel, Lost Love in Time, and the plotline revolves around the love story of Qincheng, a witch, and Yuang Ling of Wei, a prince. The Prince is saved by the witch, after which their beautiful love story begins.

However, the state is not accepted even after they get engaged. The drama is full of fantasy, complicated love, and fantastic chemistry. Will the lovers save their relationship, or will their relationship spell a disaster?

2. Princess Wei Young (2016)

• Director: Li Huizhou
• Writer: Cheng Tingyu
• Cast: Tiffany Tang, Vanness Wu, Luo Jin, Mao Xiaotong, Lin Sinai
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating:  100%
• Platforms Available: Netflix

The Poisonous Daughter by Qin Jian, the drama is based upon the life of a royal princess named Feng Xin’er. The drama’s plotline explores the themes of politics and vengeance as the young princess is all alone after the slaughter of the royal family.

As a result, she takes up the identity of Li Wei Young and enters the enemy’s palace as the daughter of the Prime Minister. Will the princess seek her revenge, or will her identity be exposed? This exciting drama is full of twists and turns that will keep you hooked to the show till the end.

1. Ever Night (2018)

• Director: Yang Yang
• Writer: Xu Run
• Cast: Chen Feiyu, Song Yiren, Yang Chaoyue
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Rotten Tomatoes Rating: NA
• Platforms Available: Netflix, Rakuten viki

This famous historical drama takes place in the Tang Dynasty, and the plotline revolves around a young man who seeks justice and fights for it. But unfortunately, they slaughter man’s whole family, so he turns vengeful.

Even though he manages to escape, his life revolves around seeking revenge, and things take a complicated turn when he meets a girl.

However, there is more to the meek girl who later reveals herself as a reincarnation of someone powerful from the past who is destined to bring about chaos. Ever Night is one of the best Chinese historical dramas.