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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.
The Double (2024)
In The Double, Xue Fangfei’s life takes a drastic turn when her husband, Shen Yurong, betrays her in favor of his lover, the ruthless Princess Wan Ning. Left for dead, Fangfei is miraculously saved by Jiang Li, the warmhearted daughter of a high-ranking official. When Jiang Li dies protecting her, Fangfei adopts Jiang Li’s identity, slipping back into high society with a bold plan: exacting revenge on those who wronged her.
As “Jiang Li,” Fangfei becomes a force to be reckoned with, working alongside the loyal Duke Xiao Heng to dismantle the power structures that betrayed her. Along the way, she juggles political intrigue, uncovers family secrets, and ensures justice for herself and her family in an unrelenting quest. This story of resilience and cleverly plotted vengeance has captivated audiences with its intense plot twists, fast-paced action, and fierce lead character—marking The Double as a must-watch of the year.
The romance in this drama is a slow burn, subtle, and doesn’t take center stage, but it burns wonderfully at a steady pace which is perfect for those who like to watch a steady and realistic buildup of feelings. Both Xue Fangfei and Duke Xiao Heng are intelligent and clever which makes their pairing powerful and just right.
- Cast: Wu Jin Yan, Wang Xing Yue
- Episodes: 40.5
My Uncanny Destiny (2023)
Mini Plot
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 Take
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)
Mini Plot
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 Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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
Mini Plot
Season 1
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.
Season 2
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.
My Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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
- Episodes: 40
Royal Feast (2022)
Mini Plot
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.
My Take
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
- Episodes: 40
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.
Wrap Up
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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I’m always looking for new things to watch! Thank you for these reviews!
Really great, informative list! Will definitely look up some of these!
I love good drama/comedy. Thanks for sharing about the Chinese drama. It quite interesting. I love some of the costumes in the pictures.
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!
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.
I’ve not really explored this genre yet but it looks interesting!
Corinne x
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.
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!
Great post!
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.
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!