Last updated on at 05:38 am
Chinese 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 my most favorite these days since they’re usually what I watch in my spare time.
I like them a lot because they’re one of a kind, like a class of their own. I look around and I don’t think there’s anything quite like Chinese historical romance dramas out there.
Below I will expound on what makes Chinese historical romance drama unique.
Rich History
Chinese history is long and rich. In Chinese historical dramas, you learn and pick up some historical facts that are interesting and fascinating. No matter what historical period that drama is set in or how sometimes some dramas’ storytelling isn’t that historically accurate, some facets of them still hold true and remain good to know.
For instance, when I was watching My Uncanny Destiny, I learned, after additional research, that toilet paper was first used in China as early as the 6th Century AD. My Uncanny Destiny was just a light drama that mostly seeks to entertain and did not really aim to provide full, accurate detail of a particular historical period, yet somehow along the way, you come across some factual details that are fascinating to learn about.
Intricate Plot
Chinese historical dramas are multi-faceted. Their plot is usually complex, which makes for one riveting and engaging watch. They have suspense, action, comedy, romance, and more—the combination of which makes them engrossing.
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Rich Culture
Chinese historical dramas give you a glimpse of the rich Chinese culture as it evolved over its long history. You will learn about the culture of the period they are set in: the societal structures, customs, rituals, practices, food, etc. Their culture is interesting and fascinating, and it adds to your knowledge and widens your understanding.
Martial Arts
There are always martial arts in Chinese historical romance dramas, even if others only present a few action scenes. These fighting scenes are almost always impeccably choreographed, artful, and wonderful to watch.
It is even more exciting when both the male lead and female lead know how to fight since in such cases you almost always see them fight together. A good example is this scene in Maiden Holmes when Prince Qi and Su Ci fought in tandem against common enemies. It was a beautiful, powerful scene with a fight sequence that was executed masterfully.
Costumes
Chinese historical costumes are always beautiful. Whether it is the robe type you usually see in these historical dramas or the differently styled ones worn during the Ming Dynasty (Royal Feast) or Qing Dynasty (Story of Yanxi Palace), they’re always attractive to look at. Even their battle armor goes beyond the ordinary and looks distinctive and transcendent.
And when I say costumes, included in it are those gorgeous, intricately designed headdresses, earrings, other pieces of jewelry, fans, and other accessories they wear which all complement their clothes and make their entire look stunning.
Scenery and Set Design
I love the beautiful landscapes and locations where these historical dramas were filmed. The ancient villages look quaint and pretty, and the terrain with its mountains, lakes, forest, and plains looks stunning. This scenery in one scene in A Dream of Splendor is one of the countless examples I can think of.
Their set designs are also fetching. They are detailed and mostly speak of the period the drama is set in.
Comedy
Chinese historical romance drama usually has angst, but most of the time it is balanced with humor, too, so you won’t feel like your heart is always breaking. I like that there’s comedic relief to let one’s raging emotions take a rest once in a while.
Lessons
There are lessons to be learned in Chinese historical romance dramas. At the end of the series, most would give you different insights and valuable lessons you can apply in life.
Swoon-Worthy Romance
And then of course there’s the swoon-worthy romance. What I love about the romance in Chinese historical dramas is the way they put effort into building them up. They devote many scenes to showing the development of the romance and then flesh them out when the pair is already a couple. There are many sweet scenes between the latter that satisfy a romance lover.
Music
Chinese historical romance dramas have beautiful, meaningful music. They’re melodic, soothing, and relaxing to listen to so you can’t help but play them again and again (well at least I do, heh) even after you’ve finished watching the series. I love that the lyrics correspond with what the drama is all about or that they’re tailored to fit the story. They make scenes more meaningful or add the right emotion to them.
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FAQ: Why are Chinese historical dramas so popular?
Chinese historical dramas are so popular both within China and internationally because they showcase rich historical settings, costumes, and intricate storylines, which appeal to a broad audience.
Wrap Up
Chinese historical romance dramas are unique and unparalleled as attested by the enumerated qualities above. Give them a try if you’re looking for a memorable watch that would stir your emotions and touch you even long after the end credits of the last episode have faded to black.
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Watching movies is one of my hobbies besides writing and reading. Thank you for the great post.
I love Chinese historical dramas for their humor and costume. Am watching till the end of the moon now and the emotional rollercoaster is top-notch.