If you have a taste for historical drama and an interest in the past, you’re in for an enjoyable experience. Chinese historical dramas like “Yanxi Palace” have gained a devoted following over the years. This series is known for its engaging story, enduring characters, and deep historical details that resonate deeply with the audience. But those interested in “Yanxi Palace” may discover more historical curiosities.
In addition to delving into ten fascinating stories that you will enjoy, this article will also take you on a fascinating journey through the territory of Chinese historical dramas. These stories of romance, adventure, and historical significance are nothing short of spectacular, and unfolding against the backdrop of royal tyranny, they deliver a rich and immersive experience that will leave fans craving more.
Each of these shows stands out for its brilliant storytelling, exceptional acting, and stunning cinematography, making for hours of entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Chinese historical drama or just starting to explore this fascinating genre, join us as we explore ten outstanding stories that match your interests.
Yanxi Palace
The popular Chinese historical drama “Yanxi Palace” transports audiences to the scandalous Qing Dynasty. Wei Yingluo, a clever and driven young lady who advances through the ranks in the imperial court, is the focus of the narrative.
She discovers sinister truths as she makes her way through the difficult and dangerous Forbidden City while attempting to keep her loved ones safe and win the emperor’s favor.
The program expertly captures the problems, aspirations, and power conflicts that define life within the palace walls against the opulent background of the imperial court. “Yanxi Palace” has won the hearts of many fans with its storyline and solid character development.
Where to Watch: There are several online sites where “Yanxi Palace” may be viewed, including streaming services such as Netflix offers English-subtitled online streaming services. “Yanxi Palace” was first shown on the iQiyi network, a well-known Chinese internet streaming service.
Cast: Wei Yingluo as Charmaine Sheh; Emperor Qianlong as Nie Yuan; Empress Fuca as Qin Lan; Consort Xian as Wu Jinyan as Noble Consort Gao: Ye Qing and Fuheng as Xu Kai
1. Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace
In 2018, Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace is a historical drama series set in the Qing Dynasty. It tells the story of Ruyi (Zhou Xun) who enters the Imperial Harem and becomes the wife of Qianlong Emperor (Wallace Huo).
At first, the Emperor and the Dowager Empress are attracted to Ruyi, but the other concubines soon betray her and plot against her.
Ruyi received many snubs and banishments to the Cold Palace over the years, but she remained in favor. In addition, she feels the loss of many of her children and the betrayal of some of the individuals she relies on the most.
Ruyi never loses her love for the Emperor throughout the ordeal. However, their relationship eventually ended due to the emperor’s growing distrust and resentment. In the end, Ruyi herself dies and is disappointed, but she is recognized as one of the most tragic and dangerous figures in Chinese history.
The cast of Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace is listed below:
Cast: Zhou Xun, Wallace Huo, Zhang Junning, Dong Jie, Hu Ke, Li Chun, Xin Baiqing, Yan Yikuan, He Hongshan, and Zeng Yi
Viewing locations for Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube (iQIYI Channel), and Viki
Please be aware that depending on where you live, the drama may not be available.
2. The Story of Ming Lan
A 2018 Chinese historical television series called The Story of Ming Lan is set in the Northern Song period. The sixth daughter of a rich official, Sheng Ming Lan, is the subject of the television show. Ming Lan is a lovely and brilliant person, but she is harassed by her half-sisters and abused by her legal mother.
Ming Lan learns to conceal her actual goals as a consequence of this bullying, and she is good at negotiating the complicated social dynamics of her family. She also gains a strong sense of independence and resolve.
Ming Lan observes the many injustices that women might experience in her culture during the series. She also endures betrayal, sorrow, and love. But despite everything, she never wavers in her quest for justice and happiness.
Where to watch: Netflix, Viki, and Amazon Prime Video all provide The Story of Ming Lan for viewing.
Meet the cast: Zhu Yilong as Qi Heng, Feng Shaofeng as Gu Tingye, and Wang Yibo as Gu Tingze. Zhao Liying plays Gu Tingye. Shi Shi and Zhang Xiaofei respectively portray Wang Ruofu Shi Shi and Old Mrs. Sheng.
Ming Lan’s path is one of empowerment and self-discovery. She gains the ability to advocate for herself and fight for her values. She can love and trust others despite past hurts. A lady overcomes hardship to discover pleasure and satisfaction in The Story of Ming Lan, a stirring and inspirational tale.
3. Empresses In The Palace
The 2004 Chinese historical drama “Empress In The Palace,” commonly known as Zhen Huan Zhuan, is set in the Qing period. The show focuses on a young girl from the Manchu Banner family, Zhen Huan, who is chosen to join the royal court as the consort of the Yongzheng Emperor
At first, Zhen Huan is idealistic and innocent, but soon, he learns the skills needed to adapt to the harem’s cruel and discriminatory world. She interacts with other concubines like Concubine Hua and En Lingrong but also makes enemies like Empress Consort Ulanara Yixiu.
Zhen Huan’s position with the Emperor changes over time as he gets involved in more power struggles in the harem. Despite the abandonment of friends and family and many setbacks, he never gives up. In the end, Zhen Huan wins. She rises to become the main lady of the harem and reigns as Queen Dowager for many years.
Where to watch: Viki, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Sun Li plays Zhen Huan, Chen Jianfeng plays Yongzheng Emperor, Cai Shaofen plays Empress wife Ulanara, Yixiu Jiang Xin plays Concubine, Hua Lan Shi plays En Lingrong
Empress Palace is one of the most watched and respected Chinese television shows. It is known for its detailed production qualities, complex story, and complex characters.
The series has been praised for its accurate portrayal of harem life at the court and its exploration of important concepts such as ambition, power, and betrayal
Court drama in China became very popular because of the court queens. It has also turned into a musical theater game.
4. Jin Xiu Wei Yang
Tiffany Tang, Luo Jin, Vanness Wu, Mao Xiaotong, and Li Xinai in the 2017 Chinese historical drama Jin Xiu Wei Yang, commonly known as Empress Weiyong: Emperor Mistress Feng of Northern Wei, from the Imperial Dynasty. Wencheng: His Regency is a fictional account based on The Poison’s Daughter by Qin Jian.
The story focuses on Li Weiyang, the third daughter and a misunderstood family member of the dictator who was born on a bad day. Veiyang, on the other hand, is resourceful and steadfast, fending off repeated attempts to kill her by her jealous stepmother and sister.
One day, Weiyang is mistaken for the lost Princess of the Northern Liang Dynasty, who was thought to have disappeared after the fall of the Liang Dynasty. Weiyang is adopted by the Northern Wei royal family, but to survive the perilous political intrigues of the imperial court, she must use all of her cunning and intellect.
Weiyang develops feelings for Tuoba Yu, the fifth prince of the Northern Wei dynasty, along the journey. However, since Weiyang is still considered to be the emperor’s concubine in legal terms, their connection is made more difficult.
Weiyang has a long way to go before she can be with the guy she loves and fulfill her entire potential.
Where to watch: Viki, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video
Cast: As Li Weiyang, Tiffany Tang; As Tuoba, Luo Jin Tuoba is Yu Vanness Wu. Jun; As Li Changru, Mao Xiaotong, and Tuoba Di is played by Li Xinai.
Overall, the historical drama Jin Xiu Wei Yang is well-produced, interesting, and has a strong female protagonist. The show has gorgeous costumes and scenery, as well as a convoluted and captivating narrative. Tiffany Tang’s portrayal of Li Weiyang stands out among the talented cast.
5. Legend of Fuyao
Fuyao and Wu Jie, two characters in the television series “Legend of Fuyao,” deal with political scheming, treachery, and difficult obstacles. Fuyao discovers her background and what lies ahead throughout the story.
She learns at a critical moment that she is the ancient Firmament in a previous life and that she is destined to rule as Empress of Tianquan.
Fuyao’s beginnings may be traced to a lotus kept by an antiquated group. Xuanyuan’s clan in Taiyuan raises her as a slave after being abandoned as an orphan.
She meets Zhan Beiye, the crown prince of Tianquan, who helps her escape assassins, and fate takes a turn. Zhan Beiye considers Fuyao’s presence to be a godsend and makes a promise to return his favor.
Fuyao departs from the group in search of her actual identity and mission. While traveling, she meets Prince Wu Jie of the Five Kingdoms.
The TV show “Legend of Fuyao” features several challenges for Fuyao and Wu Jie, such as political intrigue, betrayal, and brutality. Fuyao also gains knowledge about her past and future. She finally realizes that she is the old Firmament’s reincarnation and that she would govern Tianquan as its queen.
Wu Jie and Fuyao eventually overcome all challenges and are married. Fuyao, the Princess of Tianquan, establishes a period of peace and prosperity across the five kingdoms by exercising wise and compassionate leadership.
If you’re anxious to watch “Legend of Fuyao,” you may do it on Netflix, YouTube, and Wiki.
Vic Chou plays Xiao Qi, Yang Mi plays Fuyao, Ethan Juan plays Wu Jie, Deng Lun plays Zhan Beiye, Gao Weiguang plays Zong Yu, Liu Ruilin plays Qi Zhen, and Zhang Na Yakin plays Meng Fu in the impressive cast. Enjoy this exciting journey!
6. The Untamed
The 2016 book “Mo Dao Zu Shi by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu” served as the inspiration for the 2019 Chinese xianxia television series “The Untamed.” It relates the tale of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, two young men who become unexpected allies while looking into a string of unsolved killings.
Wei Wuxian is a carefree and cheeky farmer renowned for his unconventional techniques. The cold and distant farmer Lan Wangji is renowned for his stern devotion to the laws. The two men are attracted to one another despite their differences and end up becoming great friends.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji learn about a sinister mystery linked to a tragic past event as they look into the killings. Additionally, they encounter resistance from strong powers who are attempting to prevent them from discovering the truth.
The Untamed is a narrative about love, devotion, and friendship. It is also a tale about the need to stand up for what is right, despite how challenging it may be.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Viki, and Netflix
Cast: Wei Wuxian, played by Xiao Zhan; Yu Bin portrays Lan Xichen; Wang Yibo plays Lan Wangji; Zhu Zanjin plays Jin Ling; Lan Qiren, played by Liu Haikuan; Jiang Cheng, played by Li Ruohan
7. Love and Redemption
Cheng Yi and Yuan Bingyan will be seen in the 2020 Chinese fantasy romantic drama “Love and Redemption.” Based on “Shi Si Long’s Liu Li Mei Ren Sha.”
The themes of the drama are Chu Zhuanzi, who was born without the six senses, and Yu Sifeng, who follows the mysterious Lizhe Palace. Sifeng and Zhuanzi meet at a flower festival and fall in love, but Sifeng’s curse makes it difficult for them to be together.
Sifeng must find love to end the curse, but his lack of understanding makes it impossible for Zhuanzi to feel the same way.
Zhuanzi and Sifeng’s love endures despite the challenges. They face challenges together and try to keep each other safe. Along the way, they come to trust each other completely and develop a deeper understanding of each other’s true selves.
The romantic drama, Love and Redemption offers mature characters and beautiful visuals. It is a must-watch for fans of Chinese drama, romantic adventures, and nasty conquest tales.
Where to watch: Viki, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Yu Sifeng is portrayed by Cheng Yi, Chu Xuanji is portrayed by Yuan Bingyan, Hao is portrayed by Liu Xueyi, and Chen Zhang Yuxi is portrayed by Linglong. Li Xinze plays Liu Yihuan He, Shengming Chu Lei, Yaoke Wu Ziqi and Zhou Junchao as Teng She.
8. Eternal Love
The 2017 Chinese romantic fantasy TV series “Eternal Love” and its inspiration, “Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms,” served as the basis for Tang Qu-Gongzi’s novel.
The romance between Ye Hua, the Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens, and Bai Qian, a nine-tailed fox goddess and the fourth Highness of Qingqiu, is the central theme of the narrative. However, the gods ban their union, causing them to part ways.
Bai Qian reincarnates as a mortal lady named Si Yin and runs into Ye Hua once again. The heavens once again put their relationship to the test as they fell in love.
Bai Qian and Ye Hua are finally able to be together after many difficulties. Their love story is proof that real love can transcend any challenges.
Where to watch: Viki, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Yang Mi plays Bai Qian and Si Yin, Mark Chao plays Ye Hua, Vengo Gao plays Dong Hua, Zhang Bin Bin plays Li Jing, and Yu Menglong plays Zhe Yan. Original network:
9. Ashes of Love
Yang Zi, Deng Lun, and Luo Yunxi are the main characters of the 2018 Chinese romantic fantasy television series “Ashes of Love.” The series is based on Dian Xian’s book of the same name.
Jin Mi (Yang Zi) is the child of the Water Immortal and the Flower Deity. Her mother gives her a miraculous drug when she is a newborn that stops her from experiencing any emotions or falling in love.
Jin Mi develops into a cheerful and naive adolescent. She meets and befriends Run Yu (Luo Yunxi) and Xu Feng (Deng Lun), two eternal princes. The successor to the kingdom and oldest prince, Run Yu, is followed by the youngest prince, Xu Feng, who has a violent temper.
Jin Mi gradually develops feelings for Xu Feng, but she struggles to communicate those feelings since she is incapable of feeling them. Run Yu, who also has feelings for Jin Mi, makes an effort to sabotage their relationship.
As they negotiate the convoluted intrigues of the heavenly world, the three immortals get involved in a love triangle. As she accepts her love for Xu Feng, Jin Mi must also learn to manage her own emotions.
Where to watch: iQIYI, Viki, and Amazon Prime Video:
Cast: Yang Zi portrays Jin Mi, Deng Lun plays Xu Feng, Luo Yunxi plays Run Yu, Wang Yibo plays Yan Yan, Yang Mi portrays Tu Shan, Jing, Li Yixuan, Liu Ying, Liu Xueyi, Qi Hong, and Chen Yuqi portrays Liu Anhua.
10. Scarlet Heart (2011)
The same-named novel by Tong Hua inspired the 2011 release of the historical drama Scarlet Heart in China. Zhang Xiao, a 25-year-old woman (played by Liu Shi Shi), travels back to the Qing dynasty and becomes Maertai Ruoxi, the concubine of Yin Zhen, the fourth prince (played by Wu Qi Long).
Ruoxi first makes it a point to stay out of the palace’s political games, but she soon becomes caught up in the complex connections between the princes’ spouses. Additionally, she and Yin Zhen have a strong relationship that leads to love.
Since Yin Zhen is a prince and Ruoxi is a concubine, their union is forbidden. As the political stakes rise, Ruoxi finds herself caught up in a power struggle that will test her love, devotion, and fortitude.
Where to watch: Viki, YouTube IQIYI, and Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Maertai Ruoxi, played by Liu Shi Shi; Wu Qi Long, as the fourth prince, Yin Zhen; Eighth Prince Yin Cheng is played by Kevin Cheng; As Yin Si (the fourteenth prince), Nicky Wu; Yuan Hong plays the thirteenth prince, Yin Ti; Hu Ge plays the ninth prince, Yin Zheng; Ye Qing portrays Yin Xiang, the seventeenth prince and Lin Geng Xin portrays Yin Li, the tenth prince.
We hope you liked this list of ten dramas that are similar to Yanxi Palace. All of these shows have strong female characters, complex royal intrigues, and breathtaking scenery. Each program on our list provides a distinctive watching experience because of its excellent storyline and outstanding talent.
We strongly urge you to check them out if you like historical dramas, romances, or simply superb narratives. Whatever your preferences, you’re bound to find a drama on this list that you’ll like.
