Asian dramas like
Ancestral Temple

The drama portrays the story of Zhang Ju Zheng, a renowned figure during the Ming Dynasty. In the hierarchical society of ancient China, few prime ministers rise to power from modest beginnings like Zhang Ju Zheng. He mentors the young emperor in implementing important changes, but faces opposition to his reforms. As a consequence of his decisions, his family suffers the consequences. His tragic fate serves as a precursor to the decline of the Ming Dynasty.

How can a group of visionaries combat widespread political corruption in the Ming Dynasty? When Wei Zhong Xian, the Minister of the Eastern Depot, rises to power, he dispatches Ye Hong Ying, a skilled assassin, to target Gu Ren Yuan and the members of the Donglin Academy for opposing his control over the Emperor. Yang Dong Qing, a dancer entangled in the conflict, is also on the run. With the assistance of Ma Shang Fei and Hua Yi, Dong Qing aids Ren Yuan in escaping from Hong Ying's perilous pursuit. However, a series of incidents lead Hong Ying to believe that Ren Yuan and their newfound allies are fighting for justice, prompting him to join their cause in overthrowing his malevolent superior. Can they triumph in restoring righteousness to the realm?

The narrative follows a collection of doctors who appear to be entertaining in the Ming Dynasty's capital. Teaming up with the assassin from the East Factory and the West Factory, they create an enchanting group of detectives. Collaborating, they unravel a comical mystery tale.

A tale of rivalry and romance unfolds between Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yun Wen and his uncle Zhu Di as they compete for power and the affections of the same woman. Despite his impressive abilities and bravery, Zhu Di was never able to become crown prince due to the rules of succession. When the crown prince unexpectedly dies, Zhu Yun Wen is named emperor by Zhu Yuan Zhang, creating a barrier for Zhu Di. Both men become enamored with Xu Miao Yun, setting the stage for her tragic dilemma of being torn between two rulers.

A television series depicting the dreams, challenges, and victories of Nu Er Ha Chi, the founder of the Qing Dynasty. It follows his journey from a humble soldier to successfully overthrowing the formidable Ming Dynasty. (DramaWiki)

The narrative revolves around a collection of individuals who unite at Anshan Steel and Iron Company, triumphing over challenges to establish the company. This journey highlights the historical significance of the company's growth during the early years of New China. The central characters, Shang Tie Long and Yang Shou Shan, share a complex relationship as "frenemies" who rely on each other, enduring hardships from pre-liberation to post-liberation.

The narrative of the peculiar medical literature evolving alongside the motherland during the period spanning from the early years of the Republic of China to the triumph of the Anti-Japanese War. (DramaWiki)

In the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the counties of Yellow River and Chaocheng experienced devastating floods, leading to widespread poverty and illegal salt trading. Despite the challenges, the court appointed Zheng Ban Qiao, a 50-year-old veteran, as the county magistrate of Fang County. Zheng Ban Qiao took swift action to address the issues, including cracking down on illegal salt trade, repairing dikes, and aiding disaster relief efforts. His dedication to serving the people and upholding justice earned him a reputation for diligence, honesty, and compassion.

The narrative focuses on Tong Jia Ru, an instructor of Mandarin, as it chronicles the transformation of an average individual who evolved from apathy towards the conflict to utilizing his intelligence to resist the adversary throughout the Anti-Japanese War. (Baidu)

In the period of unrest between 1915 and 1921, Chen Du Xiu and Li Da Zhao, along with a group of individuals who shared their beliefs, established the Magazine La Jeunesse, which sparked the New Culture Movement. This publication advocated for science and democracy, reshaping the mindset of the public and urging them to resist the deeply rooted imperialism. The story revolves around a diverse group of individuals, including renowned authors, politicians, and revolutionaries, who each strive to protect their nation in their own unique ways.

The Conquest depicts the struggle between the territories of Wu and Yue in ancient China's Spring and Autumn Period.

In Beijing, during the Qing dynasty, a formidable empress ascended to the throne. The narrative revolves around four distinct households. One of them is the Chai family, led by Chai Hok Yan, who was betrayed by fellow officials resulting in the family being condemned to death. The sole survivor, Chai Pak Chuen, managed to escape thanks to the loyal assistance of a trusted aide who swapped identities with him. Renamed Fan Chi Chai, Pak Chuen relocated to a different city to start afresh. It was there that he crossed paths with the Kiu family, headed by successful business banker Kiu Bun Yip. Despite his prosperity, Bun Yip faced adversaries, including the Cho family. Bun Yip welcomed Pak Chuen to his banking establishment, Ding Fung Shing, to impart knowledge about banking. Simultaneously, Pak Chuen forged a close friendship with Cheung Shung Man.

Yip Yeung is intrigued by the ancient practice of using "tui bei tu" diagrams to glimpse into the future. These diagrams have the power to foresee upcoming events, enabling individuals to either attract good fortune or avoid calamity. Yuen Hei deceives Yip Yeung into purchasing counterfeit diagrams, but his scheme is exposed by Lee Sing Tin. Recognizing potential in both Yip Yeung and Yuen Hei, Lee Sing Tin takes them under his wing as apprentices to impart his knowledge of the mystical diagrams. Yip Yeung later learns of his royal lineage, descending from the last ruler of the kingdom. He endeavors to use his divination skills to seize the throne but is met with visions of tragedy at every turn, foreshadowing the futility of his attempts to alter fate.

Taking place mainly in Canton, China, which is currently referred to as Guangzhou, amidst the Second Sino-Japanese War, the series depicts the activities of Chinese intelligence agents and their involvement with secret criminal organizations and the Japanese Empire.

Si Young, the eldest son of Park Hee Chan, is aware of the reason behind his father's insistence on him succeeding the family business. He is known for his ruthless business tactics and gradually evolves into a formidable leader while managing the guild. On the other hand, Jae Young, his younger brother, forges his own path and refrains from adopting his brother's cutthroat business approach.

In a tale set in the Song Dynasty under Emperor Zhen Zong's rule, Empress Liu, unable to conceive, conspires with eunuch Kwok Wai to switch the newborn prince with a feral cat.

Seoul 1945 is a dramatic narrative set against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Korea, covering the transition from Japanese rule to the eventual division of the nation into North and South. The plot centers around four young individuals who were raised together. Choi Oon Hyuk, a gifted child from a family of impoverished miners; Kim Hae Kyung, the oldest daughter of tenant farmers; Lee Dong-Woo, the successor to a prosperous and influential family; and Moon Suk Kyung, the sole offspring of a wealthy political ally of Japan. Each character, influenced by their personal decisions and external circumstances, embarks on divergent journeys that mirror the chaotic era and reveal their true natures. As their lives intersect, themes of love, friendship, loyalty, revenge, moral dilemmas, and ideology emerge as powerful forces that irrevocably alter their destinies.

The maxi-series uncovers a group of heroes who played key roles in peasant uprisings throughout history in rich detail. Moreover, the story is intertwined with the real-life aspects of society in order to understand Tseng Guo-fan, a figure who fought for survival, upheld his beliefs, and dedicated himself to the court.

The tale narrates the life of the Taichang Emperor and his four concubines, each characterized by unique personalities.

During the early 1900s in China, Xiao Yue Gui, a young girl from the countryside, moves to Shanghai to avoid starvation. By rescuing Yu Qi Yang, a member of the Pujiang Association, the most powerful gang in Shanghai, she gains access to the leaders of the organization. This leads her to start working at their brothel, which alters the course of her life. Xiao Yue Gui is now on a journey to become the next "King of Shanghai," following in the footsteps of three previous generations, as depicted in Hong Ying's novel.

Due to financial difficulties, Wen Yu He's father agreed to have her marry into the Gu family as the wife of Madam Gu's third son. With Madam Gu's first son missing and her second son deceased, all hope was placed on Yu He and her remaining brother-in-law. The third son, Shao Tang, is known for his reckless behavior, spending time in brothels and gambling away his money. Madam Gu believed that Yu He could positively influence her son. Yun Kai, a school teacher, disguised himself as a groundskeeper to work in the Gu household, assisting with accounting and the family's lantern business. Despite facing mistreatment from her older sister-in-law, Yu He remains devoted to Shao Tang. As tensions rise and hidden agendas come to light, the Gu family's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.

Taking place during the historical period of old Shanghai, the series showcases the epic clandestine battles that unfolded between the Communist Party, the Kuomingtang, and the Japanese forces.

The Guo family has a long history of practicing bone setting for more than two centuries, always having male successors to carry on their skilled healing tradition. However, Guo Yi Shan, a fourth-generation descendant, faces a challenge as he is left with only a young daughter following the deaths of his two wives. To ensure the continuity of the family medical practice, Yi Shan chooses to marry again, this time to a rural woman named Yun He Ming. Unfortunately, on their wedding day, Yi Shan is abducted by vengeful bandits orchestrated by Liu Xian Tang, the leader of "Everlasting Life Temple." He Ming learns of the kidnapping and successfully saves her husband, earning the admiration of the entire Guo family. As a result, Yi Shan decides to teach his new wife how to read and practice medicine.

In the 1930s, the setting for this tale is in the southern region of Fujian

Shen Xin Ci escapes from her dangerous fiance, Liang Yong Chang, after discovering the truth. Along the way, she encounters Zhao Shi Jun, who shows compassion by giving her money to settle her father's medical bills. Following her father's passing, Xin Ci resolves to find Shi Jun and repay his kindness, regardless of the request. To resolve conflicts between Shahe Town and Wan Jia Village and secure the water supply, Zhao Shi Jun is compelled to marry Mayor Wan's daughter, Wan Qiu Ling. On their journey to Qiu Ling's new home, she falls ill due to a lifelong condition but is saved by a mysterious doctor, Liang Yong Chang. He offers a cure for her illness but warns that she will be unable to conceive in the future. Determined to continue her family line, Qiu Ling follows Yong Chang's advice and switches places with another girl to ensure pregnancy. Unbeknownst to Yong Chang, the other girl happens to be his former fiance, Shen Xin Ci. Now, Yong Chang seeks revenge on Zhao Shi Jun and anyone else in his path.

Set against the backdrop of the Republic of China, the narrative unfolds the tale of two children, Xiao Jun and Xiao Jie, who were raised in Taiwan. Orphaned at a young age, they embarked on a journey across the sea to locate Xia Men. Despite facing numerous challenges, Father Zheng Shi Xian, the siblings were eventually reunited with their father and assimilated into their new family dynamic.

The narrative follows the daily lives of three households residing in a small courtyard residence in Beijing: the carpenter Wang Man Tang, the widow Liu Cui Lan, and Doctor Zhou

During the late 1930s in northern China, a rebel named Jie Zhen Guo must use Western sorcery to outwit his Japanese adversary.