Asian dramas like
Beauty At War

Taking place during the early Qing dynasty, the plot centers on the love affair between Dorgon and Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang. (Wikipedia)

Master Long and his loyal friend Fang Xiu Cai come together to help their village during a severe outbreak. They later uncover that Madam Long and Master Long are responsible for the disease outbreak. The wicked duo then kills Master Long and blames Fang Xiu Cai for the epidemic, resulting in the demise of the entire Fang family except for Fang Xiu Cai's young son. In a twist of fate, Fang Xiu Cai's son is mistakenly switched with the Long family's son. The true heir of the Long family is raised by the Guan family, while Fang's son grows up in the Long family's care.

In Wangsha Village, Macau, a determined young man named Lin Wei Liang courageously revolted against colonial authority by assassinating Shavard, the Portuguese colonial governor of Macau, thus symbolizing Macau's fight for independence

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)

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.

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.

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.

Taking place in Qing Dynasty Twatutia from 1868 to 1888, this drama centers around key historical events such as the Sino-French War of 1883 to 1885 and the Mudan Incident of 1874. Zhi Kuan, a member of a well-known family, manages a successful herbal medicine shop and tea plantations. The harmony of Zhi Kuan and his wife Li Jun's marriage is tested when his former lover Yu Juan, who is a spy for the king, resurfaces after 20 years, along with Zhi Kuan's daughter Xin Lan.

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.

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.

"The Tale of Qin Cheng" narrates the renowned saga of Meng's Household and Lin's Household near the Yellow River. In the past, Meng Xiang He, the heir of Meng's clan, wedded Lin Xiang Yu, the offspring of Lin's Household, in an arranged marriage. However, he absconded shortly after the ceremony. Consequently, Meng's Household agreed to a settlement: if Meng Xiang He did not return within six years, they would compensate Lin's Household with ten thousand silver dollars and over sixty thousand square meters of land. After six years, Meng Xiang He reappeared with his newfound lover as his wife. This led to a complex web of emotions involving both families and wives. Leveraging his business acumen, he amassed a fortune through trading hookahs and rose to become the wealthiest individual in Qingcheng, earning himself the status of a legendary figure. As the prolonged feud neared its conclusion, the true identity of the main antagonist was finally revealed. (Q1Q2)

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s, this famous story follows the journey of Zhang Lian Xin, a former maid who defies her predetermined fate during China's conflict with Japan. In her pursuit of liberty and affection, Lian Xin becomes entangled in Zhang Wen Jin's plot to overthrow his father, leading to her and Chong Yang being falsely accused of a crime. As they face numerous challenges while battling against Wen Jin and the Japanese forces, Lian Xin and Chong Yang develop a romantic relationship. In an attempt to protect Chong Yang, Lian Xin chooses to turn down He Tian, a wealthy admirer who is deeply in love with her, and instead weds Ma Kun, the influential leader of Shanghai Bund's underworld. Upon uncovering Ma Kun's true nature and facing the wrath of the Japanese, Lian Xin and Chong Yang make the ultimate sacrifice by relinquishing their love and lives in the name of freedom and justice.

In the second season, the storyline takes a darker turn as the princes compete for the vacant seat of the Crown Prince. Despite Crown Prince Yin Reng losing power, Nian Shu Yuan stands by his side. When Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang falls seriously ill, they leave the palace to pray for her recovery. Their sincerity moves Kang Xi, who reinstates Yin Reng as Crown Prince after the First Prince's conspiracy is exposed. Meanwhile, war hero Nian Geng Yao returns with increased military and political influence. Even the secretive Fourth Prince begins to make a move towards claiming the throne.

During the transition from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republican era, a courageous woman rises above challenges to become a savior during tumultuous times. Yan Yang Chun faced the tragedy of losing her family at a young age, leaving her with the responsibility of seeking justice for her loved ones. Along her journey in the martial arts world, she encounters three individuals who each develop unique bonds with her. Yan Yang Chun also takes in five children - YanZhao, Yan Zhen, Yan Jun, Yan Hong, and Zhang Shan. Despite the turmoil, she showcases remarkable abilities as she upholds her principles to assist those in distress. Simultaneously, she confronts her two main adversaries using her intelligence and determination.

During the Qing Dynasty, in a specific location in Hunan, there were two local tea establishments run by siblings who had become estranged over a misunderstanding. Despite their mutual love for tea, they avoided communication and collaboration. However, their dynamic shifted when the emperor indicated his preference for Hunan tea as a tribute. Recognizing the significance of this opportunity, the brothers and sisters set aside their feud and united to create top-quality tea. Their combined efforts resulted in esteemed tea that was chosen as tribute for the emperor. Ultimately, the siblings reconciled and continued their tea-making tradition together.

The tale takes place in the early Minguo period within a concealed library. Fan Zhen holds the books passed down from his forebears in high regard and protects them fiercely. Fan Shu Han, Fan Zhen's adopted son, possesses an extraordinary memory and is infatuated with Lin Ruo Yun, the daughter of his father's long-time friend Lin Zheng Gong. Despite their decision to run away together, their plans are foiled, leading to a tragic outcome. Fan Yu Lian, Shu Han's older sister, is intelligent and sophisticated. She is compelled to marry Lin Shao Qing, Zheng Gong's eldest son, due to family obligations, even though her heart belongs to Fang Zi Wen, a scholar who frequents her family's library.

The knowledgeable scholar Ji Xiao Lan engages in a continuous mental and verbal clash with the seemingly gentlemanly yet corrupt official He Shen, both enjoying the battle with no clear winner. Emperor Qian Long's actions sow discord between them, leading Ji Xiao Lan and He Shen to strategize relentlessly. The BronzeTeeth III consists of six stories that vividly depict power struggles in the Qing imperial court through humor, anger, and curses.

Lin Wan Ru's family runs a well-known bean shop and they lead a modest, yet fulfilling life. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when Mr. Lin agrees to guarantee his cousin's loan and becomes the primary target of debt collectors. The family loses everything, including their shop and home. To repay the debt, Wan Ru takes a job at Ji Xiang Brothel. Gao Ming Hui, a compassionate and affluent young man who owns a prosperous timber business, empathizes with Wan Ru and falls in love with her. Despite his mother's strong disapproval, Ming Hui rescues Wan Ru from her difficult situation at the brothel and decides to marry her.

Wong Fei Hung, a renowned figure of his era, is both a skilled martial artist and a revered hero. As a doctor at Po Chi Lam, a clinic in Canton, he has rescued numerous individuals, yet he is compelled to utilize his combat skills to protect the community.

The story follows the challenges faced by a feudal family in China as the country undergoes significant transformations in the past century. Lu Tian En, born into a noble family during the late Qing Dynasty, recalls his grandmother Lady Lu with admiration as a princess. As the sole male heir, Tian En carried the weight of restoring his family's former prestige from a young age. Despite his desire to explore opportunities abroad and pursue a career as a bureaucrat, he was restricted by his family. The Lus eventually relocated to Shanghai, where Tian En struggled to adapt to the shifting societal norms. Witnessing the Japanese invasion and civil unrest, Tian En sought refuge in Taiwan in 1949 in search of solace for his troubled heart and a better future for his loved ones.

When marriages are arranged within the upper class, it often results in people getting hurt. Zhao An Hua finds himself in a situation where he is compelled to marry a daughter from the Xue family due to Madam Xue's ambitions for power and riches. As a result, An Hua's former lover is heartbroken and seeks vengeance by marrying the infamous gangster, Fu Zhen Jia. Will love be able to triumph over the pain and envy brought on by these strategic unions?

In the novel "The Ninth Widow," we follow the life of Wang Pu-tao, a woman from a remote village in Central China. Wang tragically loses her family in a flood when she is just a child, and is later sold into servitude before being widowed at the young age of 14. Despite her hardships, Wang harbors a fugitive man (her father-in-law) in her cellar for three decades, providing him with care and protection during times of political turmoil, famine, and other disasters.

The play narrates the tale of Chang Hanqing, a youthful technician, and Jin Xing, a heroic fighter, in the aftermath of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It focuses on the research, design, and progress of the innovative Chinese electric locomotive. (Baike Baidu)

Taking place at the end of the Qing Dynasty, the series follows the Chinese National Industry and Commerce as they push back against Western influences. Under the rule of Guangxu, the Zhang family oversaw the Zhangku Avenue of the Northern Silk Road, which thrived and expanded towards the Russian trading route. However, everything changed one fateful day. Lu Junjie, a member of the Zhang family, faced a significant upheaval and was forced to flee to the grasslands. Despite his desire for a fresh start, the Zhai family, who had stolen his family's assets, continued to pursue him, even enlisting bandits to attempt his murder. Lu Junjie's loyal supporters valiantly defended the Zhangku Avenue, rallying more individuals to his cause. Together, they worked on repairing railways, establishing commercial radio stations, and significantly boosting the country's trade. Following the Japanese invasion, Lu Junjie confronted the Zhai Tribe in a final battle, achieving vengeance for his family. With his enemies vanquished, Lu Junjie remains hopeful that the former glory of the Zhangku Avenue will be resurrected.

According to a myth, this series revolves around themes of power, love, and betrayal, with characters vying for dominance or affection, while one character simply desires peace and friendship. A complex love triangle forms involving Yan Fuk, Cho Chi Kin, Cho Chi Woon, and Kwok Huen, after Kwok Huen betrays Yan Fuk and pursues her own path to power.

The restaurant's history is deeply connected to the experiences of four women from different generations, showcasing common marital issues and the various stresses faced by women throughout history. In the late Qing Dynasty, Ngai Yu Fung's family falls on hard times and she is forced into marriage with Wong Yuk Lun, who later loses all their money. Fung sells a token of love from her first lover Yu Tsz to start the Phoenix Restaurant. During the May Fourth Movement, Fung's daughter Wong Chi Kwan runs away to Tianjin with her teacher Lee Kat Cheung. After their separation, Kwan returns to Beijing and finds the struggling Phoenix Restaurant.

During the chaos of war in mainland China in 1941, Shanghai fell under enemy control. Xue er and her family sought refuge in a concession area. Facing hardships and despair, Xue er's husband Gui Ting abandoned his family to reunite with his wealthy ex-girlfriend Liao Wanzhen. When all seemed lost, Bai Lang rescued Xue er and introduced her to the entertainment industry. A wealthy businessman named Qiao Xiannong pursued Xue er, who sought to leverage his power to regain custody of her son. Tragically, her son died in a fall, devastating Xue er. Seeking revenge against Gui, Xue er entered a relationship with Qiao. Bai, in an effort to win back Xue er, accepted a position in the puppet government's investigation bureau. After many trials, Bai ultimately succeeded in reuniting with Xue er and marrying her. However, Qiao's continued pursuit of Xue er led to his manipulation of her to seek vengeance against Gui. Ultimately, with Bai's guidance, Xue er realized the error of her ways and chose to abandon thoughts of revenge in favor of a happy life with Bai. Regrettably, Bai's involvement with the puppet government led to tragic consequences as Xue er sacrificed herself to save him by selling her body and consuming poison.

When two princes vie for the throne, the situation becomes complicated. While one prince appears innocent, the other presents a facade of kindness that may hide his true motives.

In the early 1900s, a thief develops feelings for a Yueju opera singer while looking at a picture.

The drama primarily narrates the journey of a prince through various challenges and triumphs amidst the tumultuous period of the late Qing dynasty.