Asian dramas like
Defying The Storm

A tale depicting the challenges faced by Huang Xiao Hua, a retired soldier and member of the Communist party, from her youth at 18 to her old age at 80. Following the Chinese victory in the Anti-Japanese Occupation war, Huang Xiao Hua settles down in a peaceful farming village. She attracts the attention of two young men - war hero Wei Shou Gen and party branch secretary Tan Shan Tang - who both vie for her affections. Forced to flee, Huang Xiao Hua disguises herself as a man and relocates to a different village. There, she meets military leader Zhao Jing Song and joins the military as a medical worker. The two develop a romantic relationship, but Huang Xiao Hua is injured in battle and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, she embarks on a quest to find her lover, only to discover that he has passed away. She then dedicates herself to caring for his children until they come of age.

During the 1930s, a youthful officer named Gao Lin Feng bravely offered to confront bandit groups in Linyi City

Taking place in 1947, the story revolves around a trio consisting of a shop owner, his spouse, and a young lady on a mission to heal her father. Yan Zheng Sheng manages a pickle shop in Beijing and assumes the responsibility of caring for his uncle after his brother and nephew tragically pass away. To fulfill his duties as a son and ensure the family legacy, Yan Zheng Sheng marries Mu Chun Hua as his second wife while already being wed to Lin Cui Qing. Their relationship blossoms over time, but in 1950, they are compelled to divorce due to the implementation of the New Marriage Law. Despite this, Yan Zheng Sheng, Mu Chun Hua, and Lin Cui Qing navigate the following decades as a united family. This narrative sheds light on the lives of everyday individuals residing in Sesame Alley.

Cheng Yue Liang, a man with autism, is saved by his stepmother in a crucial accident after his father dies during the war with Japan in the 1940s. The narrative explores their tumultuous lives and close familial bond. The drama features acclaimed screenwriter Cheung Wah Biu, known for works like 'Moonlight Resonance', 'Rosy Business', 'No Regrets', and the 80s trilogy 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'.

The narrative focuses on three young males attending Taiwan Hsinchu Senior High School during the Japanese occupation. Lin Qing Wen, Zhou Shao Zhen, and Zhuang Shi Geng are long-time companions who endured hardships together during the colonial period. The challenges they encountered and the harsh treatment they experienced at the hands of the Japanese authorities stirred up their patriotic sentiments, ultimately guiding them down separate journeys.

In the 1930s, a tale unfolds of love, desire, and animosity involving three brothers who end up on opposing paths. He Dong Ming, the heir of the He Family, Shen Jia Liang, a Kuomintang army officer, and Wang Zhao Lan, a bandit leader, find themselves brought together by their efforts against Japanese occupation. Facing near-death, they pledge to become blood brothers, promising to stand by each other in life and death. Unexpectedly, all three survive and go their separate ways - one becoming a Communist, another joining the Kuomintang, and the third becoming a member of the Collaborationist Chinese Army. (ChineseDrama.info)

Throughout the ten-year civil war, Gong Wei Ping, a covert member of the CCP in Beiping, was instructed to establish the party's presence within the independent faction of the remaining Anti-Japanese Allied Army in Chahar. Unfortunately, due to the betrayal of informants, the 25 individuals Gong Wei Ping had identified for development were captured and detained. In an attempt to save their lives, Gong Wei Ping voluntarily surrendered but was deceived. Yu Xue Yao, who harbored feelings for Gong Wei Ping, appealed to her brother, Yu Qin Zhai, a deputy director of the Central Committee, to free him. Yu Qin Zhai agreed to his sister's plea but devised a plan to test Gong Wei Ping's loyalty. Meanwhile, Gong Wei Ping received a secret directive from his superiors under the alias Comrade Zhu Guang, instructing him to infiltrate the Kuomintang Central Unification spy network. To fulfill this mission, Gong Wei Ping had to sever ties with his girlfriend and marry Yu Xue Yao. Unfortunately, Comrade Zhu Guang passed away unexpectedly, leaving Gong Wei Ping cut off from the party organization and his covert assignment a mystery. Faced with this challenge, Gong Wei Ping made the difficult decision to adopt a new identity, Gong Xiang Guang, and embarked on a perilous path to fulfill his mission. On his wedding night, he cleverly eliminated the traitors within the Japanese-affiliated underground party.

In 1937, Japanese forces took control of Manchuria. Ku Ping On and her close friend Tin Hau Yi traveled to Nanjing with her ill mother to find her father, Ku Man Chai, who owned the largest rice company in the city. To her surprise, she learned that Hau Yi, whom she thought was her fiancé, was in love with Cheng Yuet Fung, her father's fourth wife. Subsequently, Poon Sai Cheung, who collaborated with the Japanese, "acquired" Ping On.

"A Leaf in the Storm" portrays the tale of two households and youthful romantics at the onset of the Sino-Japanese Conflict. Derived from Lin Yu Tang's book "Feng Sheng He Li."

Following the conclusion of the First World War, a cohort of international students delved into the realm of mathematics at Princeton University in the tranquil nation of America. Among them were Chinese scholar Wen Wei Jun and Japanese student Shan Ben Kang Fu, who not only shared a dormitory but also a profound friendship. Their bond was tested when they found themselves entangled in a romantic triangle with their classmate Qing Tian Xiu, a Japanese young woman of exquisite beauty, intelligence, and noble lineage. However, as the shadows of World War II loomed over the horizon and tensions escalated between China and Japan, the former comrades, now seasoned code-breakers, were destined to become bitter rivals.

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.

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

The plot revolves around Bai Wen Huan, who is the head of the Northern Shaanxi Brothers Association

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.

During the 1930s in Shanghai, Peng Yu Tian, a National Army officer, bravely fought against the Japanese forces and was gravely wounded. He was saved by Lei Jin Yi, a field nurse, and the two developed a deep bond. Just as they were preparing to wed, Peng was called back to the battlefield. Tragically, Peng's family was targeted and bombed by the Japanese. Lei managed to escape with Peng's child and later assumed a new identity as Shen Han Bing, working as a dancer to support her family. Meanwhile, Peng, believing Lei had perished in the bombing, went on to marry a wealthy businessman named Wu Jiang. However, fate brought Peng and Lei back together when they crossed paths at a party hosted by Wujiang. As a member of the Communist underground, Peng was tasked with investigating Wu Jiang, and sought Lei's help in uncovering the truth. It was ultimately revealed that Wu Jiang was a Japanese spy posing as a Chinese. After the Anti-Japanese War, Wu Jiang attempted to flee with Lei, but was apprehended and met his end at the hands of Peng and Lei.

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

"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 a time of military expansionism, He Tao Hua's father, a highly respected military official, was killed. Adopting a new persona, Tao Hua embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father's murder. By 1925, the He Family had been wiped out, leaving only He Tao Hua alive. She ventures to a different city and finds employment as a servant for the Liao Family. Her quick wit and charm win over Old Master Liao, while she also forms a romantic relationship with Young Master Liao Chun Feng. However, just before their wedding, Liao Chun Feng learns of her true identity and, unable to bear the burden, confesses before leaving to join the war effort. Recognizing her feelings for him, He Tao Hua decides to pursue him despite the challenges that lie ahead.

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.

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.

Set in 1930s Shanghai, this tale follows a man hailing from a family of magicians who embarks on a journey of nationalism after seeking vengeance for his father's murder. Ye Fei's father, Ye Jin, leads the Jin Rong troupe, known for its lineage of skilled magicians. Following a victorious showdown with a German magician, Ye Jin is shunned by fellow troupes and succumbs to despair. Motivated by a thirst for retribution, Ye Fei ventures North to train under a renowned master. Upon completing his education, Ye Fei relocates to Shanghai where he crosses paths with Xiao Yao, the daughter of a crime boss, who falls for him. However, their romantic saga takes a backseat when war breaks out, forcing them to prioritize their country over their personal vendettas.

Mu Liang Feng, a skilled young marksman from a rural mountain community, accidentally injures an army officer with his exceptional gun skills

Xu Tian, a 21-year-old man, upheld the ideals of revolutionary predecessors. He traveled from southeast Asia to Shanghai to deliver materials to the Communist International, facing challenges alongside Sun, Yu Yi Xiu, Zhang Jia Yi, and others. Despite difficulties, he successfully completed the mission, with the smiles on their faces revealing their unwavering faith and optimism for a better tomorrow.

Taking place in Linghe City during the era of warlords, a businessman named Xiao Ge Ran becomes entangled in a homicide investigation. Along his quest for the truth, he encounters Bai Qi, who is revealed to be a descendant of a fox. Together, they uncover the devious plots orchestrated by the Yin Yang Master, Jin Chuan. (DramaWiki)

The plot centers on Rong Yan and Tian You. Rong Yan is on a mission to avenge her family's brutal murder at the hands of Lu Sheng, Tian You's father. In order to seek revenge, Rong Yan decides to marry Lu Sheng with the help of her friend Yun Mo, who also seeks justice for her family's death caused by Lu Sheng. Despite Rong Yan's initial intention to kill Tian You's father, she finds herself falling in love with Tian You instead. As their forbidden romance blossoms, Rong Yan disguises herself as Tian You's stepmother to keep their relationship a secret within his household.

The drama narrates the tale of Hong Pei Shan, the Hong family's adopted daughter-in-law, who defied traditional practices and challenged destiny due to her romance with the Hong family's adopted son in the era of the Republic of China

The series revolves around the challenges faced by the main character as she is compelled into a marriage with a high-ranking official of the Kuomintang, also known as the National party.

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.

The plot follows Du Yu Lou, who runs a tea shop called "Shenchang" and is unexpectedly promoted to head after his brother's tragic death

This is the tale of a town that relied on its gold mines for economic stability. When the Sino-Japanese war erupted, the townspeople banded together to defend their gold from the invading Japanese army. The narrative centers on two individuals, Lu Jianshan and Guo Lin. Lu, a Communist, is seen as a disappointment in his father's eyes, while Guo, who is adopted, always feels like he is playing second fiddle. Eager to prove himself to his father and the community, Guo takes action. Lu is engaged to Meng Ximei, who presents him with a large gold nugget from the mines as a dowry on their wedding day. Despite marrying her, Lu leaves Meng on their wedding night to join the Communist fighters. As she stays with her father-in-law, Guo develops feelings for Meng. With the outbreak of war, a series of tragic events unfolds, impacting everyone's lives in unforeseen ways. Whether these changes are for the better or worse remains to be seen.

The melodrama depicts the journey of Han Chun Ming, a once educated young man. Upon his return to the city from a rural village, Han Chun Ming explores various avenues to sustain himself, such as running a street vendor stall. Through his perseverance and dedication, Han Chun Ming manages to save up enough money to start his own business and capture the affection of his desired romantic partner.

The story revolves around three separate households in Beijing as they experience China's transition from a feudal society to a democracy. The themes of familial bonds, love, and patriotism are interconnected as individuals, both men and women, evolve in their relationships for the sake of love or friendship.

During the period of the Republican era, a prominent family known for producing top-quality fragrances and incense must be vigilant against those seeking to pilfer their confidential recipes. Ning Zhi Yuan, the charming young heir of the family's fragrance business, finds himself entangled in a plot orchestrated by An Le Yan, a resolute young woman bent on seeking retribution against the Ning clan. Despite Zhi Yuan's affection for Le Yan, her true intentions lie in infiltrating his family to abscond with a prized perfume formula. Meanwhile, Le Yan's affections gravitate towards An Yi Chen, an inspector, while Xiao Hui, the offspring of a Japanese imperialist, sets her sights on winning Yi Chen's heart. Will Zhi Yuan be able to safeguard his family's legacy and his own emotions amidst these intricate entanglements? (Viki) - Two versions available: 42 episodes (TV) || 44 episodes (online)

Li Zheng Bai, a professor of economics, finds himself unexpectedly embroiled in a battle against the Japanese-installed puppet republic. He leads a unique team consisting of individuals with diverse backgrounds, including an addict, a thief, and a murderer. Along the way, he crosses paths with Lu Qing Yao, who ultimately becomes the love of his life.

Set in Shanxi during the early Republican era, the story centers around the Long family, a wealthy clan. The protagonist, Ying Niang, along with her children, face numerous challenges in a harsh world. Ying Gu, a young mistress of the affluent Long family, has three daughters during her eight-year marriage. Due to superstitions surrounding her third daughter, Ying Gu and her husband, Long Ji Zong, are compelled to leave with their daughter for her safety. Tragedy strikes when Xu Zhi passes away, leaving Ying Gu pregnant with his son and deserted by her in-laws. Facing rejection from her own family, Ying Gu is forced to marry an opium addict who callously sells her daughter for drugs. In a moment of desperation, Ying Gu starts a fire and is imprisoned. Despite giving birth to her son while incarcerated, her life post-release is grim. Long Yan Zong, her husband's younger twin, tries to assist, but the tumultuous times lead to her separation from her children. Determined to reunite her family, Ying Gu embarks on a challenging journey.

During the early Republican era in Shanghai, a city divided by foreign-controlled areas and high levels of crime, Wu Qian decides to participate in a risky contest in order to help his friend's grandmother who is unwell. This decision leads him to become entangled in a dangerous conflict between foreign forces and local law enforcement. Along the way, he crosses paths with He Hong Yi, a dedicated activist, and decides to join her in her fight against the oppressive regime. As tensions escalate, the two find themselves involved in a risky struggle for the future of the city.

The play depicts the life of Comrade Liu Shao Qi as he journeys through the "Four Dao Villages" of county, provincial, imperial, and national gates in search of truth and the Eight-character Scriptures, all in pursuit of understanding how to save the country and pave the way for a new China. Liu Shao Qi became a member of the party in 1921 at Moscow Oriental University before returning to China the following year to lead the "Anyuan Road Mine Strike." Throughout the Great Revolution, he bravely handled the aftermath in the White District amidst shifting circumstances. During the Anti-Japanese War, Liu Shao Qi took on a leadership role within the central government and was later appointed as the vice chairman of the Central People’s Government following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. He played a crucial part in shaping the country’s political, economic, cultural, educational, and foreign policies. In the early 1960s, Liu Shao Qi worked to address China’s economic challenges by conducting on-site investigations and contributing to the development of key policy measures. A memorial service was held for Liu Shao Qi on May 17, 1980, commemorating his enduring dedication to the Chinese revolution and his steadfast belief in communism.