Asian dramas like
Desperate Love

Da Yu Er, a princess of the Khorchin Mongols, falls in love with Dorgo, one of Nurhaci's many sons, who is a leader of the Jurchen people. Despite her feelings for Dorgo, Da Yu Er becomes a concubine of Hong Tai Ji, the elder brother of Dorgo. Hong Tai Ji is already married to Da Yu Er's aunt, Jerjer, in order to strengthen the bond between the Khorchin Mongols and Later Jin. Although Hong Tai Ji initially has feelings for Da Yu Er, he realizes that her heart belongs to Dorgo, so he turns his attention to her sister, Harjol. Eventually, Hong Tai Ji goes on to establish the Qing Dynasty.

This narrative portrays the sorrowful tale of Nalan Rong Ruo, a Manchu poet whose poems mirror the heartbreaking love stories he encountered in his brief life.

The narrative revolves around a romantic entanglement involving the fourth prince, the crown prince, and the top female scholar, Shu Yuan, in the Qing dynasty. Love and power intertwine in a struggle for both affection and the throne. The storyline appeals to female audiences with its feminist themes, distinctive characters, and dramatic twists and turns.

The narrative focuses on the selection of Yang Yu Huan, a commoner, to join the Emperor's concubines. In contrast to typical historical dramas centered on warfare or fame, this series highlights the romantic relationship between Yang Gui Fei and Emperor Ming of Tang.

The Luckiest Man is a comedy that takes place during the Ching Dynasty and follows Dai, the sole heir of a wealthy rural family. Despite his vow to remain loyal to one woman, Dai finds himself with two wives due to unexpected circumstances. This leads to a series of peculiar adventures for Dai, including an unlikely friendship with the young Ching Emperor. The film explores themes of fidelity, love, and the twists of fate in a light-hearted historical setting. (yesasia.com)

During the transition from the Qin Dynasty to the Han Dynasty, the Chu-Han Contention unfolded with both tragedy and heroism. General Li Cang, serving under Liu Bang, sustained severe injuries during the conflict and stumbled upon Fengzhen near Lake Yunmeng by chance. This unexpected visit by Li Cang had a profound impact on the lives of several young individuals in the village. Xin Zhui, a young girl, came to the rescue of the injured and unconscious Li Cang, who was then entrusted to her care by her dying father. This sudden turn of events led to Xin Zhui becoming the general's wife, while her neighbor Fu Shen took on the role of protecting her and transformed into a chivalrous knight. Additionally, a prostitute named Nan Shi was captivated by Liu Bang, leading him down a path of pursuing fame and wealth. Both a 34-episode TV version and a 40-episode DVD version of this story are available.

The latest Gong drama unfolds a fresh romantic tale during the Yongzheng era. Lian Er pleads with her father to allow her entry into the palace to meet the seventeenth prince, Yun Li. The two develop feelings for each other and plan to wed. However, when Yun Li's mentor, Alinga, faces trouble, Yun Li is compelled to marry Alinga's daughter to rescue him. A devastated Lian Er strives to protect herself within the palace, yearning to lead a normal life outside its walls. Unforeseen to her, she becomes entangled in a power struggle orchestrated by influential figures and betrayed by someone she once considered a sister. Alliances are forged, debts are incurred, and just as Lian Er is on the brink of despair, she unintentionally attracts the attention of Yongzheng and is appointed as one of his consorts. Everything suddenly becomes more complex - if she stops now, she will suffer, but she fears losing herself if she persists. She opts to have faith in the light and trust that her determination will guide her through the turmoil.

Since his youth, Ko Tin Po had developed a deep understanding of food and flavors. However, a family crisis forced him and his loyal companion Lee Wai to sell buns on the streets. Through his encounters with various individuals such as street entertainer Kei Mo Suet, the beautiful Lin Yeuk Bik, and chef Mai Siu Yue, Tin Po's fate took a turn when he was recommended to work as a palace chef by the Fourth Royal Prince Yan Chan. Little did he know that this opportunity would lead to confrontations with his old rival Choi Hok Ting and entangle him in the evil schemes of the Eighth Royal Prince Yan Yik.

The series revolves around the life of Yin Reng, the eldest son of Emperor Kangxi who faced being appointed as Crown Prince and then removed from the position twice. Ultimately, his younger brother Yin Zhen ascended to the throne as Emperor Yongzheng.

The fourth part of the "Mi Shi" series offers a fictionalized portrayal of Kang Xi's journey to ruling independently, including romantic entanglements and intense moments. Following the death of Regent Suo Ni in the eighth year of Emperor Kang Xi's reign, Kang Xi sees a chance to establish his authority. During a visit to a minister's home, Kang Xi meets and falls for Qing Ge Er, the lovely daughter of Ao Bai. Unaware of Kang Xi's true status, Qing Ge Er tries to resist his advances. Nalan Xing De, the brave and skilled son of Minister Nalan Ming Zhu, intervenes to protect her, provoking the displeasure of the Emperor. This initial confrontation sets the stage for both competition and eventual mutual admiration.

Martial arts specialist Nip Dor Po enlists in the Imperial Guard with the intention of advocating for the common people. He serves under the leadership of Prince Yue, Fook Chuen, and the two develop a strong friendship over time. Following Chuen's suggestion, Po becomes the personal protector of Chuen's younger brother, Emperor Hong Hei. Po is taken aback by the palace's atmosphere of scheming and deception, as well as Chuen's hidden rebellious plans. While harboring feelings for Cheuk Chi Ying, Po witnesses her entanglement in a power struggle among the imperial concubines. Amidst a web of allies and enemies, deceit and deception, Po finds himself thrust into a lone battle in the shadows.

This tale takes place in the Tang dynasty, under the rule of Emperor Tai Zong. Princess Gao Yang, the beloved daughter of Lady Dai and the Emperor, enjoyed a life of luxury with numerous servants. Despite her engagement to a wealthy noble named Fang Yi Ai, she falls in love with a monk called Bian Ji. Their forbidden romance faces many obstacles, as Bian Ji is dedicated to a life without love, while Gao Yang is of high status as a princess. Meanwhile, Emperor Tai Zong navigates through political challenges and the intrigues of his harem, where the consorts compete for his favor. The entrance of a new maiden named Mei Niang adds further complexity to the situation.

In the historical comedy-drama's second season, the spotlight is on Li Wei, a county magistrate who lacked literacy but rose to prominence as a respected official in the Qing dynasty of the 18th century.

The film depicts the real-life events during Emperor Wu's rule in the Han Dynasty, highlighting his triumphs, setbacks, life journey, and the brutal truths of existence. The screenplay drew inspiration from Ban Gu's "Book of Han" and Sima Qian's "History Records."

The tale unfolds in the Qing dynasty under the rule of Emperor Yong Zheng. His severe policies provoke widespread dissatisfaction and discord among the populace. Meanwhile, a clandestine group of assassins, known as the flying guillotine, roams the land eliminating the emperor's foes. The young heir to the throne, Hong Li, disguises himself as a commoner and embarks on a journey to Jiangnan for inspection. During his travels, the prince narrowly escapes several attempts on his life orchestrated by ambitious nobles aiming to seize power. Moreover, he uncovers a startling revelation about his true lineage. Along the way, he forges friendships with two young women, Lu Si Niang and Yu Niang.

Narrates the tale of the sole female ruler in Chinese history who held the position of Empress Regnant. Based on the life of Wu Ze Tian.

Upon entering the palace gates, one is immediately struck by the profound depth within. While the palace may appear opulent to outsiders, it conceals the struggles of numerous imprisoned women. Xiao Cai Ren, for instance, relied on the emperor's favor to confront Concubine Wei, even resorting to plotting against her. Recognizing the need for strength and alliances, Concubine Wei navigated the treacherous palace life by forming bonds with other concubines, as well as princes and princesses from foreign lands.

Yuming Ge Ge holds a special place in her father Emperor Qianlong's heart. Despite her fearless demeanor in the palace, she harbors a deep fear of caterpillars. While mingling with people, Yuming encounters peers of a similar age. As she matures, Yuming develops feelings for the esteemed official Jin Hong, unaware that he is actually her half-brother, a result of a past mistake made by her father. Despite their genuine love for each other, their blissful ignorance is shattered when Qianlong intervenes and arranges for Yuming to marry Yin De, the son of He Shen. The shocking revelation leaves Yuming devastated, leading to a tragic attempt at suicide with Jin Hong. Miraculously, the attempt fails, leaving Yuming in a deranged state and Jin Hong with amnesia. Meanwhile, rumors begin to swirl in the palace about Yin De's true identity as Qianlong's illegitimate son.

The story tells of a Qing Dynasty emperor who falls in love with a singer named Dong Xiao Wan from Jiangnan. Despite facing opposition from the Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang and other malicious forces, their unwavering love for each other remains steadfast. It is forbidden for a woman of Han descent to marry the Qing Emperor, but this does not deter the couple from continuing their relationship.

At the age of 8, Kang Xi became emperor after Shun Zhi decided to become a monk due to the passing of his favorite concubine. With the assistance of Grand Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang, Kang Xi successfully navigated a challenging power struggle against Ao Bai and eventually established his own control over the nation. Over the course of his 61-year reign, the longest in Chinese history, Kang Xi defeated rebellious former Ming generals Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi, and Geng Jinmao, incorporated Taiwan into the empire, and emerged victorious over Ge ErDan, leading to a period of unparalleled growth and prosperity in the country.

In a captivating scene, a young woman's enchanting music grabs the attention of Na Lan Rang Ruo, who soon realizes that the performer is his cousin, Wei Lin Lang. Witnessing his devoted subject's admiration, Emperor Kang Xi commands for Lin Lang to be located and engaged to Rong Ruo. However, Prince Fu Quan, assigned to carry out the task, observes the emperor's growing interest in her and decides to select a different bride, allowing Lin Lang to join the palace and serve Kang Xi instead.

Consort Shun expressed her discontent with her elder sister Consort Yu by spreading rumors about her within the palace. The nanny, Sheung Ling, had ulterior motives as she pretended to help uncover the truth for others, when in reality she was scheming for personal gain. She managed to earn Consort Yu's trust and they became close friends. The arrival of Kunqu Opera artist Ko Lau Fei and FaDan Wan Chau Yin stirred up emotions among the women in the palace. Feeling threatened by Consort Yu interfering with her plans, Shun devised a cunning scheme. Unexpectedly, she found herself entangled in a complicated relationship with Ling and Fei. To further manipulate her sister, Shun enlisted the help of fortune-teller Tung Kat Hoi, who was seen as eccentric by the public but was privy to the true madness within the Forbidden City.

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

During the early Ming Dynasty, the remaining Bazawarmi Mongolian army from the Yuan Dynasty took control of Yunnan. The Ming government appointed Fu You De to lead the army in the south, while imperial envoy Ma Ye was tasked with bringing peace to the southwest using a combination of military and diplomatic strategies. Lady She Xiang, a member of the Shuixi Yi ethnic group, displayed remarkable courage and leadership. She served as the regent of Shuixi, formed an alliance with the Ming army, promoted the study of Chinese culture, and worked towards improving the Yi economy. Despite facing numerous challenges, both internal and external, Lady She Xiang continued to earn the admiration and support of her people.

Upon their births, Lian Cheng and Heng Tai were switched, leading them down very different paths in life. Lian Cheng found herself living on the streets and working in brothels, while Heng Tai grew up in the luxurious Wei general's residence. Through a series of mysterious events, Lian Cheng and Heng Tai cross paths and develop feelings for each other, prompting Lian Cheng to return to her rightful place in the general's mansion. However, their love faces many challenges and is not easily accepted by others.

The tale of the tragic love affair between Zhu Yi Huan, the final princess of the Ming Dynasty, and Kangxi, the youthful emperor of the Qing Dynasty. (TheTVDB.com)

Po Chung Ling was born into a family known for their expertise in New Year prints, in the city of Jinan. He is highly intelligent, and his father, Po Poon, has always hoped that he would continue the family tradition. However, Ling believes that Poon is involved in corruption with some officials, leading to a strained relationship between them. Ling's close friend, Ko Jit, who is a constable, shares his disdain for corrupt officials. There are rumors circulating about a troublesome fox spirit in Jinan, and when Ling and Jit investigate, Ling is almost fatally injured. Thankfully, a mysterious girl named Ling Wu Siu Tsui saves him just in time. It is later revealed that Tsui is the fox spirit, and she saved Ling as a way of repaying a debt from the past. As they grow closer, Tsui begins to develop feelings for Ling. Meanwhile, the Po family receives a large order for New Year prints and must hire many female workers to complete the job on time. One of the applicants, Lau Sum Yu, has ulterior motives - she is seeking revenge on a man who wronged her sister. Little does she know, she will soon find herself entangled in a love triangle involving Ling and Jit.

The story follows the journey of the head chef at the royal palace during the rule of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. Beginning as an unskilled cook with exceptional knife skills, he rises to become the top chef in the palace.

Set in the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty in China, this historical drama focuses on the relationship between the Qianlong Emperor and his advisor, Heshen. The series explores the Emperor's efforts to enhance the well-being of his people and create a government that cracked down on corruption. By emphasizing the importance of a strong nation for the prosperity of its citizens, the rule of this respected monarch left a lasting impact on Chinese history.

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)

For generations, the Gu and Fan families have been rivaling each other in the embroidery industry. In a bid to secure a male successor for their family business, the Gu family exchanged their baby daughter with the Shen family's son in secret. Unexpectedly, the daughter they gave away blossomed into a renowned embroidery expert, while the son they received in return brought misfortune to their business... (DramaWiki)

A sweeping story of war and a timeless romance set in the midst of conflict in ancient China's Tang Dynasty. (Viki)

In the third part of the series, the Grand Empress returns to confront the gang once again. Displeased with Yong Qi's failure to produce an heir, she forces him to marry another woman in hopes of having a son who could potentially become the emperor in the future. Xiao Jian, the brother of Xiao Yan Zi, is in love with Qing Er, but holds a grudge against the emperor for the past murder of their parents. Qing Er's fate lies in the hands of the Grand Empress, as she is favored by her. To allow Qing Er and Xiao Jian to be together, Yong Qi decides to marry the other woman. Yong Qi selflessly sacrifices himself to ensure the happiness of Qing Er and Xiao Jian. Meanwhile, the neighboring nation is on the brink of war, leading to Er Kang being drafted. During a significant battle, Er Kang loses his memory and falls in love with another woman. The question remains: will Er Kang reunite with Zi Wei, and will Yong Qi develop feelings for his second wife?

Is it possible for a hero without fighting skills to rescue the empire? Wei Xiao Bao, the clever and humorous son of a prostitute during the early Qing Dynasty, seems an unlikely candidate. Born in a brothel in Yangzhou, he faces various challenges on his journey to Beijing. After being captured and brought to the imperial palace, Xiao Bao pretends to be a eunuch in order to survive. Through a series of fortunate events, wit, and unforeseen circumstances, he assists Emperor Kang Xi in defending his throne against dangerous rivals and surviving numerous abduction attempts by cults and other perilous factions. Xiao Bao also marries seven women, including the stunning Shuang Er. However, will he ultimately be able to choose between his loyalty to the emperor and his ties to the anti-Qing movement? (Viki)

In Jin Yong's final wuxia novel, fictional characters and historical figures are intertwined to narrate the tale of an unorthodox hero who rises to fame and fortune through luck and clever tactics. Wei Xiao Bao, born in a Yangzhou brothel, possesses a natural cunning, wit, and laziness. Believing he has gleaned all there is to know about heroes from teahouse patrons, Xiao Bao decides to become one himself. By chance, he assists Mao Shi Ba, a nobleman facing hardships, and persuades him to journey to Beijing. This decision marks the beginning of Xiao Bao's adventures. Upon entering the palace, Xiao Bao outwits Head Eunuch Hai and assumes the identity of Xiao Gui Zi, a young eunuch. One day, while exploring, Xiao Bao encounters Emperor Kang Xi practicing martial arts. After a friendly sparring match, an unlikely friendship blossoms between the two. Throughout the novel, Xiao Bao aids Kang Xi in thwarting power-hungry individuals, quelling rebellions, and facing various challenges, all while concealing his secret role as a mole for Tian Di Hui, an anti-Qing group.

This series follows the life of a young Prince named Hong Li, who later becomes Emperor Qian Long. Despite being the obvious choice to succeed his father Yong Zheng, Hong Li faces challenges and hardships on his journey to maturity. With a sincere and direct approach, he tries to use his education to improve the state's affairs. Surprisingly, this approach displeases Yong Zheng, leading the 3rd and 5th Princes, guided by their teacher Mr. Tian, to win over Yong Zheng and influence his decision to pass the throne to someone else.