Asian dramas like
Half A Step Away

Several individuals are vying to acquire a confidential file that holds significant value in securing influence in Shanghai. Numerous altercations arise between factions with varying political ideologies in their quest for this document.

During the Northern Expedition, brothers Chen Li Fu and Chen Guo Fu established a covert organization known as the Central Club. Their main goal was to gather information about both internal and external Party affairs. In early 1927, they organized a secret training program in Zhejiang, where they recruited young patriots like Lin Tian Zheng, Xu Song, Shen Wen Jie, and Gu Yi Nan. The intense training not only fostered strong bonds among the recruits but also left a lasting impression on their instructor, Gao Han, a member of the Communist Party. Guided by Gao Han, Lin Tian Zheng and his comrades embarked on their first mission. However, they found themselves entangled in an unexpected conspiracy. The head of the training program, Qian Xin Zhi, issued a directive to capture Lin Tian Zheng and the others. When the April 12 Incident occurred, they witnessed the deceit of the Kuomintang and decided to assist Gao Han in rescuing the communist trainees detained by the Kuomintang. Their actions ultimately led to the exposure of Qian Xin Zhi's treachery.

During a critical period in Chinese history when the Kuomintang and the Communists were in alliance, a prominent Communist party leader mysteriously disappears. In response, an inquiry is launched to determine what happened to him. In 1938, Chiang Kai Shek, influenced by malicious advice, orders the covert elimination of Xuan Xia Fu. This controversial decision sparks outrage from both factions, leading the Kuomintang to establish a special task force to investigate Xuan Xia Fu's disappearance. Wu Zhong Ming, a former Kuomintang operative and member of the Communist resistance, is chosen by both sides to lead the investigation, embarking on a challenging quest for the truth.

Set against the backdrop of three significant historical events pre-dating the establishment of New China, The Eve revolves around the journeys of Lin Xi, Su Nan, and other zealous young individuals who participate in the revolution and dedicate themselves to their country. The narrative unfolds during the 1941 Shanghai Concession, the 1948 Battle of Jinzhou, and the liberation of Shanghai in 1949. Lin Xi, a member of a gang, and Su Nan, a forward-thinking female student, embody the unrecognized heroes of their era. It portrays the clandestine struggles and imminent perils faced during the Anti-Japanese War of Resistance, as well as the arduous path revolutionary laborers have trodden in pursuit of their beliefs.

A narrative unfolds depicting a revolutionary who faces numerous perils in his crusade for his nation and eventually joins the Communist Party. During the 1930s, Xiong Bao Shan, the head of a criminal organization controlling Shanghai's waterways, uses up all his resources in a final confrontation against the Japanese invaders. However, before he can achieve victory, he is killed in his own residence. This incident leaves his son-in-law, Chen Lei, wounded, and forces his daughter, Xiong Hui Ming, to escape Shanghai with their child. Chen Lei suspects Sun Ben Li, who has ties to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, as the perpetrator and aligns himself with police superintendent Zeng Ru Long, a long-standing adversary of the Xiong Family, in pursuit of justice. Misinterpreting Chen Lei's actions as a betrayal, Xiong Hui Ming rises to the leadership of the criminal organization. Will they be able to join forces against their adversaries?

During the year 1941 in Shanghai, a spy working for the secret service under Wang Jing Wei's puppet government at No. 76 faces the risk of being discovered. His life takes a sudden turn when a woman and her two children enter the picture, leading them to pose as a family to maintain their cover. Fang Jia Shu and Tao Yu Ling, individuals who have been trained as agents of the Communist underground, must ensure that their makeshift family convincingly plays their roles to protect their true identities. This task proves challenging as they face suspicion from Li Li Xing, the leader of No. 76, and intelligence director Ye Xing Cheng. In addition to his role as a spy, Fang Jia Shu also operates as a Juntong agent, further complicating matters with the affections of fellow agent Su Ya Lu and the scrutiny of team leader "Silver Fox." Despite these obstacles, Fang Jia Shu adeptly manages competing interests to accomplish his mission.

The narrative follows the individuals residing at the base of the mountains in North-eastern China, who, guided by the Communist Party of China and the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces, stood up against the Japanese invaders to protect their country

"Pandora's Secret" is a gripping drama set during the time when Japanese invaders seized control of the three northeastern provinces and invaded North China following the September 18th Incident in 1931. The story follows a group of intelligence officers with diverse backgrounds who come together to fight after experiencing national animosity, love, hatred, and conflicts. In the early 20th century, three members of Marshal Wu's aerial team, Jiang Cheng, Hua TongRui, and Shangguan Yu Po, faced capture by the Northeastern warlords after a failed mission. They were eventually rescued and brought back to Tianjin by Marshal Wu's Internal Security Bureau. Suspicion arose when one member, Liu Li, was tasked with investigating Shangguan Yu Po. As Liu Li monitored him, Shangguan Yu Po's actions were closely scrutinized. Despite Shangguan Yu Po's stellar performance in Marshal Wu's aerial team, Liu Li began to develop feelings for him while Shangguan Yu Po found himself torn between Liu Li and his long-term girlfriend, Mo Chun. As Shangguan Yu Po delved deeper into the ideals of the Southern Revolutionary Party, his beliefs in anti-imperialism and anti-feudalism solidified. The focus of the Internal Security Bureau shifted towards Jiang Cheng and Hua Tong Rui, leading to the discovery and punishment of the traitorous Jiang Cheng. With the "Northern Expedition" nearing success by the end of 1926, pressure mounted on Marshal Wu's Internal Security Bureau. Shangguan Yu Po and Liu Li embraced the ideologies of the Southern Revolutionary Party, embarking on a journey to overthrow the dominant powers and eradicate the warlords.

The narrative follows a father who infiltrates an enemy stronghold in search of his missing son amid the Anti-Japanese Conflict

In the 1920s to 1930s, the government in the North East of China was unable to control the thriving opium trade controlled by the Japanese. Liu Hua Hang, a police officer, devises a plan to ambush the drug transport route, leading to a violent and intense conflict.

In 1927, during the upheaval of an anti-government uprising, Xia Heng Xuan passed away while rescuing a member of the Communist Party named Ren Zhi Yuan. He left behind his younger sister Xia Yu Zhu and her servant Shuang Ju. Yu Zhu, who is fragile, struggles to support herself, while Shuang Ju joins a special group within the Kuomintang upon the suggestion of Zhi Yuan's partner, Xiao Cheng Bi. Some time later, Yu Zhu coincidentally saves Zhi Yuan, leading her to be deeply moved when he sacrifices his life. This prompts Yu Zhu to join the clandestine branch of the Communist Party, where she meets Xiao Jun Hao, Cheng Bi's younger sibling, who is on the same mission. As they collaborate, their relationship transforms into something more than friendship.

The narrative revolves around Li San Qiang, a member of an underground party, who rises to the position of governor in Wuze county and displays bravery and intelligence in protecting his homeland during the Anti-Japanese War. When the war reached a stalemate, the iron-rich Wuze County became a prime target for the Japanese forces. The Kuomintang faced difficulties in appointing a county head due to previous assassinations. Eventually, Li San Qiang successfully secures the position with the support of his wife Wang Qiao Gu, her brother Wang Tie Chui, and fellow party members. Despite appearing carefree on the surface, Li San Qiang manipulates events from behind the scenes, causing suspicion among other leaders about his political affiliations. However, when the identity of one of the underground party members is revealed, Li San Qiang leads his county in bravely defending against Japanese invasion.

Taking place in China during the 1930s and 1940s, Manchuria is occupied by the Japanese. With the CCP's intelligence system destroyed, two CCP operatives named Song Yan Qiao and Shu Jie work to undermine the Japanese authority and liberate their imprisoned colleagues.

Led by Sui Jun Bo, the operatives endured intense and harsh training on a remote island to prepare for their mission against Japanese forces. Each member of the team had a unique and challenging background, ranging from harsh and unforgiving to brave and daring. With the guidance of their instructor, they successfully carried out one perilous mission after another.

Taking place in the 1930's, the story is centered around the Manchukuo Police Department in the vicinity of Harbin during a chaotic era of espionage in the midst of war. (Baidu)

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

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.

In 1942, in the northern region of Fujian, Qian Wei Min, a member of the underground CCP party, was tasked with retrieving the "Wuyi Cadre School List" from the leader of the Sun Mountain known as "Balchangcao", as well as collecting military funds for the New Fourth Army. Meanwhile, Xue Zi Qi, the head of the Kuomintang's Special Intelligence Bureau, had devised the "Zhong Kui Operation" to capture the "Cruise officinalis" with the help of Qian Wei Min. The Japanese espionage leader Toshiro Tanaka aimed to exploit this situation to further their plans for invading China. However, Qian Wei Min uncovered the Japanese spies' scheme just as he was about to carry out his mission. He joined forces with Xue Zi Qi to thwart the Japanese plot and successfully put an end to their plans, leading to a victorious outcome.

Following a violent attack on China by the Imperial Japanese Army, a Chinese academic residing in Boston, Wu Ming Tai, chooses to go back to Beijing to translate a crucial document for the UN. This document provided evidence of the Japanese army's atrocities in China. Nevertheless, the Japanese military leader was informed of the professor's journey back to his homeland. The army was willing to go to extreme lengths to stop Wu Ming Tai from returning, such as kidnapping his sibling and coercing him to become a Japanese national.

In ancient times, the legend tells of the Zhaotong Youth River Blade, commanded by Xiao Heng, as they battled the Japanese forces from Yunnan.

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.

A jade sculptor named Li Tian Shun, residing in Beijing Old Street, bravely defends a valuable jade ornament that has the power to change the fate of the nation. Despite facing opposition from local criminal groups, Li Tian Shun remains steadfast in his mission to safeguard this national treasure. Alongside other ordinary yet courageous individuals in the neighborhood, such as Chinese opera singer Yang Shang De, camel herder Ding Guang Yuan, and antique dealer Jin Zhao Ji, Li Tian Shun demonstrates unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. The arrival of Ding Liu Lan, a Communist revolutionary, brings a glimmer of hope for a brighter future to Old Street.

Amidst numerous challenges posed by U.S. and Jiang spy operatives, Police Officer Pang Hong Mei successfully rescued Ji Danyang, a patriotic scientist recently returned from the United States, from an enemy spy. Together, they traveled to Lumen City to take part in the "Water Drop Project." Enemy special forces devised a sabotage mission called "Operation Rock," mobilized their troops, and attempted to dismantle the "Water Drop Project." Pang Hong Mei and Ji Dan Yang engaged in a fierce battle with enemy agents in Lumen, thwarted their scheme, safeguarded the "Water Drop Project," and ultimately achieved the desired outcome. The pair, who endured a life-threatening ordeal, also fulfilled their aspirations and unwavering beliefs.

Xia Feng, an intelligence officer, bravely battled bandits and puppet troops in the Daxing'an Mountains, organized a military force, and conducted explorations for mineral deposits.

The show centers around Shun Liu, a talented marksman who joins the New Fourth Army as a soldier. His remarkable shooting skills are acknowledged, leading him to play a crucial part in multiple military missions against Japanese troops. The series explores concepts of loyalty to one's country, individual development, and the relationships forged during times of war.

In the midst of the Anti-Japanese War, a skilled team of female spies plays a crucial role in overcoming the enemy forces. Guo Chun Guang, a trained operative working for the Communist Party, assumes the guise of a dentist in Shanghai to gather vital information on the opposition. Meanwhile, Gu Xue Feng is appointed as the new head of the Shanghai branch for the Kuomintang (KMT) military government and is entrusted with assembling an all-female special unit called Code Thirteen. Will CanLi Feng Huang successfully lead Code Thirteen in intercepting enemy communications and securing victory in the war? (Viki)

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 story revolves around the foreign community in Shanghai in 1932. It follows a Spy Agent known as Athena, who must balance national warfare and personal family struggles. Liu Li Zi, also known as Goddess of Revenge, appears to be a popular beauty at the Bailemen entertainment house, but she is actually a female spy embedded among Japanese officials seeking revenge for her family. (Michelle Ye's Realm - RM1314)

Based on Mai Jia's novel "Dao Jian," the following information has been derived.