Asian dramas like
Succession War

Taking place during the Warring States Period, the narrative centers on a remarkable prodigy with a mysterious background. Similar to a chess grandmaster, Wang Chan orchestrates events during turbulent times to suppress rebellion and bolster his nation's power, eventually earning the revered title of Gui Gu Zi. In 390 BC, Wang Cuo aids the Crown Prince of Wei in thwarting a coup, leading to the exile of Wei Huan and the escape of Wu Qi to Chu. Following a momentous victory, Wang Cuo faces retaliation from Wu Qi, who seeks to claim Sun Tzu's The Art of War for himself. Surrounding the manor with five hundred soldiers, Wu Qi massacres all within. Despite the tragedy, Madame Wang gives birth to Wang Chan, who grows up to become a skilled political strategist.

The presence of Sima Yi's swords and Zhuge Liang's fan suggested an upcoming conflict. Part 2 will explore the dynamics between Sima Yi and Emperor Wei Cao Rui. Sima Yi's position as a key figure persists through the reigns of Cao Rui and Cao Fang, during which he faces his most formidable opponent.

In 1761, Ubashi ascended to power as the leader of the Turghut people. Around the same time, Catherine II of Russia increased her attempts to dominate the Turghuts. The oppressed Turghut population desired to rebel and reunite with their homeland in Dzungaria. Therefore, a decade later, Ubashi Khan led 170,000 fellow Turghuts on a significant journey in history known as the great long march.

Fifteen years following the coronation of Emperor Ka Hing during the Qing dynasty, the kingdom seems to be peaceful. However, tensions rise among the imperial concubines as they vie for the emperor's affection. As the triennial imperial concubine selection approaches, all the concubines, including the emperor's favorite Yu Fei, feel anxious. Yu Fei faces competition from imperial descendant Yuk Ying, powerful eunuch's adopted daughter Yi Sun, and experienced imperial servantmaid On Sin. These women are both allies and rivals in the battle for the emperor's love. Yi Sun eventually falls for imperial physician Bak Yeung, who also captures the hearts of courtesan Heung Fou Lady Fuk and his neglected wife. However, Bak Yeung only has eyes for Yuk Ying, the one who least reciprocates his feelings. Meanwhile, as a palace maid, On Sin falls for imperial guard Hung Mou, but he distances himself from her once she becomes a Lady, the emperor's concubine.

The series depicts the sequence of significant occurrences during Sun Yat Sen's lifetime. It covers key events such as the creation of the Tongmenghui, the Wuchang Uprising, the downfall of the Qing dynasty, the founding of the Republic of China, Yuan Shi Kai's ascent and decline in authority, and the National Protection War.

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

This series is inspired by the tale of Lu Bu and Diao Chan from the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. (DramaWiki)

The narrative unfolds in the Northeast during the conflict between Japan and Russia in the final years of the Qing Dynasty, leading up to the September 18th Incident. It depicts the intertwined emotions of three siblings, showcasing both their affection and animosity, as well as their bravery in defending their nation. (DramaWiki)

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.

Lee Lin Yin and On Tak Hoi, who both came from humble backgrounds, were sold into servitude as palace eunuchs when they were young. Under the guidance of senior eunuch Lau Dor San, they formed a strong brotherly bond and rose to prominent positions serving Empress Dowager Ci Xi. However, Tak Hoi's greed strained his relationship with the cautious Lin Yin. As the head eunuch, Chan Fuk felt threatened by their rising influence and began scheming against them. Fortunately, Lin Yin received support from palace maid Sin Yung and eunuch pharmacist Yiu Seung Hei. Meanwhile, tensions rose as Emperor Tong Zi prepared to select his empress, causing concern for Empress Dowager Ci An that Ci Xi would gain more power. To counter this, she allied with the Grand Prince to weaken Ci Xi's position.

To ensure Koryo's independence, Gong Min Wang wed a woman he had no affection for. With Mongolian forces in control of Koryo, he took the Mongolian princess as his wife, believing this alliance might eventually lead to Koryo's liberation. Shin Don, a Buddhist monk, was a key advisor to both Queen Nokuk and King Gong Min in their governance of Koryo.

The narrative revolves around the life of Dae Jo Yeong, who is recognized as the founder of the Balhae kingdom.

In the fight against Japanese forces, the New Fourth Army in Jiangnan displayed great courage. In a particular unit, Guo Jian Guang, serving as an instructor, guided eighteen injured soldiers to Shajiabang for recovery. However, individuals from the "loyal and righteous national salvation army," Hu Chuan Kui and Diao De Yi, pretended to resist the Japanese but actually switched sides. AQing Sao, an undercover Communist Party member, relied on the support of Grandma Sha and other anti-Japanese activists to ensure the safe recuperation and return of the New Fourth Army soldiers. Ultimately, they successfully defeated the entrenched enemy forces at Shajiabang, securing the liberation of the picturesque Jiangnan region south of the Yangtze River.

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.

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

This play is set in the tumultuous Spring and Autumn Period and recounts the famous tale of Gou Jian, the King of Yue, who experienced a downfall and subsequent resurgence. Following his defeat, Gou Jian was taken captive and made a slave by King Fu Chai of Wu. Pretending to be obedient and loyal while secretly plotting his revenge during his captivity, Gou Jian eventually earns the chance to go back to his homeland of Yue. When he resumes his rule, Gou Jian strengthens his kingdom with the assistance of skilled advisers and politicians such as Fan Li and Wen Zhong, while also weakening Wu internally through bribery and strategic diplomacy. The phrase "Wo Xin Chang Dan" symbolizes Gou Jian's perseverance and self-imposed challenges meant to constantly remind himself of the humiliations he endured while under Wu's control. - Lady Zhuge.

The play is set during the seventeenth year of Ming Chongzhen, the first year of Qingshun (1644 AD), to the sixteenth year of Yongli in the Southern Ming Dynasty, and the first year of Qing Kangxi (1662 AD)

Spanning more than 70 years, the series chronicles the rise of Kublai Khan and the events that led to the establishment of the Yuan dynasty in China. Born in 1215 as the son of Tolui, who was the fourth son of Genghis Khan, Kublai's ascent to power was met with treachery from T regene, the wife of Tolui's brother, gedei. T regene viewed Tolui as a threat to her husband's claim to succession, especially as Tolui gained more recognition for his military victories. Despite being favored by his grandfather, Genghis Khan, Kublai faced opposition from T regene who sought to eliminate Tolui's entire family. After Tolui's death by poison, his sons, led by M ngke, sought revenge. T regene accused M ngke and his brothers of plotting against the empire, but Kublai and his mother, Sorghaghtani, managed to mediate the conflict. Escaping from T regene's grasp, Kublai and his family regrouped and slowly expanded their influence. Following the deaths of gedei and G y k, M ngke entrusted Kublai with crucial duties. After M ngke's demise, Kublai engaged in a power struggle with his brother Ariq B ke, emerging victorious to secure his position as Khan and establish the Yuan dynasty in China.

The biography focuses on Mao An Ying, the firstborn son of Mao Ze Dong. (Credit: northkoreatech.org)

In the midst of the War of Liberation, Communist troops devised a plan to liberate China by crossing the Yangtze River and seizing control of the Kuomintang (KMT) capital. The city of Linjiang suddenly emerged as a crucial strategic point for both Communist and KMT forces. Chen Huai Yuan, the brave Commanding Officer of Linjiang and a respected KMT general, found himself in a challenging position as he navigated between the Communist troops and internal conflicts within his own party, torn between siding with the Communists or remaining faithful to the KMT. The presence of spies embedded in Linjiang would ultimately have a significant impact on the final outcome.

This drama explores the journey of Kim Soo Ro, the famed founder of Geumgwan Gaya, the leading city-state within the Gaya confederacy that excelled in maritime trade and iron production during the Three Kingdoms Period. Kim Soo Ro relies on his passionate nature, charm, and intellect as he navigates the protracted political conflicts he faces, including rivalry for the throne from his half-brother and longtime adversary, Ijinashi, his former ally Suk Tal Hae, and the menacing ambitions of Shin Kwi Gan.

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

In ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period, the four prominent families in the Qi state were engaged in fierce competition for political power. Despite their fathers' rivalry, Sun Wu and Guo Wujiu formed a strong friendship and received military training from the renowned strategist Tian Rangju. In the Chu state, Wu Zixu became a fugitive after his father was falsely accused of treason and his family was wiped out by King Ping of Chu. With the help of Sun Wu and Wujiu, Wu Zixu found refuge in the Wu state. The situation in Qi worsened when the Sun clan launched a surprise attack on the Guo and Gao clans, leading to a violent conflict. Wujiu managed to escape from Qi and viewed Sun Wu as his bitter rival from then on. He settled in Chu and became a general. Meanwhile, Sun Wu, devastated by the events, roamed until he settled in Wu state. Through Wu Zixu's introduction, Sun Wu was appointed as the military leader by King Hel of Wu. Sun Wu began his successful career by writing The Art of War and showcasing his strategic brilliance in leading the Wu army to victory in battles against rival states.

The Han Triumph, also referred to as Wind Ode, is a Chinese TV show that depicts events from the early Han dynasty, starting with Liu Bang (Emperor Gao) establishing the dynasty after defeating Xiang Yu. The series also covers the events that led to the rule of Liu Heng (Emperor Wen).

A tale of court intrigues and power struggles among the royal family members and officials during the Kang Xi era is depicted in the drama. After Princess Yi Dan's secret affair with her cousin, Emperor Kang Xi, led to her leaving the palace in shame, she gave birth to Han Xiang before being killed by a schemer. Han Xiang, searching for her origins and her mother's killer, grew up and snuck into the palace disguised as a servant. While there, she became caught up in the palace's rivalries and ambitions. Prince Ge Tai, despite the societal taboos, developed feelings for her and Han Xiang couldn't resist falling for him in return.

The drama narrates the tale of Pu Yi, the final emperor of China

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 narrative is set during the Qing Dynasty and focuses on the Sung and Leung clans. Kwan Wai Lan runs a small enterprise with her eldest son, Leung Jing Yiu, her second son, Leung Jing Hong, her third daughter, Leung Sau Man, and her youngest daughter, Leung Sau Yin. Yiu used to work at the Jiujiang brewery before a calamity drastically changed the destinies of both the Leung and Sung families.

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.

During the Qing Dynasty, a period marked by political corruption and unethical officials, the people of China faced great hardships. Exploiting the chaos, foreign powers launched various invasions on the country. Amidst these turbulent times, a young hero named Song Shi Jie emerged quietly. Born to a jailer, Jie grew up observing the injustices and sorrows of the world from within the prison walls. He came to believe that the concepts of law and justice were distant ideals. Unconcerned with wealth or fame, Jie assisted his friend He Shouxin in achieving success and then set out on his own path to become an official. Alongside his brother Song Ajiu Lang, Jie lived a carefree life, encountering and outsmarting thieves and bullies with ease. His life took a turn when he crossed paths with Linglong, a woman of mysterious background with fierce temperament and exceptional martial arts skills. Despite their initial conflicts, Jie and Linglong's destinies intertwined, leading them to become a devoted couple. Jie's reputation as a skilled lawyer quickly spread throughout the country, attracting numerous clients and important figures seeking his assistance. Together with Linglong, brother Jiu, and maid Xiao Feng, Jie formed an unstoppable team capable of solving any case, big or small. Their keen eyes never missed a detail, ensuring that no case went unsolved.

In a fictional historical drama, Lee Tae becomes the ruler of Joseon after his father, King Sunjong, removes the previous king from power with the assistance of Park Gye Won. Lee Tae aims to govern as a supreme monarch, but faces opposition from the powerful Park Gye Won. Amidst this power struggle within the royal court, Yoo Jung, a noblewoman believed to be Lee Tae's wife, gets caught in the middle.

Empress Wu Ze Tian made history as the only woman to ascend to the throne in ancient China. She was not born into nobility, but rather as the daughter of a wood merchant named Wu Shi Huo. Merchants were viewed negatively in those times, considered greedy and ruthless. Wu Ze Tian's mother, Princess Yang, hailed from the noble Sui Dynasty, which was overthrown by the Tang Dynasty following conflicts between Yang Guang and Li Shi Min. Princess Yang lived a commoner's life until her marriage in her forties, giving birth to two daughters, with Mei Niang being the second. Mei Niang was chosen to enter the Imperial Palace at the age of fourteen during Li Shi Min's reign as emperor. Initially enamored by her beauty, Li Shi Min's attention later shifted to another young woman named Xu Hui, who shared Mei Niang's intelligence and wit. Rumors circulated in Chang'an City about an empress named Wu who would seize power and eliminate the Li family's descendants. Li Shi Min suspected Wu Ze Tian could be this prophesied empress, considering eliminating her as a precaution. However, he ultimately decided to spare her life and advised her to become a nun at Ganye Temple alongside some of his other consorts. In that era, the notion of a woman ruler was deemed preposterous.

On the eve of the 1911 Revolution, Duan Muhai is getting ready for the fire festival at his Nanshan Manor. Duan Muhai, a wealthy man known for his questionable methods of acquiring wealth, has a favorite daughter named Aiyue. Aiyue stands out from the rest of the family for her intelligence, empathy, and clear moral values. Aiyue's servant A Ci is a carefree individual who enjoys dancing with a bamboo pole, smoking, and singing folk songs. During the annual fire festival, two young men named Liu Bo'en and Long Chulai arrive and meet Aiyue and A Ci. Aiyue starts to develop feelings for Bo'en but struggles to express them due to her pride. A Ci, who is deeply in love with Bo'en, tries to take advantage of the situation. Long Chulai admires Aiyue from afar but keeps his feelings hidden due to his insecurities about his appearance. As the 1911 Revolution unfolds and Duan Muhai's family faces hardships, Bo'en is sent to Beijing, and Aiyue is forced into a childhood marriage arrangement and later sold to an opium lord by her heartless husband. However, the ruthless Wang Kun is intrigued by Aiyue's Sandao tea and decides to support her in establishing a tea garden.

The events of the story unfold during the rule of Hong Taiji, the founder of the Qing dynasty. In order to strengthen his military power, he solidified alliances by marrying into both Mongol and Manchu clans. His first marriage was to Jerger of the Khorchin Mongols, who became his main wife. Later on, he further solidified the alliance by marrying Jerger's niece, Dayu'er. Despite this, Hong Taiji showed favoritism towards Dayu'er's half-sister, Harjol, causing tension among the women. Dayu'er then collaborated with Hong Taiji's brother, Dorgon, in a secret plan to place her son on the throne ahead of his elder sons and brothers.

Lord Xin Ling, a prominent figure among the 4 gentlemen in the Warring States Period, develops feelings for the lovely Ru Ji. However, Ru Ji chooses to marry his brother, King An Xi of the Wei state, instead. Refusing to be just a concubine in the palace, Ru Ji seeks to utilize her intelligence and skills. Little does she know, her actions will play a crucial role in rescuing the state of Zhao and altering the course of history.

In the midst of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Qin Chuan bravely stood up against oppressors and corrupt officials to protect his homeland, undergoing a transformation from a scholarly young man to a formidable warrior

In 1932, a 14-year-old girl named Jin Ying Zi, who had a deep love for music, experienced the tragic murder of her family at the hands of the Japanese army. She was taken in by Qiu Yu Hao, a leader fighting against the Japanese, and swore to avenge her family's death. Living among the guerrilla fighters, Jin Ying Zi formed strong bonds with her comrades, viewing them as her new family. However, she once again faced the harsh realities of war, losing the comfort of home. Eventually, the guerrilla forces exhausted their resources in a final battle against the Japanese army. Witnessing the devastating casualties of war, Jin Ying Zi slowly came to understand the true essence of life.

The narrative centers around Chen Ting Jing, a virtuous individual who rises to the position of premier during the Qing Dynasty. In the 23rd year of Kangxi's rule, Chen Ting Jing is tasked by the Emperor to look into a fraudulent incident in Shuntian Village. This event marks the beginning of Chen Ting Jing's challenging efforts to combat corruption and advocate for change, entangling him in the power struggles within the royal court. (ChineseDrama.info)

During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Era, turmoil reigns as feudal lords engage in endless warfare, causing suffering among the people. To alleviate humanity's plight, the sixth daughter of the Jade Emperor, Zhong Li Wu Yan, descends to earth. Formerly a heavenly goddess known for her kindness and compassion, she cannot bear to witness humanity's downfall and volunteers to help them by incarnating into a humble family in a small village. Despite her unattractive appearance, Zhong Li Wu Yan possesses unparalleled skills. In the midst of this chaos, Qi Xuan Wang, the ruler of the powerful Qi State, ascends to the throne but shows no interest in governing. It is fate that brings Zhong Li Wu Yan to the palace, where she becomes a consort to Qi Xuan Wang.

Wang Xuan and Xiao Qi enter into a marriage of convenience to gain influence, but their feelings for each other deepen as they unite to defend their land. Facing a corrupted imperial family and indifferent nobles, Wang Xuan, a strong-willed woman, and Xiao Qi, a man from humble beginnings, find themselves entwined in a prophecy that ties their destinies to the empire's future. Despite being wed to Xiao Qi by her father, Wang Xuan experiences betrayal when he is unexpectedly called away on their wedding night. Kidnapped by the Helan Prince as an act of revenge, Wang Xuan comes to appreciate Xiao Qi's dedication to peace, bringing them closer together. Amid power struggles between the Wang and Xie clans, as well as threats of treachery and rebellion, Wang Xuan risks everything to protect the third prince and secure their future, placing her hope in Xiao Qi to bring about salvation. This story is adapted from the novel "Emperor's Conquest" by Mei Yu Zhe.

In the waning years of the Eastern Han Dynasty, a complex web of power struggles, political scheming, and military aspirations unfolds as leaders, warlords, and government officials compete for supremacy. (Netflix) Derived from the book "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guan Zhong.

The young Crown Prince Xiao Ding Quan faced early losses with the passing of his mother and sister. His relationship with his distant Emperor father is strained due to the influence of his maternal uncle General Gu and the army under his command. Living in constant fear of losing his loved ones, Ding Quan both admires and fears his formidable father, whom he desperately seeks approval from. However, he also dreads the disappointment that may come if he fails to meet his father's expectations. Meanwhile, his scheming elder brother Prince Qi, supported by Chancellor Li Bai Zhou, plots against him, causing harm to those close to Ding Quan and worsening the divide between him and the Emperor. Teacher Lu Shi Yu, a fatherly figure influenced by Confucian values, plays a crucial role in Ding Quan's life. He plans to recommend his daughter Wen Xi as the Crown Princess to help Ding Quan gain a trustworthy ally in court. Ding Quan and Wen Xi cross paths when she assists her troubled brother, leading to a mutual admiration between them. Despite never seeing her face, Ding Quan is drawn to Wen Xi, who later disguises herself as a maid in the Crown Prince's residence to aid her imprisoned father and brother. Together, they work to solve two cases and bring justice to the villains, supporting each other through dangers and sacrifices to bring peace to the nation.

This drama explores the life of King Jeong Jo, the 22nd ruler of Joseon, who is celebrated in Korean history as one of the nation's finest kings, known for his compassion for the people and his governance aimed at benefiting the common folk.