Asian dramas like
The Empress Of China

The sudden passing of Wu Mei Niang's infant daughter led to speculation that the childless Empress Wang Ni Jun may have been involved in a possible murder. To clear the Empress' name, her former lover Ming Chong Yan and close friend Helan Xin Er decided to investigate the tragic event. Their inquiry revealed that the infant's death was just one part of a larger conspiracy to take over the palace. The storyline is divided into three parts based on Chinese mythological figures representing man, ghost, and demon.

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.

The series follows the story of Princess Tai Ping, the offspring of China's sole empress, Wu Ze Tian.

Born as the daughter of a humble servant, Wei Zi Fu lacks wealth and status, but possesses undeniable beauty and virtue. After catching the eye of Princess Ping Yang and Emperor Wu Liu Che while entertaining at court, Zi Fu's life takes a drastic turn as she becomes Liu Che's cherished empress. However, she must navigate a treacherous high society filled with deceitful courtiers and ulterior motives while trying to maintain her innocence and purity.

Li Bing He and Li Yu Fan are fraternal twins who have shared identical dreams since childhood. When Li Yu Fan falls into a coma following a car accident, Li Bing He attempts to utilize their shared dream world to bring her back. In this dream, Li Yu Fan becomes the esteemed Wu Mei Niang, her admirer Da Gang transforms into the court jester, and Li Bing He takes on the role of the Lord of Nan Chang. Together, they navigate a world filled with palace conspiracies where only the most cunning can survive. (DramaWiki)

Amidst the challenges within the grand palace and the allure of authority, will love endure and friendships remain steadfast? Zhan Xinghan, Mu Feiyan, and Xing Yingdie, childhood companions, find their lives transformed after the separation of lovers Zhan Xinghan and Mu Feiyan. Mu Feiyan is relocated to the palace to serve as an imperial concubine. Xing Yingdie remains untainted beyond the palace walls, witnessing the transformation of Mu Feiyan as she navigates deceit and manipulation in her pursuit of power.

The narrative unfolds during the Tang Dynasty, beginning from the latter part of Wu Ze Tian's rule to Emperor Xuan Zong's rise to power.

During the prosperous era of the Tang dynasty, a youthful individual by the name of Di Ren Jie traveled to the capital to participate in an imperial examination. While in the midst of the assessment, he thwarted an assassination plot aimed at Empress Wu. Impressed by his courage and cleverness, the empress tasked him with delving into the incident.

"Dong Yi" is a historical series that tells the story of Dong Yi, who later became known as Choi Suk Bin. Initially, she served as a humble water maid in the royal palace. King Sok Jong chose Choi to be his concubine, and she later gave birth to Yeong Jo, his second son, who would go on to become the future king of Joseon. Following Yeong Jo's birth, Dong Yi would be elevated to the status of Suk Bin.

Becoming an empress involves facing deceit and betrayal on the path to power. Ru Yi, a consort, adeptly maneuvers through the treacherous political landscape of the royal court to ascend the ranks. Despite achieving the title of Empress, Ru Yi must constantly navigate numerous plots and schemes against her. Even as she overcomes obstacles, her relationship with Emperor Qianlong deteriorates. Can Ru Yi hold onto her position as Empress amidst such challenging circumstances? (

During the seasons of Spring and Autumn, the nation was protected by King Wu's sons, Bo Jian and Zhong Hao. Bo Jian was born to Madam Zhao, while Zhong Hao was born to Concubine Wu Xian. King Wu was filled with happiness upon the birth of his two sons, and the entire country celebrated. Bo Jian was appointed as Wei Xuan Wang's successor by defender Wu Wangxuan, and Zhong Hao was given the title of Yong Jia Hou. Han Ying Zhu sought revenge against Hong Shun in the capital for his father's death, with Bo Jian's assistance in bringing Hong Shun to justice. Both Bo Jian and Zhong Hao developed feelings for Ying Zhu, who agreed to marry Bo Jian. Zhong Hao, yearning for power, found himself at a loss.

Di Renjie, a government official and investigator during the Tang dynasty, delves into enigmatic homicides.

The story follows a smart and compassionate woman who enters the inner court as a concubine, using her love for the people to make significant contributions to the country. While the palace politics may be familiar, the narrative is captivating and engaging.

In the era of Emperor Shang of Tang, Steven Ma and Alice Chan led a revolt against the corrupt Empress, who had tainted the court. They backed Lee Lung Kei in his bid to regain the throne. Although the palace seemed to be returning to tranquility, hidden dangers loomed on the horizon. The once united camp of Alice and Steven within the court began to splinter, creating discord. Meanwhile, Steven's wife, Nancy Wu, and favored concubine, Chrissie Chau, clashed over their beauty in the inner palace. Amidst the treachery, a few individuals maintained their integrity. The valiant imperial guards, Kenneth Ma and Edwin Siu, along with the composed department heads, Jacqueline Wong and Annie Liu, brought a touch of romance and mystery to the otherwise somber palace halls. Some would sacrifice everything for love, while others would forsake their principles for power. Mysterious incidents unfolded within the palace, hinting at a long-hidden secret that exposed humanity's insatiable thirst for power and riches.

Xie Yao Huan is an imagined female investigator in the Tang dynasty, known for unraveling multiple enigmatic cases while serving under Empress Wu Ze Tian.

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.

Drawn from the tales of Wu Ze Tian and Di Ren Jie, the series centers on a mystical pearl concealing a little-known secret that triggers a series of perplexing incidents. (D-addicts)

The plot revolves around the connection between Wu Ze Tian, the sole woman to ever rule as an emperor in Chinese history, and Xie Yao Huan, an imagined female official who works in Wu's palace.

Xu He Zi, a talented singer and dancer hailing from Yongxin, Jiangxi, finds herself enamored with her childhood companion, the scholar Yin Meng He. Despite her affections, she is forcefully taken from her home by local authorities and transported to the palace in Chang'an. Upon entering the imperial harem, she becomes entangled in a power struggle between Consort Mei and Imperial Consort Yang. Despite her desire to depart the palace, fate intervenes and she catches the attention of Emperor Xuan Zong with her melodic voice, leading him to bestow upon her the title of "Singing Consort".

Deputy Marshal Gao Bing Zhu is under suspicion for a crime and must clear his name. During his investigation, he crosses paths with Baili Hong Yi, who is on a quest to uncover the truth about his father's death. Together, they work to solve both mysteries. A wealthy woman skilled in martial arts approaches Gao for information, despite their social differences and initial animosity, they team up. As they delve deeper into their investigation, they stumble upon a shocking conspiracy that puts Luoyang at risk and leaves Gao with blood on his hands.

Liu Yong, a respected official known for his loyalty to the emperor, compassion towards the people, and sense of justice, was tasked with investigating corruption in Shandong province. Governor Fu Guotai had been embezzling funds under the guise of tribute to the emperor, while harshly punishing those unable to pay taxes and silencing critics. Emperor Qianlong appointed Liu Yong and He Shen to look into the matter. Despite pressure from influential figures, including the imperial concubine and court officials with vested interests, Liu Yong remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice, ultimately holding Fu Guotai accountable for his corrupt actions. (cdramainfo)

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.

Dik Yan Kit was a renowned chancellor in ancient China, serving during both the Tang Dynasty and Zhou Dynasty. He earned the trust of Mo Chak Tin, who was the ruler at the time. Unfortunately, Mo Sing Chi, the Empress's nephew, harbored jealousy towards Dik and falsely accused him of plotting with his son-in-law, Sung Ting Yuk, to take over the throne. As a result, Dik's family was captured, but he managed to escape amidst the chaos. In a bid to further harm Dik, Mo Sing Chi threatened to harm Dik's wife, Cho Yuet. The question remains - will Dik Yan Kit emerge victorious against his adversaries?

The plot of this series revolves around Empress Wu Zetian, Emperor Gaozong, and Di Renjie as they navigate through different adventures, including investigations at the Buddhist Monastery, the downfall of Empress Wang, and schemes to take over the throne.

In the era of the Warring States, Li Hao Lan is expelled from her household and sold into slavery despite being the daughter of the Public Censor of Zhao. She is bought by Lu Bu Wei and given to Ying Yi Ren, a Qin Royal serving as a hostage to ensure peace between the Qin and Zhao states. Their arrival sparks a perilous conflict, forcing them to use their cunning to stay alive. Can Hao Lan achieve triumph over the challenges in her life? (Viki)

The events unfold during the decline of the Tang Dynasty. Li Jing Liu is a wealthy businessman, while Long Ao Yi is the head of the Longzhu Sect. A mysterious break-in rocks the city, setting the two powerful figures against each other. Long Ao Yi, the leader of the Lower Jiuliu, represents the lower class made up of performers, tailors, confectioners, matchmakers, thieves, burglars, and courtesans. On the other side is Li Qing Liu, a wealthy silk merchant and the influential leader of the Upper Jiuliu and the upper class. Despite their differences, the two must put aside their biases and shift from adversaries to allies as they navigate the streets of Chengdu, distant lands, and the royal court of the Tang Dynasty. Their journey takes them through battles in both the martial arts world and the business realm as they learn to work together.

Centered on the rule of Emperor Wu Zhe Tian, Detective Di Ren Jie is tasked with multiple assignments from the Empress. Throughout his adventures, he comes across a variety of enigmas.

Mi Yue, the daughter of King Wei of Chu, made history as the first female stateswoman in China. The drama chronicles her eventful life, from becoming a concubine and being separated from her first love Huang Xie, to facing banishment and ultimately ascending to become China's inaugural Empress Dowager.

Following a series of unexpected events, Cheng Shao Shang and Ling Bu Yi are set to wed with the approval of the Emperor. However, they still face numerous challenges ahead. Cheng Shao Shang, who was neglected and abandoned in her youth, must now refine herself into a lady befitting Ling Bu Yi's status under the guidance of the Empress. Despite valuing her independence, she finds herself constrained by her engagement to Ling Bu Yi. Ling Bu Yi, on the other hand, is on a mission to uncover the truth behind his clan's massacre and seek revenge, all while harboring his own secrets. Will they be able to overcome these obstacles and create a bond that outshines the stars in the sky?

Kang Eun Bo is resolute in her quest to seek justice for her twin sister’s murder during the deeply traditional Joseon Dynasty. To achieve her goal, she must secure the royal title of Queen, which entails winning the affection of King Lee Kyung, who prioritizes political stability over romantic pursuits. As Kang Eun Bo vies with other women for the king's attention, she discovers that he remembers her from a dream, leading to an unforeseen connection. Will she be able to uncover her sister's murderer while navigating the intricate dynamics of love and power?

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.

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)

The Imperial Household Bureau in the Tong Dynasty oversees the management of all household services for the Emperor and the Imperial family. It consists of four departments: Jewels, Attire, Food, and Furnishings. Lan Sam Ho and Yiu Kam Ling are brought into the bureau at a young age and raised in the palace's strict disciplines. Yuen Tsui Wan, the Head of Jewels, and Chung Suet Ha, the Head of Attire, both admire Sam Ho for her kind-hearted nature. They compete for her favor, as Sam Ho always remembers her mother's advice to do good deeds, speak good words, and show goodwill. In contrast, Kam Ling believes in using ruthless tactics to survive in the palace, eventually becoming a concubine through deceit. Despite realizing Sam Ho's love for the chess master Ko Hin Yeung, Kam Ling's jealousy is sparked by Sam Ho's connection with Emperor Lee Yi. In a bid to maintain her power, Kam Ling falsely accuses Sam Ho of murdering the Empress, leading to Sam Ho's wrongful condemnation to death. However, Kam Ling's schemes do not unfold as planned, highlighting the message of the drama that "benevolence" ultimately leads to victory.

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.

A tale of healing old wounds and resentment that have strained the relationship between Xiao Dingquan and his father, the King. Despite being the crown prince, Xiao Dingquan (played by Luo Jin) was not favored by his father (portrayed by Huang Zhizhong). Through various experiences, he has evolved into a wise and brave man. When Qi Wang (portrayed by Jin Han) was banished, Xiao Dingquan planned to depart peacefully with Lu Wenxi (played by Li Yitong) but soon realized she was in danger from unknown enemies. Tired of the constant conflict and chaos, Xiao Dingquan seeks to resolve the situation through Zhao Wang's marriage. Teaming up with Lu Wenxi and Xu Changping (portrayed by Wang Yu), Xiao Dingquan aims to uncover the mastermind and shift the odds in their favor. As news of Gu Silin's demise spreads and Xiao Dingquan heads to Changzhou to take control, the King finally expresses regret and apologizes to his son.

In a twist of fate, a young man is mysteriously sent back to the Tang Dynasty where he is greeted by a bevy of lovely women. seizing the opportunity, he introduces innovations like perfume, soccer, and other advanced gadgets that quickly make him a beloved figure in this ancient time period. Will he ultimately choose to remain in the past, forsaking his modern life altogether? "Man Comes to Tang Dynasty" marks the debut of the initial Chinese historical Web drama series.

Huang Cai Wei was betrothed to Bai Qian Feng before he disappeared during a business trip and was believed to be deceased. As a result, she was compelled to wed his brother, Bai Qian Sheng. Bai's evident partiality toward Huang sparked envy among his other wives, particularly his main spouse, Ma Fu Fang. Huang navigated through the schemes of the women using her intelligence. However, when her original betrothed reappeared alive, she found herself in a difficult position where she was unable to extricate herself.

In the Tang Dynasty, Eunuch Ju murders five government officials to cover up his crimes, but Prime Minister Mu discovers the evidence. When Prime Minister Mu's daughter, Mu Fu Rong, rejects a forced marriage and attempts suicide, she is rescued by a mysterious hero. Eunuch Ju now sees Mu Fu Rong and her family as his enemies due to the rescue incident.

The tale of Sima Yi, a skilled statesman and tactician from the Three Kingdoms period. Alongside him are his shrewd female family members, facing off against the powerful Cao Cao and his successors. Who will emerge victorious in the battle for ultimate power after defending Wei from the formidable Kongming? (Viki)

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)

Ko Sing possesses knowledge in both literary works and martial arts. Despite being an official, he is the person Emperor Kin Lung turns to for solving complex issues. Sing travels to Yangzhou in order to locate the emperor's beloved, Yu Yee. He discovers that Yee has been traded to the proprietor of a well-known brothel named So Sam. Unbeknownst to Sing, the brothel serves as a refuge for vulnerable girls. Misinterpreting the situation, Sing mistakenly believes that Sam coerces young girls into prostitution. Yee becomes entangled in a homicide case. Sam, also recognized as the "Chivalrous Prostitute", makes every effort to rescue her. It is only then that Sing comprehends the true nature of Sam.

In "Jang Hee Bin," we follow the tale of a young court servant who captivates the King with her beauty and becomes his concubine. Through her rapid ascent in status and the birth of her son, she is motivated by a strong desire for power, leading her to not only secure her position but to ultimately become Queen.

The plot revolves around Kwangjong, who served as the monarch during the reign of the Koryo Dynasty from 918 to 1392.

Illustrates the beautiful romance and aspirations of Won Gyeong and Yi Bang Won, who immediately connected upon their first encounter