Asian dramas like
The Grand Merchants

In 1946, the Kuomintang dispatched a covert security squad to accompany war criminal Shi Yano from Japan to Nanjing. (DramaWiki)

To honor the 75th anniversary of the triumph in the Second Sino-Japanese War, we celebrate the courageous tale of youthful hunters Yang Tian Zhu, Chang Jiu Kuan, and other brave Chinese individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in the battle for their nation's freedom from the Empire of Japan.

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

A sudden blockade forces militia captain Li Chi Shui to take charge on the front line. He employs tactical strategies to build and train his brigade, which eventually grows stronger. The county brigade is tasked with halting an advance by over 30,000 elite Japanese troops to protect the Eighth Route Army headquarters in the rear. Facing this critical mission, Li Chi Shui requests for a regular main force to be designated. The soldiers of the county brigade march into battle with the chief's promise in mind. They fight relentlessly for days and nights, defending the Eighth Route Army's honor with their lives. After more than a month, the chief returns to the battlefield and fulfills his promise in front of the fallen soldiers' graves. He declares that the designation bestowed upon them will endure for generations, emphasizing their commitment to defending the Chinese nation against any enemy.

Based on true events, the series portrays a tale from the time of the Chinese Civil War. It revolves around a Kuomintang soldier named Zhao Yunfei who switches allegiance after being moved by the principles of the Communist party. Zhao Yunfei infiltrates the Communist stronghold in Yan'an under the guidance of Li Kenong and transforms into a covert intelligence operative. His mission is to embed himself within the Kuomintang ranks as a spy, establishing a secret link for direct communication with the Communist party. Alongside numerous unrecognized heroes, Zhao Yunfei achieves remarkable feats as a clandestine agent. Prior to the Liaoshen campaign, he is tasked with intercepting confidential military information at Liao Yaoxiang's headquarters. Following the liberation of Chongqing, Zhao Yunfei utilizes his familiarity with former Kuomintang military members to collaborate with the Public Security Bureau in unveiling enemy spies. (ChineseDrama.info)

Derived from Du Liang's book "Sword Sketch."

The show depicts the Chinese National Revolutionary Army Expeditionary Force in Burma battling the Imperial Japanese Army in the 1942 Battle of Yunnan-Burma Road within the Second Sino-Japanese War. The plot revolves around a handful of soldiers seeking shelter in Yunnan and is recounted from the perspective of Meng Fanliao, a Beiping student who becomes a soldier and is portrayed as limping.

The narrative revolves around a team of scholars determined to safeguard valuable artifacts to protect their country's heritage. Following the Mukden Incident in September 18, 1931, Northern China faced a dire situation. Ren Hong Yi, a military official of the Kuomintang, and Zhou Ruo Si, an employee in the cultural division of the Forbidden City, are entrusted with the duty of securely transporting national treasures further South to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Despite the obstacles they encounter, they maintain the belief that as long as China's cultural origins are preserved, the nation will endure.

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

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.

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.

The narrative revolves around the camaraderie and unity among four diverse young men. It illustrates the harsh journey of their adolescence and conveys a valuable civilian anti-war tale. (DramaWiki)

"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.

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.

Set on the border between China and Myanmar, this story depicts a daring mission by a team of four individuals who venture into enemy territory for a rescue operation. In the summer of 1942, a series of Japanese attacks forced the British and American forces to retreat from Myanmar. With the advantage in their favor, the Japanese aim to breach the defense lines at Nujiang in their quest to invade China. During the conflict, an American aircraft is hit and its pilot goes missing. Despite an unsuccessful attempt by a US rescue team, the Chinese authorities decide to send Hong Zi Jie, a member of the Communist resistance, to lead a specialized team on a mission to rescue the missing pilot.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

During the Qing Dynasty, a princess witnesses the downfall of her family. She navigates through challenging circumstances and grows into a successful businesswoman. Tong Yu Wan, despite her royal background, represents a new wave of empowered women in the Republican era. Her affection for Zhou Ting Chen develops after he saves her from danger, but she is ultimately married off to Du Yun Tang, the son of a wealthy businessman, by her parents. Du Yun Tang may seem carefree on the surface, but he proves to be a valuable and strategic business partner for Yu Wan. Meanwhile, Zhou Ting Chen becomes involved in revolutionary activities, while his friend Li Shao Feng poses as the only son of the Li family and offers his sister Li Xue Mei to warlord Shen Zhi Pei. At the same time, Li Shao Feng works for a Japanese company and becomes a fierce competitor to the Du family in the race for development projects. Yu Wan finds herself entangled in complex relationships with various individuals in her life, including her lover Zhou Ting Chen, husband Du Yun Tang, friend Li Xue Mei, foe Li Shao Feng, and twins Qing Ping and Hong Yu.