Asian dramas like
The Last Concubine

The drama portrays the early years of Li Yu Qin, the final noblewoman in Chinese history and one of the last wives of Pu Yi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty. It delves into the complexities of their relationship and the tale of an ordinary Chinese woman who challenged imperial authority to seek happiness. Set between 1942 and 1957, the series draws from Aisin Gioro Pu Yi's life, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster between Pu Yi and Noble Lady Fu, his ultimate noblewoman.

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.

Yang Gui Fei, known as one of ancient China's Four Great Beauties, is the central figure in this drama depicting the complexities of her romantic life. She was originally married to Prince Shou, a son of Emperor Xuan Zong, but caught the emperor's eye and was forced to divorce her husband. Becoming Xuan Zong's imperial consort, she was known as Yang Gui Fei. Xuan Zong's infatuation with her caused him to neglect his duties as emperor, leading to a power struggle involving An Lu Shan and Yang Guo Zhong, who had gained power through Yang Gui Fei's influence. The consequences were severe, with Yang Gui Fei being blamed for a rebellion that forced Xuan Zong to make a difficult decision.

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."

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.

This story delves into the intense power struggle among imperial consorts during the Qing Dynasty. The Forbidden Palace is divided into two factions: Chuan Fei and Xiang Bin. Fearing the loss of the emperor's favor, Chuan seeks a replacement in the imperial concubine selection to rival Xiang for the position of Empress. Si Lin Chun escapes on her wedding day to participate in the selection and encounters a man named Ding An along the way. Jing Zhen and Lord Yi Hui, who have been close since childhood, are in love, but Jing decides to become a beloved concubine for the sake of improving relations with Mongolia. Desperate, Lord Yi Hui constantly seeks out Jing, while Si finds comfort in Lord Yi Hui. The complicated love triangle adds further chaos to the Forbidden Palace.

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.

In 1941, a group of Chinese soldiers, under the leadership of Pan Tiande, were defeated by the Japanese forces. They sought refuge in the Soviet Union by seeking assistance from the Soviet army. Officer Natasha took on the responsibility of training them. Through the subsequent military engagements, Pan's patriotism and courage deeply touched Natasha, leading to a romantic relationship between them. Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Pan chose to contribute to the country as a mechanic, while Natasha pursued a career as a Soviet mechanic specialist after completing her education. As they were preparing for their wedding, Natasha received orders to return to the Soviet Union, resulting in a heart-wrenching departure. Natasha later wrote to Pan, informing him that she had settled near the border, eagerly awaiting his return.

Taking place amidst the clashes between nationalists and communists, the narrative showcases the confrontations between the New Fourth Army and the Japanese special units. Shao Hua, a successful businessman and the head of Shao Family Group, has established himself as a key supporter of the Communist Party in Yugang city due to his exceptional intellect and engineering abilities. Amidst internal conflicts within the town, Shao Hua teams up with Kuomintang's captain Bu DeXian to uncover the root cause of the disturbances, which is revealed to be a captivating and enigmatic journalist named Shen Zi Qing.

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)

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.

Qu Yuan, a gifted child from a respectable family, finds himself in an unexpected romance with Mo Chou Nu, a slave. Their love is hindered by their social differences, leading them to face numerous challenges as they navigate through political intrigues and palace schemes in their quest to be together. The narrative also chronicles Qu Yuan's gradual efforts to protect his nation.

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

Between 1925 and 1949, the show follows three siblings from a large family in Liling county, Hunan province as they navigate the turbulent political landscape of 20th century China. Their journey unfolds amidst key historical moments including the First United Front, Second United Front, the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45), Chinese Civil War, and the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

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.

In 1938, in the city of Harbin in Heilongjiang, China, Zhou Yi, a special agent for the Communist Party, has successfully infiltrated enemy territory posing as a high-ranking official. Gu Qiu Yan, an experienced telegraph operator, has been sent by the Communists to pretend to be Zhou Yi's wife. They must now confront the meticulous and formidable Guomindang special agent, Gao Bin, who could reveal their true identities at any moment. Initially struggling to cooperate, Zhou Yi and Gu Qiu Yan slowly start to develop their relationship.

In a previous existence, Shen Ming Xia, a young palace maid, suffered mistreatment from Concubine Zhao and met her demise at the hands of Concubine Luo. Reborn and given a second chance, she found herself back in time before her initial entry into the palace. Determined to seek vengeance, she utilized her intelligence and memories of her past life to navigate dangerous situations and avoid harm. As she earned the emperor's affection, she uncovered a connection between her previous death and the queen. Engaging in a covert battle with the queen once more, she ultimately revealed her true identity as the emperor's beloved confidante.

This tale revolves around Dongfang Shuo, a scholar during the Han dynasty who served as a court jester to Emperor Wu of Han. Unlike other scholars and officials in Emperor Wu's era, Dongfang Shuo had unique qualities. Despite falling in love with both a prostitute named Luo Qi and Princess Ping Yang, his unconventional advice was often disregarded, resulting in no change in his rank. Surprisingly, Emperor Wu never punished Dongfang Shuo and allowed him to remain by his side. Dongfang Shuo's intelligence was evident as he mediated conflicts within the Emperor's harem, modified Heqin's strategies, and provided counsel on how to combat the Xiongnu. However, the Emperor's arrogance led to setbacks for his empire, with the Xiongnu winning multiple battles and the loss of the young general Huo Qu Bing in combat. Realizing the Emperor's unwillingness to heed his advice, Dongfang Shuo eventually parted ways with him.

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.

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)

A century after the establishment of the Communist Party of China, Faith Makes Great showcases various historic tales depicting the relentless efforts of the people to achieve their goal of revitalizing the nation. The main themes include: "Ice and Fire" focusing on Shougang workers transitioning to ice-surfacing for the Winter Olympics, "173 meters" highlighting the Lanyu Railway Construction, "Rock Sugar" narrating Deng Jia's role as the chief commander of atomic bomb theory design, "The Next Hundred Years" showcasing the restoration of cultural relics in the Forbidden City, "Family" following a Medical Aid Team, "Button" exploring the first small private business, "Time Train" depicting high-speed rail construction, and "Your Eyes" portraying the protection of the Yunnan Golden Monkey. (ChineseDrama.info)

The play portrays the exciting and daring experiences of Wang Zhao Jun, a member of the Four Beauties from ancient China who were capable of influencing kingdoms with their stunning looks. Wang is celebrated not just for her remarkable beauty, but also for her intelligence and strength. This highlights the influence of women in a society that is predominantly male-dominated.

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.

In Kashgar, a landlord named Osman tries to offer Anarxan as a concubine to Commissioner Emin, but she refuses because she loves Qurban. This refusal leads to persecution by Osman. At the same time, Emin and Inspector Masha stand against the Communist Party's progress, while Raxman supports the People's Liberation Army in hopes of a better future. The villagers come together to resist oppressive landlords, setting the stage for a fresh start. This is a remake of the Uyghur film "Anarhan" (1962), which is inspired by a true story.

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.

During times of turmoil, individuals with extraordinary abilities often come to the forefront, much like Lv Bu Wei did during the tumultuous Warring States period in China. As the era drew to a close, Lv Bu Wei journeyed as a trader through the Zhao state before eventually aligning himself with the Qin state. This alliance proved significant as the Qin state, under the rule of Qin Shi Huang, successfully united China for the first time, marking the beginning of China's imperial era.

The story unfolds in China during the Republican era at Hengshan Hospital, focusing on the rivalry between the Communist Party and the KMT in 1930s Shanghai. Ma Tian Ming is an untrustworthy, selfish, and money-hungry individual who resorts to deceit and dishonesty as a means of survival. A chance event entangles Ma Tian Ming in a criminal investigation where he becomes the prime suspect. In an attempt to evade capture, he assumes the identity of Cai LiKun, the head physician at Hengshan Hospital. However, Ma Tian Ming soon discovers that Cai Li Kun is affiliated with the secret Communist Party.

Cheng Ge, a top-tier assassin, gains access to the palace by posing as a personal aide to Emperor Shi Yu. However, she soon finds herself entangled in the fierce rivalries of the court and tormented by sinister secrets from her history, compelling her to make a pivotal decision between her objectives and her own safety.

This series follows the story of Empress Dowager Feng, a formidable ruler of the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Set in the historical backdrop of Emperor Kangxi's reign, this period drama explores themes of romance, betrayal, loyalty, and intrigue within the palace walls. The focus is on the transformation of a Princess from a carefree, naive young lady to a mature woman, wife, and mother, delving deep into the complexities of love, commitment, and happiness. The intertwined love stories of other characters add depth to the narrative, prompting viewers to question the sacrifices demanded by love and loyalty. (Viki)

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.

In the midst of the Chinese Civil War, Yu Ze Cheng operated as a seemingly inconspicuous military officer within the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics under the Kuomintang. However, unbeknownst to many, he also carried out clandestine activities as a Communist Party of China informant.

Da Yu Er, a notable woman in the early Qing Dynasty, played a key role in overseeing three changes of power. Originally a carefree princess exploring the Mongolian grasslands, she harbored hopes of marrying Dorgon, her true love. However, she ultimately wed his sibling, Hong Tai Ji, in a strategic marriage alliance. Throughout her life, she faced a constant internal battle between following her heart and fulfilling her obligations to her family.

A baby boy is born one fateful night, bearing a jade pendant and a mark on his left shoulder that reveals his true identity as the emperor's son. Raised as an orphan named Xue Ping Gui to protect him from threats on his life, he later falls in love with Wang BaoChuan, the third daughter of the emperor's prime minister. Despite their love, they face opposition from her disapproving father and societal norms during the Tang Dynasty. The couple must overcome numerous obstacles and make sacrifices for their love to survive.

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.

An ancient tale of eternal life drives a romantic saga spanning over three thousand years. According to legend, the first Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, dispatched Xu Fu to the eastern seas in search of the elixir of immortality. Tragedy strikes when forbidden love blooms between the maiden Han Dong'er and Meng Tianfang, leading to Han sacrificing herself by feeding Meng the elixir before both are turned into terracotta warriors. Fast forward to modern-day China, where a terracotta warrior mysteriously comes to life and vanishes from the museum. A Japanese man named Haneda, claiming to be Xu Fu's descendant, embarks on a quest to find the living terracotta warrior who consumed the elixir and uncover Emperor Qin's tomb in Xi'an. Meanwhile, actors Zhu Lili and Lan Tian accidentally stumble upon a passageway leading to the tomb. Will they unravel the mystery of the living terracotta warrior, safeguard the Emperor's resting place, and unearth the key to everlasting life?

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 Liberation War commenced in 1945, with Dalian enjoying a semblance of peace following support from the Soviet Union. However, beneath the surface, the signs of conflict were brewing. The Kuomintang forces were preparing to disrupt the peace. Guo Dai Xia, who was being pursued for her involvement in the Anti-Japanese arson group, was tasked by an organization to return to Dalian. It was there that she crossed paths with fellow Communist party member Jiazhuang. Despite their differing personalities, they formed a strong bond and developed romantic feelings for each other. Nevertheless, the battle against the Kuomintang was far from over.

Feng Ning Wan serves as a guardian for the Dowager Empress and possesses a unique ability to transform her appearance into that of others effortlessly. She is tasked with masquerading as a princess to wed Minister Chen Yu. Despite Chen Yu feigning weakness and illness, he is actually a skilled martial artist. As they navigate the complexities of married life, they develop a deep appreciation and love for each other. However, their relationship is tested by deceit and the quest for power.

Throughout the ten-year civil war, Gong Wei Ping, a covert member of the CCP in Beiping, was instructed to establish the party's presence within the independent faction of the remaining Anti-Japanese Allied Army in Chahar. Unfortunately, due to the betrayal of informants, the 25 individuals Gong Wei Ping had identified for development were captured and detained. In an attempt to save their lives, Gong Wei Ping voluntarily surrendered but was deceived. Yu Xue Yao, who harbored feelings for Gong Wei Ping, appealed to her brother, Yu Qin Zhai, a deputy director of the Central Committee, to free him. Yu Qin Zhai agreed to his sister's plea but devised a plan to test Gong Wei Ping's loyalty. Meanwhile, Gong Wei Ping received a secret directive from his superiors under the alias Comrade Zhu Guang, instructing him to infiltrate the Kuomintang Central Unification spy network. To fulfill this mission, Gong Wei Ping had to sever ties with his girlfriend and marry Yu Xue Yao. Unfortunately, Comrade Zhu Guang passed away unexpectedly, leaving Gong Wei Ping cut off from the party organization and his covert assignment a mystery. Faced with this challenge, Gong Wei Ping made the difficult decision to adopt a new identity, Gong Xiang Guang, and embarked on a perilous path to fulfill his mission. On his wedding night, he cleverly eliminated the traitors within the Japanese-affiliated underground party.