Asian dramas like
The Little Nyonya

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.

In 1937, Japanese forces took control of Manchuria. Ku Ping On and her close friend Tin Hau Yi traveled to Nanjing with her ill mother to find her father, Ku Man Chai, who owned the largest rice company in the city. To her surprise, she learned that Hau Yi, whom she thought was her fiancé, was in love with Cheng Yuet Fung, her father's fourth wife. Subsequently, Poon Sai Cheung, who collaborated with the Japanese, "acquired" Ping On.

A Chinese TV show that tells the story of King Goujian from the ancient state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. (Wikipedia)

Taking place during the Republican era, rural girl Wan Xin was offered to the frail Wu Hui Xiang as a servant to protect against misfortune. Despite her humble position, Wan Xin manages to impress the matriarch with her wit and assists in safeguarding the Wu family from their power-hungry sons and relatives.

"A Leaf in the Storm" portrays the tale of two households and youthful romantics at the onset of the Sino-Japanese Conflict. Derived from Lin Yu Tang's book "Feng Sheng He Li."

Following the conclusion of the First World War, a cohort of international students delved into the realm of mathematics at Princeton University in the tranquil nation of America. Among them were Chinese scholar Wen Wei Jun and Japanese student Shan Ben Kang Fu, who not only shared a dormitory but also a profound friendship. Their bond was tested when they found themselves entangled in a romantic triangle with their classmate Qing Tian Xiu, a Japanese young woman of exquisite beauty, intelligence, and noble lineage. However, as the shadows of World War II loomed over the horizon and tensions escalated between China and Japan, the former comrades, now seasoned code-breakers, were destined to become bitter rivals.

Deng Gui Chan, a powerful female entrepreneur nicknamed "Seventh Master", is fiercely competitive and unafraid to take risks

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.

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

During the early 1900s in China, Xiao Yue Gui, a young girl from the countryside, moves to Shanghai to avoid starvation. By rescuing Yu Qi Yang, a member of the Pujiang Association, the most powerful gang in Shanghai, she gains access to the leaders of the organization. This leads her to start working at their brothel, which alters the course of her life. Xiao Yue Gui is now on a journey to become the next "King of Shanghai," following in the footsteps of three previous generations, as depicted in Hong Ying's novel.

Due to financial difficulties, Wen Yu He's father agreed to have her marry into the Gu family as the wife of Madam Gu's third son. With Madam Gu's first son missing and her second son deceased, all hope was placed on Yu He and her remaining brother-in-law. The third son, Shao Tang, is known for his reckless behavior, spending time in brothels and gambling away his money. Madam Gu believed that Yu He could positively influence her son. Yun Kai, a school teacher, disguised himself as a groundskeeper to work in the Gu household, assisting with accounting and the family's lantern business. Despite facing mistreatment from her older sister-in-law, Yu He remains devoted to Shao Tang. As tensions rise and hidden agendas come to light, the Gu family's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.

The film narrates four poignant tales of a man's growth from adolescence to adulthood in the previous century, as well as his remarkable quest for a dream abroad

In the 1930s, the setting for this tale is in the southern region of Fujian

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

Shen Xin Ci escapes from her dangerous fiance, Liang Yong Chang, after discovering the truth. Along the way, she encounters Zhao Shi Jun, who shows compassion by giving her money to settle her father's medical bills. Following her father's passing, Xin Ci resolves to find Shi Jun and repay his kindness, regardless of the request. To resolve conflicts between Shahe Town and Wan Jia Village and secure the water supply, Zhao Shi Jun is compelled to marry Mayor Wan's daughter, Wan Qiu Ling. On their journey to Qiu Ling's new home, she falls ill due to a lifelong condition but is saved by a mysterious doctor, Liang Yong Chang. He offers a cure for her illness but warns that she will be unable to conceive in the future. Determined to continue her family line, Qiu Ling follows Yong Chang's advice and switches places with another girl to ensure pregnancy. Unbeknownst to Yong Chang, the other girl happens to be his former fiance, Shen Xin Ci. Now, Yong Chang seeks revenge on Zhao Shi Jun and anyone else in his path.

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.

"The Tale of Qin Cheng" narrates the renowned saga of Meng's Household and Lin's Household near the Yellow River. In the past, Meng Xiang He, the heir of Meng's clan, wedded Lin Xiang Yu, the offspring of Lin's Household, in an arranged marriage. However, he absconded shortly after the ceremony. Consequently, Meng's Household agreed to a settlement: if Meng Xiang He did not return within six years, they would compensate Lin's Household with ten thousand silver dollars and over sixty thousand square meters of land. After six years, Meng Xiang He reappeared with his newfound lover as his wife. This led to a complex web of emotions involving both families and wives. Leveraging his business acumen, he amassed a fortune through trading hookahs and rose to become the wealthiest individual in Qingcheng, earning himself the status of a legendary figure. As the prolonged feud neared its conclusion, the true identity of the main antagonist was finally revealed. (Q1Q2)

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s, this famous story follows the journey of Zhang Lian Xin, a former maid who defies her predetermined fate during China's conflict with Japan. In her pursuit of liberty and affection, Lian Xin becomes entangled in Zhang Wen Jin's plot to overthrow his father, leading to her and Chong Yang being falsely accused of a crime. As they face numerous challenges while battling against Wen Jin and the Japanese forces, Lian Xin and Chong Yang develop a romantic relationship. In an attempt to protect Chong Yang, Lian Xin chooses to turn down He Tian, a wealthy admirer who is deeply in love with her, and instead weds Ma Kun, the influential leader of Shanghai Bund's underworld. Upon uncovering Ma Kun's true nature and facing the wrath of the Japanese, Lian Xin and Chong Yang make the ultimate sacrifice by relinquishing their love and lives in the name of freedom and justice.

This tale revolves around the intertwined themes of love and vengeance between the prominent Tang and Shen families in the town. Spanning two generations, the emotional dynamics and connections of the first generation echo through the second. Upon completing his studies and coming back home, Qi Jun enters into an arranged marriage with Yong En, oblivious to her true identity. Yong En, raised in an unwelcoming environment with her father and his mistress, harbors a secret past. Meanwhile, Ting Xuan and Ting Liang engage in a fierce rivalry for control of the family business.

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 play celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Gutian Congress held in December 1929 depicts the journey of a Red Army unit overcoming internal conflicts to focus on their goal of advancing agriculture. (chinesedrama.info)

Consort Shun expressed her discontent with her elder sister Consort Yu by spreading rumors about her within the palace. The nanny, Sheung Ling, had ulterior motives as she pretended to help uncover the truth for others, when in reality she was scheming for personal gain. She managed to earn Consort Yu's trust and they became close friends. The arrival of Kunqu Opera artist Ko Lau Fei and FaDan Wan Chau Yin stirred up emotions among the women in the palace. Feeling threatened by Consort Yu interfering with her plans, Shun devised a cunning scheme. Unexpectedly, she found herself entangled in a complicated relationship with Ling and Fei. To further manipulate her sister, Shun enlisted the help of fortune-teller Tung Kat Hoi, who was seen as eccentric by the public but was privy to the true madness within the Forbidden City.

In the 1600s, during the Qing invasion, a romantic tale unfolds between a noblewoman and a mysterious man who arrives in her hometown. Yu Gil Chae, known as the 99 tailed fox of Neunggun-ri, is a charming yet somewhat spoiled young woman who is not well-liked by her peers due to their jealousy of her straightforward nature. Despite her ability to attract suitors, she struggles to win over the one she desires. Lee Jang Hyun, an enigmatic newcomer to Neunggun-ri, garners mixed opinions from the young nobles but gains favor with the elderly. His interest is piqued by the 99 tailed fox, and their paths collide unexpectedly. As war looms on the horizon, the pair is torn apart before they can explore their burgeoning emotions.

They are foes and allies, romantic competitors and siblings. In 1949, a crucial battle unfolds due to secretive directives. Justice clashes with malevolence, a clandestine and enigmatic organization, and a gripping enigma. Zhou Bo Xun, the assistant of the Inspection Division in the 108th Division of the Kuomintang, encounters Lin Qian Ru, a nurse, and they instantly fall in love in 1948. However, Lin Qian Ru is uneasy as she is aware of her cousin Jiao Zhi Xin's deep affection for her. Jiao Zhi Xin and Professor Li Zheng Ting are closely watched as they sketch structural plans of Beijing's landmarks. Professor Li sacrifices himself to protect the drawings from the Kuomintang, leading to Jiao Zhi Xin's arrest and execution by Zhou Bo Xun.

The tale takes place in the early Minguo period within a concealed library. Fan Zhen holds the books passed down from his forebears in high regard and protects them fiercely. Fan Shu Han, Fan Zhen's adopted son, possesses an extraordinary memory and is infatuated with Lin Ruo Yun, the daughter of his father's long-time friend Lin Zheng Gong. Despite their decision to run away together, their plans are foiled, leading to a tragic outcome. Fan Yu Lian, Shu Han's older sister, is intelligent and sophisticated. She is compelled to marry Lin Shao Qing, Zheng Gong's eldest son, due to family obligations, even though her heart belongs to Fang Zi Wen, a scholar who frequents her family's library.

Taking place during the early Qing dynasty, the plot centers on the love affair between Dorgon and Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang. (Wikipedia)

Lin Wan Ru's family runs a well-known bean shop and they lead a modest, yet fulfilling life. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when Mr. Lin agrees to guarantee his cousin's loan and becomes the primary target of debt collectors. The family loses everything, including their shop and home. To repay the debt, Wan Ru takes a job at Ji Xiang Brothel. Gao Ming Hui, a compassionate and affluent young man who owns a prosperous timber business, empathizes with Wan Ru and falls in love with her. Despite his mother's strong disapproval, Ming Hui rescues Wan Ru from her difficult situation at the brothel and decides to marry her.

Taking place in the Ming dynasty under the Yongle Emperor's reign, the story follows a young girl named Yao Zi Jin, who joins the palace as a maid in the food bureau. Despite the challenges within the palace walls, she remains steadfast and gradually climbs the ranks while honing her skills, forming friendships, and experiencing an unexpected love story. Her romance with Zhu Zhan Ji not only adds a touch of drama, but also highlights the historical accomplishments and personal lives of three remarkable Ming emperors. The show paints a vivid picture of a lavish Forbidden City filled with warmth, companionship, romance, and humanity.

In the era of Emperor Wu of Han, Princess Jie You was dispatched to Xiyu as a form of Heqin. In this new land, she faced the challenge of adjusting to her surroundings and managing her husband's harem. Through her dedication, the Han dynasty emerged victorious over the Xiongnu tribe, leading to the spread of Han culture in Xiyu.

Following the Mukden Incident on September 18, 1931, Ma Zhong Qiu and his family's tranquil existence is thrown into turmoil. Ma Zhong Qiu transitions from a humble swordsman to an honorable police officer, and eventually joins the ranks of the Communist Party of China as a soldier. Throughout his journey, he faces numerous challenges and life-threatening situations. Initially driven by the desire to reunite his family in peace, his motivations later shift to fighting for love and eventually, as a defender of his nation and people. Along the way, he crosses paths with dancer Nan Yan and falls deeply in love. Their relationship weathers the storms of war, but their genuine and selfless love becomes a source of strength as they stand together to defend their country.

The story follows the journey of the head chef at the royal palace during the rule of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. Beginning as an unskilled cook with exceptional knife skills, he rises to become the top chef in the palace.

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

Li Ji Shi, a modern-day descendant of the famous Ming Dynasty doctor Li Shi Zhen and owner of an herbal restaurant, encounters Luo Ming Yi, who claims to be a time traveler from the same era. Along with Luo Ming Yi comes Bi Zheng, a member of the Brocaded Robe Guard. Ji Shi agrees to assist them in their quest to return to the Ming Dynasty, hoping to rectify a past mistake that led to his girlfriend, Yan Ting Ting, leaving him. While Bi Zheng is determined to go back to the past to marry Ming Yi, whom he secretly loves, Ming Yi is focused on helping Ji Shi in the present.

The drama narrates the tale of Hong Pei Shan, the Hong family's adopted daughter-in-law, who defied traditional practices and challenged destiny due to her romance with the Hong family's adopted son in the era of the Republic of China

The series revolves around the challenges faced by the main character as she is compelled into a marriage with a high-ranking official of the Kuomintang, also known as the National party.

Master Long and his loyal friend Fang Xiu Cai come together to help their village during a severe outbreak. They later uncover that Madam Long and Master Long are responsible for the disease outbreak. The wicked duo then kills Master Long and blames Fang Xiu Cai for the epidemic, resulting in the demise of the entire Fang family except for Fang Xiu Cai's young son. In a twist of fate, Fang Xiu Cai's son is mistakenly switched with the Long family's son. The true heir of the Long family is raised by the Guan family, while Fang's son grows up in the Long family's care.

Returning to the Spring and Autumn Period two thousand years ago, Qi Sun Wu was not born to be a military commander like his grandfather, but rather a man seeking adventure in foreign lands. After facing family tragedies and being forced to leave his hometown, Wu Tai General started his remarkable career. His love and struggles with the extraordinary woman Yi Luo brought him fame as a General, before he devoted himself to learning from soldiers and becoming a mountain hermit. Sun Wu's life was filled with ups and downs, but with Yi Luo by his side, he never felt lonely.

Li Zi Yun assumes the persona of Shao Chun Hua and starts working as a servant in the palace, forming a bond with Bai Han Xiang. Despite her desire for a quiet life, her cleverness attracts envy, leading Ling Qi Qiao to make things harder for her. After Emperor Ying Zong's passing, the ascension of the Crown Prince as Emperor Xian Zong sparks a rivalry among the women in the Royal Harem.