Asian dramas like
The Mantis Killer

Gu Han Sen, a prominent figure in Shanghai, took in two sons during the early years of the Republic of China - Liao Si Cheng and Fang Tian Yi. The two adopted sons, along with Gu Han Sen's daughter Ting Gu, grew up together like true siblings. Fang Tian Yi, a kind and honest young man, valued their sibling bond above all else. Despite his unrequited love for Ting Gu, he kept his feelings hidden after learning of her feelings for Liao Si Cheng. The trio bravely fought against the Japanese invasion and played a crucial role in the War of Liberation. Gu Han Sen, aware of his daughter's feelings for Liao Si Cheng, attempted to arrange their marriage, but Liao Si Cheng prioritized his duties over personal matters. He joined the BIS, with Ting Gu and Fang Tian Yi following suit. Years later, they were unknowingly involved in a conspiracy while intercepting Qing treasures as part of a team led by Liao Si Cheng.

The tale revolves around the 48th inheritor of the Yang Warriors martial arts technique, who battles monsters and enhances his abilities to emerge as a genuine hero. Yang Xiao Lang has never been fond of mastering martial arts. Disappointed by his lack of drive, his grandmother sends him to live with his uncle Liu Guo, who manages the Zhonghua restaurant in Jiangcheng. In this unfamiliar town, Yang Xiao Lang becomes entangled with the police, the Qinglong Clan, and foreigners. In order to defend Xiao Fan, the woman he loves, Yang Xiao Lang must rise to the occasion, relying on his intelligence to combat injustices and bring glory to his family.

During the year 1943 in Shanghai, Chen Qian, a military operative, was tasked with eliminating the Japanese forces, but ended up being ensnared by Yujiro Ida, the leader of Japan's plum organization

A romantic thriller unfolding in the chaotic era of Shanghai. (DramaWiki)

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.

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

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.

"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.

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.

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.

Wealthy entrepreneur Bai Yi Ming took his soon-to-be wife, A Bu, to his stunning Rose Manor. A Bu experienced a series of strange occurrences and nightmares during their stay. Seeking answers, she turned to her fiance. Bai Yi Ming had a brief affair with a woman named Hu Yin Yin, promising to marry her before disappearing without a trace. Learning of her pregnancy, Hu Yin Yin traveled to Shanghai in search of Bai Yi Ming. Fate had other plans for her, as she was eventually taken care of and loved by musician Tao Da Wei. While Bai Yi Ming was involved with other women, Tao Da Wei and Hu Yin Yin faced many challenges together. They welcomed a set of twins, and Tao Da Wei discovered Hu Yin Yin's beautiful singing voice. Tragically, Hu Yin Yin was disfigured in a terrible accident, leading her to wear a mask. Their paths crossed again when Hu Yin Yin, now known as Hu Die, encountered Bai Yi Ming once more. Despite their shared history, Bai Yi Ming pursued Hu Die. However, their story did not have a happy ending, as it was eventually revealed that Hu Die had passed away.

The narrative follows the Eighth Route Army as they attempt to reclaim Qiyang City, a strategic military outpost held by the Japanese forces during the Anti-Japanese War

Yang Mu Chu and Yang Mu Ci, twin brothers who were separated as children, experienced contrasting upbringings in the tumultuous 1930s Shanghai. Despite facing initial misunderstandings and various challenges, the brothers eventually unite to uncover and thwart a perilous plot orchestrated by the Japanese military.

Amidst numerous challenges posed by U.S. and Jiang spy operatives, Police Officer Pang Hong Mei successfully rescued Ji Danyang, a patriotic scientist recently returned from the United States, from an enemy spy. Together, they traveled to Lumen City to take part in the "Water Drop Project." Enemy special forces devised a sabotage mission called "Operation Rock," mobilized their troops, and attempted to dismantle the "Water Drop Project." Pang Hong Mei and Ji Dan Yang engaged in a fierce battle with enemy agents in Lumen, thwarted their scheme, safeguarded the "Water Drop Project," and ultimately achieved the desired outcome. The pair, who endured a life-threatening ordeal, also fulfilled their aspirations and unwavering beliefs.

Gu Zhan Bei reunites with his former lover Jiang Ling Long, who has assumed a new identity and established the Jiangbei Detective Agency. Opting to rejoin her agency, Gu Zhan Bei and Jiang Ling Long team up to rekindle their bond and tackle cases together.

Tao Zhen Yan, a trainee forensic doctor in the Republic of China, crossed paths with private detective Gu Nan Chuan during an investigation into a murder. Their destinies intertwined as they encountered the notorious stamp demon serial killer, leading them to collaborate in unraveling perplexing cases. (SubbingPaws on Ko-Fi)

Lu Yan is on a quest for retribution for his parents, but encounters continuous obstacles from Mu Lan. As their journeys intertwine, he realizes she is his long-lost love from childhood. With no choice but to collaborate, they expose the mysteries surrounding the elusive figure known as "Lu Chang He", who has been outsmarting them at every turn.

During the spring of 1931, The Communist Party expanded their network by establishing communication stations in China. They then turned their attention to Western Europe and dispatched two agents, known as "Asthray" and "Porcelain", to Paris. This led to the unveiling of a series of clandestine agreements, deceitful acts, mysterious deaths, illicit romances, and alliances between military personnel and members of a notable family.

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.

Taking place in Shanghai in 1948, a double-crosser reveals details about a top-level Communist Party operative, prompting the Nationalist secret service to track him down.

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.

The plot follows Du Yu Lou, who runs a tea shop called "Shenchang" and is unexpectedly promoted to head after his brother's tragic death

The melodrama depicts the journey of Han Chun Ming, a once educated young man. Upon his return to the city from a rural village, Han Chun Ming explores various avenues to sustain himself, such as running a street vendor stall. Through his perseverance and dedication, Han Chun Ming manages to save up enough money to start his own business and capture the affection of his desired romantic partner.

In a tale of ambition and self-discovery, a man from a small town relocates to the city with his mother and best friend in search of employment. They stay temporarily with an old acquaintance of his, who finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between labor union members fighting for their rights and ruthless employers seeking to suppress their protests. As the man navigates the complex political landscape, he rises through the ranks of society. However, he grapples with inner dissatisfaction over the person he has become. Eventually, he discovers a newfound sense of purpose and a cause that transcends material wealth and influence.

Set in Shanxi during the early Republican era, the story centers around the Long family, a wealthy clan. The protagonist, Ying Niang, along with her children, face numerous challenges in a harsh world. Ying Gu, a young mistress of the affluent Long family, has three daughters during her eight-year marriage. Due to superstitions surrounding her third daughter, Ying Gu and her husband, Long Ji Zong, are compelled to leave with their daughter for her safety. Tragedy strikes when Xu Zhi passes away, leaving Ying Gu pregnant with his son and deserted by her in-laws. Facing rejection from her own family, Ying Gu is forced to marry an opium addict who callously sells her daughter for drugs. In a moment of desperation, Ying Gu starts a fire and is imprisoned. Despite giving birth to her son while incarcerated, her life post-release is grim. Long Yan Zong, her husband's younger twin, tries to assist, but the tumultuous times lead to her separation from her children. Determined to reunite her family, Ying Gu embarks on a challenging journey.

The narrative takes place in 1946 and follows the conflict between a faction of PLA troops and illegal criminals in the Northeastern region

The story takes place between the 1920s and 1940s and focuses on Beile Ha Lan, a mischievous and timid individual from the former Qing Dynasty. Ha Lan's life takes a dramatic turn when he comes into possession of a confidential document detailing the treasures hidden in the imperial tombs. Born in a rundown palace in the capital city in 1909, Ha Lan shares a childhood romance with Xiao Yue Lou. While serving as a study companion in the palace, Ha Lan develops a passion for imperial cuisine and befriends the skilled Chef Xie. Despite being engaged to Tong Li Hua, the daughter of Marquis Tong, Ha Lan declines the arrangement and expresses his desire to marry Xiao Yue Lou instead. Elsewhere, Eunuch Wang steals the secret tomb records, but Chef Xie manages to swap it with a meal given to Ha Lan. Additionally, Eunuch Wang's godson, Wang Si Jai, is also on the hunt for the treasures.

Set in a vineyard in China during the early 20th century, the story revolves around the art of winemaking and the emotional journey of a widow engaged in a ghost marriage and her husband's loyal servant.

The drama depicts the life of politician Kim Doo Han through a mix of reality and fiction. Kim Doo Han, son of the renowned general Kim Jwah Jin, trained in martial arts after his father's passing and rose to become a leader in Seoul's Jong Ro area, determined to defend his fellow Koreans against the Japanese. He faces opposition from Goo Ma Juk, the Seoul boss who seeks to hand over the city to Japanese developers, with the assistance of Hyashi, a Korean man living as a Japanese. Despite these challenges, Kim Doo Han strives to preserve Korean culture and eventually transitions into politics following the Korean War.

During the summer of 1920, there was a devastating flood that affected four counties, including Wenling and Zhejiang. In the midst of this chaos, some individuals sought to profit while others struggled to survive. Lin Bi Jun, a skilled female locksmith, escaped to Suzhou with her adoptive father in order to stay alive. Known for her intelligence and knack for fixing and unlocking things, Lin Bi Jun believed she and her father could build a comfortable life in Suzhou. However, her plans took a drastic turn when she was framed and faced execution. In a twist of fate, Lin Bi Jun found herself awakening in a luxurious room with a wealthy man in the north. As she delved deeper into the situation, she discovered a plot involving her sister and a foreigner to smuggle valuable minerals overseas for profit. Influenced by Marxist ideas from a progressive youth named Qian Zhong Jie, Lin Bi Jun was determined to protect the town's resources from exploitation. Through a series of events, she was able to persuade her sister to change her ways and together they worked to safeguard the town's valuable minerals.

Derived from Wang An Yi's book "The Song of Eternal Regret."

In 1929, the son of Liao Sheng Hui, the head of the police department in Tianjin, was unknowingly drawn into a complex scheme orchestrated by an unknown individual. This scheme led him to uncover the secrets surrounding a fire at the Shengnan Orphanage 14 years prior, a collection of mysterious Dunhuang cultural relics, a shocking series of poisonings that rattled the city, and the involvement of various factions such as the Communist Party, the Kuomintang, the Japanese, and the Beiyang warlords. Liao Sheng Hui faced numerous challenges as he delved into the puzzle, including formidable adversaries like the meticulous KMT special agent Zeng Jia Yang and the skilled Japanese ninja Ikuko. As the mysteries unraveled, the true motives of the Japanese and the Kuomintang were revealed, leading Liao Sheng Hui to a painful realization that he, Zeng Jia Yang, and Yu Zi were all connected to the orphanage. Despite their different allegiances, the three banded together to confront their common enemies, only to be defeated. When the anti-Japanese war erupted in 1937, the three comrades, now staunch communist fighters, reunited on the battlefield to fight against the common foe.

The narrative revolves around a notorious murder that deeply affected the authorities and the general populace during the transition from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China

The story takes place in historic Shanghai during the 1920s. After completing her education overseas, a young woman returns to China and becomes immersed in the societal changes happening around her. She crosses paths with a wealthy businessman from Shanghai and they develop romantic feelings for each other. The woman is a talented opera performer, but their love faces obstacles when various antagonists try to sabotage their relationship.

Phoenix Wears Peony is set during the winter of 1923 in Northern China, a time of conflict and uncertainty. Wu Xia, a young Buddhist nun, discovers that she is the eldest daughter of the renowned Yu Family in Suzhou, famous for their silk embroidery. Fleeing from the military, she is rescued by Huo Dong Qing, a young and idealistic businessman, who guides her to Suzhou. Throughout her journey, Wu Xia must navigate challenges stemming from family and societal expectations, demonstrating resilience and determination.

During their childhood, Huai Yu, Zhi Gao, and Dan Dan made a pact to be as close as siblings and visited a mysterious old eunuch for fortune-telling using divination sticks. However, the sticks were accidentally shuffled by the eunuch's cat before they could be interpreted. One stick mentioned preferring death over birth, another suggested life was better than death, and the third talked about dying and being reborn. The meaning behind these messages remains a mystery.