Asian dramas like
The Ugly Queen

Following the events of the first season, the story centers around Zhong Wu Yan, who gives birth to an unusual prince and is subsequently imprisoned in the cold palace by King Qi. Their relationship transitions from apathy to reconciliation before rekindling their love. The Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period were marked by constant warfare, with survival being a struggle for many. Despite this, King Qi neglects his responsibilities as his Queen, Zhong Wu Yan, is banished to the cold palace. Over time, the King becomes infatuated with Xia Ying Chun and wrongly places his trust in Wei Wen Bin, a former enemy who has now surrendered. Unbeknownst to him, Wei Wen Bin and Xia Ying Chun are scheming a rebellion, but Zhong Wu Yan's foresight prevents disaster and saves King Qi. Regretful of his actions, King Qi releases Zhong Wu Yan from the cold palace, but their reconciliation is hindered by the disappearance of their son. Meanwhile, Wei Wen Bin and Xia Ying Chun persist in their plot to overthrow the state of Qi, even manipulating the King of Chu into starting a war. In order to prevent further bloodshed, Zhong Wu Yan leads an army to defend her homeland.

The plot revolves around a messenger who encounters the rebirth of his former romantic partner. (DramaWiki)

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.

According to legend, Luo Wu Zi assisted the First Emperor of Qin in constructing his Mausoleum and built an additional nine tombs to house the world's rare treasures. The Qin Emperor bestowed upon him the title of King of the Tomb and established a tomb sect under his leadership to oversee the building and safeguarding of royal mausoleums. To prevent theft by future generations, Luo Wu Zi split the tomb sect into two factions: the tomb-attacking faction led by the Luo family and the tomb-guarding faction led by the Murong family. These two factions have maintained a delicate balance for centuries, with the Murong family safeguarding the king's tomb for over ten generations. However, during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Murong Xian seized the throne amidst rumors of tomb robbery. This event has caused the balance between the two factions to become increasingly unstable.

Upon awakening, Xi Dang Yang discovers that she has been transported into the role of the crown princess. The world she now inhabits is filled with complexities beyond her imagination. To her surprise, she is now the wife of five exceptionally talented and virtuous men, as well as a mother to a daughter. As she navigates the treacherous waters of palace politics and the intricacies of her own harem, she must determine who she can truly rely on and what perils await her on the horizon.

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

Troublemaking princes within the palace are causing headaches for the royal family and are on the verge of becoming proper crown princes. Their mother, Im Hwa Ryeong, is married to a distinguished king. However, instead of exuding elegance and grace, she is described as prickly, sensitive, and quick to anger. Once more composed, she has changed due to constant provocation. She is a queen who occasionally sets aside her pride and is even known to use strong language. Despite facing daily challenges, she endures them all for the sake of her children.

Throughout history, China has been ruled by various tyrants who were known for their aggression and immorality. One infamous tyrant was King Zhou of the Shang dynasty, whose oppressive rule led to the legendary overthrow by King Wu of the Zhou dynasty. This epic battle between good and evil caused great turmoil and sorrow in ancient China, resulting in the sacrifice of numerous brave warriors. To comfort the grieving people, the Celestial Realm established the Rostrum of Gods of Honour. The tale also highlights the importance of filial piety, featuring prominent figures like Nezha and Daji.

In 1937, the Japanese imperialists initiated a violent war against China, putting the Chinese nation in a crucial phase. Xu Tian, a color-blind accountant in Shanghai with military training, chose to stay close to his mother following his father's passing. After encountering a group of patriots connected to his late father, he was inspired by their patriotic fervor. Utilizing his keen intellect, he aided the patriots in transporting crucial materials, attracting the attention of the Japanese occupying forces in the city. Amidst these events, he formed bonds with Jin, a former conman now businessman, and Tielin, a police officer in the Shanghai French Concession. Simultaneously, pharmacist Tian Dan sought refuge in Xu's home after losing her parents in a situation he was deeply involved in. Against the backdrop of the national crisis, individuals navigated their interconnected lives driven by motives of revenge, duty, self-interest, or ideology.

The play depicts the experiences of three individuals during a challenging period in history. Diverse characters navigate through a tumultuous time, facing both positive and negative circumstances while resisting Japanese influence.

There is no historical figure that captures the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide quite like Zhao Zi Long, also known as Zhao Yun. He was a renowned military general during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms period. Known for his exceptional fighting skills, bravery, and charm, Zhao Yun initially served under the warlord Zan Gong Sun before switching sides to join Liu Bei as one of the esteemed Five Tiger Generals. However, as Zhao Yun finds himself entangled in a romantic rivalry between the lovely Xiaohou Qing Yi and the formidable warrior Gao Ze, he may realize that battles of the heart can be the most perilous of all. This storyline is adapted from Luo Guan Zhong's novel "San Guo Yan Yi." Three versions of the adaptation are available: 49 episodes (TV), 56 episodes (Uncut), and 60 episodes (DVD).

This play is set in the tumultuous Spring and Autumn Period and recounts the famous tale of Gou Jian, the King of Yue, who experienced a downfall and subsequent resurgence. Following his defeat, Gou Jian was taken captive and made a slave by King Fu Chai of Wu. Pretending to be obedient and loyal while secretly plotting his revenge during his captivity, Gou Jian eventually earns the chance to go back to his homeland of Yue. When he resumes his rule, Gou Jian strengthens his kingdom with the assistance of skilled advisers and politicians such as Fan Li and Wen Zhong, while also weakening Wu internally through bribery and strategic diplomacy. The phrase "Wo Xin Chang Dan" symbolizes Gou Jian's perseverance and self-imposed challenges meant to constantly remind himself of the humiliations he endured while under Wu's control. - Lady Zhuge.

Zhu Di, the fourth offspring of Zhu Yuan Zhang, develops into a skilled military leader and tactician after gaining extensive experience on the battlefield serving under general Xu Da. Maneuvering through political conflicts within the royal court, he solidifies his position in Beiping in order to protect the Ming Dynasty. Following the passing of Emperor Taizu, his heir Zhu Yun Wen betrays the Zhu imperial family, leading Zhu Di to lead a rebellion.

Wong Fei Hung, a renowned figure of his era, is both a skilled martial artist and a revered hero. As a doctor at Po Chi Lam, a clinic in Canton, he has rescued numerous individuals, yet he is compelled to utilize his combat skills to protect the community.

In the continent of Xichuan, which is torn by warfare, four influential clans - Bei, Zichuan, Liufeng, and Lin - are vying for control. The ambitious Bei clan is targeting the Zichuan clan, jeopardizing the delicate power balance. In the midst of escalating tensions, the talented young commander Zichuan Xiu emerges to protect his people, rallying his loyal soldiers and sworn brothers to the battlefield. Despite facing betrayal, exile, and daunting challenges, Zichuan Xiu refuses to succumb to his fate. He forges a new path for himself in the face of adversity, transforming from a carefree youth into a formidable leader. His journey reshapes the future of Xichuan, with tales of his bravery spreading far and wide.

According to legend, each year on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar, the Cowherd and the Weaving Girl reunite on the Bridge of Birds in the Milky Way. This special day marks a tragic love story between an immortal being and a human. The weaving girl, Fuk Jik Jik, is tasked with weaving colorful clouds in the heavenly palace. However, she accidentally drops her loom shuttle into the mortal realm, catching the attention of the Jade Empress. Jik Jik and her friend Bo Hei Jeuk are sent to the mortal world by the Empress to retrieve the shuttle. Jik Jik meets the Cowherd Wong Ah Ngau on Earth, who diligently crafts a new shuttle for her. Despite the forbidden nature of their love, Jik Jik falls for Ah Ngau and sneaks away to be with him. When the Jade Empress discovers their secret meetings, she summons Jik Jik back to the heavens. Refusing to give up her love, Jik Jik chooses to become mortal and stay with Ah Ngau, only to find that he has been stripped of his memories by the Empress.

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

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)

In ancient China during the Spring and Autumn period, the four prominent families in the Qi state were engaged in fierce competition for political power. Despite their fathers' rivalry, Sun Wu and Guo Wujiu formed a strong friendship and received military training from the renowned strategist Tian Rangju. In the Chu state, Wu Zixu became a fugitive after his father was falsely accused of treason and his family was wiped out by King Ping of Chu. With the help of Sun Wu and Wujiu, Wu Zixu found refuge in the Wu state. The situation in Qi worsened when the Sun clan launched a surprise attack on the Guo and Gao clans, leading to a violent conflict. Wujiu managed to escape from Qi and viewed Sun Wu as his bitter rival from then on. He settled in Chu and became a general. Meanwhile, Sun Wu, devastated by the events, roamed until he settled in Wu state. Through Wu Zixu's introduction, Sun Wu was appointed as the military leader by King Hel of Wu. Sun Wu began his successful career by writing The Art of War and showcasing his strategic brilliance in leading the Wu army to victory in battles against rival states.

Four different editions were launched: 76 episodes / 62 episodes (Full version) 60 episodes / 56 episodes (Internet version)

The narrative tracks the bond between a captive prince who is half-human and half-spirit, a forsaken son of a military leader, and the successor of a decimated tribe as they unveil the mysteries of their history and pursue retribution and fairness for their loved ones. Taken from Jin He Zai's novel "Novoland: Fall of the Empire".

A tale about Concubine Meng, a mischievous woman who initially clashes with the King but eventually falls in love with him. Meng is the daughter of a prominent official in the Sui Dynasty. Upon entering the palace, she is exposed to the deceit and schemes within the royal family. Choosing not to let others control her fate, Meng feigns illness. During her time in the palace, she befriends Concubine Yan, who is clever, Concubine Qu, who is emotional and loves food, and Concubine Xiao, a skilled martial artist from a family of generals. The four women quickly bond and become like sisters in the palace. Due to ongoing disagreements with Meng's father, the King decides to confront Meng one day, but unexpectedly finds himself drawn to her unique personality. Despite the King's efforts to spend time with her, Meng tries to avoid him. It is only after a chance meeting outside the palace that Meng begins to see the King's positive and endearing qualities.

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.

A distinguished academic unexpectedly finds himself as the guardian of a playful princess. Gyeon Woo enjoys the reputation of being “Joseon’s National Treasure,” celebrated as one of the leading scholars of his era. When the king requests that he properly instruct his spirited daughter, Princess Hye Myung, Gyeon Woo realizes he faces a significant challenge. However, as rebels threaten Hye Myung and jeopardize her future rule, Gyeon Woo unwittingly steps into the role of her protector. What starts as a job he never anticipated transforms into a mission to save Hye Myung from a dire fate and secure her throne. (Viki)

Lord Xin Ling, a prominent figure among the 4 gentlemen in the Warring States Period, develops feelings for the lovely Ru Ji. However, Ru Ji chooses to marry his brother, King An Xi of the Wei state, instead. Refusing to be just a concubine in the palace, Ru Ji seeks to utilize her intelligence and skills. Little does she know, her actions will play a crucial role in rescuing the state of Zhao and altering the course of history.

Five centuries ago, Zi Xia comes down to the mortal world in search of Zhi Zun Bao, the man she loves and the one who extracted the Zi Qing Sword. Unfortunately, the sword is damaged during the journey, prompting her to use the time-travelling power of the pandora's box to try to restore it. Transported five hundred years into the future, she encounters Zhi Zun Bao, who has no memory of his previous life. Now a leader of the Ax Gang, a group of bandits, he has been romantically involved with Bai Jing Jing. As the story unfolds, it delves into a whirlwind of time travel and fantastical events, offering a fresh take on the classic tale "Journey to the West".

The ebb and flow of ruling families and the succession of rulers are determined by the Mandate of Heaven. Ruco Chan wields significant influence in the court, possessing both power and riches that rival the nation itself. He holds a position of authority closer to that of the Emperor! Despite his title, Emperor Shaun Tam lacks real authority and is a victim of the changing times. He governs with less power than the common people! In just 28 days, a clash between power and justice will unfold. The ultimate question remains: can man overcome divine will, or is the Mandate of Heaven inviolable?

Concerned about her husband leaving her because she hasn't borne a son, Mrs. Wu decides to pass off her tenth daughter as a son named Wu Shi Lang. Shi Lang is encouraged to excel in martial arts competitions to please her father. Complications arise when she falls for her childhood friend, Li Ya Shou, who is set on marrying into wealth. In order to prevent Ya Shou from marrying Lei Xiao Yu, a wealthy woman, Shi Lang defeats him in a martial arts contest. Impressed, Xiao Yu insists on marrying Shi Lang. Things get more complicated when Xiao Yu's brother, Lei Sheng Da, falls for Shi Lang while she is disguised as a man. Feeling overwhelmed, Shi Lang flees the town after revealing her true gender. Sheng Da pursues her to the new town. Despite growing closer to Ya Shou, Shi Lang begins to develop feelings for Sheng Da due to his persistence.

The story takes place in the idealized chaos of China in the early 1900s, where patriotic rebels and deceitful spies clash in a risky battle for control of the republic. Gao Tian Wei, a brave revolutionary, experiences amnesia following a violent altercation. Without knowledge of who he is, he is unknowingly drawn into a plot and transforms into a spy for the Japanese. What will occur when his memory is eventually restored?

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)

Uh oh, Qu Tan Er has once again traveled through time! This time, she finds herself in a world where women hold the dominant roles, while men are considered inferior. Mo Lian Cheng is a contender in the palace selection, but he is surprised to discover that he is being relentlessly pursued by a bold princess who is determined to capture his heart. Will he eventually recall their past and agree to be her husband for the third time? (ChineseDrama.info)

The young Crown Prince Xiao Ding Quan faced early losses with the passing of his mother and sister. His relationship with his distant Emperor father is strained due to the influence of his maternal uncle General Gu and the army under his command. Living in constant fear of losing his loved ones, Ding Quan both admires and fears his formidable father, whom he desperately seeks approval from. However, he also dreads the disappointment that may come if he fails to meet his father's expectations. Meanwhile, his scheming elder brother Prince Qi, supported by Chancellor Li Bai Zhou, plots against him, causing harm to those close to Ding Quan and worsening the divide between him and the Emperor. Teacher Lu Shi Yu, a fatherly figure influenced by Confucian values, plays a crucial role in Ding Quan's life. He plans to recommend his daughter Wen Xi as the Crown Princess to help Ding Quan gain a trustworthy ally in court. Ding Quan and Wen Xi cross paths when she assists her troubled brother, leading to a mutual admiration between them. Despite never seeing her face, Ding Quan is drawn to Wen Xi, who later disguises herself as a maid in the Crown Prince's residence to aid her imprisoned father and brother. Together, they work to solve two cases and bring justice to the villains, supporting each other through dangers and sacrifices to bring peace to the nation.

The story revolves around Moo Hyul, the grandson of Jumong, who is fated to bring harm to his parents, siblings, and son, ultimately leading to the downfall of Goguryeo. (DramaWiki)

Set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty (during a tumultuous era marked by justification conflicts and espionage as the Ming transitioned to the Qing), the story unfolds during a time of heightened public demand for social change. This historical action-romance drama, structured in three arcs, depicts the lives of warriors and spies navigating the complexities of borders. It centers on Crown Prince So Hyeon, his loyal bodyguards Heo Seung Po and An Min Seo, and Park Dal Hyang, a yangban warrior who, despite his humble beginnings, possesses charm and good looks. Dal Hyang finds himself entangled in a love triangle involving Yoon Seo, the Crown Princess, and Crown Prince So Hyeon. Additionally, Jo Mi Ryeong, who was once the prince’s first love, transforms into his adversary, seeking vengeance against him. Loosely inspired by Alexandre Dumas's novel "The Three Musketeers."

The narrative revolves around a woman entangled in a violent love affair with two princes

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.

Queen Won Gyeong, born into a respected family of government officials during the Goryeo period, married Yi Bang Won (Prince Jeong An), the son of King Tae Jo who established the Joseon dynasty. Despite King Tae Jo choosing his second son, Yi Bang Gwa, as his successor, Lady Min and her husband conspired to have Yi Bang Won take the throne instead. After Yi Bang Won became King TaeJong, he took on several concubines which led to conflicts with Queen Won Gyeong. As their relationship deteriorated, King Tae Jong attempted to exert control over her and her family in order to consolidate his power.

Set against a captivating backdrop that intertwines history and modernity, the narrative centers on Chef Yeon Ji Yeong, a meticulous French-trained culinary expert at the pinnacle of her career, who unexpectedly finds herself transported to the royal palace of the past. There, she must prepare meals for the notoriously volatile tyrant, King Yi Heon, a monarch with an exquisite palate and a quick temper. Yeon Ji Yeong, a contemporary woman, navigates the ruthless dynamics of palace intrigue, survival cooking, and unforeseen romance. Her goal? To endure the challenges of the royal kitchen, win the heart of the formidable King, and perhaps alter the course of history. King Yi Heon, a leader known for his keen intellect and sharp criticism, instills fear and misunderstanding among those around him. With an unmatched appreciation for flavor and an intolerance for mediocrity, his court constantly dreads his next dining experience. However, when a passionate new chef enters his realm, not only do his taste buds begin to evolve, but his heart might follow suit as well.

A vibrant and clever contemporary woman finds herself transported through time and space into the body of a mistreated concubine in a desolate palace. Watch as she utilizes her modern skills to outsmart her adversaries, alter her destiny, and prove that a princess in the cold palace is not to be underestimated! (Chinese = Weibo || Translation = Google Translate)

In the modern era, a medical scientist named Mu Yun Xi found herself transported to Donglan Kingdom where she was neglected as a concubine in a desolate palace. Upon her arrival, she faced starvation but thankfully realized she possessed the extraordinary power of space teleportation, which ultimately saved her life in the ancient world.

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

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.