Chinese historical dramas are regarded as among the world's most visually stunning, adaptable, and innovative dramas. For instance, their fantastical images frequently surpass spectators' expectations, with vivid colours, elaborate costumes, and jaw-dropping buildings occasionally rendering them speechless. There are plenty of fascinating personalities to become fixated on, from daughters born into impoverished households destined for great things to men forced to choose between love and duty. Check out the top ten Chinese costume dramas.
1. Scarlet Heart
When it initially debuted, Scarlet Heart, a 2011 drama based on the book Bu Bu Jing Xin, generated a lot of hype. One of the first few television shows to feature a time slip, it was so well-liked that a Korean version of the drama was also produced. Here, the 35-episode program relates the story of Zhang Xiao from the twenty-first century, who journeyed into the past to the Qing Dynasty, during Emperor Kangxi's reign. After a series of occurrences, she takes on the name Ma'er'tai Ruoxi and meets some of the Emperor's sons, most of whom are engaged in a power struggle. As friendships, loves, and betrayals progress, you'll find yourself supporting the fourteenth or fourth prince's camp.
2. Ever Night
This Chinese historical action-adventure drama has it all: intriguing characters, stunning cinematography, and heart-pounding fight scenes.After a general brutally massacres Ning Que's family, he manages to flee into the bush and subsists entirely on cunning. He develops his fighting abilities through time, and one day he saves a baby girl from a heap of dead people. They become inseparable right away. Ning Que eventually enlists in the military and unearths some sinister secrets that could alter the path of his entire life.
3. Lost Love In Times
Lost Love in Times, based on Shi Siye's novel Drunk Linglong, is a delightful blend of period drama, passion, and mysticism. The passionate love story between a magician by the name of Qincheng and a nobleman by the name of Yuang Ling of Wei is the drama's central theme. The king once sought to assassinate the prince, but thanks to the witch's intervention, he lives. He is grateful and finally falls in love. After just a few days, they decide to get married, but the state opposes their union. Will their relationship fail, or can they work through everything and live a happy life together?
4. Court Lady
In this medieval Chinese romance tale, the power of love at first sight is evident. Our main character Sheng Chu Mu falls in love with Fu Rou at the start of Court Lady. He then makes a shift to earn her love. Fu Rou, however, is transferred from her family company to the Royal Court because of her needlework and sewing prowess. Although it initially seems like a fun romance story, things quickly go serious. The central plot, which includes escaping the Royal Palace, continuously pushes the relationship between the two main protagonists to the side. If the main protagonist's motivation to better himself to win the love of his life had been maintained, it would have ranked higher on our list.
5. Nirvana In Fire
The Hai Yan book Lang Ya Bang served as the inspiration for the 2015 Chinese historical drama Nirvana in Fire. It was directed by Li Xue and Kong Sheng. In the drama, Lin Shu visits Liang's capital city while posing as Mei Changsu to exact revenge for a plot that had branded his people as rebels twelve years earlier. By the second day, the drama had received over 100 million streaming views, and by the end of the series, it had amassed over 3.3 billion views on iQiyi.
6. Love Like The Galaxy
In the newly released Love Like The Galaxy, Zhao Lusi, who previously played a crucial part in Who Rules the World, reprises that role. She plays Cheng Shaoshang, a street-smart and endearing military family member who attracts Ling Bu Yi, the emperor's stoic adopted son, in this scene. This was undoubtedly one of our favorites this year because it had a fantastic combination of love, vengeance, humor, and great side storylines. As we write this, we are scheduling time to watch this gem again.
7. General And I
This narrative is based on the bitter rivalry between Chu Beijie, the general-Prince of the Kingdom of Jin, and Bai Ping Ting, a war commander from the Yan Kingdom. They initially butt heads, but after a while, they fall in love and discover they're not that different. The toughest test of all is how much they are ready to give up for their country, yet being from competing kingdoms means there are many obstacles ahead of them.
8. Fights Break Sphere
Fights Break Sphere was influenced by the xianxia novel Battle Through the Heavens. The series, set in medieval China, blends fantasy and wuxia. The plot centers around a brilliant boy who has been unable to grow in martial arts because of his mum's conjured ring. The small boy ultimately encounters an older man who assists him. He also learns who was accountable for his family's death.
9. The Sword And The Brocade
An account of falling in love during an arranged marriage. Having said that, don't anticipate our female lead to play the role of a rescuer. The daughter of a concubine, Luo Shi Yi Niang, is determined to forge her future. The beginning of her marriage to General Xu Ling Yi is unpleasant. They get closer to running home slowly. As they strive to connect, their romance includes many humorous moments. While Chen first comes out as wooden, his portrayal of a devoted, experienced, and mature duke develops during the television series. Shi Yi Niang then acquired household management skills. The importance of needlework is recognized. The Sword and the Brocade is a visually stunning film featuring lovely embroidered garments, particularly on female characters. The set designs, particularly the pavilion, are equally lovely.
10. General’s Lady
A renowned general and the daughter of an aristocracy embrace and promise to protect all they hold dear for the rest of their lives. Shen Jin was raised as the disfavorable daughter of a concubine in the royal household. The general who guards the borders is the one the emperor chooses for her arranged marriage. Despite falling in love with her intended spouse, she is having difficulty adjusting to her new place.
