10 Chinese Historical Dramas You Should Watch

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - If there is one thing many people love about Chinese cinema, it is the Chinese historical dramas. Set in a world of emperors, warriors, and court politics, these shows pull you into ancient China through stunning costumes, grand palaces, and stories full of love, power, and survival. Whether you are new to the genre or already a fan, these stories are hard to put down once you start watching.

In this list, we will share ten of the best Chinese historical dramas to watch. Each one offers something different, but all of them are worth your time.

Set during China's Warring States period, this drama tells the story of the famous poet and official Qu Yuan, played by Ma Ke. He falls in love with a slave girl named Mo Chou Nu, but their love is forbidden. At the same time, Qu Yuan fights to save his country from political danger. Directed by Zhang Xiaozheng and Ding Yangguo, the series is based on Liang Zhenhua's novel of the same name.

Jin Mi is a carefree grape sprite who was given an elixir at birth that stops her from feeling love. But as she grows up, she becomes caught between two powerful immortals: the Fire Immortal Xu Feng and the Night Immortal Run Yu. Yang Zi and Deng Lun lead this emotional fantasy drama, which is based on the popular novel Heavy Sweetness, Ash-like Frost by Dian Xian.

Princess Wang Xuan is caught in a dangerous prophecy that says whoever has her will rule the world. Her father forces her to marry Xiao Qi, a soldier from a poor family. At first, she resists, but she slowly learns to trust him. Together, they fight against powerful clans to bring peace. The series stars Zhang Ziyi in her very first television role, alongside Zhou Yiwei. It is adapted from MeiYuZhe's novel Di Wang Ye.

Qingchen is a royal sorceress who cannot fall in love because her duty forbids it. But when she meets Yuan Ling, the fourth prince of Great Wei, her heart does not listen to the rules. Their love brings both joy and danger to the kingdom. Cecilia Liu and William Chan star in this romantic drama, which is based on Shi Siye's novel Drunk Linglong and directed by Lam Yuk Fan.

Twelve years ago, 70,000 soldiers of the Chiyan Army were killed after being falsely accused of treason. The only survivor, Lin Shu, returns in secret under the name Mei Changsu. He works quietly behind the scenes to clear his family's name and bring justice to those who were wronged. Hu Ge, Liu Tao, and Wang Kai lead this acclaimed political drama, adapted from Hai Yan's beloved novel Lang Ya Bang.

Sheng Minglan grows up in the Northern Song dynasty as the daughter of a concubine. After watching her mother die unjustly, she learns to hide her true intelligence to stay safe. But when she meets the clever and bold Gu Tingye, the two join forces to rise in society and get justice. Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng star in this drama, directed by Zhang Kaizhou and based on Guan Xin Ze Luan's novel of the same name.

When the kingdom of Northern Liang falls, Princess Feng Xin'er escapes the massacre alone. A kind girl named Li Weiyoung saves her, but loses her life doing so. To honor her sacrifice, Xin'er takes Weiyoung's identity and enters the Northern Wei court, determined to avenge both families. Tiffany Tang and Luo Jin star in this survival drama, which is adapted from Qin Jian's novel The Concubine's Daughter is Poisonous.

Wei Yingluo enters the imperial palace as an embroidery maid, but her real mission is to find out the truth behind her older sister's mysterious death. As she digs deeper, she becomes entangled in the complex world of the Qing dynasty court. Wu Jinyan and Xu Kai lead this drama, directed by Hui Kaidong. It became the most-searched TV show in the world in 2018, racking up over 15 billion streams on iQIYI.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are two cultivators with special spiritual powers who uncover a dangerous plot by the powerful Wen clan. They try to stop it, but Wei Wuxian is eventually killed. Sixteen years later, he comes back to life in someone else's body, and a new mystery begins. Starring Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, this fantasy drama is adapted from Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's novel Mo Dao Zu Shi.

Zhen Huan enters the Qing dynasty imperial harem as a young and innocent girl. She tries to stay out of politics, and even falls in love with the Emperor. But the other consorts have other plans, and their schemes slowly change her. Over time, she transforms from a naive girl into a powerful and calculating woman. Sun Li delivers a standout performance in this iconic drama, which is adapted from Liu Lianzi's novel of the same name and directed by Zheng Xiaolong.