Best Chinese Historical Dramas You Must Watch

Historical dramas are an essential part of Chinese cinema culture. If you're a fan of this compelling genre, don't miss out on these top-notch Chinese historical dramas!

Top Picks for Chinese Historical Dramas

Compilation of the Best Chinese Historical Dramas Today.

1. Flower of Heaven's Destiny

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Release Date: 06/09/2015
Genre: Historical, Romance
Duration: 58 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Directors: Cao Lâm Báo, Lương Thắng Quyền, Lâm Ngọc Phân
Starring: Hu Ge, Ariel Lin, Ma Ke

Access the watch link for Flower of Heaven's Destiny on VieON here.

Flower of Heaven's Destiny is a captivating Chinese historical drama revolving around the theme of martial arts fantasy, adapted from the novel of the same name. The story follows the tragic life of Hoa Thiên Cốt and her painful love for her mentor - Bạch Tử Họa.

At the age of 16, Thiên Cốt joins the Lưu Sơn School and becomes the disciple of the esteemed master Bạch Tử Họa. During her time at the Tuyệt Tình Palace, she develops feelings for her mentor. This period is perhaps the happiest time before a series of tragedies unfold.

'The one who loves me, dies for me; the one I love, wishes for my death.' - Thiên Cốt's words at the end of the film deeply resonate with the audience.

2. The Beauty Underneath the Veil

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Release Date: 12/28/2019
Genre: Historical, Romance, Mystery
Duration: 55 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Doãn Đào
Starring: Nhậm Gia Luân, Đàm Tùng Vận, Hàn Đống

Watch link for The Beauty Underneath the Veil on VieON

The Beauty Underneath the Veil - a highly acclaimed historical romantic drama with a compelling storyline faithful to the original work. The series revolves around the unlikely partnership between the antagonistic duo Lục Dịch and Viên Kim Hạ - two individuals with contrasting personalities forced to collaborate to solve mysteries.

As one of the remarkable Chinese historical dramas in the detective genre, yet Cẩm Y Chi Hạ never feels dull. This is because the series is filled with many hilarious moments and incredibly sweet scenes of the main characters.

During its airing time, the series consistently topped the charts. It stands out as one of the rarest and best historical dramas of all time, boasting high-quality despite its low production budget.

3. Empress's Blackened Heart

Release Year: 2022
Genre: Historical, Comedy, Romance
Duration: 36 episodes, 30 minutes/episode
Director: Từ Huệ Khang
Starring: Trần Hân Dư, Lạt Mục Dương Tử, Lý Hoành Nghị

Watch link for Empress's Blackened Heart on VieON

Right after its final episode, Empress's Blackened Heart immediately voted as one of the best Chinese historical dramas of 2022. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the series brings viewers the humorous tales of the female lead, Lưu Kim Phượng.

Born as the daughter of the current prime minister but abandoned by her father. It wasn't until she was 9 years old that she was brought back to the mansion because 'the prime minister has no daughter to marry the prince'. The journey to become the empress of the village beauty Tiên Ba also begins here.

With the lively portrayal of the female lead, the series promises to deliver highly entertaining content that will surely make you burst into laughter.

4. Star-Crossed Romance

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Release Date: 07/05/2022
Genre: Historical, Romance
Duration: 56 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Phí Chấn Tường 
Starring: Ngô Lỗi, Triệu Lộ Tư

Watch link for Star-Crossed Romance  on FPT Play

Ranked among the top anticipated Chinese films of 2022, Star-Crossed Romance lives up to its expectations by meticulously crafting gripping plotlines and characters with distinctive personalities.

Adapted from the novel of the same name, the film revolves around the story of a girl named Trình Thiếu Thương. Due to the chaotic times, she is sent to be raised by her grandparents. Little did she know, her aunt harbors intentions to turn her into a useless person.

Discovering the malicious plot of her aunt, Thiếu Thương pretends to conceal her talents to preserve her life. Fate takes a new turn when she develops a relationship with the emperor's adopted son, Lăng Bất Nghi. Through various trials, they join forces to avert danger for the nation, becoming a legendary tale.

5. The Mirror of Twin Cities

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Supernatural 
Duration: 43 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Du Đạt Chí
Starring: Lý Dịch Phong, Trần Ngọc Kỳ, Trịnh Nghiệp Thành, Dương Chí Văn, Lưu Hải

Watch link for The Mirror of Twin Cities on FPT Play

The Mirror of Twin Cities is also one of the hottest and most captivating Chinese historical dramas of 2022. The series portrays a love story transcending thousand years of enmity between the Giao people of Tuyền Tiên and the Không Tang tribe.

She is Bạch Anh - the eldest princess of the Không Tang tribe, a cheerful and enthusiastic girl. He is Tô Ma, originally the Sea King, characterized by his cold and indifferent demeanor.

Their encounter seems destined, and as they journey together over time, they develop feelings for each other. However, deep-seated animosity exists between the Tuyền Tiên and Không Tang tribes, swearing never to reconcile. Can they ultimately overcome all obstacles to be together?

6. The Legend of Empress Nhu Y

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Release Year: 2018 
Genre: Historical, Palace Intrigue, Romance
Duration: 87 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director:Uông Tuấn
Starring: Châu Tấn, Hoắc Kiến Hoa Đồng Dao, Trương Quân Ninh, Lý Thấm 

Watch link for The Legend of Empress Nhu Y on VieON

The Legend of Empress Nhu Y, released in 2018, is one of the outstanding Chinese historical dramas about the imperial harem. From the cast to the character portrayals, everything is of high quality.

The storyline depicts the life of Lady O'La'p Na Lạp Như Ý and the power struggles among concubines. Despite being labeled as a palace intrigue drama, the narrative tends to emphasize on love. The people in the Forbidden City merely serve as a backdrop to highlight the love between the Empress and Emperor Càn Long.

Như Ý's idealized notion of love stems from the innocence of 'Hoằng Lịch elder brother.' Càn Long, on the other hand, is a victim of the fiery walls of the palace. It's the plots and schemes that killed Hoằng Lịch, leaving behind a jaded, indifferent, and selfish Càn Long.

7. The Tale of Ming Lan

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Release Year: 2018 
Genre: Historical, Family Drama, Romance
Duration: 73 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Trương Khai Trụ
Starring: Triệu Lệ Dĩnh, Phùng Thiệu Phong, Chu Nhất Long, Trương Giai Ninh

Watch link for The Legend of Ming Lan on VieON

The Legend of Ming Lan is a quintessential example of palace intrigue historical dramas. Set in the Northern Song Dynasty, the series follows the life of Thịnh Minh Lan. She is a smart and beautiful girl who has to endure the neglect of her mother and the indifference of her father.

Enduring humiliation to seek vengeance for her biological mother, Minh Lan's fate takes a turn when she marries the second son, Cố Đình Diệp.

8. The Winter Palace

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Release Year: 2019
Genre: Historical, Romance, Heart-wrenching
Duration: 52 episodes, 45 minutes/episode
Director: Lý Mộc Qua
Starring: Trần Tinh Húc, Bành Tiểu Nhiễm

Watch link for The Winter Palace on VieON

The Winter Palace is a Chinese martial arts historical drama. It revolves around the life of Princess Tiểu Phong and her agonizing love story with Cố Tiểu Ngũ - Prince Lý Thừa Ngân of Lễ Triều.

Driven by ambition for power and control, Lý Thừa Ngân ruthlessly subjects Tiểu Phong to the devastation of loss and displacement. Betrayed by her lover and shattered trust, Tiểu Phong throws herself into the Vong Xuyên River in despair.

Though she survived, she has forgotten the painful memories and returned to Lý Thừa Ngân's side. Will they both forgive and forget, or remain eternal enemies?

Above are the top Chinese historical dramas loved by many audiences. Which one impressed you the most? Leave a comment below for others to see!