Top 10+ Best Chinese Palace Intrigue Dramas You Can't Miss

Among Chinese dramas, palace intrigue dramas always stand out as favorites among audiences. These works not only depict a part of historical past but also create dramatic stories full of ups and downs and fierce competition among characters. Below, Mytour Blog will introduce the list of Top 10+ Best and Latest Chinese Palace Intrigue Dramas of 2024 on the screen of Chinese cinema, deeply ingrained in the hearts of fans of this genre.

Latest Palace Intrigue Drama: Dream of Kunning Palace (Story of Kunning Palace 2023)

• Number of Episodes: 38 episodes
• Main Cast: Bach Loc, Truong Lang Hach
• Genre: Historical Drama, Palace Intrigue
• IMDb Rating: 9.8/10

Ninh An's Dream is the latest Chinese palace intrigue drama of 2024, revolving around the story of Khuong Tuyet Ninh, who spares no effort to secure the position of queen. However, after several failures, she is forced to confront suicide. In the context of reincarnation, Khuong Tuyet Ninh is determined to cultivate herself. She executes a secret plan to thwart the 'Crowning Ceremony' of Yen Lam, aiming to protect her family. Although the plan succeeds, she gets entangled in the court's intrigues when participating in the king's hunt for his opponents.

With the help of Truong Gia, they daringly infiltrate the rival palace. Despite numerous challenges, Ta Nguy and Khuong Tuyet Ninh find each other and forge a resilient love amidst a turbulent journey.

Royal Feast (2022) – Chinese historical palace intrigue drama

• Number of episodes: 33 episodes
• Lead actors: Hua Kai, Ngo Can Non, Wang Yi Trieu, Wang Su Nian, Truong Chi • Khe, Wang Dieu, Truong Nam, Vu Vinh Quang
• Genres: Historical Drama, Palace Intrigue, Romance, Psychological Drama
• IMDb rating: 8/10

“Royal Feast” is a palace intrigue drama set in the Vinh Lac era of the Ming dynasty. The story revolves around Dieu Tu Kham (played by Ngo Can Non), a maid who enters the palace and becomes the attendant of So Thuong Thuc. She perseveres in mastering traditional cooking skills in the imperial kitchen. Along the way, she encounters To Nguyet Hoa (portrayed by Hua Kai) – a martial arts and literary genius.

The love triangle between Thuong Thuc, Tu Kham, and To Nguyet Hoa brings about many interesting situations. Besides crafting a unique love story, the series also focuses on emotions, significant historical events, and the family lives of the three remarkable emperors of the Ming dynasty.

The Nine States' Lady (The Palace 2021)

• Number of episodes: 48 episodes
• Lead actors: Duong Mich, Tran Vy Dinh
• Genres: Historical Drama, Romance, Palace Intrigue
• IMDb rating: 7.9/10

“The Nine States' Lady” is a palace intrigue drama revolving around the complex relationship between three main characters: Phuong Chu, Hai Thi, and Emperor Huc, set in the context of the Great Trung dynasty on the land of the Nine States. Hai Thi, a girl living in a small village unable to contribute a precious pearl necklace – an important contribution – and thus, her village undergoes much hardship and suffering from ravaging. In that difficult time, Hai Thi sought the help of the nobleman Phuong Chu. The nobleman took her in as an adopted daughter and rescued her from dire circumstances.

With help from Phuong Chu, Hai Thi changed her identity, disguised herself as a young man, and became an important ally of Phuong Chu. Upon returning to the capital and mingling with the court customs, Emperor Huc, the primitive leader, discovered the secret of Hai Thi's cross-dressing.

Heartless Princess Above (The Sleepless Princess 2020) – The Best Palace Intrigue Drama

• Number of episodes: 36 episodes
• Lead actors: Trinh Nghiep Thanh, Ho Yi Hoan, Hoang Xan Xan, Lam Han Nghi
• Genres: Historical Fantasy, Romance, Comedy
• IMDb rating: 8.6/10

The most fantastic palace intrigue drama follows the journey of Tiet Dieu, a handsome general with a cold exterior, and Princess Tu So Nguyet, who carries a mysterious illness. The princess's condition only requires a forbidden period for her dreams to come true.

In this context, the princess coincidentally encounters Tiet Dieu while he is investigating the disappearance of his older brother. They begin to build a special relationship, stepping into the realm of romance with a delicate blend of sweet emotions and dramatic challenges.

The Legend Of Hao Lan (2019)

• Number of episodes: 45 episodes
• Lead actors: Ngo Can Non, Niep Vien,…
• Genres: Romance, Historical, Palace Intrigue
• IMDb rating: 7.1/10

The palace intrigue drama 'Legend Of Hao Lan' unfolds from the event where La Bat Vi and Trieu Co support Doanh Chinh to ascend to the throne of Qin Shi Huang, a great ruler of the state of Qin. Ly Hao Lan, a slave, is bought and gifted to King Trieu by La Bat Vi to change the course of history. She enters the court and serves the Queen gently. In the palace, she meets Doanh Di Nhan, who is from the state of Qin but is treated as a hostage in Trieu. A romantic relationship blossoms between them, kept secret, and the result of this relationship is the emergence of Doanh Chinh - who later becomes Qin Zhangwang.

When Di Nhan returns to Qin to participate in the war for the throne, Hao Lan and her son must wander everywhere. Their lives undergo numerous difficult hardships. Eventually, Di Nhan becomes Qin Zhangwang and welcomes Hao Lan and her son back to their homeland Qin.

Ruyi’s Royal Love In The Palace (2018): A complete Chinese palace intrigue drama

• Number of episodes: 87 episodes
• Lead actors: Zhou Xun, Wallace Huo, Janine Chang,...
• Genres: Historical Drama, Palace Intrigue, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

'Ruyi’s Royal Love In The Palace' is the sequel to the famous drama 'Legend of Zhen Huan,' based on the novel by author Liu Lianzi. The story continues to focus on the struggles and dark conspiracies in the royal harem, especially the complex relationship between the Emperor and Ruyi - who has become the Empress Dowager. Additionally, the mystery surrounding Ruyi's fall from favor, loss of status, and the reason for her being stripped of her titles adds an enticing element for viewers, highlighting one of the major mysteries of the Qing dynasty.

Story of Yanxi Palace (2018)

• Number of episodes: 70 episodes
• Lead actors: Wallace Huo, Janine Chang, Han Dong,...
• Directors: Hui Kai Dong, Wen Du Quang
• Genres: Romance, Historical Drama
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

'Legend of Concubine's Daughter Minglan' is a Chinese drama revolving around the struggles in the imperial harem, based on the story of Empress Shengjing. The story follows Gu Anlac, who willingly enters the palace with the intention of seeking revenge for her sister, A Ma. Through intelligence and unwavering determination, Gu Anlac overcomes challenges to achieve her ultimate goal - becoming the Empress. The drama creates a thrilling narrative while highlighting the determination and strength of women in life and in the challenging environment of the imperial harem.

Legend Of Fuyao (2018)

• Number of episodes: 49 episodes
• Lead actors: Angelababy, Tony Yang, ...
• Genres: Historical Drama, Romance, Fantasy
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

'Queen of the Phantom Isle' is a palace intrigue drama revolving around the character Manh Phu Dao, tasked with the important mission of gathering secrets from the Ngũ Châu region. Along this journey, she unexpectedly meets Crown Prince Thanh Ton Vo Ky, a man with a noble heart and dignified demeanor.

The two decide to collaborate to expose the dark schemes of the Prime Minister and confront external threats. They also have to fight to restore royal power and uncover the secret of the female prince, a identity Phu Dao has kept hidden. The tumultuous life helps Phu Dao and Vo Ky realize their sincere feelings and they decide to stay together forever.

The Legend Of Dugu (2018) - Chinese palace drama

• Number of episodes: 55 episodes
• Lead actors: Angelababy, Tony Yang, Truong Quan Ninh,...
• Genres: Historical Drama, Epic
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

The story unfolds during the final stage of the Northern Zhou dynasty, a turbulent and chaotic period. This backdrop is often chosen as the foundation for the plot. The three daughters of the influential minister Duco Tin, including Ban Nuoc, Manh Da, and Gia La, undergo significant life changes from being born into a noble family to becoming noblewomen. All these changes stem from a prophecy about the future of the Duco realm.

Empresses In The Palace (2013) - Chinese palace drama

• Number of episodes: 76 episodes
• Lead actors: Sun Li, Chen Jianbin, Jiang Xin
• Genres: Historical Drama, Palace Intrigue, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

'Empresses In The Palace' is a Chinese palace drama based on the novel of the same name by Liu Lianzi. The setting of this series transports the audience into a fictional world - Da Chu, but utilizes the historical period of the Qing dynasty to construct the storyline. The main character of the story is Chanhuan, an intelligent and beautiful girl, born into a noble family.

Despite not desiring to enter the palace, Chanhuan is drawn into the power struggle and political intrigue when mistaken for Empress Thuan Nguyet. Her life becomes tumultuous within the palace, where she must confront the scheming elements of the court and make unpredictable decisions dictated by the emperor.

Scarlet Heart (2011) - Qing Dynasty palace drama

• Number of episodes: 35 episodes
• Director: Li Guo Li
• Genres: Romance, Time-travel, Historical, Costume Drama
• Lead actors: Liu Shi Shi, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng,…
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

This series is considered a masterpiece in the palace drama genre and ranks among the finest works. In the story, Zhang Xiao, a girl from the 21st century, unexpectedly time-travels to the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi after an accident. In her new identity, she becomes Maertai Rouxi, the younger sister of the eighth prince, Maertai Ruo.

Despite her modern personality, Rouxi captured the affection of the princes. The story revolves around her love interests and whether she can return to modern times.

Mytour has introduced to you the list of 'Top 10+ Best and Newest Chinese Palace Dramas in 2023' on the Chinese screen, outstanding works in the palace drama genre, featuring stories of power, love, and struggles in the court and harem. Characters from ordinary positions become incredibly important in history, creating a journey full of changes and deep emotions that will surely captivate even the most discerning audience.