Top 10 Chinese Palace Intrigue Dramas You Must Watch

Adding another gem from TVB, 'Intrigues in the Forbidden Palace' is renowned for having all four lead actresses winning the TVB Best Actress Award. The series also garnered significant viewership with exceptionally high ratings.

Plot: Beyond the struggles among concubines, 'Intrigues in the Forbidden Palace' also depicts the darker, cunning aspects of palace life, where both concubines and eunuchs are filled with intrigue and manipulation. This vividly portrays the complexities of palace life for viewers.

With stellar performances from the renowned cast, 'Intrigues in the Forbidden Palace' deserves its place as one of the best palace intrigue dramas from China.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Release Date: 08/23/2004

Genre: TV Drama

Runtime: 30 episodes

Country: China

Legend of the Concubine's Scheme emerged as one of the most prominent dramas in 2018. Despite facing cuts mandated by the Chinese Film Bureau, resulting in heightened tension, the series still captivated audiences with its meticulous attention to detail and compelling performances. Set against a backdrop of distinct costumes and featuring a talented cast, Legend of the Concubine's Scheme became a symbol of palace intrigue for an extended period.

Plot: The story revolves around the character of Nǐng Ānlà (based on the historical figure of Empress Dowager Huì of the Nǐng family), a resourceful young woman who enters the Forbidden City to seek justice for her sister À Mǎn (Nǐng Ānníng), who was raped and murdered without witnesses. Facing numerous challenges and dangers, Nǐng Ānlà, with her wit and intelligence, rises to become the most esteemed Empress Dowager, commanding the harem and the court.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Release Date: 09/17/2018

Genre: Historical, Mythology, Martial Arts, Swordplay

Runtime: 70 episodes

Country: China

Regarded as one of the recent classic films in Chinese cinema, 'Chronicles of the Harem' has stirred excitement and left a profound mark on viewers with its compelling and unique storyline, complemented by a beautiful and professional cast, as well as meticulously designed costumes and settings. Produced in 2012 with Trịnh Hiểu Long serving as the director, the film not only gained significant acclaim but also brought its cast closer to the public.

Plot: The story revolves around the power struggles and love affairs of women in the Forbidden City during the reign of Emperor Ung Chính of the Qing Dynasty. Concubines plot and fight against each other to gain power and the emperor's favor. Chân Hoàn, a kind and selfless young woman, is constantly targeted by the forces within the harem. Circumstances force her to save herself, eventually rising to become the most powerful concubine in the palace. However, every achievement comes with a price. In her journey to become the Empress, Chân Hoàn, having lost her loved ones, transforms into a resilient and powerful woman, defending herself against the schemes of others.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Release Date: 06/23/2013

Genre: Historical, Mythology, Martial Arts, Swordplay

Runtime: 76 episodes

Country: China

The Swordsman is a Chinese historical television series adapted from the novel of the same name by author Đồng Hoa, produced by Shanghai Dongren Film Company in 2011. The series premiered on China's HunanTV on September 10, 2011.

Plot: The story follows a modern office worker who, due to an accident, experiences a brainwave anomaly and is transported into the thirteen-year-old body of Mã Nhĩ Thái Nhược Hy during the Qing Dynasty. She becomes the center of attention and unwittingly gets caught up in the struggle for power within the imperial palace at that time.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Release Date: 09/10/2011

Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Drama, Palace Intrigue

Runtime: 35 episodes

Country: China

Sovereign of the Realm is a highly anticipated period drama from around 2018, featuring a talented and skilled cast. The series garnered 1 billion viewers right from its first episode.

Plot: Set in the final years of the Northern Chu period, with the prophecy 'Sovereign of the Realm' (The world belongs to the Sovereign of the Realm), stating that whoever marries a daughter of the Sovereign of the Realm will hold the world in their hands. This leads to the virtuous family of Sovereign of the Realm, facing much ridicule and suspicion from courtiers. However, it serves as motivation for the three daughters of the Sovereign of the Realm (Sovereign of the Realm Hua Ni, Sovereign of the Realm Man Da, Sovereign of the Realm Jia La) to step by step ascend to the position of the world's mother.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Release Date: 03/21/2018

Genre: Palace Intrigue

Runtime: 55 episodes

Country: China

The Empress's Dominance marks Lâm Tâm Như's debut as a producer. Garnering immense popularity and high ratings, it's truly a must-watch drama revolving around palace intrigue.

Plot: The story revolves around the life of Princess Mã Phức Nhã of Sở state. Despite the treacherous court environment, Princess Phức Nhã maintains her inherent goodness and compassion. Enduring various trials and tribulations, serving as the daughter-in-law of three kings, Phức Nhã never ascends to the position of Empress, remaining only a concubine.

With meticulous production and compelling content, The Empress's Dominance is sure to captivate audiences without disappointment.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Release Date: 09/30/2011

Genre: Historical, Romance, Palace Intrigue

Runtime: 42 episodes

Country: China

Legend of the Enigmatic Concubine is a long-running television series adapted from the novel 'The Legend of the Enigmatic Concubine' published in 2011 by author Liu Lianzi. Liu Lianzi herself is also the author and screenwriter of the previous series Chân Hoàn truyện.

Plot: The series is based on the life of Empress Ki, also known as Nyang Yi. The Empress's actual fate is a contentious issue in Qing history, and Liu Lianzi has relied on historical records and her imagination to recreate the life, glories, and humiliations in the imperial harem of the character Nyang Yi, thereby expressing sympathy and compassion for the Empress's life.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Release Date: 08/20/2018

Genre: Historical, Palace Intrigue, Romance

Runtime: 87 episodes

Country: China

Legend of the Water Margin is a Chinese historical television series released in 2017. The series was successfully adapted from the novel 'Prequel to the Age of Enlightenment: The Outer Stories of Jing Ke' by On Tet Nam.

Plot: The story revolves around King Qin Shi Huang and his deep love affair with Gong Sun Li. Li Ko has always admired and loved Jing Ke. However, she catches the eye of King Qin of the Qin dynasty. After marrying Qin Shi Huang, she goes through many trials and is always protected by the king. As a result, she develops feelings for Qin Shi Huang and earns the favor of everyone in the palace due to her gentle demeanor and intelligence.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Release Date: 08/14/2017

Genre: Historical, Palace Intrigue

Runtime: 48 episodes

Country: China

Set in the early Western Han dynasty, the TV series 'Beauties' Machinations' has garnered much love from television audiences and high praise from art professionals for its meticulous production and professional acting by renowned Chinese actors.

Plot: Regarded as one of the best palace intrigue dramas, 'Beauties' Machinations' revolves around the life of Empress Dowager Dou Yifang, from her time as a palace maid to becoming the Empress Dowager of the Great Han dynasty. Despite the power struggles in the palace and numerous schemes, Yifang remains undefeated. With her intelligence, wit, courage, and benevolent heart, Dou Yifang overcomes all obstacles, leaving her mark in history and earning eternal praise from the people.

With the authentic and professional performance of the lead actress, Lam Tam Như, as Empress Dowager Dou Yifang, 'Beauties' Machinations' has left an indelible mark on viewers' hearts with the portrayal of the renowned Chinese empress, known for her beauty and wisdom. Moreover, it impresses us with her cunning and intelligence amidst the treacherous and complex palace.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Release Date: 03/16/2010

Genre: Historical, Costume Drama, Romance

Runtime: 40 episodes

Country: China

As one of TVB's productions, 'Palace Scheme' is recognized as one of the most successful and popular works on palace intrigue. This series has notably propelled actresses Hei Si Man and Dương Di into greater public recognition.

Plot: 'Palace Scheme' revolves around the power struggles and conflicts within the palace, with the main characters being Lau Tam Hoa (portrayed by Hei Si Man) and Kim Linh (played by Dương Di). Both are good sisters and enter the palace at the same time. In the treacherous palace environment, while Lau Tam Hoa embodies kindness, innocence, and patience, Kim Linh is strong, holds grudges, and is determined for revenge. Tragedy unfolds as a result.

With its grand production and outstanding performances by the cast, 'Palace Scheme' has affirmed its value and secured a solid position among the best palace intrigue dramas in Chinese television history.

DETAILS:

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Release Date: 2009

Runtime: 33 episodes

Genre: Television Drama

Country: China