Top 10 Historical Romance Dramas Adapted from Web Novels

Under The Power is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by author Lam Sắc Sư Phân. The story follows the female constable, Viên Kim Hạ (played by Đàm Tùng Vận), who becomes entangled in a deadly rivalry with the ruthless Cẩm y vệ officer, Lục Dịch (played by Nhậm Gia Luân), due to a case she is investigating. The case involves the disappearance of ten thousand taels of silver, meant for the reconstruction of bridges, which mysteriously vanish. Viên Kim Hạ is ordered to assist Lục Dịch in the investigation and journey to Yangzhou to track down the stolen funds.

Although Viên Kim Hạ and Lục Dịch initially clash, their growing partnership sparks a shift in their views toward one another, leading to mutual feelings of affection. Their fates become intertwined as they struggle through the challenges posed by the case and their own personal histories. However, the road to love is not without its obstacles. Viên Kim Hạ, who is an orphan due to the Hạ Ngôn case from years ago, carries a deep grudge against Lục Dịch's family. In the end, the two protagonists must overcome their past grudges, confront their enemies, and break free from the constraints of society to courageously be together.

Few TV dramas have managed to stay at the top of the charts like *Eternal Love*. Three years after its initial release, *Eternal Love* continues to hold a strong position among the most popular shows. Ranked at number 10, it continues to surprise and captivate audiences with every twist and turn.

*Eternal Love* is based on the romantic novel of the same name by author Tang Qi Gong Zi. The story centers on the epic love affair between Bai Qian (played by Yang Mi) and Ye Hua (played by Zhao Youting), spanning three lifetimes over thousands of years.

In their first life, due to the sealing of the demon prince King Thong, the celestial god Mo Yuan, Bai Qian's master, falls into a deep sleep. Bai Qian then leaves Kunlun Mountain to return to Qing Qiu. Seventy thousand years later, the seal is broken and Bai Qian, now known as Su Su, loses her powers and memories, and falls to the mortal realm as a common girl. By chance, she saves Ye Hua, disguised as a black serpent, while he is on earth to rid the world of demons.

Driven by his love for her, Ye Hua marries Su Su. This marks the beginning of their stormy love story that spans two more lifetimes. The drama features a fascinating array of characters, blending elements of fantasy and romance with a magical journey across different realms. Audiences are drawn into the mesmerizing world of the Four Seas and the Eight Desolations, where love, politics, and power collide in breathtaking ways.

Ashes of Love is a popular television series from Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation, adapted from the novel of the same name by Dian Xian. It has been one of the most influential and widely recognized novels in China for quite some time. The story is set in a world of gods and immortals and follows the complex journey of love and fate.

Born as the daughter of the Flower God, Cẩm Mịch (played by Yang Zi) faces hardship from a young age when her father uses a heart-wrenching potion to make her endure 4,000 years of isolation, without hope of finding her destined love. Her mother, also the Flower God, kept her hidden from the world. However, Cẩm Mịch eventually meets Húc Phượng, the son of the Heavenly Emperor, and becomes attracted to him. Despite the growing bond between them, they are met with numerous obstacles and sinister forces working against their love.

The Imperial Female Medical Examiner is a time-travel historical drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Jin Yao Man Tang. The series stars Zhou Kitten, Li Chengbin, and Bui Zi Tian, among others.

The story follows Nian Yan, a young woman who, driven by the desire to uncover the truth behind her mother's mysterious death, becomes an expert coroner. From a young age, she has studied the art of forensic examination and grows into a brilliant medical examiner. With her incredible talent, Nian Yan heals the sick, saves lives, and solves numerous murder cases, uncovering a secret organization of killers in the process. During her investigations, she also finds the love of her life.

Goodbye My Princess is a 2019 Chinese television drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Fei Ge Zhi Cun. Directed by Li Mo Qua, the series stars Chen Ting Hu, Peng Xiao Nian, and Wei Tian Tuan in leading roles.

The story revolves around the tragic love tale of Xiao Feng and Prince Li Cheng Gan. Their love is filled with trials and hardship, as they face numerous challenges and heart-wrenching twists of fate. Despite the pain and struggles they endure, their relationship ends in a way that leaves audiences deeply moved. Goodbye My Princess is widely regarded as a successful adaptation, securing a firm spot as one of the best-loved dramas based on novels.

The Story of Sở Kiều is a Chinese historical drama based on the novel "The Empress's Special Agent No. 11" by author Xiao Xiang Dong Ni.

Young girl Sở Kiều (Zhao Liying) is sent to a hunting school for aristocrats' entertainment, where she is secretly saved by the Crown Prince of Bei Yan, Yan Tuan (Dou Xiao). She is then brought into the house of Wu Yan, who holds political power, witnessing the tragic deaths of her siblings and vowing to rescue her younger sister. Sở Kiều catches the attention of Wu Yan Yue (Lin Gengxin), who trains her rigorously while forming a strong friendship with Yan Tuan.

This drama was a massive hit in 2017, propelling stars like Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin, Dou Xiao, Dang Lun, and Li Tan to fame, especially reinforcing Zhao Liying's reputation as the "Queen of Ratings".

The Story of Ming Lan is adapted from the famous historical Chinese work: "Really? Really? It Must Be Red, Must Be Bright" by author Guan Tan Tan. The cast includes well-known actors such as Zhao Liying as Sheng Ming Lan, Feng Shaofeng as Gu Ding Ye, Chu Yilong as Qi Xing, and He He as Sheng Mo Lan, along with other notable stars.

The drama is set in the Northern Song Dynasty and revolves around the life, marriage, and career of the intelligent and beautiful heroine Sheng Ming Lan, who is not loved within her family. Her life takes a new turn when she marries the young master Ning Yuanqiu, Gu Ding Ye. From that point, she takes charge of the family business, manages and expands the family's fortune.

The Palace Story of Zhen Huan, commonly referred to as Zhen Huan Story, is a Chinese historical drama adapted from the novel by the lesser-known author Liu Lianzi.

Set during the Qing Dynasty, the drama incorporates historical elements, focusing on the life of Empress Dowager Chongqing. While it follows the popular 'palace intrigue' theme, Zhen Huan Story takes viewers through the journey of love turning to hatred, as a naive young woman transforms into a cunning and strategic figure in the imperial harem across 76 episodes. This series was the most-watched drama in Mainland China in 2012 and is considered one of the most iconic historical dramas of modern China.

The historical drama The Journey of Hua Tien Gu tells the unique love story between the immortal master Bai Zi Huo and his disciple Hua Tien Gu. The show is adapted from the popular romance novel by author Fresh Guo Guo, which has gained significant attention from fans of the novel. The plot centers around the lives of students at a school founded by Zhang Si Dui, who aims to spread knowledge for the betterment of society.

From the start of filming, the series garnered attention thanks to its two lead stars, Wallace Huo (Bai Zi Huo) and Zhao Liying (Xiao Guo). The forbidden love between the immortal Bai Zi Huo and his disciple Hua Tien Gu, in a world where immortals are not allowed to have romantic feelings like humans, became a captivating theme. Bai Zi Huo and Hua Tien Gu must endure many hardships to be together.

Although anticipation for the series was high, the ending, which deviated from the original novel, left many fans of the book disappointed.

When discussing historical dramas adapted from romance novels, Scarlet Heart cannot be overlooked. This series is based on the novel of the same name by author Tong Hua. It tells the story of Zhang Xiao, a girl from the 21st century who, after a tragic accident, finds herself transported back in time to the final years of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, where she assumes the role of the second daughter of the Manchu aristocratic family, Ma Er Tai Ruo Xi.

Ruo Xi becomes deeply entangled in a tragic love affair with the Fourth Prince – future Emperor Yongzheng. Despite premiering in 2011, Scarlet Heart continues to captivate audiences. The series' success has led to its acquisition by South Korea, where it is currently being remade and scheduled for release.