Top 16 Most Anticipated Chinese Dramas of 2018

Story of Yanxi Palace is a sequel to the popular historical drama 'The Legend of Zhen Huan,' set in the imperial palace, where power struggles reign. Based on the novel by Liu Lianzi, the series stars top Chinese actresses like Zhao Wei, Wallace Huo, and Li Yitong, with a cast of renowned actors including Zhu Yawen and Dong Jie. The plot centers around the power struggles and political intrigue within the royal court, focusing on Empress Dowager Cixi's rise to power and her relationships with key historical figures like Emperor Guangxu. The drama reveals the untold secrets of a downtrodden empress who has been betrayed and denied a title by China's royal history.

Princess De is adapted from the popular novel by Tianxia Guiyuan. This drama stars renowned actors like Yang Mi, William Chan, Zhang Yuxi, and Liu Shiqi. The plot of Princess De follows the life of a proud and strong-willed woman, Mǎn Fù Dào. In her quest to gather the Five Sacred Seals, she faces numerous challenges. Along the way, she meets and falls in love with the mysterious and powerful Prince Quán Cơ Wú Jí. As the two uncover the secrets of their true identities, including the hidden past of Fù Dào, they endure trials together, ultimately achieving their goal. The series is expected to have a total of 60 episodes.

The River of Sorrow is based on the novel of the same name by Guo Jingming. The drama features actors Zheng Shuang and Ma Tianyu. The plot revolves around a young woman named Di Dao, who has a close friend named Qi Ming. After her parents' divorce, her life takes a dark turn. To support herself and her mother, who works as a prostitute, Di Dao suffers constant abuse but continues to care deeply for her mother. Tragedy strikes when she meets and falls for Li Zhe, who sees her as nothing more than a plaything. At 17, after discovering she is pregnant, Li Zhe abandons her, and she becomes the target of public scorn. Throughout her struggles, only Qi Ming remains by her side, offering help and support. However, a cruel remark from Qi Ming ultimately drives Di Dao to take her own life.

Fragrance Like Smoke is adapted from the novel by Dian Tuan. The series stars Yang Zi (as Gan Mi), Deng Lun (as Hu Feng), La Yunxi (as Ruan Yu), and Chen Yushi (as Liu Ying), among others. The plot follows the love story between Gan Mi and Hu Feng. Gan Mi, the daughter of the Flower God, has suffered great misfortune since childhood. She was forced to drink a potion that severed all emotions and was imprisoned by her father’s followers in the Water Mirror for centuries. 4000 years later, the Fire God Hu Feng meets with danger at the Water Mirror and is saved by Gan Mi. Taking advantage of this, Gan Mi forces Hu Feng to help her escape. After living together for over a century, the two begin to develop feelings for each other. Their love journey is filled with both sweet and bitter moments. The series is expected to be 60 episodes long.

Battle Through the Heavens is adapted from the novel of the same name by Tian Tam Tu Dou. The series belongs to the genres of xianxia, fantasy, and alternate realities. The story follows the journey of a young boy, Xiao Yan. When he was 9 years old, his mother was murdered, leaving behind a mysterious ring that becomes his most treasured possession. At the age of 15, Xiao Yan awakens the sealed soul of the renowned medicinal master, Yao Chen, within the ring. With Yao Chen's guidance, Xiao Yan's martial skills improve drastically, and he soon becomes a powerful figure. Along the way, he uncovers the truth behind his mother's death. Driven by a desire for revenge and justice, Xiao Yan teams up with the brave female warrior, Xiao Xun'er, to rid the world of evil. The series is expected to be 45 episodes long.

The Story of Di Hy is a famous drama series set in the world of palace intrigue. The script is written by the renowned screenwriter, Vu Jing. The series stars actors such as Nie Yuan, Xa Thi Man, Qin Lan, Wu Can Yuan, and Hu Kai. The plot takes place during the 6th year of the reign of Emperor Qianlong. The palace maid, Wei Yingluo, enters the Forbidden City to investigate the mysterious death of her older sister. She uncovers the connection between her sister's death and Qianlong’s younger brother, Aisin Gioro Hongzhu. Determined to bring justice to her sister, Wei Yingluo struggles with the pressures of palace life. Despite warnings from the noble and kind-hearted Empress Fucha, Yingluo persists in her quest for vengeance. Over time, she chooses to abandon her hatred, following her own path in life. After the Empress’s death, Yingluo fulfills the Empress's last wish and becomes a consort of Emperor Qianlong. Her intelligence and wit help her rise in the palace, from becoming a beloved Consort to the prestigious title of Noble Consort, and eventually reaching the highest rank of Empress. In her later years, she reveals to Emperor Qianlong the secret entrusted to her by the Empress. In the 60th year of Qianlong’s reign, her son is named Crown Prince, and she is posthumously honored as the Empress Dowager. The series is expected to run for 50 episodes.

Phoenix Exiled is a historical drama based on the novel of the same name by Tian Yi You Feng. Starring Quan Xiao Tong and Tong Wei Long, the series is set during the period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties in ancient China. The story follows Princess Shan Yin, the older sister of the deposed emperor, Liu Zi Nie. Known for her reckless and dissolute nature, Shan Yin mysteriously disappears. Sui Nuo, a woman with a hidden agenda, takes her place, planning to murder Liu Zi Nie. Along the way, she meets Dong Zhi, a favored male companion of the princess, who harbors his own secret identity as the younger brother of the Empress Dowager of Northern Wei. His true mission is to groom loyal supporters for his country. As their fates intertwine, the two must navigate a web of secrets and deception. What will happen when they both discover each other’s true identities?

The Chronicles of the Tams is a drama adapted from the novel by Huynh Di. The story follows a modern astronaut, Hang Xiao Long, who mysteriously travels back in time to the era of Qin Shi Huang, 2000 years ago. There, Hang becomes involved in pivotal historical events and captures the hearts of many women. With his knowledge of the future, he becomes a legendary figure among the ancient people. However, his newfound fame also attracts numerous dangers. Using his intelligence and resourcefulness, how will Hang Xiao Long navigate the perils that lie ahead? The drama consists of 40 episodes.

Returning to the Ming Dynasty to Become a Prince tells the story of Yang Lang, a poor scholar who embarks on a journey to rise to power and become a prince in the Ming Dynasty. As he navigates through the complex politics of the imperial court, he seeks to change his destiny and carve out a new path for himself, gaining influence and authority beyond his humble beginnings.

The Battle of Shushan Chronicles 2 is the sequel to the original Battle of Shushan Chronicles, with the full title 'The Battle of Shushan Chronicles: The Stepping Fire of the Qing Song'. The film stars actors such as Ngô Kỳ Long, Vũ Đình Nhi, Trần Triết Viễn, and Nhiếp Tử Hạo. The plot follows Du Anh Nam, a mysterious girl raised by Du Anh Kỳ. As she grows older, she travels to learn martial arts under Bai Guo Yi. Later, Du Anh Kỳ joins her in Shushan to continue their training. The search for the Soul-stabilizing Stone unites two factions, complicating their journey further. The film has an estimated run of 48 episodes.

The Dynasty of Ca is an epic Chinese mythology drama, penned by the famous screenwriter Vu Chính. The film stars actors such as Trương Triết Hạn, Ngô Cẩn Ngôn, Lý Nhất Đồng, Bảo Kiếm Phong, and Mễ Nhiệt. The story is set during the turbulent period of Chinese history when power shifted from the Shang Dynasty to the Zhou Dynasty. It faithfully depicts the historical power struggle between Emperor Xin and Ji Fa during this chaotic time.

General Huo Qubing is a historical drama directed by the talented Zhang Jie. The film stars rising young actors such as Trương Nhược Quân, Mao Hiểu Đồng, and Bạch Vũ. The story follows the legendary figure Huo Qubing, who is the son of a servant in the princess's household. Due to a stroke of luck, his mother's younger sister catches the eye of Emperor Wu of Han and is made Empress. Huo Qubing gains favor and begins honing his martial skills and intellect, becoming a hero of both strength and wisdom. When the northern frontier is harassed by the Xiongnu, causing great suffering to the people, Huo Qubing is sent by the Emperor to lead a military campaign. After a decisive victory, he earns praise from the Emperor and becomes a trusted figure in the court. Huo continues to lead successful campaigns, pushing the Xiongnu out of the borders, ensuring they never return. The drama is set to have 70 episodes.

The Story of Ming Lan is adapted from the novel "Do You Know? Do You Know? It’s the Red Faded Green" by Quan Tan Tak Luan. Starring Zhao Liying (as Sheng Ming Lan) and Feng Shaofeng (as Gu Nilang), this drama tells the story of Ming Lan, the daughter of a government official in the Northern Song Dynasty. As a child, she endured neglect from her stepmother, indifference from her siblings, and disregard from her father, especially after her mother’s early death. Ming Lan hides her intelligence and perseveres through hardship. Over time, she meets Gu Ding Ye, the second son of the Ningyuan Marquis, who once helped her but also mistreated her. Impressed by Ming Lan’s determination, Gu Ding Ye falls in love with her. With his support, the royal succession changes, and the descendants of the Triệu family are appointed as heirs. Eventually, Gu Ding Ye marries Ming Lan and she becomes the mistress of the Marquis house. The drama is expected to have 70 episodes.

Empress Dugu is a historical drama that tells the life story of Dugu Qiela (played by Chen Qiao En). The story begins with the tragic massacre of Dugu Qiela's entire family, forcing her to grow up independently. As she matures, she marries Yang Jian. Together, they face numerous challenges and eventually establish the Sui Dynasty. After Yang Jian ascends the throne as Emperor Wu, he makes Dugu Qiela his Empress. She plays a crucial role in stabilizing the empire, advocating for a monogamous system. In the final years of her life, she supports the removal of the crown prince, Yang Guang, and endorses the second son, Prince Yang, who later becomes the emperor.

The Story of Van Tich is an adaptation of the novel 'The Genius Little Poison Princess' by author Jie Ma. The series stars actors like Xu Yiting, Mei Nhi, Lin Siyu, and Liu Jingyan. The story follows Han Van Tich, a discarded and ugly woman, and her tumultuous love story with Prince Long Phi Da of the Qin Dynasty. Born into a family of doctors, Van Tich's face becomes disfigured after being poisoned. Due to her mother's past service to the empress, she is promised to the Seventh Prince, Long Phi Da. On her wedding day, she manages to cure herself and walks into the royal palace as a nominal wife. On their wedding night, she also cures Long Phi Da's poison. The two face many challenges together, and Long Phi Da eventually regains his royal title, Hiển Viên Da, and ascends to the throne as Emperor of the Vĩnh Bình Dynasty, where Van Tich is crowned Empress.

Lieth Huo Nu Ca is an adaptation of the novel by the famous author, Ming Xiu Ke. The series stars Dilraba Dilmurat as Lieth Nu Ca, Chou Du Yin as Yin Yue, Zhang Ban Ban as Zhan Feng, and Liu Rue Lan as Yue Zi Han. The plot follows Lieth Nu Ca, the young heiress of Lieth Huo Mountain Manor, which dominates the martial arts world. She is a lively and cheerful person who loves the color red and values righteousness. Her life revolves around three talented young men: Yin Yue, a mysterious immortal; Zhan Feng, her childhood friend; and Yue Zi Han, a man who silently cares for her.