TOP 20 Best Chinese Historical Time-Traveling Dramas, Latest in 2023

The Chinese film industry is renowned for its plethora of Chinese martial arts films, historical dramas, palace intrigue, Chinese romantic dramas adaptations, and more. Among them, the array of intriguing and innovative time-traveling films has captivated many audiences. With dreamlike scenes and fresh, captivating storylines blending a hint of fantasy and historical setting, viewers are glued to the screen. Let's explore the top 20 most meaningful and entertaining Chinese time-traveling films together on Mytour Blog!

Heartstrings in Ancient Times – Latest Chinese Time-Traveling Drama of 2023

• Release Year: 2023
• Genre: Time-travel, historical, romantic drama
• Duration: 14 episodes
• Director: Thi Truc
• Starring: Tam Thien Ngu, Quach Gia Nam, Truong Nha Kham
• IMDb Rating:  updating

The Melody of Longing depicts the story of university lecturer Tham Ngon Quan accidentally traversing into the ancient painting 'Longing for You' and meeting Luc Dien, the empress of the current dynasty and also the mastermind behind this masterpiece. Each time he travels through, he is there to save Luc Dien, but each subsequent journey returns him to an earlier time than the previous one. The reverse flow of time, with Tham Ngon Quan standing at the end of the story while Luc Dien's events begin anew, gradually reveals the secrets hidden behind the painting 'Longing for You.'

Lord Mind Reader - A New and Remarkable Time-Traveling Drama

• Release Year: 2023
• Genre: Time-travel, historical, romance
• Duration: 20 episodes
• Director: Vuong Ngo Khoang
• Starring: Quan Kim Lan, Kau Dinh Kiet, Truong Yi Nguyet
• IMDb Rating:  updating

The storyline revolves around the famous food blogger Tham Tri Hoan, who in a freak accident, finds herself inhabiting the body of Madam Du Yen Thanh - the noblewoman of the Dai Tuy dynasty. Ironically, based on historical records, Madam Du Yen Thanh is portrayed as a cunning and ruthless figure, destined to meet a grim end by rebellion at the age of 30. Tham Tri Hoan seeks every possible means to escape the clutches of this dangerous character, but the more she struggles, the deeper she sinks. She gradually uncovers the profound inner workings of her noble household and develops feelings for him. Will this romantic tale find a happy ending, and can Tri Hoan change the tragic fate of her husband?

The Latest Chinese Time-travel Drama of 2023 – Dream Return to the Great Qing

• Release Year: 2023
• Genre: Historical, palace intrigue, time-travel
• Duration: 40 episodes
• Director: Duong Nhan
• Starring: Ly Lan Dich, Vuong An Vu, Tan Van Lai
• IMDb Rating: Updating

Dream Return to the Great Qing is a captivating Chinese time-travel drama set in the palace intrigue theme. The series centers around Xiao Vy – an architecture student tasked with overseeing the Forbidden City project. While wandering here one day, she encounters a mysterious old woman who gives her a lantern to guide her way home. The lantern also serves as the link for the encounters between Xiao Vy and Thirteen A Ca Qing Dynasty. One is real, one is a dream; both meet and gradually develop feelings. Later, Xiao Vy travels back to the Qing Dynasty, where she and Thirteen A Ca reunite and continue their unfinished love story. Will this romantic tale bloom amidst dangers and intrigues of the deep palace?

Scarlet Heart: Best Chinese Time-travel Drama of All Time

• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Time-travel, romance, historical, palace intrigue
• Duration: 35 episodes
• Director: Ly Quoc Lap
• Starring: Liu Thi Thi, Ngo Ky Long, Lam Canh Tan, Trinh Gia Dinh, Vien Hoang, Han Dong
• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Scarlet Heart is a Chinese drama adapted from the novel of the same name by author Tong Hua. It revolves around Zhang Xiao – a modern 21st-century office worker who, in a time-travel accident, finds herself in the Kangxi era, living as Maertai Ruo Xi – the daughter of the noble Maertai family. She unwittingly becomes entangled in the power struggles of the Qing Dynasty and catches the eye of several princes. However, her heart only belongs to Fourth Prince (later Emperor Yongzheng), believing their love will flourish. Yet, schemes and conspiracies lead to Ruo Xi's departure forever.

Ending with a poignant conclusion, the series has evoked countless tears and regrets from fans. Nevertheless, it's undeniable that 'Scarlet Heart' is a compelling time-travel drama interwoven with elements of palace intrigue, history, and a touch of fantasy, stirring viewers' emotions. This series was also bought by Korean filmmakers and remade as 'Moon Lovers'.

Jade Heart in the Palace: Best Chinese Historical Time-travel Drama

• Year Released: 2011
• Genre: Time-travel, Historical
• Duration: 35 episodes
• Director: Ly Tue Chau
• Starring: Yang Mi, Hawick Lau, Dong Xuan, Feng Shao Feng
• IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

'Jade Heart in the Palace' is a remarkable Chinese time-travel drama that revolves around Lac Tinh Xuyen – a young girl studying archaeology, passionate about reading novels and watching movies about time travel. While attending an antique exhibition, the painting 'Beauty's Portrait' captivates her attention, leading her to become enchanted and transported back in time. Here, she gets embroiled in the power struggle for the prince's throne and entangled in a complex romantic relationship between Fourth Prince Dian Chan and Eighth Prince Dian Tu.

Tran Thien Thien: The Rumored Beauty

• Year Released:
• Genre: Time-travel, Historical
• Duration: 24 episodes
• Director: Tra Truyen Nghi
• Starring: Ding Vu He, Trieu Lo Tu
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

'Tran Thien Thien in the Rumor' is an outstanding Chinese historical drama that catapulted the fame of actress Trieu Lo Tu. The series follows the story of editor Xiao Thien who unexpectedly travels back in time into the script she authored, living under the identity of the malicious and cruel Third Princess, despised vehemently by the people. However, her fate takes a turn when she finds herself on her wedding night with the male lead Han Ruler, who will eventually lead her to her demise.

Determined to rebuild the reputation of the Third Princess and transform her character from a villain to a virtuous woman, Thien Thien's journey reshapes the dynamics and earns her the affection of Han Ruler, altering his perception of her and ultimately leading him to abandon his plans of domination. You can watch the entire series on Netflix under the 'Top Picks' section.

Mystical Journey - A Fascinating Chinese Time-Travel Drama

• Genre: Time-travel, Historical, Fantasy
• Duration: 56 episodes
• Director: Lam Ngoc Phan
• Starring: Tran Vy Dinh, Liu Thi Thi, Tu Hai Kieu
• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Mystical Journey is a Chinese time-travel drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Thap Tu Da. The series revolves around the love story of the saintly Vu Tribe maiden Phuong Khanh Tran and the fourth prince of the Nguy Kingdom, Nguyen Lang. With the support of the Vu Tribe, Nguyen Lang smoothly ascends to the throne and crowns Phuong Khanh as his queen. However, on their wedding day, the rebellious prince Nguyen Tram leads a coup. To protect Nguyen Lang and the Vu Tribe, Phuong Khanh unleashes the mystical power of time reversal to change their fate, clear their names, and once again support Nguyen Lang's rise to power.

Oh My Emperor - A Hilarious Chinese Time-Travel Drama

• Year Released: 2018
• Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy
• Duration: 2 seasons, each with 21 episodes
• Director: Cao Bac
• Starring: Tieu Chien, Trieu Lo Tu, Phuong Tinh Da
• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Oh My Emperor is a highly popular Chinese time-travel drama, revolving around the girl Lac Phi Phi who accidentally travels back to ancient times in a distant land called Huang Dao Quoc. Here, she meets Bac Duong Dich and mistakenly believes him to be her idol Giai Thanh from modern times. After many attempts to find a way to return both to the 21st century and realizing it was all a misunderstanding, they gradually develop feelings. Ironically, she turns out to be the master of the Xa Phu Palace - the 'villainous' palace in everyone's eyes, including Bac Duong Dich. If you're looking for a light-hearted, humorous time-travel drama to relieve stress, 'Oh My Emperor' is a great choice, not to mention it incorporates elements of astrology, promising great entertainment.

Chinese Historical Time-Travel Drama - The Divine Thunder: Spring Blossoms, Autumn Moon

• Year Released: 2019
• Genre: Time-travel, Adaptation, Romance
• Duration: 40 episodes
• Director: Hoang Thuan
• Starring: Trieu Lo Tu, Ly Hoang Nghi, Khuong Nguyen, Ngo Tuan Du
• IMDb Rating: Updating

An outstanding Chinese martial arts drama featuring the time-traveling heroine Trieu Lo Tu that you can't miss is 'The Divine Thunder: Spring Blossoms, Autumn Moon.' The series follows the journey of Loi Loi, who spends 20,000 yuan to travel back in time. Living under the identity of a young girl named Xuan Hoa, she is informed by the system that the first person she sees upon traveling is her destined 'heavenly emperor' in her lifetime. Ironically, she mistakes Tieu Bach as her soulmate and passionately pursues him, only to later discover the shocking truth that the formidable leader Thượng Quan Nguyệt - the terrifying leader of the martial world - is her true love.

Go Princess Go: The Crowned Prince Consort's Promotion Diary – Chinese Historical Time-Travel Drama

• Year Released: 2015
• Genre: Romance, Time-travel, Palace Intrigue, Historical, Comedy
• Duration: 36 episodes
• Director: Lam Thiem Nhat
• Starring: Zhang Tian Ai, Thinh Nhat Luan, Vu Mong Lung
• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Go Princess Go: The Crowned Prince Consort's Promotion Diary is an immensely popular Chinese web drama, adapted from the Chinese romance novel of the same name by author Xian Chan. It tells the story of Zhang Bang, a charming and promiscuous modern-day gentleman who, in an accident falling into a lake, finds himself in the body of the crown prince consort Zhang Bong Bong in ancient times. Hilarious and dramatic situations ensue. Realizing he cannot return to the modern era, he gradually accepts his current identity and falls for Prince Consort Te Thinh. The drama was bought by Korean romance filmmakers and remade under the title 'Mr. Queen.'

Divine Wife in Culinary Realm – Latest Chinese Time-Travel Drama

• Year Released: 2022
• Genre: Time-travel, Historical, Martial Arts, Culinary, Comedy
• Duration: 56 episodes
• Director: Lam Thiem Nhat
• Starring: Chung Dan Ni, Trieu Kien, Trieu Lo Tu
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

A Chinese time-travel drama filled with humor and uniqueness that Mytour blog wants to introduce to you is 'Divine Wife in Culinary Realm'. The series revolves around the journey of young girl Diep Gia Dao, who travels back to the era of Duke Vu under the identity of the daughter of magistrate Diep Binh Hoai. During an outing, she is captured by the thugs of Black Wind Manor, where she meets Ha Thuan Du, a court spy infiltrating the corrupt organization. Facing imminent exposure, with her modern cooking skills and mindset, Gia Dao manages to overcome the danger for both, earning a reputation as a renowned chef.

Royal Consort of Two Worlds: The Timeless Romance – Must-Watch Chinese Time-Travel Drama

• Year Released: 2017
• Genre: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Time-travel
• Duration: 24 episodes
• Director: Nguyen Duc
• Starring: Hinh Chieu Lam, Luong Khiet
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

The Eternal Love (Royal Consort of Two Worlds) is a Chinese time-travel drama adapted from the novel Beloved Consort: I Wait for You to Divorce by Pham Khuyet. The story revolves around Xiao Dan, a modern girl who travels back to ancient times and lives under the identity of Dan Ni, the abandoned second daughter of the Khuc family. An intriguing aspect of the series is that upon her arrival, Dan Ni is still alive, resulting in two souls inhabiting her body, which interchange depending on the circumstances. Amidst various twists and turns, Xiao Dan and Prince Mac create a touching and sweet love story together.

Return to the Ming Dynasty as a Crown Prince: Royal Highness– Must-Watch Chinese Period Drama

• Year Released: 2018
• Genre: Period drama, time-travel, Chinese martial arts film
• Duration: 40 episodes
• Director: Tu Tien Luong
• Starring: Tuong Kinh Phu, Vien Bang Nghien, Luu Dich Quan
• IMDb Rating: Updating

The story follows modern-day boy Trinh Tieu Bang who travels back to the Ming Dynasty in the body of Duong Lang. The hilarious twist occurs as he arrives when Duong Lang, still alive, is lying in a coffin waiting to be buried. Outside the coffin is Au Nuong, who has always been by Duong Lang's side since childhood and wishes to marry him. She is performing mourning rites. Teased by Duong Lang's relatives to marry her, she decides to commit suicide by hitting her head against the coffin, but Duong Lang wakes up just in time to save her. Touched by her determination, he vows not to let her down, providing her with a good life.

The journey then unfolds step by step as he becomes a master in Ke Minh district, earns merit on the battlefield, and is appointed as a Crown Prince until both husband and wife are drawn into the power struggles within the palace. Will they overcome the sinister forces?

Son-in-law – Chinese Period Drama Featuring a Male Lead Travelling to Ancient China

• Year Released: 2021
• Genre: Period drama, comedy, time-travel, romance
• Duration: 36 episodes
• Director: Dang Khoa
• Starring: Quach Ky Lan, Tong Dat, Tuong Y Y
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

'Son-in-law' is a hilarious time-travel drama revolving around Ninh Nghi, a financial tycoon, who, in an accident, transmigrates into the useless son-in-law of the To family—a textile merchant family. Despite being fed up with investment and business, longing for a carefree life, unexpected situations arise. To protect his love, he utilizes his strengths to revive the To family's business.

I'm A Pet at Dali Temple

• Year Released: 2018
• Genre: Period drama, comedy, emotional drama
• Duration: 25 episodes
• Director: Lu Tran Minh
• Starring: Tu Khai Sinh, Ho Yi Hoan, Tu Gia Vi, Ly Dich Tang, Vuong Hi Nhien, Tran Tieu, Chu Chan Hao
• IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

This is a Chinese time-travel film adapted from the famous romance novel 'The Pet Life of Dali Temple' by novelist Match Thượng Nhân Như Ngọc. It revolves around Nhu Tieu Lam - a newly graduated student who inexplicably travels to ancient times in the form of a cat. She is adopted by Thanh Mac Nhan and must collect 5 stones of 5 colors to return. From here, hilarious situations arise from the pet-owner relationship to the turbulent love between them.

The setting of the film is at Dali Temple, a famous place for investigating major ancient cases, creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere down to every detail for the movie. It can be said that this is a film that brings together all the elements of time travel, period drama, crime-solving, and affectionate romance, promising to satisfy Chinese drama enthusiasts.

To Get Her: Royal Seduction - A great Chinese time-travel comedy (Source: Internet)

• Year Released: 2019
• Genre: Period drama, science fiction, comedy
• Duration: 30 episodes
• Director: To be updated
• Starring: Duong Hieu Thien, Hoang Nhat Oanh, Lu Van Phong
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Continuing from part 1 'Provoking the Cold Emperor', 'To Get Her' revolves around Do Tu Dap – a famous idol representing a popular ancient game. It's almost like a joke when he becomes the male lead Third Prince in the very game he promotes. To save her boyfriend, Lam Tran Tranh also enters the game, with only 3 mission lives to help him ascend to the throne. But the headache is that Do Tu Dap has had all his memories erased upon entering the game, with only his passion for music still burning inside him. Through various twists, cunning tasks, Tranh Tranh helps Dap restore his memories and find his love again.

Great Tang Dynasty Female Physician – A humorous Chinese period drama

• Genre: Period drama, romance, time travel, crime-solving, medical
• Duration: 36 episodes
• Directors: Ngo Thien Qua, Diep Dien
• Starring: Chau Khiem Quynh, Ly Trinh Ban, Thi Hoa, Lam Bac, Vuong Nhat Triet
• IMDb Rating: To be updated

Great Tang Dynasty Female Physician is a fantastic Chinese time-travel drama revolving around a female physician named Nian Nhan, who is assassinated by her assistant during a business trip and then transmigrated to the Tang Dynasty as a disgraced female doctor. Here, using her medical knowledge, she has saved many lives and learned to survive in ancient times. At the same time, she also discovers a mysterious assassination organization.

Enchanting Heavenly Beauty – Extremely good Chinese time-travel drama

• Genre: Historical, martial arts, swordplay, drama, romance, comedy
• Duration: 24 episodes
• Director: Nguyen Duc
• Starring: Tran Tuu Hoang, Cung Tuan, Phuong Dat Luan, Du Khai Ninh, Khuu Hao Hien
• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Enchanting Heavenly Beauty is a remarkable time-traveling drama that revolves around Lam Lac Canh, a young 21st-century girl who, due to romantic troubles, participates in a game that transports her into a world within the game. She finds herself in the prosperous Thinh Nguyen dynasty, where she encounters five talented and charming men and must find her true love. Eventually, Prince Chung Vo Mi wins her heart, and despite numerous challenges, they enjoy complete happiness together.

Time Knows - A Chinese time-traveling drama about the past

• Genre: Time-traveling, modern, fantasy, drama, romance
• Duration: 45 episodes
• Director: Chung Chu Giai
• Starring: Dou Qiao, Duong Yen
• IMDb Rating: Updating

Fate Knows All is a modern Chinese time-traveling drama that centers around Thoi Gian, a 31-year-old woman who, in a plane accident, travels back to a time 10 years prior when she was in university. Upon returning to the past, she seizes the opportunity to correct her past mistakes and regrets, such as taking her mother for regular health check-ups and meeting Diep Gia Thanh. Despite facing numerous challenges, they find happiness together until Diep Gia Thanh tragically dies in a car accident. Devastated, Thoi Gian decides to board the same flight where she had the accident. Waking up in the hospital room once again, she is overwhelmed with joy to find Diep Gia Thanh by her side, the person she had longed for.

Me Waiting for You in the Future - The Best Chinese Time-Traveling Drama About the Past

• Genre: Drama, romance, family, school life, time-traveling
• Duration: 36 episodes
• Director: Tiet Lang
• Starring: Ly Quang Khiet, Phi Khai Minh, Ton Thien, Tan Van Lai, Tu Tiep
• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

In the Future, Waiting for You revolves around Ha Chi Hoi Qui, a 37-year-old man still living the single life. His life is a mess: failed career, trapped in a fake marriage to please his mother. He becomes disillusioned with everything in reality. Then miraculously, he travels back to his 17-year-old self, determined to correct his mistakes and change his future.

These are some of the best Chinese historical time-traveling dramas, blending ancient and futuristic settings with sweet romantic stories and thrilling twists. Don't forget to visit the reputable Mytour marketplace to shop for useful products like household items, electronics, technology, etc., at good prices, fast delivery, and many attractive deals!