Top 20 Most Captivating Chinese Historical Dramas to Watch in 2024

1. Empress of the Ming: Legend of Sun Ruowei – A Chinese historical drama with a twist of fate

• Release Date: 15/05/2019
• Genre: Historical, espionage, fictional history
• Duration: 58/58 episodes
• Director: Li Tue Chau
• Starring: Zhang Yue Nian, Li Zhi Ding, Jing Xiu, La Yun He, and Tran Han Du
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Empress of the Ming: Legend of Sun Ruowei is one of the best Chinese historical dramas of all time. The series narrates the tumultuous love story between Prince Wu You and Princess Kai Tong. Initially a politically motivated marriage, they eventually realize their genuine feelings for each other after spending time together.

2. Fading Fragrance: Latest Chinese Period Drama of 2022

• Release Date: 20/07/2022
• Genre: Period drama, martial arts, romance
• Duration: 40/40 episodes
• Director: Quach Hu
• Starring: Thanh Nghia, Duong Tu, Manh Tu Nghia, Truong Due, Ly Han Trach
• IMDb Rating: 8/10

Ranked among the top Chinese period dramas, Fading Fragrance is highly praised by critics for its storyline and character development. The plot revolves around the enduring love story between Ung Uyen and Nhan Dam. Due to reincarnating a hundred years earlier, Nhan Dam forgets the beautiful memories with Ung Uyen.

3. Forbidden Love in the Mist – Beloved Chinese Period Drama

• Release Date: 28/12/2019
• Genre: Period drama, detective, martial arts, romance
• Duration: 55/55 episodes
• Director: Doan Dao
• Starring: Nham Gia Luan, Dam Tung Van, Han Dong
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Forbidden Love in the Mist is an emotionally engaging drama adapted from a popular Chinese romance novel, known for its captivating and distinctive period setting. The story revolves around the 'enemies to lovers' relationship between Vien Kim Ha and Luc Dich. Despite constantly clashing in various cases, they gradually realize that they cannot live without each other.

4. Legend of Su Ke: Finest Chinese Period Drama

• Release Date: 05/06/2017
• Genre: Action, romance, historical, tragedy
• Duration: 58/58 episodes
• Director: Ngo Cam Nguyen
• Starring: Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin, Dou Xiao, Li Dan
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Legend of Su Ke is one of the must-watch Chinese dramas. The story unfolds during turbulent times of territorial disputes between the North and South. Amidst these challenging times, Su Ke fearlessly risks danger, utilizing her intelligence to assist those in need.

5. The Sky Above Love – Dương Dương's Compelling Period Drama

• Release Date: 4/18/2022
• Genre: Period drama, Romance
• Duration: 40/40 episodes
• Director: Doan Dao
• Starring: Trieu Luu Tu, Dương Dương
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

The Sky Above Love is a Chinese period drama in the romance genre that has garnered praise from viewers. The story revolves around the budding love between a prince disguised as a commoner and a brave princess. Together, they collaborate to assist those in need within the capital city. You can watch the entire series in the 'Popular Movies' section on Netflix.

6. Celestial Love: Hottest Chinese Period Drama

• Release Date: 7/5/2022
• Genre: Romance, Politics, Historical Fantasy
• Duration: 56/56 episodes
• Director: Phi Chan Tuong
• Starring: Ngo Loi, Trieu Luu Tu
• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Celestial Love ranks among the top 60 best Chinese period dramas. The story revolves around the female lead, Thieu Thuong, who hails from a martial arts family but hides her talents due to the tumultuous era and various prejudices. Fortunately, she meets Lang Bat Nghi, who protects her from the palace intrigues.

7. Heavenly Pact: A Must-Watch Chinese Period Drama Starring Dilraba Dilmurat

• Release Date: 3/17/2022
• Genre:
  Period Drama, Romance, Fantasy
• Duration: 42/42 episodes
• Director: Chu Duye Ban
• Starring: Dilraba Dilmurat, William Chan
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Heavenly Pact ranks among the top Chinese period dramas worth watching in 2024. The story revolves around the love between Truong Y, a fisherman, and Ke Van Hoa, a female sorcerer with the ability to tame monsters. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, will their love story have a happy ending?

8. Mountain and Sea Edict – The Hottest Chinese Period Drama with a Touch of Romance

• Release Date: 2/22/2021
• Genre: Martial Arts, Fantasy
• Duration: 42/42 episodes
• Director: Thanh Chi Sieu
• Starring: Gong Tuan, Zhang Zhetian
• IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

Mountain and Sea Edict is the perfect choice if you're seeking a captivating and profound Chinese period drama. Adapted from the novel of the same name, the series follows the journey of On Khach Hanh and Chu Tu Thu in the martial arts world. Despite facing many hardships, they become inseparable companions.

9. Song Dynasty's Beloved Consort - A Captivating Romance Period Drama

• Release Date: 7/10/2017
• Genre: Period Drama, Romance, Comedy
• Duration: 24/24 episodes
• Director: Nguyen Duc
• Starring: Xing Qiu Lam, Luong Khiat
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Song Dynasty's Beloved Consort is a remarkable romantic period drama that garnered attention upon its release. Despite modest production values, the storyline captivated viewers. It revolves around the love story between Khuc Dan Ni and Mac Lien Thanh. Starting with a forced marriage, they eventually realize their true feelings for each other.

10. Save the Beauty: A Popular Chinese Period Fantasy Drama

• Release Date: 08/06/2020
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Mythical
• Duration: 59/59 episodes
• Directors: Doan Dao, Mach Quan Chi
• Starring: Thanh Nghi, Vien Bang Nghien
• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Save the Beauty: A Popular Chinese Period Fantasy Drama presents a fresh and captivating storyline that grips viewers through each episode. The series predominantly revolves around Chu Toan Co, a celebrated warrior with unexpected remarkable successes, who is suddenly banished from the celestial realm due to an unforgivable transgression. Here, she encounters Vu Tu Phuong and begins to weave the most beautiful love story in the world.

11. Winter Palace – A Chinese Period Drama of Heart-Wrenching Love

• Release Date: 02/14/2019
• Genre: Historical, Romance, Fictional
• Duration: 52/52 episodes
• Director: Ly Moqua
• Starring: Tran Tinh Huc, Banh Tieu Nhiem
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Winter Palace is a Chinese period drama adapted from the novel of the same name. The storyline revolves around the tearful love story of Princess Luong Tieu Phong and Trung Nguyen Ly Thua Ngan. He concealed his identity as a ruthless killer to stay by the princess's side until the day Tieu Phong inadvertently discovers the truth.

12. Culinary Romance – Manh Thê Thực Thần, a Hilarious Historical Comedy

• Release Date: 04/23/2018
• Genre: Culinary, Period, Chinese Time-Travel Drama
• Duration: 56/56 episodes
• Director: Lam Thiem Nhat
• Starring: Zhong Dan Ni, Zhao Jian, Trieu Lo Tu
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Another remarkable Chinese period drama not to be missed is Manh Thê Thực Thần. The series blends humor and follows the time-travel journey of Diep Gia Dao to the era of Emperor Du. There, Diep Gia Dao meets Ha Thuan Du, and they embark on adventures together. Throughout this journey, their feelings gradually blossom and develop.

13. Royal Consort's Ascension Chronicles – A Captivating Chinese Period Drama

• Release Date: 12/13/2015
• Genre: Romance, Time-Travel, Period, Palace Intrigue
• Duration: 36/36 episodes
• Director: Lam Thiem Nhat
• Starring: Zhang Tian Ai, Thinh Nhat Luan, Vu Mong Lung
• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Thái Tử Phi Thăng Chức Ký features a fresh and captivating storyline, earning it viewers' love. The series follows Truong Bang's accidental time-travel journey. Upon awakening, he struggles to find a way back to the real world and must navigate survival in the ancient royal court.

14. Battle Continent – The Greatest Chinese Period Drama of All Time

• Release Date:  02/05/2021
• Genre: Action
• Duration: 40/40 episodes
• Director: Duong Tran Vu
• Starring: Xiao Qian, Wu Xuan Yao
• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Battle Continent is an outstanding Chinese action film with captivating elements of period drama and fantasy. It follows the journey of Duong Tam, who possesses extraordinary martial arts skills and is determined to learn the craft to carry on his beloved father's legacy.

15. Legend of Tran Thiên Thiên – A Chinese Period Drama with Time Travel Element

• Release Date:  05/18/2022
• Genre: Period drama, romance, comedy
• Duration: 24/24 episodes
• Director: Tra Transmitting Wisdom
• Starring: Triệu Lộ Tư, Đinh Vũ Hề
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Featured in the list of must-watch Chinese period dramas, Legend of Tran Thiên Thiên recounts the time-traveling love story of Tran Thiên Thiên and Hàn Thước. In her previous life, Thiên Thiên was rumored to be frivolous and had passed away. Therefore, she decides to travel back in time to dispel this false rumor.

16. Chinese Period Drama: Intrigue in the Imperial Harem - “Legend of the Graceful Concubine”

• Release Date:  08/20/2018
• Genre: Period drama, palace intrigue, romance
• Duration: 87/87 episodes
• Director: Uông Tuấn
• Starring: Châu Tấn, Hoắc Kiến Hoa, Đổng Khiết, Trương Quân Ninh, Đồng Dao
• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Highly acclaimed upon its release, 'Legend of the Graceful Concubine' was adapted from the eponymous novel, depicting a life full of intrigue and scheming within the palace walls. Moreover, the series portrays complex relationships among its characters, from genuine love to relationships driven by ambition and conflict.

17. Three Lives Three Worlds, The Pillow Book – Mystical Chinese Period Drama

• Release Date:  01/22/2020
• Genre: Fantasy, Romance
• Duration: 56/56 episodes
• Director: Dương Huyền
• Starring: Địch Lệ Nhiệt Ba, Cao Vỹ Quang
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Three Lives Three Worlds, The Pillow Book is a mystical Chinese period drama depicting the love story between the nine-tailed fox maiden Bai Feng Jiu and the Heavenly Emperor Dong Hua. To repay a debt of gratitude, she assumes the role of a maid and stays by his side for three lifetimes. However, they must face numerous challenges and trials to protect their love across reincarnations.

18. Legend of the Phoenix Empress – Strong Female Lead Chinese Period Drama

• Release Date: 06/18/2018
• Genre: Romance, Adventure, Fantasy
• Duration: 66/66 episodes
• Directors: Dương Văn Quân, Tạ Trạch, Lý Tài
• Starring: Dương Mịch, Nguyễn Kinh Thiên, Cao Vỹ Quang
• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Legend of the Phoenix Empress is a remarkable Chinese period drama celebrating the spirit of female empowerment. The story revolves around the life of Manh Phù Dao on her journey to become the most revered empress. Despite being underestimated due to her sealed powers, she remains determined and resilient in finding ways to unleash her talents. Later, she meets Trưởng Tôn Vô Cực and receives help and care from him.

19. Chinese Period Drama “Cloud and Dance: My Journey To You”

• Release Date: 09/02/2023
• Genre: Period, Legend, New Wuxia
• Duration: 24/24 episodes
• Directors: Quách Kính Minh
• Starring: Ngu Thư Hân, Trương Lăng Hách

Cloud and Dance: My Journey To You stands out among the best Chinese period dramas of 2023. The story revolves around Vân Vi Sam, who desires freedom and must enter the palace to fulfill a mission. Here, she meets Tử Vũ – a stubborn and difficult-to-please courtier, who turns out to be the destined love she has been seeking.

20. Tranquility Command – The Best Historical Drama in BL Genre

• Release Date: 06/27/2019
• Genre: Period, BL, Adventure, Mystery
• Duration: 50/50 episodes
• Director: Trần Gia Lâm
• Starring: Tiêu Chiến, Vương Nhất Bác
• IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Tranquility Command is a remarkable Chinese period drama in the BL genre that has received positive reviews from viewers. The story revolves around two young men with contrasting personalities. On one side is the villainous Ngụy Vô Tiện, while on the other side is the benevolent deity Lam Vong Cơ, who helps people in need. Fate brings them together, and they fall in love. However, Vong Cơ faces a dilemma as he must choose between defeating Vô Tiện to maintain peace in the mortal realm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Historical Dramas

1. Where can I watch Chinese historical dramas with English subtitles in full HD?

You can watch Chinese historical dramas with English subtitles in full HD on quality streaming platforms such as Netflix, VieON, Iqiyi, Wetv…

2. What are the most iconic and best Chinese historical dramas of all time?

If you're a fan of Chinese historical dramas, you definitely can't miss out on the following titles: The Untamed, Story of Yanxi Palace, Empresses in the Palace, Nirvana in Fire, Eternal Love…

3. What are the most anticipated Chinese historical dramas to be aired in 2023 – 2024?

Some of the highly anticipated Chinese historical dramas coming in early 2024 are: Dreaming of Peace, Mountain View in a Single Thought, Roaming in the Wilderness, Love in the Lake…

This article has provided you with 20 classic Chinese historical dramas worth watching of all time. Hopefully, after reading, you will find your favorite drama to enjoy with your family and friends, creating wonderful and memorable entertainment moments. To discover more great movies in different genres and purchase high-quality, affordable, and fast-delivery viewing devices, visit the Mytour e-commerce platform now!