Top 5 Chinese Historical Dramas with the Saddest Endings

Scarlet Heart is a Chinese historical drama with themes of time travel and love, adapted from the famous novel by Tong Hua. Set during the Qing dynasty, under the reign of Emperor Kangxi, amidst the turbulent struggles between princes vying for the throne, the show blends history with romance, and the main character, Ma'ertai Ruo Xi, finds herself at the center of this storm.

The series ends with tragic fates for its characters. Emperor Yongzheng, despite being at the peak of power, lives out his days in loneliness. Prince Yongxi, who devoted his youth to supporting Fourth Prince, dies in tears. Princes Eight and Nine take their own lives, while Prince Fourteen spends his life in confinement. In the end, the carefree and somewhat naive Tenth Prince, who cared little for power, finds happiness and peace.

Ever Night (Chao Sheng Ru Guo) is adapted from the historical romance novel "One Life, One Dream" by author Mo Bao Fei Bao. The drama stars rising actors Ren Jialun and Bai Lu.

The 24-episode series revolves around the female lead, Thoi Shi Nghi (played by Bai Lu), who is the future empress consort. She is brought to the royal residence to learn the arts. Over time, she falls in love with her teacher, Xiao Nan Shen, Prince Chao Sheng Shen (played by Ren Jialun). However, Thoi Shi Nghi is forced to marry the crown prince. Meanwhile, Chao Sheng Shen faces danger on the battlefield, suffering severe injuries and being accused of treason. Before his death, he leaves a blood-written letter for Thoi Shi Nghi. In her grief, Thoi Shi Nghi jumps off the palace walls, disowns herself from her family, and vows to be with Chao Sheng Shen. The drama ends on a sorrowful note, leaving viewers heartbroken.

The Eastern Palace is adapted from the famous novel by Phi Nga Tu Ton, focusing on the complex love and hate story between the princess of the Western Liang kingdom, Xiao Feng (played by Bành Tiểu Nhiễm), and the crown prince of Central China, Li Cheng Gan (played by Trần Tinh Húc). After a single night of tragedy, Princess Xiao Feng loses her kingdom, family, friends, and the man she loved, Guo Xiao Wu. Grief-stricken and desperate, Xiao Feng throws herself into the Vong Xuyen River to forget her past, but she is saved by the crown prince, Li Cheng Gan.

With no memories of her past, Xiao Feng is forced into a marriage with Li Cheng Gan in exchange for peace for her homeland. In the foreign land, she becomes a neglected consort in a marriage filled with disputes, misunderstandings, and bitter resentment. The two appear to be like parallel lines that will never intersect. However, as political intrigues, power struggles, and ambition unfold in the Eastern Palace, the two are slowly drawn together. Secrets buried deep in their forgotten memories are revealed, and the tragic fate of their love begins to unfold.

The Journey of Flower is based on the popular web novel by Fresh Guo Guo, hailed by Chinese netizens as one of the most tragic love stories ever told. The story revolves around the poignant romance between the disciple, Hua Tian Guo, and her master, the immortal Chang Liu Bai Zi Hua.

The finale of the series brings a heart-wrenching conclusion. Bai Zi Hua (played by Huò Jiàn Huā) deeply loves Hua Tian Guo (played by Zhao Li Ying), but refuses to admit his feelings. In her despair and to end the suffering, Hua Tian Guo demands that Bai Zi Hua kill her. Unable to bring himself to do it, Hua Tian Guo creates an illusion, making it appear as though she killed Ma Yan and the disciples of Chang Liu to force Bai Zi Hua into action.

A Romance of the Three Kingdoms is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by the author Dian Tuan. This work has been one of China's most influential stories for a long period. Born as the daughter of the Flower God, Cẩm Mịch (played by Dương Tử) suffers from a tragic fate. Her father, the Flower God, uses a poison that isolates her for 4000 years, and she loses all hope of ever meeting her destined lover.

After attaining immortality, Cẩm Mịch remains a pure and virtuous fairy, with an enchanting allure that captivates both the God of the Night, Nhuận Ngọc, and the Fire God, Húc Phượng (played by Đặng Luân). However, the person who takes her from the sweet to the bitter side of love is Húc Phượng. Their love story endures many trials and tribulations in the Flower Realm, but it is only too late that Cẩm Mịch realizes her true feelings.