Ancient time-travel stories are among the most beloved and sought-after genres by readers. Most of these tales feature a modern-day character who, for various reasons, travels back in time to become a figure in a historical novel or someone with the same name in ancient times. Each story offers unique and captivating plots that draw readers in. Explore the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today, as shared by Mytour in the article below.

1. The Stubborn Empress
The Stubborn Empress by Minh Minh Bối Bối is one of the most popular ancient time-travel stories today, falling under the genres of comics and strong female leads. The story follows the protagonist, Vệ Du Cẩn, a girl born into a poor family with a disabled father and an early-departed mother, enduring a challenging childhood. Through sheer determination, she rises to become the CEO of a major corporation, only to meet with an accident and die just as she begins to taste success. She then time-travels into the body of an ancient empress, becoming a proud and stubborn queen who struggles to earn the emperor's affection.

2. The Ultimate Lady - Chân Ái Vị Lương
The Ultimate Lady by Chân Ái Vị Lương is the next story in the top 20 ancient time-travel tales you should read. The story revolves around Tần Mộ Dao, the heiress of the powerful Tần Corporation and a renowned businesswoman. After accidentally swallowing a diamond engagement ring, her life takes a tragic turn, leading her to time-travel to ancient times. She becomes the sole young lady of the Tần Mansion, the foremost estate among the four leading houses of Tây Nhạc Quốc. Despite her noble status, she lacks extraordinary beauty or a prestigious background, earning her the title of the “Useless Lady,” scorned and looked down upon by everyone. Even her loved ones avoid her, forcing her to fight for survival in her new identity.

3. Phoenix Prisoner – Thiên Y Hữu Phong
Next in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories is Phoenix Prisoner by Thiên Y Hữu Phong, a work that has been adapted into a film and loved by many. The story follows Sở Ngọc, who time-travels to ancient times and transforms into a princess obsessed with male beauty. Despite having a consort, she keeps numerous male favorites. Her purity and wit earn her the admiration and pursuit of many suitors. Alongside her cunning nature, she stirs up shocking scandals in the royal court. Everything changes when she falls for Dung Chỉ, a man with deep schemes and ambitions to seize the throne.

4. One Life, One World: Laughing in the Red Dust – Quân Tử Giang Sơn
One Life, One World: Laughing in the Red Dust by Quân Tử Giang Sơn is the next story in the top 20 best ancient time-travel tales today. The story follows the world's top underground assassin from the 21st century, who, after a deep sleep, time-travels to the ancient Đông Lăng dynasty, becoming the imperial concubine Tô Cẩm Bình. Naturally a money-loving individual, she deeply regrets leaving her wealth in the modern era. After a “dispute” with the Emperor, she is demoted from concubine to a lowly palace maid with meager wages. Determined to regain her fortune, she sets out to charm the Emperor for more gold and silver.

5. The Marquis' Daughter - Tiểu Ngọc Hồ
Next in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories is The Marquis' Daughter by Tiểu Ngọc Hồ. The story centers on the protagonist, Vương Hân Dao, who tragically dies in a traffic accident and time-travels to the fictional Ung Dynasty. She becomes the beloved and pampered eighth daughter of the Marquis' household. Using her modern-day intelligence, Vương Hân Dao strengthens the Marquis' standing while secretly plotting her return to the modern world.

6. My Lord! The Princess is Pregnant – Minh Nguyệt Ngọc Anh
Next in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories is My Lord! The Princess is Pregnant by Minh Nguyệt Ngọc Anh, a work filled with suspense, captivating plot twists, and humorous elements. The story revolves around the lives of two close yet rival sisters, Băng Tuyết Nhi and Hiên Viên Lãnh. After being framed and wanting to sacrifice her love for her sister, one of them jumps off a cliff and time-travels to ancient times, becoming a despised child who must endure a life of misfortune.

7. The Healer Who Shrouds the Sky – Mộ Anh Lạc
The Healer Who Shrouds the Sky by Mộ Anh Lạc is the next story in the top 20 best ancient time-travel tales today. The story follows the strong female lead, Mộ Chỉ Ly, a medical genius from the 21st century. One day, she suddenly time-travels to the past and becomes the young lady of the Mộ family, known for her unattractive appearance and aggressive, stubborn personality. However, with her intelligence and adaptability, she overcomes challenges to integrate into her new environment. Using her medical genius, Mộ Chỉ Ly transforms a disabled person into a powerful warrior.

8. The Evil Concubine's Prisoner King - Tuyết Nhạn
The Evil Concubine's Prisoner King by Tuyết Nhạn is the next comic in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today. The protagonist is a renowned modern-day assassin who, during a mission, faces danger and time-travels to ancient times, becoming Hoa Mị Nô, the eldest daughter of the prime minister in the Thành Đại court. Hoa Mị Nô was destined to be the empress, but her own sister stole her position. Forced to marry the cruel and ruthless Prince, she eventually cannot endure his brutality and decides to escape, seeking a new life for herself.

9. A Thousand Miles to Find My Husband – Minh Nguyệt Thính Phong
A gentle and natural story with meaningful messages, A Thousand Miles to Find My Husband by Minh Nguyệt Thính Phong is among the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today. The story follows Tô Tiểu Bối, an ordinary girl with nothing remarkable about her, who has never experienced love and remains lonely. One day, her soul is captured by the Moon Elder, who informs her that her future fiancé has met with an accident and is in a coma. His soul is trapped in another world, and if she wishes to escape her lonely fate, she must time-travel to retrieve his soul.

10. The Rural Life of Tình Nhi – Ngàn Năm Thư Nhất Đồng
The Rural Life of Tình Nhi by Ngàn Năm Thư Nhất Đồng is a unique story where the protagonist willingly requests to time-travel, unlike others who are forced. If you enjoy rural and ancient time-travel genres, this is one of the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today. The story follows Tử Tình, a girl who loves peace and quiet. Betrayed by her lover and exhausted by a noisy, bustling life, she prays under the moonlight during the Lantern Festival to become a simple village girl. Unexpectedly, her wish comes true, and she time-travels to ancient times, settling into a tranquil rural life, free from worries and stress.

11. Holding the Bright Moon - Quy Hồng Lạc Tuyết
Holding the Bright Moon by Quy Hồng Lạc Tuyết is a time-travel and boys' love (BL) story included in the top 20 best ancient time-travel tales today. If you enjoy BL genres, this is a must-read. The story follows Vương Điền, who accidentally time-travels to ancient times and becomes the Emperor. There, he unexpectedly falls into a romantic relationship with another man. However, their possessive personalities lead to humorous and intriguing palace dramas, captivating readers.

12. They Say I’m the King’s Daughter - Bi Chu
A highly popular ancient time-travel story today, They Say I’m the King’s Daughter by Korean author Bi Chu is widely read. The story follows a girl living a happy, fulfilling life with her family, who accidentally time-travels into the body of a princess in the kingdom of Atlant. Expecting the princess’s luxurious life to bring her happiness, she instead finds herself in a world bound by outdated and oppressive traditions.

13. The Flower of Broken Ties - Thất Nguyệt Lệ
The Flower of Broken Ties by Thất Nguyệt Lệ is another top 20 ancient time-travel story today. The plot revolves around the protagonist, Hoa Thiển, a recent university graduate who time-travels to ancient times after falling asleep. Once an ambitious and hopeful individual stepping out of university, she becomes a despised supporting character in a novel, struggling to adapt to her new reality.

14. The Arrogant Divine Doctor - Hai Chú Mèo
The next beloved story in the top 20 best ancient time-travel tales is The Arrogant Divine Doctor by Hai Chú Mèo. The story follows the protagonist, who time-travels to the Xuanyu Continent, a world where gender determines one’s abilities. Reborn as Quân Vô Nhan, the third daughter of the Quân family, she is a despised and abandoned young lady. Living in the body of a weak girl without the extrasensory abilities common among women in this world, she faces constant bullying, neglect, and hatred.

15. The Art of Being a Concubine - Nguyệt Hạ Điệp Ảnh
Next in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories is The Art of Being a Concubine by Nguyệt Hạ Điệp Ảnh. This is a captivating ancient time-travel comic filled with palace intrigue and unexpected twists. The story revolves around Trang Lạc Yên, who time-travels to become a neglected concubine. Being a concubine is like wielding a double-edged sword, but she resolves to thrive in the palace. Using her beauty, intelligence, and wit, she is determined to win the Emperor’s heart.

16. The Lotus Queen - Liễu Thất Bạch Tử
The Lotus Queen by Liễu Thất Bạch Tử is the next story in the top 20 best ancient time-travel tales today. This unique story stands out by having a villainess time-travel, unlike others where a kind-hearted protagonist is transported. The tale follows a girl who becomes a Queen, having endured a painful and tormented past. With her consciousness and memories intact, she transforms the Queen into a pure and radiant “white lotus,” seeking revenge on the men who once scorned her.

17. The Woman Behind the Empire: The Genius Little Queen - Vệ Sơ Lãng
The Woman Behind the Empire: The Genius Little Queen by Vệ Sơ Lãng is a captivating romance centered around a female protagonist with an IQ above 159, who time-travels to ancient times. This is another must-read in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today. The genius girl finds herself in an ancient dynasty, where she nurtures herself and uses her talents to become a Queen. However, she encounters a man with charming eyes and a devilish smile, who steals a kiss and forces her into marriage. Determined and intelligent, she refuses to yield easily, using her wit and beauty to navigate her new life.

18. My Ugly Royal Uncle - Ninh Khuynh
My Ugly Royal Uncle by Ninh Khuynh is the next story in the top 20 best ancient time-travel tales today, filled with humorous moments that bring laughter to readers. The story follows Hạ Thiên, who lives a peaceful life as a medicine seller in modern times. Unfortunately, she is falsely accused of selling fake medicine and, while fleeing, falls into a river. She wakes up in ancient times, not as a princess or noble lady, but in a troublesome situation where she is forcibly married to Ân Tịch Ly, a scruffy, bearded, and older royal figure. Despite his high status, she struggles to accept her new reality.

19. The Lucky Lady - An Bích Liên
Next in the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories is The Lucky Lady by An Bích Liên. The story revolves around Diệp Kiều, a ginseng plant that has cultivated for years but failed to transform into a human. One day, after a deep sleep, she wakes up to find herself in the body of a girl with the same name, the beloved daughter of the Diệp family. Forced into marriage with a sickly young master named Kỳ Vân, she reluctantly accepts her fate. Surprisingly, after marrying Diệp Kiều, the young master miraculously recovers his health.

20. Phoenix Ascends the Heavens - Lạc Tùy Tâm
Phoenix Ascends the Heavens is a profound and meaningful ancient time-travel romance, ranking among the top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today. The story follows Lam Vân, a woman from the 21st century whose life is filled with turmoil and tragic relationships. After time-traveling, she becomes Princess Vô Ưu in an ancient world. Living in the palace, her life revolves around survival amidst the ruthless battles of the royal harem. With her resilience, intelligence, and strength, she fights to survive and reclaim her position.

Above, Mytour has shared with you the Top 20 best ancient time-travel stories today. If you are a fan of time-travel stories, especially those set in ancient times, you should not miss these 20 tales. We hope you enjoy these captivating ancient time-travel stories. Thank you for your interest and for following this article.
