Top 12 Best Chinese Time-Travel Movies

"The Handsome Man of the Tang Dynasty" is a standout time-travel movie that has garnered special affection from viewers. The film's cast made a significant contribution to its success with their unique, humorous, and profound performances.

The story of "The Handsome Man of the Tang Dynasty" revolves around Wang Zihao, a man who accidentally travels back to the Tang Dynasty and assumes a new role: a wealthy, powerful young master with a beautiful wife. Using his intelligence, skills, and sense of responsibility, he transforms his life and brings about change by applying modern thoughts to the feudal society. The comedic and amusing moments in the film stem from this contrast in ideologies, making the audience entertained and satisfied from the very first episode.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

Stars: Au Deqiang, Wang Lihua, Tan Yaowen

"Oh, My Emperor" is a popular TV drama featuring the "Queen of Time Travel" actress Zhao Lusi. The series is infused with light-hearted humor, romance, and sweet moments. It is divided into two seasons, totaling 42 episodes, and aired on Tencent.

The plot follows La Phi Phi, a medical intern who unexpectedly time-travels to a fictional country called the Royal Dao Kingdom, which is not found in history. In this ancient world, Phi Phi is saved by the Northern King, Bei Dong Mo Ran, who belongs to the Aquarius zodiac and has the power of foresight. On the other hand, Emperor Bei Dong Yi, a Capricorn with the ability to freeze, seeks to kill Phi Phi, suspecting her to be an assassin. Mo Ran rescues Phi Phi because it is prophesied that she holds a significant future. Phi Phi, Mo Ran, and Yi are continuously caught in funny and touching situations, with a series of encounters and clashes with the 12 zodiac signs, creating adorable and intense moments.

"Oh, My Emperor" is a unique time-travel drama that explores the theme of the 12 zodiac signs—a fresh topic rarely covered in traditional historical dramas. This novelty helped the show become a sensation among drama enthusiasts when it aired.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2018

Genres: Comedy, Romance

Director: Cao Ba

Stars: Zhao Lusi, Xiao Zhan, Gu Jiacheng, He Zhi Guang

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

"Spring Flowers, Autumn Moon" is a 40-episode historical time-travel drama starring the actress Zhao Lusi, who is well-known for her roles in time-travel films. The series is adapted from the novel "Through the Thunderbolt" by author Shu Ke, and centers on a love triangle involving Thu Nguyet, Xuân Hoa, and Tiêu Bạch.

The plot follows a girl named Loi Loi, who has an unusual desire to travel back to the ancient era to find her true love. With 200,000 yuan, she buys a time-travel service from a company called Zhong Tuo Shu, promising to send clients back to ancient times.

Once in the ancient world, Loi Loi assumes the name Xuân Hoa. In the dangerous martial arts world, she unexpectedly meets Shangguan Thu Nguyet, a notorious villain who is being hunted by the martial arts world. They form a brother-sister bond. Before this, Xuân Hoa had crossed paths with Tiêu Bạch, who had taken advantage of her as a pawn in his own schemes. However, Xuân Hoa’s intelligence and disregard for rules continuously thwart the plans of Shangguan Nguyet and Tiêu Bạch. Gradually, both men are drawn to Xuân Hoa’s kind heart. What will become of this love triangle? Watch the series to discover the outcome!

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2019

Genres: Romance

Director: Huang Chun

Stars: Zhao Lusi, Li Hongyi, Wu Junyu

The drama The Proud Heiress is a 24-episode historical time-travel series that became an instant hit upon its release on online streaming platforms, thanks to its unique storyline blended with humorous elements.

The plot centers on Lam Lac Cảnh, a young woman from the 21st century, who unexpectedly time-travels to the Tang Dynasty and becomes the daughter of a powerful prime minister. She is unknowingly married to a powerful and domineering prince, Chung Vo Mi. Alongside this, she meets Liu Tu Wen, a handsome guard; Jiang Hiên Vu, a charming playboy; and Hoa Ung Tri, a proud and elegant swordsman. As Lam Lac Cảnh encounters these four men, she goes through numerous ups and downs. Will she find her true love? Watch all 24 episodes of The Proud Heiress to discover the final outcome!

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2019

Genres: Martial Arts, Swordsplay, Drama, Romance, Comedy

Director: Nguyen Duc

Stars: Trinh Tu Hoang, Gong Jun, Phuong Zhi Lun, Du Khai Ning, Khu Hao Xian

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

The series Dreams of the Great Qing has become an unmissable masterpiece. Anyone who has seen it is undoubtedly familiar with the intense rivalry between the Ninth and Fourth Princes of the Kangxi Dynasty. The story centers around the character of the Thirteenth Prince, Yin Tang, and a girl named Xiao Wei from the 21st century. Together with historical figures, they bring endless joy and sorrow to the plot.

This drama highlights the famous power struggle for the throne during the Qing Dynasty. Unlike most historical dramas that focus on key princes such as the Fourth Prince, who later becomes Emperor Yongzheng, Dreams of the Great Qing introduces the Thirteenth Prince as the main character.

Xiao Wei (played by Li Lan Di) is a young woman from the 21st century who, during a visit to the Forbidden City, is unexpectedly transported back in time to the Kangxi era. In this time-travel romance, Xiao Wei becomes a captivating beauty, catching the eye of several princes, including the Thirteenth Prince Yin Tang.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2019

Genres: Historical, Drama, Romance, Comedy

Director: Tang Ren

Stars: Li Lan Di, Wang An Yu, Tan Yun Lai, Ding Qiao, Sun An Ke, Chen Yu An

The series Trần Thiên Thiên in the Rumors revolves around two main characters: Trần Thiên Thiên, the princess of Hua Yuan City, and Han Shuo, the former prince of Xuan Hu City. Initially, they are fierce opponents, but gradually, they overcome the gender-based conflicts between their cities. Eventually, they realize the truth about love, forming a sweet and humorous romantic story.

Trần Thiên Thiên is an intelligent and witty girl with a kind heart. However, she unexpectedly finds herself in a novel she once wrote, becoming Princess Trần Thiên Thiên, a cruel character exiled to the Dong Liang Kingdom. To survive, she must constantly capture the attention of the male lead, Han Shuo.

Han Shuo, the prince of Bei Xia, is a man of extraordinary talents in both martial arts and strategy. Beneath his delicate appearance lies a cunning and arrogant nature. Initially, his plan was to destroy Dong Liang, but after meeting Trần Thiên Thiên, he becomes an ardent protector of his wife.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2020

Genres: Romance, Historical

Director: Tra Chuan Yi

Stars: Triệu Lộ Tư, Đinh Vũ Hề, Thịnh Anh Hào, Chu Tử Hinh

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Tremble, A Bo is a supernatural time-travel drama that follows A Bo, an alien who unexpectedly falls to Earth and inhabits the body of Duong Thanh Diep, a child who was assassinated. From this point on, a series of humorous and emotional situations unfold as A Bo, disguised as Duong Thanh Diep, desperately tries to find a way back to their home planet.

General Duong Thanh Phong is a skilled and handsome man who unconditionally loves his younger sister, Duong Thanh Diep. The show quickly gained attention due to its unique storyline, which blends humor with emotional depth, making viewers laugh and cry at the quirky characters and events.

In the body of Duong Thanh Diep, A Bo creates a number of amusing and intriguing situations while also building a controversial love story with Duong Thanh Phong (played by Trinh Nghiep Thanh). Together, they become entangled in a battle for power in the palace and face the evil plots of dark forces.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2017

Genres: Historical, Comedy

Director: Zhao Xiao Xi

Stars: An Duyet Khe, Trinh Nghiep Thanh, Trieu Dong Trac

The Three Thousand Cat Slaughter is set in the ancient era, where the Left Chancellor of the Yan Dynasty betrays his own country and forms an alliance with the enemy, leading to the fall of the Yan Empire. Princess Dam Xuyen, a noble and proud woman, faces the destruction of her kingdom and the loss of her family. She decides to sever her ties with the son of the enemy and adopts a new identity, retreating to the Hương Thủ mountain. There, she becomes a lowly servant, determined to steal the ancient lantern to save the people. Along the way, she meets Phó Cửu Vân, and a romantic connection begins to form between them. However, she is unaware that Phó Cửu Vân has a heavy responsibility as the 'heart lantern'—a person who must sacrifice their life once the lantern is activated.

In ancient times, the Left Chancellor of the Yan Dynasty, a high-ranking official, betrayed the empire and allied with the enemy, causing the downfall of the empire. The people of Yan were captured and enslaved by the Tian Yuan forces, suffering great hardships. Princess Dam Xuyen is determined to find the ancient lantern to free her people. During her journey, she meets Phó Cửu Vân, and together, they discover the lantern. But danger arises when Phó Cửu Vân is revealed to be the 'heart lantern,' who will disappear once the lantern is activated, forcing the two to face the inevitable sacrifice. In a desperate move, Dam Xuyen opens the lantern in place of Phó Cửu Vân, surviving the ordeal while he perishes. Dam Xuyen never forgets Phó Cửu Vân, and when she touches the lantern once more, their love and loyalty resonate with the hearts of others, and eventually, both are restored and their love is rekindled.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2020

Genres: Historical, Mythological, Psychological, Romance, Comedy

Director: Hui Wu

Stars: Trinh Nghiep Thanh, Trieu Lo Tu, Luu Di Dong, Tuong Yi Yi, Vuong Manh Le

The Female Forensic Doctor of the Tang Dynasty tells the story of Nhiệm Nhân, a talented female forensic doctor who is assassinated by her own assistant. In an unexpected twist, Nhiệm Nhân is reincarnated into the Tang Dynasty, during the Zhenguan era, with the identity of a discarded noblewoman. To survive in this new world, she uses her strong determination and willpower to pursue a career in medicine. Played by Chu Khiết Quỳnh, Nhiệm Nhân embarks on a journey to solve the mystery surrounding her mother's murder while encountering true love along the way.

When she was young, Nhiệm Nhân's mother mysteriously committed suicide, leaving many unanswered questions. As a result, Nhiệm Nhân decides to study medicine in order to uncover the truth behind her mother's death. However, just as she begins her journey, she is betrayed by a colleague and is reincarnated into the Tang Dynasty as a noblewoman. Here, she faces great hardship as her family abandons her, and her medical knowledge becomes her only asset. Along her journey to find a way back, she inadvertently solves numerous cases, saving countless innocent lives.

Nhiệm Nhân is assassinated by her assistant and reincarnates into the Tang Dynasty during the Zhenguan era. Upon her arrival in the Tang Dynasty, she begins to uncover suspicious activities. She is reincarnated as a noblewoman, but loses her memories and is abandoned by her family. At the same time, Nhiệm Nhân discovers a gift her modern-day mother left behind. She hopes that this discovery will lead her back to her old world.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2020

Genres: Romance, Historical, Mystery

Director: Kim Ngật Phi

Stars: Chu Khiết Quỳnh as Nhiệm Nhân, Lý Trình Bân, Bùi Tử Thiêm, Lam Bác

When talking about outstanding Chinese time-travel dramas, one cannot miss the popular TV series "Scarlet Heart". Based on the novel of the same name by author Tong Hua, this drama left a profound impact on viewers with its romantic, emotional narrative filled with sorrow, misfortune, and palace intrigue.

"Scarlet Heart" tells the story of Zhang Xiao (played by Liu Shishi), a young woman who unexpectedly travels back to the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. She becomes the second daughter of the Manchu clan, Ma'ertai Ruo Xi. With her charming, strong-willed, and compassionate nature, Ruo Xi attracts the affections of many men. Among them, her deepest and most poignant love is with the Eighth Prince and the Fourth Prince. However, fate is not kind, and both men whom Ruo Xi loves cannot remain by her side forever. Political struggles in the imperial palace and ambitions for the throne drive a wedge between them. When Ruo Xi passes away, all that remains is a lifetime of regret and longing.

With its heartfelt performances and deep psychological portrayals of characters, combined with an exceptional storyline, "Scarlet Heart" achieved high ratings and brought the cast closer to the audience.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2011

Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama

Directors: Li Guo Li, Wu Jin Yuan, Lin Guo Fen, Deng Wei En

Stars: Liu Shishi, Nicky Wu, Kevin Cheng, Lin Gengxin

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

"The Two-Faced Princess" is a time-travel drama adapted from the novel by author Fan Que. The story revolves around the main character, Khu Kieu Dan, a modern-day woman who accidentally travels back to ancient times. Her soul inhabits the body of Khu Dan Ni, a second daughter who took her own life after a failed romance. From this point onward, Kieu Dan lives in Dan Ni’s body, possessing two distinct personalities: one gentle and soft, the other strong and free-spirited. Khu Kieu Dan is chosen by the Emperor to become the Empress and is forced to marry the Eighth Prince, Mo Lian, which drags her into the power struggles of the Dong Nhac Kingdom.

With one body but two souls, Khu Kieu Dan develops a strong love for the Eighth Prince, while Khu Dan Ni is determined to help the Grand Prince, the one she loves, seize the throne. How will this love triangle unfold? In a market flooded with dramas about palace intrigues, school life, and romantic tales, "The Two-Faced Princess" emerged as a breath of fresh air that captivated audiences.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2017

Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance

Director: Nguyên Đức

Stars: Hình Chiêu Lâm, Lương Khiết, Tôn Nghệ Trữ, Tân Thụy Kì

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

"The Prince's Consort Promotion Chronicle" is a drama series adapted from the novel of the same name by author Trương Thiên Ái. The show became popular in the time-travel genre thanks to its humorous and unique storyline, along with a cast of youthful, beautiful actors delivering natural performances. Despite its modest production budget, "The Prince's Consort Promotion Chronicle" left a significant impression and gained a loyal fanbase, along with substantial revenue.

The story follows the time-travel journey of Trương Bằng, who finds himself in a woman’s body upon waking up after traveling back in time thousands of years. He inhabits the body of Trương Bồng Bồng, the daughter of Prince Tề Thịnh. Despite living as a woman, Trương Bồng Bồng retains his masculine personality, which leads to numerous amusing and awkward situations.

Although it had a low budget, "The Prince's Consort Promotion Chronicle" maintained high production quality, satisfying the audience with its attention to detail in the visuals. If you're a fan of the time-travel genre, this show is a must-watch.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2015

Genre: Historical, Period Drama, Romance

Director: Lữ Hạo Cát Cát

Stars: Trương Thiên Ái, Thịnh Nhất Luân, Vu Mông Lung, Quách Tuấn Thần

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10