Step beyond the ornate palaces and into the fractured, ambitious heart of ancient realms with this season's most anticipated historical dramas. This collection of eight series offers a masterclass in narrative diversity, reimagining the past through lenses of gritty political ascent, supernatural destiny, and intellectual rivalry. From the war-torn docks where a bandit king forges an empire with a vengeful princess in Gui Luan, to the mystical courts where a blind hostage's songs unveil terrifying futures in Meng Hua Ting, these stories are united by complex characters defying their fates.
Whether it’s the meticulous craft of ink-making becoming a woman's weapon in Zhen Niang Zhuan, or two modern souls using office politics to survive a deadly palace in How Dare You, each drama promises a unique entry point into richly woven worlds. Prepare for journeys where love is tempered by strategy, legacy is fought for in markets and mansions, and history becomes a playground for suspense, revenge, and revolutionary partnerships.
Gui Luan (归鸾)
- Period Background: A fictional era of warring states and fractured dynasties
- Genres: Political Intrigue, Revenge, Warfare, Romance
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe (as Xiao Li), Lin Yun (as Wen Yu)
- Adapted from: Original script
The story begins in the chaos of a fallen kingdom. Wen Yu (温瑜), the sole surviving princess of a destroyed state, is rescued not by a noble knight, but by Xiao Li (萧厉), a pragmatic and street-smart gang leader operating the docks of Yongzhou (雍州). Their initial connection is one of convenience and survival. He sees potential utility in her status; she sees a lifeline in his ruthlessness. However, as they navigate the perils of a world where loyalties are traded like currency, a genuine, complicated bond forms. Their shared goal—to reclaim her throne and eliminate the usurper, Pei Song (裴颂)—becomes the crucible that forges both a political alliance and a tumultuous relationship.
Plot Deep Dive: Gui Luan tracks a radical ascent from the gutters to the pinnacle of power. Xiao Li's transformation from a local boss to the Prince of Wei, commanding half the realm, is a study in cunning ambition. Wen Yu's journey is equally fraught; she must shed any remnant of passive nobility to become a strategist in her own right. Their partnership is a double-edged sword: trust is essential for victory, yet the very power they accumulate strains their personal ties.
The series frames their dynamic as "the bandit king and the ambitious noblewoman," a pairing that promises a collision of wills rather than a simple union of hearts. The visual aesthetic leans into the Wei-Jin (魏晋) period style, with Wen Yu's costumes—soft pink robes paired with warrior-inspired hairpieces—symbolizing her dual nature: outwardly graceful, inwardly a commander plotting her next move.
Why Watch: For a narrative where romance is inextricably linked to, and often sacrificed for, political gain. It offers a gritty look at empire-building from an unconventional starting point, driven by two flawed individuals whose love may be the casualty of their own ambitions.
Meng Hua Ting (梦花廷)
- Period Background: A fictional ancient empire with fantasy elements
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Political Intrigue, Destiny
- Main Roles: Chen Zheyuan (as Tang Qianzi), Zhang Jingyi (as Tilan / Zizan)
- Adapted from: The novel Xie Luo (缬罗) by Xiao Ruse (萧如瑟)
Tilan, a blind princess from a conquered western kingdom, lives a life circumscribed by her disability and her status as a hostage. A violent palace coup unexpectedly awakens within her a latent power: the ability to foresee fragments of the future through song. This gift, however, proves to be a curse, marking her as a target. In her flight, she crosses paths with Tang Qianzi (汤乾自), a stoic and highly skilled guard serving the Fourth Prince, Ji Chang (季昶). A marriage of convenience blossoms into genuine affection, offering Tilan a fragile sanctuary. This sanctuary shatters when Prince Ji Chang, obsessed with the memory of his deceased wife, recognizes Tilan's uncanny resemblance to her. The princess becomes a pawn in a much larger game of thrones and tangled desires.
Plot Deep Dive: The core tension of Meng Hua Ting springs from identity and forced affection. Tilan's (缇兰) struggle is twofold: mastering a terrifying power she never sought, and asserting her own self in the shadow of another woman—Zizan (紫簪), the prince's late wife. Zhang Jingyi (张婧仪) faces the challenge of portraying two distinct souls: the lively, resilient Tilan and the gentle, sorrowful Zizan seen in memories. Chen Zheyuan's (陈哲远) role evolves from a duty-bound protector to a man torn between loyalty to his lord and love for his wife. The story blends court schemes with supernatural elements, asking whether fate, once glimpsed, can be altered.
Why Watch: For a poignant exploration of agency and love in a gilded cage. It combines the high stakes of political fantasy with the intimate tragedy of a "replacement" love triangle, powered by strong performances that navigate layers of pretense and raw emotion.
Yi Ou Chun (一瓯春)
- Period Background: The Song Dynasty (宋朝)
- Genres: Revenge, Domestic Intrigue, Political Strategy, Romance
- Main Roles: Xu Kai (as Shen Run), Zhou Ye (as Xie Qingyuan)
- Adapted from: Original script
The spark for this story is a grievous injustice. Xie Qingyuan (谢清圆) has lived in exile since childhood, her mother dead under mysterious, slanderous circumstances. Her path converges with that of Shen Run (沈润), a young man from a ruined family now condemned to military service on the remote frontiers. Their meeting is one of mutual recognition—two souls scarred by familial tragedy. They part with a silent pact to survive. Years later, the now-teenage Xie Qingyuan is forcibly recalled to the sprawling, treacherous Xie family mansion to serve as a "warding presence." Meanwhile, Shen Run has clawed his way from soldier to the powerful Commander of the Palace Command.
Plot Deep Dive: Yi Ou Chun operates on two fraught battlefields: the opulent, vicious world of the inner chambers and the ruthless corridors of imperial power. Xie Qingyuan's fight is immediate and personal; she must navigate the venomous schemes of her relatives to uncover the truth about her mother.
Shen Run's battlefield is the court, where he cultivates a reputation as a shrewd, inscrutable official. When their paths cross again, suspicion colors their reunion. Is he now part of the corrupt system she seeks to dismantle? Their journey from wary allies to trusting partners forms the emotional backbone, as they peel back layers of conspiracy that connect her personal vendetta to national politics.
Why Watch: For a meticulous slow-burn where romance is reignited amidst shared vengeance. It satisfies with its dual focus: the intricate, psychological warfare of domestic life and the grand chess game of court politics, all grounded in the richly realized atmosphere of the Song era.
Zhen Niang Zhuan (祯娘传)
- Period Background: The Ming Dynasty (明朝)
- Genres: Historical Drama, Business Rivalry, Craftsmanship, Legacy
- Main Roles: Yang Zi (as Li Zhen), Han Dongjun (as Luo Wenqian)
- Adapted from: Original script
This series shifts focus from palaces and battlefields to the competitive world of commerce and craft. The Li Mo (李墨) family, once famed throughout the land for its exquisite inksticks, has been disgraced and impoverished by a scandal involving imperial tribute. The family craft, traditionally passed only to sons, seems doomed. Li Zhen (李祯), a daughter of the house, refuses to let this heritage die. Driven by passion and latent talent, she secretly studies the forbidden art of ink-making.
Plot Deep Dive: Zhen Niang Zhuan is a story of quiet revolution. Li Zhen's battle is against deep-seated prejudice, economic hardship, and formidable rivals. Her greatest challenge comes in the form of Luo Wenqian (骆文谦), a brilliant and ambitious merchant. Initially, they are direct competitors, clashing in the marketplace. Yet, as they match wits, a grudging respect evolves into a strategic partnership. Their relationship is a meeting of intellectual equals, a "dual-power" alliance built on shared vision rather than mere affection.
The series dedicates significant attention to the intricate process of ink-making—the selection of pine soot, the blending with glue, the arduous pounding and molding—presenting it as a compelling art form. Yang Zi's performance highlights the physicality of the craft, from ink-stained cheeks to calloused hands, embodying the dedication of an artisan.
Why Watch: For a refreshing narrative centered on cultural perseverance and commercial intellect. It celebrates a tangible legacy—ink craftsmanship—while weaving a sophisticated tale of business strategy and a partnership founded on mutual ambition and respect, rather than courtly intrigue.
How Dare You (成何体统)
- Period Background: Fictional ancient dynasty
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Comedy, Political Intrigue
- Main Roles: Wang Churan (as Yu Wanyin/ Modern Wang Cuihua), Cheng Lei (as Xia Houdan)
- Adapted from: Original script
Plot Deep Dive: Modern office worker Wang Cuihua (王翠花) finds herself transported into a novel she was reading, becoming Yu Wanyin (庾晚音), the story's infamous "calamitous imperial consort" destined to die alongside a tyrannical emperor. To her surprise, the emperor, Xia Houdan (夏侯澹), is also a transmigrator from the modern world.
Forced into an alliance to overturn their preordained, grim fates, they navigate the treacherous court using their contemporary knowledge and cynical office politics savvy. Their strategies range from introducing potato cultivation to alleviate a famine to recruiting talented officials through unorthodox means, injecting black humor and relatability into the power struggles. Their relationship evolves from mutual suspicion and pragmatic scheming to a profound partnership built on shared secrets and a desperate hope for a different future.
Why Watch: The series stands out for its "dual-transmigration" premise, which fuels both its comedy and its unique conflict. The protagonists are not fighting against ignorant historical figures but collaborating with a secret equal, using modern logic to game a fictional system. Wang Churan (王楚然) skillfully balances Yu Wanyin's required sensuality with a underlying modern pragmatism, while Cheng Lei (丞磊) portrays Xia Houdan's mercurial shifts between performative madness and genuine depth with compelling conviction. It’s a witty, self-aware deconstruction of both palace drama and "transmigration-into-a-novel" tropes.
Love in the Tang (唐宫奇案之青雾风鸣)
- Period Background: Tang Dynasty
- Genres: Historical Suspense, Mystery, Fantasy
- Main Roles: Bai Lu (as Li Peiyi), Wang Xingyue (as Xiao Huaijin)
- Adapted from: The novel Tang Gong Qi An Zhi Xue Yu She (唐宫奇案之血玉韘) by Forest Deer
Plot Deep Dive: The sudden, mysterious death of Princess Ningyuan (宁远) during the Lantern Festival banquet triggers a tense investigation. Li Peiyi (李佩仪), a low-ranking but sharp-witted female official from the Internal Procurement Bureau, is unexpectedly paired with the astrologer-official Xiao Huaijin (萧怀瑾) from the Grand Astrological Bureau to solve the case. Their inquiry unravels a web of interconnected conspiracies within the inner palace, involving eerie cases like the "Wall Flower" and "Blood Talent." As they dig deeper, they expose a sinister plot orchestrated by powerful figures like the Right Minister and Consort Shu (淑), which is also linked to the long-buried truth behind the extermination of Li Peiyi's own family.
Why Watch: This is a tightly plotted mystery that masterfully blends historical investigation with elements of supernatural omen and folklore-inspired horror. The series excels in creating an atmosphere of "Chinese Gothic," notably in an arc involving a macabre ghost wedding, which uses chilling visuals to critique feudal practices. Bai Lu (白鹿) delivers a standout performance as Li Peiyi, embodying a cool, analytical, and resilient female investigator, a refreshing departure from more common palace archetypes. Wang Xingyue's (王星越) portrayal of the enigmatic Xiao Huaijin, complete with a visually striking white-haired look, adds another layer of intrigue to this suspenseful puzzle.
Liang Jing Shi Wu Ri (两京十五日)
- Period Background: Ming Dynasty, Reign of Emperor Hongxi
- Genres: Historical, Political Thriller, Adventure
- Main Roles: Cheng Yi (as Zhu Zhanji), Lin Gengxin (as Wu Dingyuan)
- Adapted from: Original script
Plot Deep Dive: In 1425 AD, the Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji (朱瞻基) is on an inspection tour in Nanjing when his royal ship is destroyed in a massive explosion. Presumed dead, he is rescued by Wu Dingyuan (吴定缘), a cynical, money-focused local constable.
To return to the capital within fifteen days upon news of the emperor's critical illness, the prince must rely on this unlikely ally, along with a female physician Su Jingxi (苏荆溪) and a young clerk Yu Qian (于谦). Their perilous 2000-kilometer journey north along the Grand Canal becomes a race against time, facing relentless assassins and uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the dynasty's stability. The journey transforms the pampered heir and forges an unbreakable bond between four disparate individuals.
Why Watch: Adapted from master storyteller Ma Boyong's (马伯庸) work, the series is a breathless historical thriller built on a solid foundation of period details. It captures his signature style of weaving high-stakes fiction into the crevices of recorded history. The narrative is propelled by constant tension and action, framed by the unique backdrop of the Ming Dynasty's canal system. Cheng Yi (成毅) convincingly charts Zhu Zhanji's growth from a privileged royal to a leader tempered by adversity. Lin Gengxin (林更新) steals scenes as the grubby, world-weary yet inherently decent Wu Dingyuan, whose reluctant heroism provides both heart and humor.
Shang Gong Zhu (尚公主)
- Period Background: Fictional ancient dynasty
- Genres: Historical, Political Romance, Drama
- Main Roles: Meng Ziyi (as Princess Danyang Mu Wanyao), Li Yunrui (as Yan Shang)
- Adapted from: Original script
Plot Deep Dive: Princess Danyang (丹阳), Mu Wanyao (暮晚摇), was forced into a political marriage at fifteen and returns to court years later, hardened by experience and seeking control over her destiny. Yan Shang (言尚) is a brilliant scholar from an impoverished background, clawing his way up through merit in a system dominated by powerful families. Their paths cross in the volatile political landscape of the court. Initially, their relationship is a tactical game of mutual use and guarded calculation—she needs his intellect, he needs her influence. From this foundation of shrewd partnership, they learn to trust, developing a formidable alliance to cleanse the court of corruption, challenge aristocratic monopolies, and expose scandals like imperial examination fraud.
Why Watch: This is a classic "power couple" narrative executed with intensity and intelligence. The dynamic between a "blackened" princess skilled in ruthless statecraft and a "cold-faced" prime minister rising from humble origins provides sustained dramatic tension. Meng Ziyi (孟子义) and Li Yunrui (李昀锐), collaborating for the third time, showcase palpable chemistry, moving seamlessly from guarded opponents to devoted partners. The series focuses on their parallel journeys of empowerment—her fight for autonomy within the royal family, his struggle to reform a rigged system—making their eventual union a meeting of equals who have reshaped the world around them.
Destiny Forged in Power's Fire
This lineup of eight period dramas transcends mere costume spectacle to deliver profound narratives about agency, ambition, and the cost of power. They explore how individuals—princesses, merchants, officials, and artisans—carve their destinies within rigid systems, whether through cunning alliances in Shang Gong Zhu, a desperate race along the Grand Canal in Liang Jing Shi Wu Ri, or the unraveling of supernatural mysteries in Tang Gong Qi An.
The emotional core lies in partnerships born of necessity, like the shared vengeance in Yi Ou Chun or the competitive respect in Zhen Niang Zhuan, which evolve into bonds that redefine empires and personal legacies. Ultimately, these series remind us that the most compelling historical fiction uses the past to examine timeless struggles: the clash between duty and desire, the pursuit of justice in a corrupt world, and the enduring question of what we sacrifice to reclaim our future. Each story, in its own distinct voice, offers not just escape, but a resonant reflection on resilience and human connection.
