Transport Back In Time With These Romantic Historical Chinese TV Shows
Think palace intrigue, breathtaking costumes and a whole lot of love…
One of the hardest struggles of modern times is to land on a show to watch amongst the sea of new releases and old favourites on OTT platforms. If you’re a fan of Chinese dramas, the problem of plenty is even more pronounced because there’s something for everyone!
If you want to replenish your watchlist of romantic Chinese TV shows, and you happen to be a fan of period dramas, then we’ve got your back.
You May Also Like: Most Romantic Turkish Dramas Online
These historical romances will transport you back in time with their intriguing tales of love, longing and betrayal. The stunning costumes and sets are just an added bonus.
So take a look at our curation of the best romantic Chinese historical dramas online and update your watchlists…
Best Romantic Historical Chinese TV Shows
My Sassy Princess (2022)
If a tsundere ML and bratty FL pairing is your thing, then you need to give this one a chance. In the drama, spoilt and privileged princess Lui Ling rubs people the wrong way because of her airs and disregard for norms. When she secretly ventures out on her birthday, her misadventure leads her to meet Shen Yan, an injured imperial guard who is wary of the princess because of all the rumours he has heard of her. For Liu Ling, it was love at first sight and now she must do everything she can to warm the cold heart of the commander. Will she succeed? Or is her love story doomed to fail before it even starts? Stream the delightful drama now to find out…
Watch it here
Scarlet Heart (2011)
Based on the novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua, this drama is considered to be a pioneer of the time slip genre in East Asian TV shows. It follows Zhang Xiao who gets transported from the 21st century to the Qing Dynasty, during Emperor Kang Xi’s reign in the year 1704. She finds herself trapped in the body of the daughter of an aristocrat and gets involved in a complex battle for the throne. The tale of friendship, betrayal, time travel, and love became an instant hit and spawned a sequel and a K-drama remake.
Watch it here
Story Of Yanxi Palace (2018)
If you love a good mystery, then you should definitely give this one a chance. It follows Wei Ying Luo who finds herself in the emperor’s court in the Forbidden City as a palace maid to investigate her sister’s mysterious death. In the process, she falls in love with an imperial guard who decides to help her in the quest to get justice for her sister. There’s a lot of drama, political intrigue and plot twists to keep you hooked. The show became a massive hit when it was released and relaunched the careers of the main leads. It was also the most Googled show in the world in 2018, despite Google being blocked in Mainland China.
Watch it here
Song Of Phoenix (2017)
Adapted from Liang Zhenhua’s novel of the same name, this beloved drama is based on the extraordinary life of the great Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States period (from 475-221 BC). The fictionalised tale follows the forbidden romance between the poet and a slave girl from the palace and his quest to save the country from ruin.
Watch it here
My Uncanny Destiny (2023)
The drama is set in between the two warring cities of Mu Xi and Xuan Yue. It follows Ye Zhao Nan, the only daughter of the lord of Mu Xi, who has been forced to lead a life as a boy so that she can inherit her father’s position, and Liu Xuan, the lord of Xuan Yue. Their fateful meeting leads to a romance that could challenge their destinies.
Watch it here
In Blossom (2024)
If you like your C-dramas to have elements like rebirth, murder, intrigue, and second chances at love, then you’re going to love this one. It follows the tumultuous love story of Pan Yue and Yang Caiwei, who reunite after she dies and is reborn as Shangguan Zhi. The prime suspect in her murder is believed to be Pan Yue. Now Yang Caiwei, as Shangguan Zhi, must uncover the truth behind her death and figure out if her husband murdered her or not.
Watch it here
Legend of Lu Zhen (2013)
Based on the novel Female Prime Minister by Zhang Wei, this period drama traces the rise of the titular Lu Zhen from a mere lady-in-waiting to becoming a powerful prime minister during the Northern Qi Dynasty. The character is based on Lu Ling Xuan, a lady-in-waiting of the Northern Qi era, who held great power during her time. In the show, Lu Zhen falls in love with Prince Gao Zhan and together they navigate palace politics and help Lu Zhen realise her dream of becoming the prime minister.
Watch it here
The Longest Promise (2023)
In this historical romance, falsely accused crown prince Shi Ying is banished to the mountains where he becomes the mentor to Zhu Yan, a princess of another clan. As the years pass, they develop feelings for each other but soon their identities force them to face off against each other on the opposite sides of a political struggle. The show is a prequel to the 2021 series Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities.
Watch it here