The 22 Best Chinese Period Dramas of All Time

From imperial palace intrigue to sword-wielding immortals soaring through mythical realms, this lineup spans dynasties, genres, and blockbuster fandoms alike. Cast your vote!

1

Nirvana in Fire

A 2015 political revenge epic following a disgraced general's adopted son as he maneuvers the imperial court to clear his family's name.

1000pts

2

The Untamed

A 2019 xianxia fantasy following two cultivators reuniting years after a war that shattered their clans and reputations.

862pts

3

The Story of Ming Lan

A 2018 Song dynasty drama about an overlooked daughter who uses wit and patience to secure her family's standing.

665pts

4

Legend of Chusen

A 2022 xianxia epic based on a landmark cultivation novel, following a young disciple drawn into a war between immortal sects.

664pts

5

Love Between Fairy and Devil

A 2022 xianxia fantasy about a mischievous flower fairy who accidentally bonds her soul to a feared devil king.

596pts

6

The Story of Yanxi Palace

A 2018 Qing dynasty palace drama about a sharp-witted maid who claws her way up the ranks to outwit the imperial court.

596pts

7

Ashes of Love

A 2018 fantasy romance between a flower goddess and a wounded phoenix god caught between duty and forbidden love.

596pts

8

Story of Kunning Palace

A 2023 time-loop palace drama in which an empress relives her life to outwit the husband who once destroyed her family.

596pts

9

Word of Honor

A 2021 wuxia drama about two former rivals from rival martial sects who journey together across the jianghu.

596pts

10

Legend of Fuyao

A 2018 xianxia epic following an orphaned girl with a mysterious destiny who rises to become a legendary cultivator.

596pts

11

The Rise of Phoenixes

A 2018 political drama following an exiled prince and a disguised female strategist scheming for the throne.

596pts

12

Empresses in the Palace

A 2011 Qing dynasty drama chronicling a naive concubine's ruthless rise to power inside the Forbidden City's harem.

423pts

13

Love and Destiny

A 2019 xianxia romance between a god of war and a half-goddess destined to face a cosmic prophecy together.

310pts

14

Princess Agents

A 2017 wuxia drama following a fierce slave girl who rises to become a powerful spy and military strategist.

310pts

15

Scarlet Heart

A 2011 time-travel romance in which a modern woman wakes up in the Qing dynasty and gets entangled in a deadly succession struggle.

310pts

16

Lost You Forever

A 2023 mythological romance following a half-human queen torn between duty to her people and forbidden love.

310pts

17

Joy of Life

A 2019 political fantasy about a modern soul reborn in a feudal empire who uses his knowledge to outsmart court intrigue.

310pts

18

Journey of Flower

A 2015 xianxia drama about a demon-hunting sect leader who falls for the disciple destined to bring ruin to the world.

310pts

19

A Dream of Splendor

A 2022 Song dynasty drama about three women rebuilding their lives and a teahouse business in the capital.

310pts

20

Legend of Miyue

A 2015 Warring States epic dramatizing the rise of China's first empress dowager from neglected princess to ruler.

310pts

21

The Longest Day in Chang'an

A 2019 Tang dynasty thriller tracking a disgraced ex-convict racing to stop a terrorist plot within a single day.

172pts

22

Eternal Love

A 2017 xianxia romance following an immortal fox goddess navigating love and war across three lifetimes.

172pts