The Most Popular Historical Chinese Drama, Ranked

Choose the drama you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 29, 2024 06:58
For fans of historical Chinese dramas, maintaining a list of favorites can be as thrilling as the plot twists within the shows themselves. With numerous series released each year, each rich in storyline and steeped in cultural significance, some guidance is often appreciated. Having a communal space to vote on these allows enthusiasts to point new viewers towards the best of the genre. Our dynamic voting system helps to continuously capture the pulse of popular opinion, adjusting rankings based on ever-changing tastes and new releases. This not only aids in decision-making for uninitiated viewers but also fosters a community of engaged fans who can share their passion and insights. Your votes matter here, shaping the hierarchy of celebrated narratives that define this beloved genre.

What Is the Most Popular Historical Chinese Drama?

  1. 1
    87
    votes

    Nirvana in Fire

    A 2015 historical drama that tells the story of a brilliant strategist who returns to the capital to seek revenge for a conspiracy that caused his family's downfall.
    • Original release: September 19, 2015
    • Episodes: 54
  2. 2
    46
    votes

    Story of Yanxi Palace

    A 2018 drama that chronicles the rise of a concubine in the Qing dynasty's royal harem, her quest for power, and the intrigues of the palace.
    • Original release: July 19, 2018
    • Episodes: 70
  3. 3
    24
    votes

    The Story of Ming Lan

    A 2018 drama focusing on the life of Sheng Ming Lan, a low-ranking concubine-born 6th daughter, as she navigates the challenges of the Chinese social hierarchy.
    • Original release: December 25, 2018
    • Episodes: 73
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Empresses in the Palace

    A 2011 drama set in the Qing dynasty, focusing on the power struggles and romantic entanglements of Emperor Yongzheng's concubines in the Forbidden City.
    • Original release: November 17, 2011
    • Episodes: 76
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    Scarlet Heart

    A 2011 time-travel drama where a modern-day woman gets transported back to the Qing Dynasty in the body of a young woman and becomes involved in the royal family's affairs.
    • Original release: September 10, 2011
    • Episodes: 35
  6. 6
    7
    votes

    The Longest Day in Chang'an

    A 2019 historical suspense drama set during the Tang Dynasty, where a former prisoner must prevent a terrorist attack in Chang'an within 24 hours.
    • Original release: June 27, 2019
    • Episodes: 48
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    Rise of the Phoenixes

    A 2018 drama that tells the story of a smart and skilled prince who is thought to be a threat to the throne and a woman who is falsely accused of a crime.
    • Original release: August 14, 2018
    • Episodes: 70
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    The Untamed

    A 2019 fantasy-adventure based on the novel 'Mo Dao Zu Shi' by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, focusing on the relationship between two soulmates navigating the political landscapes of the pugilist world.
    • Original release: June 27, 2019
    • Episodes: 50
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Legend of Fuyao

    A 2018 adventure and romance drama following the journey of a girl with a mission to unite the lands, discovering her true identity along the way.
    • Original release: June 18, 2018
    • Episodes: 66
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Eternal Love

    Also known as 'Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms', this 2017 drama is a fantasy romance between a goddess and a god that transcends three lives in three worlds.
    • Original release: January 30, 2017
    • Episodes: 58

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular historical Chinese drama. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 5247 views
  • 197 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Historical Chinese Drama

Nirvana in Fire
Rank #1 for the most popular historical Chinese drama: Nirvana in Fire (Source)
Chinese historical dramas have captured the hearts of many viewers around the world. These dramas bring ancient China to life, showcasing its rich culture, grand empires, and intricate politics. They often focus on the lives of emperors, empresses, and other royal figures, offering a glimpse into the past.

The appeal of these dramas lies in their detailed costumes and elaborate sets. Viewers are transported to a different era, where they can see the grandeur of palaces and the beauty of traditional attire. The attention to detail in these aspects helps create an immersive experience.

Another key element of these dramas is their complex characters. The protagonists are often multifaceted, with strengths and flaws that make them relatable. These characters navigate through love, betrayal, and power struggles, which keeps the audience engaged. Their journeys are filled with emotional highs and lows, making for compelling storytelling.

The plots of these dramas are often based on historical events or legends. While some take creative liberties, many strive to stay true to historical records. This blend of fact and fiction allows viewers to learn about history while being entertained. The dramas often highlight significant events and figures, providing a deeper understanding of China's past.

Music also plays a crucial role in these dramas. Traditional instruments and melodies set the tone for various scenes, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The soundtracks often become popular on their own, adding to the drama's appeal.

The themes explored in these dramas are universal. Love, loyalty, and honor are central to many stories. These themes resonate with viewers, regardless of their cultural background. The dramas often depict the struggle between personal desires and duty, a conflict that many can relate to.

The production quality of these dramas has improved over the years. Advances in technology have allowed for more realistic special effects and cinematography. This has made the dramas more visually appealing and has helped them gain a wider audience.

The popularity of these dramas has led to their availability on various streaming platforms. This has made them accessible to a global audience, further increasing their fan base. Subtitles in multiple languages have also helped non-Chinese speakers enjoy these stories.

Chinese historical dramas have become a significant part of popular culture. They offer a unique blend of history, romance, and drama that captivates viewers. Their success is a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted stories and the rich tapestry of Chinese history.

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