ones I’ve watched and am watching :)

cover from 《梦华录》A Dream of Splendour

Costume & Period/Historical C-Dramas

Tencent TV

In the Ancient Southern Qing Empire, Fan Xian (Zhang Ruo Yun) finds his head full of bizarre “memories” about life in the 21st Century, becoming haunted by questions about his true identity and his mother’s death. After he survives an assassination attempt, he decides to head to the capital to search for answers. He meets the chancellor’s daughter Lin Wan Er (Li Qin), and the duo become close allies. Before long, he finds himself drawn into a web of schemes involving the Imperial family – while a mysterious security agency seems to be monitoring him. Will these dark forces overwhelm Fan Xian before he can discover the truth? This 2019 Chinese drama series was based on a novel by Maoni and produced by Chen Ying Jie.

Joy of Life

Beijing TV, Dragon TV

Ancient China is being torn apart by a bitter feudal that pits the Northern Wei dynasty against the Southern Liang. With help from the Liang general and his formidable 19-year-old son Lin Shu (Hu Ge), the Liang secure a famous victory over the Wei. But treachery – rather than rewards – await the Lin family. A treacherous plot undermines the family, and many members are ruthlessly massacred.

Lin Shu escapes, but is poisoned. With his life in danger, a healer gives him an antidote that radically reduces his strength and robs him of his fighting powers. The antidote also leaves him looking very different. He assumes the name Mei Chang Su and begins on the long path to revenge. The journey brings him into contact with the Emperor’s son and unfavored Prince Jing (Wang Kai), whose brothers are locked in a vicious battle for the Imperial throne. He is also reunited with Mu Ni Huang (Liu Tao), a fearsome female general who does not want to be married off to a controlling husband. Will Lin Shu get what he is after? And will the truth of his identity ever come to light?

“Nirvana in Fire” is a 2015 Chinese drama series that was directed by Kong Sheng and Li Xue.

Nirvana in Fire

Lang Ya Bang

Tencent, Mango TV

Aspiring screenwriter Chen Xiao Qian (Zhao Lu Si) is struggling to get her TV series off the ground. The male lead is kicking up a fuss about her script, leading her to worry that the series will never reach viewers’ screens. Suddenly, she is dragged into the pages of her own screenplay, where she becomes the Third Princess, a lowly minor character with a terrible reputation... and a drastically short lifespan! Fortunately, she knows that her killer will be Prince Han Shuo (Ding Yu Xi) and Xiao Qian uses her “insider knowledge” to rewrite the character’s fate to ensure she survives. Can she cheat death and reverse her TV show’s fortunes? And could this messy situation inadvertently lead her to love? This 2020 Chinese drama was based on a novel by Popsicles and was directed by Cha Chuen Yee.

The Romance of Tiger and Rose

Youku

In a world where magic and martial arts collide, Chu Xuan Ji (Crystal Yuan), a young woman deprived of her six senses, meets Li Ze Palace's star disciple, Yu Si Feng (Cheng Yi), during a tournament. As they forge a strong friendship, they begin to develop deeper feelings that challenge strict rules against romance. Unfortunately, Xuan Ji gets injured, forcing them apart. Compounding their troubles, Si Feng is cursed to wear a mask that can only be removed by true love. Four years later, fate brings them back together, revealing their intertwined destinies may hold the key to overcoming both past and present obstacles. Can their love conquer the trials ahead and unlock the secrets that bind them? This 2020 Chinese drama, adapted from the novel “The Glass Maiden” by Shi Si Lang, was co-directed by Yin Tao and Mai Guan Zhi.

Love and Redemption

Destined ❤ Love Team

Hunan TV

Following the tragic and untimely death of her concubine mother, Sheng Ming Lan’s (Zhao Li Ying) life becomes a nightmare. Her stepmother and half-siblings mistreat her, leaving her seething from the injustice, and longing for revenge on those responsible for her mother’s downfall. However, Ming Lan is constantly looked down upon, despite her beauty and keen wits. She decides to pretend that she is content with her fate, but will secretly devise a way to bring down those who wronged her mother. Fate shines on Ming Lan when she meets Gu Tingye (Feng Shao Feng), the hedonistic but determined son of the Marquis of Ningyuan, eventually falling in love and marrying. Tingye hopes to help his beloved take her revenge. But as evil schemes begin to unfold, will they succeed in their shared goal? This 2018 Chinese drama, based on the novel of the same name by Guan Xin Ze Luan, was directed by Zhang Kai Zhou.

The Story of Ming Lan

MEI DAXIA  (大俠)

As leader of an elite unit, tasked with protecting the imperial family, Zhou Zi Shu (Zhang Zhe Han) was not a man to be taken lightly. A man of great honor, who commanded much respect, he served the royal family with the utmost loyalty and was rewarded accordingly. However charmed his life may have seemed on the outside, in reality, it was not the life Zi Shu desired. Unsettled within himself, Zi Shu ultimately decides to leave his position in order to pursue his own dreams.&nbsp;

Putting the past behind him, Zi Shu is determined to start anew but even the best laid plans can be waylaid by fate. Not long after setting off to see the world, Zi Shu finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy that rocks the martial arts world. At the same time, he meets Wen Ke Xing (Gong Jun), a mysterious martial artist from the Ghost Valley, who is on a quest to avenge his parents’ death. Brought together by fate, the two become fast friends as they share a series of adventures that leads them ever closer to a legendary treasure that is rumored to give its owner ultimate power over the martial arts world.

Entangled in conspiracies and hunting treasure, Zi Shu and Ke Xing find themselves caught up in an adventure so epic, it could alter the course of history forever.

Adapted from the novel, “Faraway Wanders” by Priest, “Word of Honor” is a 2021 adventure fantasy drama directed by Gary Sing and Jones Ma.

Word of Honor

⚔ Honorable Team ⚔

Tencent

In a realm dominated by the formidable Wen clan, Wei Wu Xian (Xiao Zhan) forms an unexpected bond with the righteous Lan Wang Ji (Wang Yi Bo). Their discovery of the Wen clan chief's sinister plot leads them to challenge his schemes, but their efforts result in Wei Wu Xian’s mysterious disappearance, leaving their world in turmoil. Sixteen years later, Wei Wu Xian returns to a land plagued by mysterious murders and rekindles his alliance with Lan Wang Ji. Together, they must unravel the dark conspiracy behind the killings and confront the shadowy figure orchestrating the chaos. Can they solve the mystery and restore peace, or will the dangers of the past resurface to thwart their quest? This 2019 Chinese drama, based on the hit novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, was directed by Steve Cheng and Chan Ka Lam.

The Untamed

In the early 11th Century, the future of the Empire is in doubt after a damning painting of the Empress’ past life goes missing – threatening to undermine the Imperial family. Gu Qian Fan (Chen Xiao), the commander of an elite military unit, is dispatched to find the picture before it falls into the wrong hands. Meanwhile, Zhao Pan Er (Liu Yi Fei), a young woman who is on the trail of her missing fiancé, has also come to the Imperial capital in search of answers.

She has joined forces with two women whom she has saved from the jaws of despair: Song Yinzhang (Lin Yun) and Sun San Niang (Liu Yan). The latter was abandoned by her husband and barred from seeing her child, while the former was being abused by her philandering husband. The three women open a small tea house, which soon becomes the talk of the town, due to their diverse culinary, tea-making, and musical talents. Eventually, Zhao Pan Er and Gu Qian Fan’s paths cross. Although they initially mistrust one another, they start to realize that a closer relationship could be of mutual benefit. What will happen, however, when the romance begins to spark between them?

“A Dream of Splendor” is a 2022 Chinese drama series that was directed by Yang Yang.

A Dream of Splendor

The Teahouse of Dreams

iQiyi, Tencent

Born into privilege as the son of one of the founding pillars of the Tang Empire, Sheng Chu Mu (Xu Kai) has never had any desire to do more than enjoy the ease of his own life. With no aspirations, no direction, and no ambition, his life was one of idleness and frivolity but all that changed, the day he first laid eyes on Fu Rou (Li Yi Tong).

The daughter of a local merchant, Fu Rou never imagined she would be one to inspire greatness in anyone, but when she meets Sheng Chu Mu for the first time, that’s exactly what happens. Instantly enamored by the far superior Fu Rou, Chu Mu is suddenly aware of his own shortcomings and vows to make himself worthy of Fu Rou’s love. Dedicating himself to his studies, Chu Mu grows in knowledge and maturity, hoping that someday he will be worthy enough to ask for Fu Rou’s hand in marriage. As time passes, he finds himself following in his father’s footsteps, volunteering to selflessly serve the country by defending the coast against a band of marauding pirates.

While Chu Mu’s journey towards greatness sets him down one path, Fu Rou sets out on another. Leaving her family to become a master weaver in the royal palace, she soon finds herself entangled in palace schemes that could put not only herself, but her entire family, in danger. Walking paths that don’t often cross, Chu Mu and Fu Rou must rely solely on their wits and skill to overcome the ever-growing number of enemies and obstacles that stand in their way. With so much opposition before them, do these two destined souls have what it takes to save their country and their love?

Based on an original screenplay by web-novelist Feng Nong, “Court Lady” is a 2021 historical adventure romance drama directed by Yu Zheng and Li Hui Zhu.

Court Lady

Weavers of Fate team

Shang Gu (Zhou Dong Yu) is an immensely powerful, benevolent being and the leader of a group of four immortals that help mortal people, who revere them as deities. As a final act of selflessness, Shang Gu sacrificed herself in a trial that lasted 60,000 years. One of her fellow immortals, Bai Jue (Xu Kai), has loved Shang Gu for countless lifetimes, and is overjoyed when he manages to help Shang Gu return, even if she’s in a new body. However, this new incarnation of Shang Gu has no recollection of the past, and Bai Jue’s effort to bring Shang Gu back came at the cost of his own reincarnation cycle. But as Bai Jue’s own life force begins to fade, Shang Gu’s memories slowly begin to return. Can she rescue this timeless love… or is it already too late? This 2021 Chinese drama, based on the novel “Ancient God” by Xing Ling, was directed by Yin Tao and Li Cai.

Ancient Love Poetry

❤️My Heart Rhymes With Yours❤️

Ban Hua (Guan Xiao Tong) is a beautiful woman who has come close to married bliss three times. But her straight-shooting, frank manner, and explosive temper have meant that every potential relationship ended in disaster and divorce – even though deep down, she is actually very well-meaning and thoughtful.

One day, she discovers that she has a rare talent: She can forecast the future through her dreams. She uses this gift to help her family out of a tight spot.

But her life changes forever when she meets Rong Xia (Hou Ming Hao), a young maverick whose family has befallen a tragic fate.

Rong Xia is on the hunt for answers about what happened to his family, as well as clues about his true identity, which has been kept a secret from him all his life.

Together, the duo strikes up a partnership, with Ban Hua determined to help Rong Xia learn the truth. But as their relationship deepens, could this be a case of fourth time lucky in love for her?

“A Girl Like Me” is a 2021 Chinese period drama series that was directed by Chen Wei Xiang.

A Girl Like Me

☯ Strange Dreamers Team ☯ 

Tencent Video

Zhou Fei (Zhao Li Ying) is the granddaughter of a national hero who was forced to become a bandit to serve the greater good. For 20 years, her grandfather, then her mother, were charged with running a secret fort, staffed by bandits.

The fort’s role is to protect the world against strange, otherworldly warriors intent on bringing their unique brand of chaos to the mortal realm.

However, the fort has fallen in status in recent years, and Zhou Fei is sick of being confined to the place of her birth. She longs to escape, and makes repeated efforts to get away.

But her life changes forever when she almost drowns, and is only saved by a free-spirited young material arts expert named Xie Yun (Wang Yi Bo).

The duo forms an unlikely friendship and decides to hone their fighting skills together – a timely decision as malevolent forces are now plotting fresh trouble.

The pair begins on an adventure. But as time goes by, they begin to unearth secrets…including that of Xie Yun’s true identity.

This drama series was adapted from a novel named “Bandits” by author Priest.

“Legend of Fei” is a 2020 Chinese drama series that was directed by Ng Gam Yuen.

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