Chinese palace dramas have long been a defining genre of C-grade historical dramas, launching the careers of major stars such as Qin Lan, Rulu Jiang, Nie Yuan, Ada Choi, Sheren Tang and many others. Filled with political intrigue, rivalries, romance and power struggles, these series have captivated global audiences for decades.
Below is a curated and simplified list of the best Chinese palace dramas, from classics to modern hits, perfect for those who love intriguing court ladies, imperial power plays, and grand historical narratives.
1. War and Beauty (2004)
Often called the godfather of palace dramas, this TVB classic brought together four award-winning actresses Charmaine Sheh, Gigi Lai, Sheren Tang and Maggie Cheung. Set in the Jiaqing era, it lays bare the dark underbelly of the Forbidden City, where ambition, betrayal and tragedy rule every corner of the imperial harem.
2. Beyond the Realm of Consciousness (2009)
A record-breaking TVB hit starring Charmaine Sheh and Tavia Yeung. Despite her kind nature, Lau Sam Ho is drawn into relentless jealousy and scheming within the palace, making this one of the most iconic “good girl vs. bad” dramas of the genre.
3. Beauty’s Rival at the Palace (2010)
A massive production by Yu Zheng, following Dou Yi Fang’s journey from hunted maiden to empress of Emperor Wen of Han. Less harem-focused and more political, the series blends intrigue, war and personal sacrifice.
4. Curse of the Royal Harem (2011)
A fierce battle between Queen Yi Lan (Jessica Hsuan) and her consort Yuen Yeun (Myolie Wu). The drama shows how power corrupts, turning kindness into cruelty within the treacherous harem of the Qing Dynasty.
5. The Bewitching Imperial Concubine (2011)
Produced by Ruby Lin, the story follows Princess Ma Fuya on her quest for revenge and survival between two rival princes. The show combines love, war and palace politics with emotional intensity.
6. World of Beauty (2011)
Set during the Tang Dynasty, the series chronicles the rise of Wu Meiniang and the fall of the gentle Empress Wang, filled with intrigue, rivalry, and heartbreak in the imperial harem.
7. Scarlet Heart (2011)
One of the most influential Chinese time travel dramas. Liu Shishi plays Ruoxi, who becomes trapped in the deadly struggle for the throne between Kangxi’s sons. Love, fate and tragedy collide in this unforgettable classic.
8. The Emperor’s Harem (2011)
An Yixuan, Feng Shaofeng and Yang Yi direct this Ming Dynasty palace drama about love, loyalty and jealousy among concubines fighting for the emperor’s favor.
9. In Love with Power (2012)
The final part of Yu Zheng’s “Beauty Trilogy”. Explore the complex relationships between Emperor Huang Taiji’s wives, as jealousy and favoritism lead to disaster.
10. Empresses at the Palace (2012)
A monumental masterpiece starring Sun Li as Zhen Huan. Her transformation from an innocent girl to a calculating empress dowager remains one of the best story arcs in the history of Chinese drama. The series is praised for its acting, costumes, and deep psychological battles.
11. The Palace (2013)
Zhou Dongyu and Zhao Liying play once inseparable friends, divided by ambition and love for imperial princes. A story of betrayal, forbidden romance and emotional warfare.
12. The Empress of China (2014)
Directed by Fan Bingbing, this big-budget drama traces the rise of Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor. Sumptuous images, strong performances and intense palace politics make it extraordinary.
13. The Legend of Mi Yue (2015)
Another masterpiece by Sun Li, describing Mi Yue’s journey from Princess Chu to the powerful Empress Dowager of Qin. Deep emotions, strong political intrigue and stellar acting define this success.
14. Royal Romance (2015)
The story of a talented singer who enters the harem and faces jealousy, political intrigue and forbidden love with the emperor.
15. The King’s Wife (2017)
Dilraba Dilmurat plays Gongsun Li, caught between her first love Jing Ke and King Ying Zheng. Palace conflicts and romantic tension drive the story.
16. Love at the Imperial Palace (2017)
A tragic love triangle unfolds during the battle for the throne between Yinzhen and Yinyou. Betrayal and emotional struggle highlight the cruelty of palace life.
17. Colored Bone (2017)
A visually unique drama about a prince struggling to regain his kingdom and his ill-fated romance with the adopted daughter of a national councilor.
18. The Legend of Dugu (2018)
Three sisters from the prestigious Dugu clan rise to power through marriage alliances, ultimately shaping the fate of the Sui and Tang dynasties.
19. The Legend of Fuyao (2018)
Starring Yang Mi and Ethan Juan, Fuyao blends fantasy, palace power struggles, and romance as the heroine uncovers secrets across five kingdoms.
20. Ruyi’s Love in the Palace (2018)
Zhou Xun’s award-winning performance elevates this tragic love story between Empress Ruyi and Emperor Qianlong. One of the most thrilling and beautifully shot palace dramas ever made.
21. History of Yanxi Palace (2018)
One of the most searched shows in the world in 2018. Wu Jinyan’s Wei Yingluo outsmarts every trap with wit, until she becomes Empress Hoifa-Nara. Fast and addictive.
22. The Secret of the Three Kingdoms (2018)
A blend of palace intrigue and political tension during the final years of the Eastern Han. The beautiful cinematography and great performances make it a must watch.
23. The Legend of Hao Lan (2019)
Wu Jinyan plays Li Haolan, who emerges from slavery to become Qin Shi Huang’s mother. Ruthless power struggles and intense palace politics drive the narrative.
24. Legend of the Phoenix (2019)
A palace artist fights against the aristocratic plans with the help of a brilliant strategist. Light romance mixed with strong political tension.
25. Queen Dugu (2019)
The story of Empress Dugu Jialuo and Yang Jian as they build the Sui Dynasty through loyalty, strategy and love.
26. Ming Dynasty (2019)
Tang Wei shines as Sun Ruyong, a survivor of political massacre who becomes crown princess. A beautifully crafted story of revenge, justice, and imperial duty.
27. The Legend of Sisters in Chaos (2020)
Two sisters from the Fu family become embroiled in politics, love, and war as a prophecy predicts one of them will become empress.
28. Stay By My Side (2021)
Twin sisters raised by enemies become embroiled in political betrayal. An emotional palace drama, full of revenge, romance and power struggles.
29–45. Next Generation Palace Dramas (2022-2025)
These recent successes bring a new narrative to the genre:
- Love like the galaxy (2022) – romance + palace politics with Zhao Lusi and Wu Lei
- The only girl you haven’t seen (2022) – reincarnation revenge drama
- My mysterious destiny (2023) – Comic palace novel
- History of Kunning Palace (2023) – rebirth, redemption and complex court intrigues
- A journey towards love (2023) – espionage, war and political conspiracy
- The Double (2024) – brutal revenge and mistaken identity
- The prisoner of beauty (2025) – forced marriage that turns into fidelity
- Better halves (2025) – comedic matchmaking meets palace politics
- Qingchuan’s Veil of Vengeance (2025) – female general in disguise
- Domination and devotion (2025) – female emperor emerging from the shadows
- A dream of splendor (2022) – female emancipation in the Song dynasty
- I love you seven times (2023) – fantasy + conflicts of the heavenly palace
- Ye Cheng Fu (2023) – aristocratic secrets and romance
- The Princess Gambit (2024) – princess against power
- Kill me, love me (2024) – double identity and real intrigue
- In Bloom (2024) – mystery + palace romance
- The Royal Princess (2024) – noblewoman torn between love and duty
Chinese palace dramas remain one of the most captivating genres thanks to their powerful female characters, emotional depth, and intense political maneuvering. Whether you like tragic love stories, power struggles, revenge arcs, or grand historical worlds, this list has something for every fan of court intrigue.
Sources: Harper’s Bazaar
