The historical crime drama Strange Stories of the Tang Palacefeaturing Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue, is achieving impressive results on Youku, officially surpassing the heat index threshold of 9,000. Since its premiere on February 5, 2026, the series has quickly become one of the most talked-about dramas of early 2026, attracting strong attention from audiences who love costume mystery and investigative genres.
The appeal of Strange Stories of the Tang Palace lies primarily in its original screenplay, full of unexpected twists and intricately constructed cases. Each mystery unfolds in a logical and layered manner, constantly introducing new narrative twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is carefully controlled, allowing the audience to clearly follow the investigation process while maintaining suspense throughout each episode.
Beyond the plot, the visual presentation of the drama is another standout element. The Tang Dynasty setting is meticulously recreated through detailed production design, exquisite cinematography, and carefully crafted costumes. These elements combine to create a rich, cinematic atmosphere that immerses viewers in a world of ancient intrigue and political tension.
Strange Stories of the Tang Palace it also marks a reunion between Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue. In the series, Bai Lu plays Li Peiyi, a palace guard from the Internal Intelligence Bureau who is later granted the noble title of Princess of Fuchang County. His character is highly skilled in martial arts, horseback riding, archery, and close combat, often placing himself in life-or-death situations as each case unfolds.
Notably, approximately 70% of the drama’s action scenes were performed by Bai Lu herself. To fully embody the role, the actress joined the production three months before filming and maintained an intense training schedule of over eight hours a day, focusing on physical conditioning and martial arts. Thanks to this rigorous preparation, Bai Lu’s action sequences appear clean, purposeful and full of momentum, vividly portraying a courageous and formidable female official.
At the same time, his character’s style has earned widespread praise. The vibrant color palette typical of the Tang Dynasty not only enhances Li Peiyi’s commanding presence, but also adds visual depth to the series’ overall aesthetic.
On film and theater forums, Bai Lu’s performance received extremely positive feedback. Many viewers believe she has managed to freshen her on-screen image, creating a Li Peiyi who is tough and resolute on the surface but emotionally layered underneath. His control over eye expressions, subtle facial movements, and psychological pacing is often cited as a key factor in making the character feel authentic and compelling.
As one of the most recognizable faces in Chinese historical dramas, Bai Lu has already made strong impressions through acclaimed works such as Unique, Until the end of the moon, Bright destiny in the moonlightAND Lin Jiang Xian. With each project, he continues to demonstrate steady growth in acting skills, character versatility, and visual presentation.
With Strange Stories of the Tang PalaceBai Lu proves his status once again a “quality guarantee” on the small screen. The current success of the drama is seen as a well-deserved reward for both the cast and crew, further cementing Bai Lu’s position in the hearts of viewers passionate about historical and mystery dramas.
Sources: Youku
