The Most Remarkable Chinese Period Dramas in History

TLDRExplore six influential Chinese period dramas that are still re-watched today. From the romantic and magical 'The Legend of the White Snake' to the hilarious and satirical 'Emperess in Palace', these dramas have left a lasting impact on Chinese dramaland.

Key insights

🐍The 1992 drama 'The Legend of the White Snake' is a highly influential adaptation of the Chinese folklore, known for its romantic storyline and innovative use of singing.

👑'Huan Zhu Ge Ge' or 'My Fair Princess' (1998) became a cultural phenomenon, introducing a happy and uneducated female lead character, played by Zhao Wei, and launching the careers of many famous actors.

🤣'Wu Lin Wai Zhuan' or 'My Own Swordsman' (2006) is a sitcom set in the Ming dynasty and is known for its sharp satirical comedy and cultural references.

👑📖'Zheng Huan Zhuan' or 'Empress in Palace' (2011) was initially disliked but later gained immense popularity and re-watch value for its depiction of palace politics and complex characters.

🚀These dramas paved the way for future productions, influencing storytelling techniques, acting styles, and cultural references in Chinese dramas.

Q&A

Are these dramas available with English subtitles?

Yes, many of these dramas have been fan-subbed and are available with English subtitles on platforms like YouTube and dedicated drama streaming websites.

Are the original novels or source materials available in English?

Some of the original novels or source materials may have been translated into English, but availability may vary. It's recommended to search online bookstores or specialized translation platforms to find English versions.

Are these dramas suitable for non-Chinese viewers?

While some dramas may contain cultural references and language specific to Chinese culture, many of them offer compelling storylines, memorable characters, and stunning production values that can be enjoyed by non-Chinese viewers as well.

Can I find these dramas on popular streaming platforms?

These dramas are available on various streaming platforms, including YouTube, iQIYI, and Youku. However, availability may depend on your region, and some platforms may require a subscription to access certain content.

Do these dramas have a specific order to watch them in?

These dramas can be enjoyed in any order as they are standalone productions. However, watching them in chronological order of their release can provide a sense of the historical development of Chinese period dramas.

Timestamped Summary

02:13The 1992 drama 'The Legend of the White Snake' is an influential adaptation of Chinese folklore, known for its romantic storyline and innovative use of singing.

07:11'Huan Zhu Ge Ge' or 'My Fair Princess' (1998) became a cultural phenomenon, introducing a happy and uneducated female lead character and launching the careers of many famous actors.

12:40'Wu Lin Wai Zhuan' or 'My Own Swordsman' (2006) is a sitcom set in the Ming dynasty known for its sharp satirical comedy and cultural references.

16:58'Zheng Huan Zhuan' or 'Empress in Palace' (2011) initially faced criticism but gained immense popularity and re-watch value for its depiction of palace politics and complex characters.

18:27These dramas paved the way for future productions, influencing storytelling techniques, acting styles, and cultural references in Chinese dramas.