10 Best Historical Chinese Dramas Worth Watching in 2021

01 Word of Honor · 山河令

Details of Word of Honor

• Also known as: Tian Ya Ke
• Aired: 2021-02-22
• Episodes/Duration: 36/45min
• Period Background: Alternative reality
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Wuxia
• Director: Cheng Zhi Chao, Ma Hua Gan, Li Hong Yu
• Main Role: Gong Jun as Wen Ke Xing, Zhou Ye as Gu Xiang, Ma Wenyuan as Cao Weining.

Plot Summary of Word of Honor

Adapted from the novel "Tian Ya Ke(天涯客)" by Priest.

Zhou Zi Shu, the leader of the assassin organization "The Window of Heaven", resigns from his position in a fierce quest for freedom, which leaves him with only three years to live. He disguises his face and tries to spend his remaining days wandering the martial arts world as an alcoholic.

In his travels, he meets Wen Ke Xing, the mysterious leader of Ghost Valley, bent on revenge for his parents. The two meet under the tangle of various intrigues in the martial arts world, and become closer when they are drawn into a conspiracy about Glazed Armor, eventually becoming soul mates for each other's salvation.

One conspiracy, two confidants, five treasures, twenty years of grievances, and thousand years of dreams of Jianghu linked their destinies together.

Stills of Word of Honor

Reviews of Word of Honor

One of the best dramas to watch in 2021, over 560,000 people have rated "Word of Honor" 8.6 on Douban.

"Word of Honor" belongs to the "Chinoiserie and new martial arts", the drama is full of beautiful fight scenes, cultural lines, and complex and vivid emotional portrayal, so that people in this "new martial arts" drama, a glimpse of the Jianghu world that young audience like.

The heroes in the drama are not the same as traditional martial arts stories, and even the protagonists in the drama are themselves objects to be rescued. The drama focuses more on the portrayal of the psychological state of the characters.

The traditional martial arts love of country at least does not appear as foreground, but instead Zhou Zi Shu and Wen Ke Xing's active transformation from spectatorship to participation in the surrounding people and objects, and in the affairs of the martial world.

In terms of story, "Word of Honor" turns to the dissection of the protagonist's inner world, so that the hero no longer feels high and mighty. In terms of picture presentation, the drama also strives to be as "aesthetically pleasing" as possible. The drama quotes a lot of classical poems from traditional culture, which also promotes, shows, and inherits the classical beauty of China while watching the drama.

 

02 The Imperial Coroner · 御赐小仵作

Details of The Imperial Coroner

• Aired: 2021-04-29
• Episodes/Duration: 36/40min
• Period Background: Tang Dynasty
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Comedy
• Directed by: Lou Jian
• Written by: Qing Xian Ya Tou/Qian Xiao Bai
• Main Role: Su Xiaotong as Chu Chu; Wang Ziqi as Xiao Jinyu

Plot Summary of The Imperial Coroner

Adapted from the novel "Yu Ci Xiao Wu Zuo(御赐小仵作)" by Qing Xian Ya Tou (清闲丫头).

In the late Tang Dynasty, Chu Chu, a young girl from a family of coroners, comes to Chang'an alone to realize her dream of becoming a coroner and takes the coroner's examination. And she meets Xiao Jinyu, who is a good judge of cases. Xiao Jinyu recruits Chu Chu as a coroner's partner to uncover the mystery of the case.

But the mystery of Chu Chu's birth stirred up a thousand waves and upset the balance of power in the Chang'an, and a power struggle ensued.

As the case is solved one by one, the team of Chu Chu and others unravels the mystery step by step and finally solves a shocking case that has lasted for 18 years. Xiao Jin Yu and Chu Chu are successfully married, and Chu Chu is finally approved by the emperor and given the status of "imperial coroner", realizing his dream in life.

Stills of The Imperial Coroner

Reviews of The Imperial Coroner

The Imperial Coroner is a very watchable episode. It has a rating of 8 out of 10 on Douban (over 260,000 reviews).

Although this drama has no celebrity with a large traffic amount and no top-notch IP support, as a crime-solving ancient Chinese drama, it has an excellent blend of professionalism and spectacle with its squeaky-clean persona, full and smooth plot, and heartfelt production. The drama was not even promoted much before it aired, but relied more on mutual recommendations from netizens, and 260,000 netizens scored a high Douban score of 8.0.

 

03 One and Only · 周生如故

Details of One and Only

• Also known as: Yi Sheng Yi Shi Mei Ren Gu, Chang An Ru Gu, Zhou Sheng Ru Gu
• Aired: 2021-08-18
• Episodes/Duration:24/44min
• Period Background: Alternative reality
• Genres: Historical, Romance
• Director: Guo Hu
• Written by: Mo Bao Fei Bao
• Main Role: Ren Jialun as Zhou Sheng Chen, Bai Lu as Cui Shi Yi

Plot Summary of One and Only

The drama is based on Mo Bao Fei Bao's original novel "Yi Sheng Yi Shi Mei Ren Gu (一生一世美人骨, Beautiful Bones)".

Jr. Nanchen King, Zhou Sheng Chen, who became famous at a young age and had a great war record, was determined to serve his country all his life, and his strict style and humility were praised by the world.

Cui Shi Yi, the only daughter of the esteemed Cui family, was appointed as the future prince's concubine at birth. When she was ten years old, her father had to leave her because of offended the empress's family, and Cui Shi Yi suffered from aphasia due to her grief and was unable to speak.

A few years later, Cui Shi Yi was sent by her elders to the royal residence to learn the skills. It was at this opportunity that Shi Yi saw Zhou Sheng Chen up close and admired him and kowtowed to him as her master. During the time they spent together, Cui Shi Yi admired Zhou Sheng Chen's ambition and elegant character, and unknowingly fell in love with the general.

When the border is once again in danger, Zhou Sheng Chen is obliged to lead his troops to war, while Cui Shi Yi has to bear the responsibility of family reputation and marry the Prince.

Zhou Sheng Chen, who fought bravely against the enemy, was killed by a traitor and died after leaving his only last words to Ying Shi Yi. Cui Shi Yi was so grief-stricken that she leapt from the wall and died.

Stills of One and Only

Reviews of One and Only

Yi Sheng Yi Shi Mei Ren Gu, the novel was adapted into two dramas with different timelines, One and Only tells the story of Zhou Sheng Chen and Cui Shi Yi's past lives. Notably, the earlier backstory ends in tragedy, while the sequel, which forms a major part of the novel, has a happier conclusion.

The storyline strikes a delicate balance of romance, royal power struggles and supporting characters. More than 160,000 people have rated this drama 7.2 out of 10 on Douban.

Both leads are perfectly cast, and the detail with which they express their emotions in this drama adds to the depth of the characters. Zhou Sheng Chen is aware of his importance to the country and to the people, while Cui Shi Yi is equally aware of her responsibility to her family. They are deeply in love with each other, but the pursuit of love is not an easy task in these war-torn times, not to mention the pressure they have to face from the imperial court. This is one of the reasons why this drama received high marks.

The technical execution aspect of this drama is even highly appreciated, the cinematography, color grading, the styling, and the soundtrack, they set the atmosphere to the best.

Overall, this is a romantic story not to be missed.

Related Content

Forever and Ever (一生一世)

04 Douluo Continent · 斗罗大陆

Details of Douluo Continent

• Also known as: Dou Luo Da Lu
• Aired: 2021-02-05
• Episodes/Duration: 40/40min
• Period Background: Alternative reality
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Action
• Director: Yang Zhen Yu
• Main Role: Xiao Zhan as Tang San, Wu Xuan Yi as Xiao Wu

Plot Summary of Douluo Continent

The drama is adapted from the novel "Dou Luo Da Lu" by Tang Jia San Shao.

Tang San, who has lost his mother since childhood, lives with his alcoholic blacksmith father, Tang Hao. Tang San longs for his mother's love, but Tang Hao always keeps his mouth shut about his wife. It was only when Tang San's twin martial souls awakened that his father told him that only by becoming the strongest person in the Douluo Continent, with great strength and heart, would he be qualified to bear the news of his mother.

Tang San did not forget and his father's agreement, successively to the soul master academy to study, with the dynamic and playful girl Xiao Wu and other five different character partners to form the “Shrek Seven Devils”. Tang San always remembered the teacher Yu Xiaogang said: "no waste martial soul, only waste soul master", perseverance to martial soul Lan Yin Grass cultivation refinement.

As the fame of "Shrek Seven Devils" grew, the talents of the seven were eventually noticed by several very famous nobles, and invited them to continue their training at the esteemed Royal Academy.

Shortly after accepting the invitation, they find themselves drawn into the royal power struggle between the Grand Prince and the Fourth Prince. Meanwhile, Tang San discovers a long-hidden secret about his mother's death. Suddenly faced with a multi-front battle, Tang San finds himself forced to fight not only to protect those he loves, but also to bring honor to his sect, save his country, and fulfill his quest to become the greatest soul master ever.

Stills of Douluo Continent

Reviews of Douluo Continent

"Douluo Continent" takes the growth of the main character Tang San as the entry point to convey a story of struggle to pursue dreams with fervor, promoting the inspirational spirit of youth and arousing strong empathy of the audience with its delicate emotional portrayal. The quality IP continues to live through film and television, moving the audience with touching friendship, love and affection.

The drama adaptation upholds the principle of respecting the original and retaining the key plot, extracting the core point of "my life is not up to me, do not forget the original heart" from the original, throughout the ups and downs of Tang San's life journey in the Douluo Continent. In addition, the drama also enhances character relationships and emotional connection when adapting, and the characterization of the "Shrek Seven Devils" is more positive and sunny, strongly advocating positive values.

Related Content

Douluo Continent 2

05 My Heroic Husband · 赘婿

Details of My Heroic Husband

• Also known as: Zhui Xu
• Aired: 2021-02-14
• Episodes/Duration: 36/45min
• Period Background: Wu Dynasty (alternative reality)
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Comedy
• Director: Deng Ke
• Main Role: Guo Qi Lin, Song Yi

Plot Summary of My Heroic Husband

The drama is based on the novel of the same name by author Fen Nu de Xiang Jiao (愤怒的香蕉).

A modern businessman travels back to ancient times; he lands in the body of a man about to be married as a matrilocal husband into a family of cloth merchants. He then begins incorporating modern methods and ideals to help his friends and battle corrupt local businesses. Ultimately he becomes involved in the affairs of the country.

After facing family and national events, Ning Yi and his team are repeatedly in danger, but they finally guard Lin'an City by their courage and wisdom.

Ning Yi grows from a superfluous son-in-law who just wants to be on his own to a person who really has the world in mind, while other characters also have their own growth and eventually contribute to the big picture.

Stills of My Heroic Husband

Reviews of My Heroic Husband

It's a light-hearted, stress-relieving historical drama.

From the filming, "My Heroic Husband" the entire drama using a combination of ordinary close up, medium, and long distance scenes, the control of each frame and the control of the shooting ratio can be said to be just right, comparable to the quality of the film. The lighting is as natural as possible, giving the whole picture a more advanced sense. Many of the actors in "My Heroic Husband" have been in the highly acclaimed "Joy of Life", so there is no need to say anything about the strength of the actors.

From the setting to the plot to the details, this drama is perfectly suited to the audience's psychological needs. The reason is that from ancient times to the present, due to the perception of the male-dominated society in ancient China, it seems to be not an honorable thing to be a matrilocal husband. However, Ning Yi's journey is easily supported by the audience, as the main character has some unusual characteristics and superpowers, which is the same reason why the audience likes to watch Marvel.

06 The Long Ballad · 长歌行

• Details of The Long Ballad
• Also known as: Chang Ge Xing
• Aired: 2021-03-31
• Episodes/Duration: 49/45min
• Period Background: Tang Dynasty
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Adventure
• Director: Zhu Rui Bin
• Main Role: Leo Wu as Ashile Sun , Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Chang Ge

Plot Summary of The Long Ballad

The drama is based on the comic of the same name "Chang Ge Xing" by Xia Da (夏达).

In the ninth year of the Wu De period of the Tang Dynasty, a mutiny took place in Chang'an, and Li Chang Ge, the daughter of the original prince, managed to escape. On her way to escape, Chang Ge meets Ashile Sun, a general of a grassland tribe under the alias of Qin Zhun. They become acquainted with each other and gradually develop a sense of heroic friendship.

Chang Ge crushes a conspiracy in Youzhou, but at the same time, her identity is revealed and she goes to Shuozhou, hides beside Gongsun Heng, the assassin of Shuozhou Prefecture, to help him fight against the grassland forces, but she never expected that the enemy general would be an old acquaintance, Qin Zhun (Ashile Sun).

Chang Ge is shocked and distressed. However, the situation in Shuozhou is critical and in order to gain time to wait for reinforcements, Li Changge negotiates with Sun and is willing to be taken as a prisoner of war to the grassland for the sake of the greater good, but accidentally learns that the Eastern Turkic Khaganate has other ambitions. Chang Ge decides to put aside his personal grudges and risk his life to break the situation, while Sun is willing to fight against Turkic Khaganate to save Changge, but the two are separated by mistake.

As Chang Ge goes into exile, she gradually learns the truth that the merciful is invincible and finally lets go of her personal grudges. After discovering that the forces of the former Sui were behind the trouble, Changge and Sun join forces to protect the peace between the Tang Dynasty and the grasslands, and they finally realize their feelings for each other and work together to overcome the crisis.

Stills of The Long Ballad

Reviews of The Long Ballad

"The Long Ballad" is an adaptation of the comic of the same name, and it is also an innovation in visual presentation by using the comic as a form of presentation for the battle segments of the drama.

The characters are set up in such a way that each character is fully formed, bringing out the complexity of each character. And, you will feel the growth of the characters as the plot progresses and becomes mature.

The plot is also set to restore the comic as much as possible, the changes to the plot is not abrupt, but to make the plot more smooth. In terms of costumes, the robes and ruqun in the play are more historically accurate.

If you are a reader of this manga, it is highly recommended that you watch this drama.

07 The Rebel Princess · 上阳赋

Details of The Rebel Princess

• Also known as: Shang Yang Fu, Jiang Shan Gu Ren, Di Feng Ye
• Aired: 2021-01-09
• Episodes/Duration: 68/45min
• Period Background: Alternative reality
• Genres: Historical, Romance
• Director: Hou Yong, Cheng Yuanhai
• Main Role: Zhang Zi Yi as Wang Xuan, Zhou Yi Wei as Xiao Qi, Yu He Wei as Wang Lin, Yang Youning as Ma Zi Dan

Plot Summary of The Rebel Princess

The drama is adapted from the novel "Emperor's Conquest(帝王业)" by Mei Yu Zhe(寐语者).

Wang Xuan, the princess of Shang Yang, was born in a prestigious family, with enviable beauty and talent, but she is reluctantly involved in a game and is used as a bargaining chip several times.

Wang Xuan is forced to give up her Childhood sweetheart and marry Xiao Qi, the king of Yuzhang, who is in charge of the army. The two of them go through the difficulties of He Lan Zhen, the disaster of Ning Shuo and the mutiny of Hui Zhou, and gradually develop from the initial mutual distrust to a soulmate.

Wang Xuan experienced many changes, always sticks to her original intention of "having a heart for the world" and guards the people's home side by side with Xiao Qi.

Stills of The Rebel Princess

Reviews of The Rebel Princess

Objectively speaking, "The Rebel Princess" is a beautifully produced drama. In terms of the cast, Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Yi Wei, Wang You Ning, Yu He Wei, and many other well-known actors join the cast, giving the drama a more cinematic quality.

As a work of adaptation, "The Rebel Princess" has successfully recreated the life trajectory and spiritual interpretation of the original characters, not only absorbing the creative elements of the novel with vivid vitality, but also refining the essence of the current times.

On the level of technical aspects, the scene layout, costumes and makeup and props are also of first-class level, and the cinematic camera images, each frame, give people a feeling of watching a movie.

The style of the drama is positioned between Han and Tang, and the overall style pursues the effect of ancient flavor and charm, with details in place. Because of this, it has also conquered the hearts of many viewers. What's more, the plot is tight and does not drag on.

Although the plot is a little overly melodramatic, if you watch all 68 episodes, you will have different gains and feelings.

08 The Sword and The Brocade · 锦心似玉

Details of The Sword and The Brocade

• Also known as: Jin Xin Si Yu, Lady Shiyi
• Aired: 2021-02-26
• Episodes/Duration: 45/45min
• Period Background: Ming Dynasty
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance
• Director: Wen De Guang
• Main Role: Tan Song Yun as Luo Shi Yi Niang, Wallace Chung as Xu Ling Yi

Plot Summary of The Sword and The Brocade

The drama is adapted from Zhi Zhi(吱吱)'s novel "The Concubine-born Daughter's Strategies" (庶女攻略)".

During the Ming Dynasty, Luo Shi Yi Niang, a concubine daughter with a humble status, is very opinionated and believes that a woman's vision should not be limited to the household. She hopes to fight for the freedom she desires through her excellent embroidery skills.

After her accidental marriage to General Xu Ling Yi, the Marquis of Yongping, she treats everyone around her with optimism and positivity, and relies on her efforts to gain the trust of the Xu family.

Xu Ling Yi is attracted by Luo Shi Yi Niang's beautiful character and then falls in love with him. After a few twists and turns, the two of them have a secret love affair and first marry and then love each other. With the support of her husband, Luo Shi Yi Niang opens an embroidery workshop, Xian Ling Ge, to pass on her embroidery skills.

Xu Ling Yi, on the other hand, is trying to maintain the peace of country and improve people's livelihood, and supports the lifting of the maritime ban, through many difficulties.

When the Xu family is facing a huge disaster of having their family destroyed, the couple works together to solve the crisis and successfully protect the Xu family. The husband and wife are in love, believe in each other, adhere to their love, face the storms of life together, and write a legendary life belonging to them.

Stills of The Sword and The Brocade

Reviews of The Sword and The Brocade

"The Sword and The Brocade", a drama that portrays positive energy through the optimistic and positive dimension of the Luo Shi Yi Niang, who entered the Xu family, did not have a smooth progress. And, she also experienced some great difficulties experienced by the Xu family, however, she did not worry too much about life and family ups and downs. She faces everyone around her with an optimistic and positive attitude.

When Luo Shi Yi Niang was forced into an arranged marriage with Xu Ling Yi, she did not think she would fall in love with him. Because polygamy was the norm in ancient Chinese society, the drama realistically depicts the life of a wealthy family, capturing the struggle between wives and concubines in the harem and the struggle for fame and fortune, and even the struggle between families.

But both leads are perfectly cast and have very solid chemistry, providing viewers with many sweet and thrilling romantic moments as they fall in love and grow together over the course in the drama.

The male lead in the drama, Wallace Chung, portrayed the character of Xu Ling Yi with a natural and richly layered performance that was highly infectious. From the ancient style of the character, to the diverse and multi-layered portrayal of the character, and the subtle changes in the character's state, all of them make the audience believe that he is the character Xu Ling Yi.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that the scenes of "The Sword and The Brocade" are exquisite, the makeup and hair styling, clothing, props display are aesthetically pleasing, high brightness tones less a sense of heaviness, more towards the feeling of idol drama.

09 Song of Youth · 玉楼春

Details of Song of Youth

• Also known as: Yu Lou Chun
• Aired: 2021-07-26
• Episodes/Duration: 43/45min
• Period Background: Ming Dynasty
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Comedy
• Director: Gao Han
• Main Role: Bai Lu as Lin Shao Chun, Wang Yi Zhe as Sun Yu Lou, Jin Chen as Xu Feng Qiao

Plot Summary of Song of Youth

Lin Shao Chun's family is destroyed when her father faces charges of corruption. Forced to make a living, she starts to learn opera in a opera classes and meets Sun Yun Lou, a wealthy young man who falls in love with her at first sight.

In order to avenge her father's death, Shao Chun decides to dress up as a man and take the examination. However, Shao Chun's plan fails when she needs to take a body check, and Yu Lou learns about it and helps Shao Chun to get justice for her father.

After learning about Shao Chun's background, the Sun family is determined to stop Yu Lou and Shao Chun from seeing each other. Yu Lou refuses to give up, and Shao Chun, feeling his deep love and self-improvement, grows up to be a nationally known businesswoman in just one year and marries into the Sun family when it is in decline.

Subsequently, she maintains the family relationships and solves various crises externally, finally winning praise. By chance, she discovers that her father-in-law Sun Xun is the culprit of her family's ruin, and that he is the one who really embezzled money. For the sake of justice, Shao Chun finally chooses to be righteous.

Stills of Song of Youth

Reviews of Song of Youth

It's a very enjoyable story, with many of the show's plot points easy and entertaining , and most of the story's developments are in line with the audience's expectations (or the bad guys have a hard time getting their way).

Another important reason to recommend Song of Youth is the Ming Dynasty Chinese costumes, with plenty of Ming Dynasty Aoqun, Mamian Qun, Pifeng, and Robe looks, so if you're a big fan of Ming Dynasty hanfu costumes, you can enjoy them throughout the drama.

10 Palace of Devotion · 大宋宫词

Details of Palace of Devotion

• Also known as: Poetry of the Song Dynasty
• Aired: 2021-03-20
• Episodes/Duration: 61/45min
• Period Background: Song Dynasty
• Genres: Historical, Romance
• Director: Li Shao Hong, Zeng Nian Ping
• Main Role: Liu Tao as Liu E, Vic Chou as Zhao Heng

Plot Summary of Palace of Devotion

Palace of Devotion is based on the love story of Liu E (the third empress of Zhao Heng) and Zhao Heng (the third emperor of the Song Dynasty), with the historical background of "The Reign of Xianping" and "The Reign of Emperor Ren", and tells the story of the interdependence and mutual control among the famous ministers, clans and neighboring countries during the era of Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty from 985 to 1033 A.D.

Stills of Palace of Devotion

Reviews of Palace of Devotion

Palace of Devotion's editing problems has been constantly criticized by the show's viewers.

But that issue aside, if you are a history buff or enjoy the culture of the Song Dynasty, this drama may be worth your time. In terms of some of the individual clips, it's still very well done, such as the part of the remake "The Night Revels of Han Xizai (韩熙载夜宴图)".

If you are a fan of hanfu, the traditional costumes in this drama are also worthy of your attention. Most of the costumes in the Palace of Devotion are more in line with hanfu than martial arts dramas, and you can learn a lot about hanfu while watching the drama.

What historical Chinese dramas did you watch in 2021? Or if you have any more great recommendations, please feel free to share them with us in the comments.

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