Favorite Period C-Dramas
My favorite historic/period Chinese dramas (some w/few elements of fantasy, but not including xianxia).
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1. Love Like the Galaxy: Part 1
Chinese Drama - 2022, 27 episodes
P1/P2 should not be separated as it's not outside of MDL.
Favorite. Period. Drama. Ever. I was depressed when it ended. I hope they release more episodes in the future.
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2. Love Like the Galaxy: Part 2
Chinese Drama - 2022, 29 episodes
P1/P2 should not be separated as it's not outside of MDL.
Favorite. Period. Drama. Ever. I was depressed when it ended. I hope they release more episodes in the future.
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3. Luo Yang
Chinese Drama - 2021, 39 episodes
LOVED this drama. Gorgeous production, OST, well-acted, great chemistry between our core cast, and the story itself were incredibly interesting and well-paced from start to finish. I was already a fan of Wang Yibo before watching this, but I'm a huge Huang Xuan fan now.
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4. The Longest Day in Chang'an
Chinese Drama - 2019, 48 episodes
I was riveted within the first 5 minutes. This drama expertly paces a thrilling, compelling, and intricate terrorist plot that our core group must try to stop before it's too late. I was shouting at the TV and was awe-struck during certain scenes (like the chase scenes with the watch towers overhead). The choreography and cinematography in this drama are unparalleled (except for maybe Love Like The Galaxy and a few others in this list).
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5. The Rise of Phoenixes
Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes
Most charismatic male lead I've probably ever watched. He was brilliant, cunning, and a total petty brat. I loved every second of his screen time. Plot-wise, the drama could have been condensed a bit (I was a little overwhelmed with the volume of details to keep track of), but as far as character building goes, I was enamored. I wish he and Nini had more screen time and more on-camera romance. Their chemistry was electrifying.
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6. The Rebel Princess
Chinese Drama - 2021, 68 episodes
Zhou Yi Wei devours every minute of screen time. Charismatic, caring, dangerous, empathetic, romantic, passionate. He is every bit of the perfect male lead. Beautiful production, OST, well acted, romantic, and interesting plot. There are weaker moments in the storyline near the end that I didn't like, but overall, I really loved this drama.
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7. Tribes and Empires: Storm of Prophecy
Chinese Drama - 2017, 75 episodes
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8. Legend of Fu Yao
Chinese Drama - 2018, 66 episodes
this does have a litttttle bit of fantasy element to it, but it's mostly a wuxia drama.
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9. A Dream of Splendor
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
Sizzling chemistry between our leads. It was refreshing to see such a mature, adult romance in a cdrama when cdramas tend to infantilize their female leads and diminish them to flailing doe-eyed rescues. This drama shines a light on strong, empowered women and their strength in numbers. I enjoyed many elements of this drama and thought it was a feast for my eyes.
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10. A League of Nobleman
Chinese Drama - 2023, 29 episodes
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11. My Journey to You
Chinese Drama - 2023, 24 episodes
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12. The Legend of Shen Li
Chinese Drama - 2024, 39 episodes