Top Historical Dramas (Chinese)

This drama is apparently quite controversial, though I'm not sure why. It's well written, has deep characters and a coherent, slow-burn romantic relationship.  The action is gripping, and most of all, the protagonists have healthy, respectful interactions in which the guy and girl are equals. Even the second leads have character development! Of the best Chinese dramas I've ever seen!

This drama has one of the best revenge plot ever, with strong, smart characters and a gripping intrigue. There's an underlying wuxia element to it I guess, but I still consider it more of a historical drama. My ultimate favorite Chinese drama for years, only pushed to #2 because The Long Ballad has higher rewatch value for me. I highly recommend!!!

This drama is so fresh, and it's such a fun ride! It's fresh because it completely (not just kind of like some dramas) reverses the gender dynamics between the protagonists, and it's fun because it uses that reversal to play around with your expectations and cliches of typical historical ddramas. The romance is slow but cute, and it's an easy rewatch. Love it!

Crime investigation, history and romance, all in one! I had low expectations for this drama because the female lead didn't super impress me at first, but by the end of it I loved her. The male lead is probably one of my favorites; so nice to see a guy who's not cold and/or mean for once. This is also one of the few dramas with smart, useful and endearing second leads. Just great!

This drama is SO gorgeously done, definitely the best in cinematography! It also has a plot full of political schemes and intrigue, and a wholesome OTP. The cast is older than usual, but they all do the job well. Really worth the look!

This drama has mature and real vibes, such a breath of fresh air in the midst of all the others! And with a smart female lead and a fun male lead that have a cute love story, there's not much else to ask for! Even though the drama is very long and sometimes draggy, it's definitely worth the watch!

The female lead in this drama is INSANE! I honestly had a girl crush haha I'm not a fan of the Qing era, but this drama is an exception. It's full of plotting, mystery and revenge, and it even has a bit of romance too! While it has its down times and the male lead isn't the best, it's definitely above average!

I don't like harem stories so it took forever for me to give this drama a try, but it's actually good. It's much more than the harem; there's a political intrigue and even a crime investigation. The romance is sweet, slow-burn (as I like them) and based on mutual respect. The female lead is smart and cool. The annoying women of harem stories are still there, but still, it's a nice one!

This drama is the ultimate BINGE material!! So much suspense, so much revenge and plotting, such nice sets and costumes, and if that wasn't enough, there's sizzling chemistry between the leads too! What else can you ask for? 

This drama has an element of fantasy (travelling into a novel), but it's still a historical to me, and such a special one! The set up (a town ruled by women, neighbor to a town ruled by men) is pure genius, and the OTP is cute too!