Chinese Drama Based on Historical Events
Dramas inspired or loosely based on real events and people in the history of China. They will be organised periodically according to their timeline/era.
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1. Story of Yanxi Palace
Chinese Drama - 2018, 70 episodes
Qing Dynasty - Emperor Qianlong Reign (1734)
Influential Figure: Emperor Qianlong, Lady Wei of Weigiya Clan (later Empress Xiaoyichun)
The story follows the life of Emperor Qianlong's consorts and empresses from the perspective of Lady Wei.
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2. Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace
Chinese Drama - 2018, 87 episodes
Qing Dynasty - Emperor Qianlong Reign (1734)
Influential Figure: Emperor Qianlong, Empress Hoifa-Nara (The Step Empress)
The story follows Empress Hoifa-Nara life from the time she got married to Qianlong until her death in 1766.
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3. Empresses in the Palace
Chinese Drama - 2012, 76 episodes
Qing Dynasty - Emperor Yongzheng Reign (1704)
Influential Figure: Empress Xiaoshengxian, Emperor Yongzheng
Zhen Huan's character is loosely based on Empress Xiaoshengxian and her life story is not historically accurate. The drama also focuses on the imperial harem during Emperor Yongzheng's reign.
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4. Scarlet Heart
Chinese Drama - 2011, 35 episodes
Qing Dynasty - Emperor Kangxi Reign (1696)
Influential Figure: Prince Yin Zhen (Emperor Yongzheng), Emperor Kangxi, Prince Yunsi
The story is based on the succession dispute between Prince Yin Zhen (later Emperor Yongzheng) and Prince Yunsi during Emperor Kangxi Reign.
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5. Rule the World
Chinese Drama - 2017, 45 episodes
Later Jin Dynasty and Early Qing Dynasty - Nurhaci and Huang Tai Ji Reign (1597)
Influential Figure: Huang Tai Ji, Nurhaci, Borjigit Harjol
The drama mixes two history into one story, namely Borjigit Harjol's life story and the 'Old Maiden on the North Border'. The 'Old Maiden on the North Border' is a story about an unnamed famous beauty from Yehe Nara who was offered to three different tribes to form marriage alliance. As the sister of Buyanggu and cousin of Gintaisi, she eventually got married at 31 to a Mongol prince.
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6. The Empress of China
Chinese Drama - 2014, 96 episodes
Tang Dynasty - Wu Zetian Reign (624)
Influential Figure: Empress Wu Zetian, Emperor Taizong, Emperor Gaozong
The story is based on the life of China's first Empress (as in Empress Regnant, Emperor of China).
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7. Legend of Lu Zhen
Chinese Drama - 2013, 59 episodes
Northern Qi (Northern and Southern Dynasties) - Emperor Gao Zhan Reign (550)
The story follows Lu Zhen, a female prime minister in Northern Qi. Her character is loosely based on Lu Lingxuan.
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8. Sound of the Desert
Chinese Drama - 2014, 35 episodes
Han Dynasty - Wu Emperor Reign (around 130 BC)
Wei Wu Ji's character is loosely based on Huo Qu Bing, a distinguished military general who led a campaign to Gobi Desert and defeat the Xiongnu nomadic.
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9. The Imperial Doctress
Chinese Drama - 2016, 50 episodes
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10. The King's Woman
Chinese Drama - 2017, 48 episodes
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11. The Legend of the Demon Cat
Chinese Movie - 2017
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12. The Palace
Chinese Movie - 2013
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13. The Virtuous Queen of Han
Chinese Drama - 2014, 47 episodes
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14. The Princess Wei Young
Chinese Drama - 2016, 54 episodes