Chinese palace dramas have long been a defining genre of historical C-dramas, launching the careers of major stars such as Qin Lan, Rulu Jiang, Nie Yuan, Ada Choi, Sheren Tang and many others. Rich in political intrigue, rivalry, romance, and power struggles, these series have captivated global audiences for decades.
Below is a curated and streamlined list of the best Chinese palace dramas from classics to modern hits perfect for anyone who loves scheming court ladies, imperial power plays, and grand historical storytelling.
1. War and Beauty (2004)
Often called the godfather of palace dramas, this TVB classic brought together four award-winning actresses Charmaine Sheh, Gigi Lai, Sheren Tang, and Maggie Cheung. Set in the Jiaqing era, it exposes the dark underbelly of the Forbidden City, where ambition, betrayal, and tragedy rule every corner of the imperial harem.
2. Beyond the Realm of Conscience (2009)
A record-breaking TVB hit featuring Charmaine Sheh and Tavia Yeung. Despite her kind nature, Lau Sam Ho is dragged into relentless jealousy and schemes inside the palace, making this one of the most iconic “good girl vs. villainess” dramas in the genre.
3. Beauty’s Rival in Palace (2010)
A massive production by Yu Zheng, following Dou Yi Fang’s journey from hunted maiden to empress of Emperor Wen of Han. Less harem-focused and more political, the series blends intrigue, war, and personal sacrifice.
4. Curse of the Royal Harem (2011)
A fierce battle between Queen Yi Lan (Jessica Hsuan) and Consort Yuen Yeun (Myolie Wu). The drama shows how power corrupts, transforming kindness into cruelty within the Qing Dynasty’s treacherous harem.
5. The Glamorous Imperial Concubine (2011)
Produced by Ruby Lin, the story follows Princess Ma Fuya in her quest for revenge and survival amid two prince rivals. The show combines love, war, and palace politics with emotional intensity.
6. Beauty World (2011)
Set in the Tang Dynasty, the series portrays the rise of Wu Meiniang and the downfall of the kind-hearted Empress Wang, filled with schemes, rivalry, and heartbreak in the imperial harem.
7. Scarlet Heart (2011)
One of China’s most influential time-travel palace dramas. Liu Shishi stars as Ruoxi, who gets trapped in the deadly throne struggle among Kangxi’s sons. Love, fate, and tragedy collide in this unforgettable classic.
8. The Emperor’s Harem (2011)
An Yixuan, Feng Shaofeng, and Yang Yi lead this Ming Dynasty palace drama about love, loyalty, and jealousy among concubines fighting for the emperor’s favor.
9. In Love with Power (2012)
The final part of Yu Zheng’s “Beauty Trilogy.” It explores the complex relationships between the wives of Emperor Huang Taiji, as jealousy and favoritism spiral into disaster.
10. Empresses in the Palace (2012)
A monumental masterpiece starring Sun Li as Zhen Huan. Her transformation from innocent girl to calculating Empress Dowager remains one of the best character arcs in Chinese drama history. The series is praised for its acting, costumes, and deep psychological battles.
11. The Palace (2013)
Zhou Dongyu and Zhao Liying star as once-inseparable friends torn apart by ambition and love for the imperial princes. A story of betrayal, forbidden romance, and emotional warfare.
12. The Empress of China (2014)
Led by Fan Bingbing, this high-budget drama traces the rise of Wu Zetian, China’s only female emperor. Lavish visuals, strong performances, and intense palace politics make it a standout.
13. The Legend of Mi Yue (2015)
Another Sun Li masterpiece, portraying Mi Yue’s journey from Chu princess to the powerful Empress Dowager of Qin. Deep emotions, strong political intrigue, and stellar acting define this hit.
14. Royal Romance (2015)
A tale of a gifted songstress who enters the harem and faces jealousy, political schemes, and forbidden love with the emperor.
15. The King’s Woman (2017)
Dilraba Dilmurat stars as Gongsun Li, caught between her first love Jing Ke and King Ying Zheng. Palace conflicts and romantic tension drive the story.
16. Love in the Imperial Palace (2017)
A tragic love triangle unfolds amid the throne battle between Yinzhen and Yinyou. Betrayal and emotional struggle highlight the cruelty of palace life.
17. Colourful Bone (2017)
A visually unique drama about a prince fighting to reclaim his kingdom and his star-crossed romance with the adopted daughter of a national advisor.
18. The Legend of Dugu (2018)
Three sisters from the prestigious Dugu clan rise to power through marriage alliances, eventually shaping the destiny of Sui and Tang dynasties.
19. Legend of Fuyao (2018)
Starring Yang Mi and Ethan Juan, Fuyao blends fantasy, palace power struggles, and romance as the heroine uncovers secrets across five kingdoms.
20. Ruyi’s Love in the Palace (2018)
Zhou Xun’s award-winning performance elevates this tragic love story between Empress Ruyi and Emperor Qianlong. One of the most emotional, beautifully shot palace dramas ever made.
21. Story of Yanxi Palace (2018)
One of the most searched shows in the world in 2018. Wu Jinyan’s Wei Yingluo outsmarts every trap with sharp wit, eventually rising to become Empress Hoifa-Nara. Fast-paced and addictive.
22. Secret of the Three Kingdoms (2018)
A blend of palace intrigue and political tension during the final years of the Eastern Han. Beautiful cinematography and strong performances make it a must-watch.
23. The Legend of Hao Lan (2019)
Wu Jinyan stars as Li Haolan, who rises from slavery to become mother of Qin Shi Huang. Ruthless power struggles and intense palace politics drive the narrative.
24. Legend of the Phoenix (2019)
A palace performer fights against aristocratic schemes with the help of a brilliant strategist. Light romance mixed with sharp political tension.
25. Queen Dugu (2019)
The story of Empress Dugu Jialuo and Yang Jian as they build the Sui Dynasty through loyalty, strategy, and love.
26. Ming Dynasty (2019)
Tang Wei shines as Sun Ruyong, a survivor of political massacre who becomes crown princess. A beautifully crafted tale of revenge, justice, and imperial duty.
27. Legend of Two Sisters in the Chaos (2020)
Two sisters of the Fu family become entangled in politics, love, and war as a prophecy predicts one will become empress.
28. Stand By Me (2021)
Twin sisters raised by enemies become embroiled in political betrayal. A richly emotional palace drama filled with revenge, romance, and power struggles.
29–45. New-Generation Palace Dramas (2022–2025)
These recent hits bring fresh storytelling to the genre:
- Love Like the Galaxy (2022) – romance + palace politics with Zhao Lusi & Wu Lei
- The Only Girl You Haven’t Seen (2022) – reincarnation revenge drama
- My Uncanny Destiny (2023) – comedic palace romance
- Story of Kunning Palace (2023) – rebirth, redemption & complex court intrigue
- A Journey to Love (2023) – espionage, war & political conspiracy
- The Double (2024) – brutal revenge and identity swap
- The Prisoner of Beauty (2025) – forced marriage that turns into loyalty
- Better Halves (2025) – comedic matchmaking meets palace politics
- Qingchuan’s Veil of Vengeance (2025) – female general in disguise
- Dominion and Devotion (2025) – female emperor rising from the shadows
- A Dream of Splendor (2022) – female empowerment in Song Dynasty
- Love You Seven Times (2023) – fantasy + celestial palace conflicts
- Ye Cheng Fu (2023) – aristocratic secrets & romance
- The Princess’s Gambit (2024) – princess vs. power
- Kill Me Love Me (2024) – dual identities & royal intrigue
- In Blossom (2024) – mystery + palace romance
- The Princess Royal (2024) – noblewoman torn between love and duty
Chinese palace dramas remain one of the most captivating genres thanks to their powerful female characters, emotional depth, and intense political maneuvering. Whether you enjoy tragic romances, power struggles, revenge arcs, or grand historical worlds, this list has something for every fan of court intrigue.
Sources: Harper’s Bazaar