Chinese Costume Dramas with Strong Female Leads

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As a connoisseur of Chinese costume dramas, I must say that these captivating stories truly transport us to another era, immersing us in the grandeur and intrigue of imperial China. Each tale is a testament to human resilience, love, and the quest for justice.

In many Asian period dramas, you’ll often find captivating male characters. However, occasionally, these productions feature a female protagonist whose extraordinary charm and powerful persona leave audiences spellbound, as is the case with some Chinese series.

This article showcases top-notch Chinese dramas featuring leading ladies who steal the spotlight from their male co-stars.

The Double (2024)

In the acclaimed costume drama “The Double,” the principal characters are portrayed by Wu Jinyan and Wang Xingyue. The story unfolds around Xue Fang Fei (Wu Jinyan), the daughter of a scholar, who compromises her principles to marry the man she adores. However, her life takes a turn for the worse when she becomes ensnared in plots orchestrated by a crafty princess and her family. Her husband falsely accuses her of infidelity, attempts to kill her, and abandons her in a forest clearing, intending for her to perish.

Yet, fate seems to steer her life in a different direction. With assistance from a doomed minister’s child, she manages to live on. Following her benefactor’s demise, she assumes her identity and heads back to the capital to avenge their wrongdoers. In the company of Duke Su (Wang Xingyue) and her savior’s kin, who believe her to be their offspring, she uncovers secrets that could jeopardize the kingdom’s tranquility. Fang Fei finds herself supported by the Ducal family, including her saviors. Together, they peel back layers of mysteries that imperil the realm’s serenity.

The Double is available to watch on Netflix, Youku and Viki.

The Princess Weiyoung (2016)

In this period piece, there’s a tale reminiscent of The Double where the main character, Princess Feng Xin Er (played by Tiffany Tan), climbs the ranks of power following a series of misfortunes. When the Northern Wei Dynasty suddenly collapses prematurely, she finds herself an orphan and completely on her own. Despite narrowly avoiding death, she unwittingly ventures into enemy lands.

In a bid to secure a safe haven, she assumes the persona of Li Wei Young, the daughter of the nation’s prime minister. Navigating numerous challenges, she ultimately leverages her intelligence and moral compass to rise among the most powerful figures in the country.

The drama is available to stream on Netflix and Viki.

The Legend of Shen Li (2024)

In this xianxia series, starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin as the main characters, we have an on-screen rendition of Yu Feng Xing, penned by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. This tale unfolds as a romantic narrative, where the last remaining deity, portrayed by Lin Gengxin, finds himself smitten with Shen Li, a formidable female demon overlord (played by Zhen Li Yang). In her attempt to evade an unwanted marriage, Shen Li inadvertently crosses into the human realm.

In a misunderstanding, an unscrupulous market merchant confuses her for a fowl and cages her, treating her cruelly. However, under these oppressive circumstances, she catches the attention of Xing Zhi. He takes pity on her, nursing her back to health. As they bond, they find themselves falling in love. When Xing Zhi’s life is endangered, Shen Li demonstrates immense courage and goes to extraordinary measures to safeguard him.

The Legend of Shen Li is available to stream on Tencent Video, WeTV, KUKAN, MGTV, and Viki.

The Story of Yanxi Palace (2018)

In this period piece, Wu Jinyan’s character, Wei Ying Luo, travels to Beijing to uncover the vile crimes that led to her older sister’s death. The main suspect is Xu Kai’s character, Fuca Fuheng, an imperial guard. To bring him to justice, Wei Ying Luo strategically befriends his sister, who holds the position of Empress. She begins working as the empress’s handmaiden and manages to gain her favor.

As Fuheng develops feelings for her, she comes to understand that the Fuca siblings are not guilty. Uncovering intricate webs of deceit, she finds connections between these conspiracies and her sister’s assassination. Ying Luo tirelessly safeguards her patron from harm.

The Story of Yanxi Palace is available to stream on iQIYI, We TV, Viki, and Tubi.

Legend of Fu Yao (2018)

The drama is based on the novel adaptation of Tian Xia Gui Yuan’s “Empress Fuyao.” It narrates the tale of Fuyao, played by Yang Mi, who was taken in as a child and subjected to slavery under the Xuan Yuan sect.

Following a string of unfortunate events, she embarks on a quest to break free from the spell that’s been plaguing her life. On this journey, she crosses paths with Zhang Sun Wu Ji, also known as Etan Juan, who is the Crown Prince of Tianquan. After they develop feelings for each other, Wu Ji assists her in discovering her real self.

Legend of Fu Yao is available for streaming on iQIYI, Viki, and Prime Video.

The Long Ballad (2021)

In this well-known Chinese historical drama, the story unfolds during the Tang Dynasty. Following the tragic Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Chang Ge (played by Dilraba Dilmurat) witnesses the brutal murder of her entire family. Driven by a desire for revenge, she vows to seek justice for her loved ones. Consequently, she rallies an army to challenge the newly crowned emperor.

Initially, she had well-laid plans, but these were disrupted by an unexpected assault from the Eastern Turkic Khaganate under General Ashile Sun (Leo Wu). Despite sparing her life, he held her captive, intending to use her strategic skills. In time, they developed a potent military alliance and learned to depend on each other for mutual advantage.

 The Long Ballad is available to stream on Tencent Video, iQIYI, Netflix, and Viki. 

The Empress of China (2014)

Here’s another tale, this one unfolds during the Tang Dynasty era. The narrative focuses on Wu Ru Yi (portrayed by Fan Bingbing), a promising young lady who captures the emperor’s eye upon her entrance into the imperial court as a dancer. She’s an extraordinary performer, outshining other dancers with her exceptional talent and skills.

Envy fuels the other courtesans to shun her and falsely accuse her of killing a fellow dancer, leading to extreme hardship. However, under this duress, she admits guilt for the crime. Ultimately, the king exiles her. But this narrative unveils Ru Yi’s journey from humble beginnings to amassing power and becoming an influential empress.

The Empress of China is available to stream on Youku.

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2024-08-27 18:41