Imagine wandering through mist-shrouded mountains where immortal cultivators duel with spells, or bustling Tang Dynasty markets humming with Silk Road traders and political conspiracies. This is the world of Wang Yibo's Period dramas—a gateway to China's mythic past, where history and fantasy collide in breathtaking spectacle.
Wang Yibo (王一博), a rising star with over 40 million Instagram followers, has become an unlikely ambassador of Chinese culture. His roles—whether as a stoic swordsman, a rogue prince, or a genius scholar—transcend language barriers, blending Confucian ideals with modern charisma. Below is a curated guide to his Top 3 Period Dramas.
The Untamed 陈情令
- Aired: June–August 2019
- Period Background: Fictional ancient China, inspired by the Five Great Clans system.
- Genres: Fantasy, Xianxia (immortal heroes), Mystery, Bromance
- Main Roles: Wang Yibo as Lan Wangji (蓝忘机), Xiao Zhan as Wei Wuxian (魏无羡)
- Adaptation Source: Based on Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation
At its core, The Untamed is a story of defiance and devotion. Set in a world where powerful clans cultivate spiritual energy to combat supernatural evils, the series follows two contrasting souls: Lan Wangji, the icy yet righteous heir of the Gusu Lan Clan, and Wei Wuxian, a free-spirited prodigy from the Yunmeng Jiang Clan. Their paths collide during a training retreat at the Cloud Recesses, a sanctuary of strict rules and ancient wisdom. Initially, Wei Wuxian's irreverence clashes with Lan Wangji's rigid discipline, but as they confront a surge of demonic forces, their rivalry evolves into an unbreakable partnership.
The narrative unfolds across two timelines. In the present, Wei Wuxian is resurrected 16 years after his tragic death, forced to piece together fragmented memories of betrayal and loss. Through flashbacks, viewers witness his rise as a revolutionary inventor of "demonic cultivation"—a forbidden art that harnesses resentful energy. This power saves lives but alienates him from the orthodox cultivation world, culminating in his downfall. Lan Wangji, bound by duty yet tormented by loyalty, spends years challenging clan hypocrisy to protect Wei Wuxian's legacy. Together, they expose a labyrinthine conspiracy involving stolen spiritual weapons, political corruption, and a shadowy figure manipulating events from the past.
The drama's brilliance lies in its layered storytelling. It weaves themes of moral ambiguity ("Is it wrong to save lives through unorthodox means?"), societal prejudice, and the cost of blind obedience. Wang Yibo's Lan Wangji is a masterclass in subtlety: his stoic demeanor, conveyed through micro-expressions and restrained dialogue, masks a volcanic core of emotion. A single glance or the twitch of a sleeve speaks volumes about his longing and guilt. Xiao Zhan's Wei Wuxian, meanwhile, is a whirlwind of charm and tragedy—a hero who laughs through pain, his optimism shielding a heart shattered by betrayal.
Filming The Untamed was grueling. Actors endured -20°C temperatures in Hengdian's outdoor sets, with Wang Yibo practicing guqin daily to authentically mimic Lan Wangji's grace. The script, adapted from a danmei novel, faced censorship hurdles; key romantic scenes were reimagined as "sworn brotherhood," yet the chemistry remained undeniable. Director Zheng Weiwen used symbolic imagery—like the pair's shared umbrella in the rain or lantern-lit confessions—to preserve the story's emotional core.
- Taoism and Costumes
The spiritual system in The Untamed draws heavily from Taoist philosophy and Chinese mythology. Cultivators meditate to balance qi (life force), wield swords imbued with spiritual energy (jianxiu), and battle creatures like yaoguai (demons) and jiangshi (hopping corpses). The pursuit of immortality—a central Taoist ideal—is mirrored in the xianxia genre's "immortal heroes," who ascend to godlike status through moral purity and discipline. However, the series critiques blind adherence to dogma. The Gusu Lan Clan's 3,000+ rules, inscribed on a wall of stone, parody Confucian rigidity, while Wei Wuxian's unorthodox methods challenge the hypocrisy of "righteous" sects.
Costume designer Chen Tongxuan blended historical accuracy with fantasy elements. Lan Wangji's white-and-blue robes reflect the Han dynasty's understated elegance, with white symbolizing purity and blue representing the clan's connection to water and tranquility. His forehead ribbon, embroidered with cloud patterns, signifies self-restraint—a motif central to his character arc. In contrast, Wei Wuxian's transition from vibrant purple (his Jiang Clan heritage) to black-and-red robes mirrors his descent into demonic cultivation. Red, a color associated with luck and rebellion, underscores his role as a tragic outsider.
- How The Untamed Redefined C-Drama Popularity
The series amassed 8.6 billion views on Tencent Video and trending in over 90 countries. Its success lies in its universal themes:
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian's bond—expressed through shared glances, musical duets (WangXian), and self-sacrifice—resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences. The "bromance" (兄弟情) became a masterwork of subtext, with fans dubbing them "soulmates beyond words."
International viewers likened it to Game of Thrones meets Harry Potter, praising its intricate worldbuilding and morally gray characters.
Wang Yibo's portrayal earned him the title "The God of Ice and Snow" and catapulted him to global fame, with fans dissecting his sword-fighting choreography and guqin performances.
- Why The Untamed Endures
Four years after its release, The Untamed remains a touchstone for xianxia dramas. It spawned animated adaptations, merchandise, and global fan conventions. For learners of Chinese culture, it's a gateway to understanding Taoist symbolism, classical music (like the guqin piece WangXian), and the enduring appeal of stories where love and integrity defy even death.
As Wang Yibo himself said in an interview: "Lan Wangji taught me that silence can be the loudest voice." In a world obsessed with noise, perhaps that's why this series—and its quiet, aching heart—continues to captivate millions.
Legend of Fei 有翡
- Aired: December 2020–January 2021
- Period Background: Fictional Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE), a turbulent era in Chinese history.
- Genres: Wuxia (martial heroes), Romance, Adventure
- Main Roles: Wang Yibo as Xie Yun (谢允), Zhao Liying as Zhou Fei
- Adaptation Source: Adapted from Priest's novel You Fei (有匪)
Legend of Fei unfolds in a fractured martial world where power struggles and moral decay threaten the legacy of the "Four Great Sects." At its heart is Zhou Fei (Zhao Liying), the headstrong heir to the Forty-Eight Stronghold, a martial arts sect renowned for its mastery of the Nan Dao (南刀, Southern Blade). Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Xie Yun (Wang Yibo), a witty exiled prince hiding under the alias "Xie Wanting." Despite their contrasting personalities—Zhou Fei's fiery determination versus Xie Yun's carefree charm—they forge an alliance to combat the sinister Hai Tian Yi Se organization, which seeks to destabilize the jianghu through corruption and betrayal.
The narrative is steeped in classic wuxia tropes: poisoned alliances, secret martial manuals, and the quest for justice. Zhou Fei's journey mirrors the archetypal hero's ascent, as she evolves from a brash novice to a leader who embodies the nan dao's ethos of resilience. Xie Yun, meanwhile, hides a tragic past: he is terminally ill due to a poison inflicted during his royal family's political purge. His humor and flirtatiousness mask a profound vulnerability, a duality Wang Yibo captures through nuanced shifts in tone and body language.
- Key arcs include:
The Fall of the Four Great Sects: The Forty-Eight Stronghold's destruction forces Zhou Fei to confront her sect's ideological decay, symbolized by her uncle's betrayal.
The Chrysanthemum Order Conspiracy: A plot to assassinate the Emperor using a stolen martial arts manual, Ping Sheng Zhi, tests Xie Yun's loyalty to his royal lineage.
The Red Blood Chamber: A secret society of female assassins challenges gender norms in the jianghu, reflecting the series' subtle feminist undertones.
The drama's pacing balances high-octane fight sequences with quieter moments of introspection, such as Zhou Fei's meditation on her mother's teachings: "A blade is not just a weapon—it is the will of its wielder."
- Weapons, Wardrobes, and Wuxia Philosophy
Legend of Fei pays homage to Chinese martial culture through meticulously choreographed combat. Zhou Fei wields the Qi Mei blade (齐眉棍), a staff-like weapon requiring precision and agility, while Xie Yun favors the jian (剑, sword), a symbol of scholarly refinement. Fight director Guo Yunshen incorporated Southern-style kung fu techniques, emphasizing fluid movements and acrobatics. The series also introduces fictional weapons like the Tian Men Fan (天门扇), a folding fan embedded with hidden blades, blending historical authenticity with creative flair.
Costume designer Wu Baojia drew inspiration from the Southern Dynasties' multicultural aesthetics. Zhou Fei's wardrobe evolves from practical training garb to ornate robes adorned with phoenix motifs, reflecting her growing authority. Xie Yun's layered linen outfits, dyed in muted greens and grays, mirror his nomadic existence and scholarly roots. Notably, the Forty-Eight Stronghold's uniforms incorporate hanfu elements, such as cross-collared jackets and wide sleeves, to emphasize their traditionalist values.
The series was primarily filmed at Hengdian World Studios, a sprawling complex replicating ancient Chinese architecture. Key sets included:
Recreating Southern Dynasty marketplaces, complete with tea houses and blacksmith forges. Repurposed for the imperial court scenes, highlighting the opulence of Xie Yun's royal past.
These settings not only enhanced visual authenticity but also allowed for dynamic action sequences, such as Zhou Fei's rooftop duel against the assassin Tong Fei.
- Character Analysis
Wang Yibo's portrayal of Xie Yun sparked both acclaim and debate. His performance balanced the character's lighthearted banter with moments of raw emotional intensity, particularly in scenes depicting Xie Yun's deteriorating health. For instance, in Episode, Xie Yun's confession to Zhou Fei—"I fear not death, but dying without you knowing my heart"—showcased Wang's ability to convey vulnerability beneath a playful exterior.
The adaptation also faced scrutiny for condensing the novel's intricate plotlines. Subplots involving secondary characters like Li Sheng (Chen Ruoxuan) were streamlined, leading to accusations of underdevelopment. Nevertheless, the series retained the core themes of You Fei: loyalty, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of power.
- Legacy and Global Impact
Though initially overshadowed by The Untamed's global phenomenon, Legend of Fei solidified Wang Yibo's transition from idol to actor and reaffirmed Zhao Liying's status as a wuxia icon. The drama's international release on platforms like Viki and iQIYI introduced global audiences to Southern Dynasties history, with fan communities dissecting its cultural references, from Taoist philosophy to the symbolism of the qimei blade.
Critics have since reevaluated the series as a bridge between traditional wuxia and modern storytelling. Its emphasis on Zhou Fei's agency—rare for female protagonists in the genre—resonated with viewers, inspiring cosplay trends and fan fiction exploring her post-series adventures.
Legend of Fei transcends its genre trappings by interrogating the cost of heroism. Zhou Fei's journey—from defiant apprentice to reluctant leader—echoes contemporary struggles with identity and responsibility, while Xie Yun's humor masks a poignant commentary on mortality. As director Wu Jinyuan noted: "This isn't just a story about swords; it's about what we choose to protect when the world crumbles."
LUOYANG 风起洛阳
- Aired: December 2021
- Period Background: Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), Luoyang—an ancient capital renowned for its Silk Road trade.
- Genres: Historical Suspense, Political Thriller
- Main Roles: Wang Yibo as Bai Li Hong Yi (百里弘毅), Huang Xuan as Gao Bingzhu, Song Qian as Wu Siyue
Set against the backdrop of Luoyang, the glittering eastern capital of the Tang Dynasty, Luoyang weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and cultural collision. The story centers on three unlikely allies: Bai Li Hong Yi, a genius nobleman with an encyclopedic mind for puzzles and mechanics; Gao Bingzhu, a disgraced former constable haunted by the unsolved murders of his comrades; and Wu Siyue, a principled imperial guard navigating the patriarchal power structures of the court. Their paths converge when a series of assassinations and cryptic warnings threaten to destabilize the city, implicating the shadowy organization Chun Qiu Dao (春秋道), which seeks to overthrow the imperial regime.
Bai Li Hong Yi, portrayed by Wang Yibo, is a polymath whose analytical prowess becomes crucial in deciphering coded messages and mechanical traps left by the conspirators. His character arc—from an aloof scholar detached from human emotions to a man driven by justice and loyalty—mirrors the Tang Dynasty's intellectual golden age, where scholars (literati) were revered as pillars of governance. Huang Xuan's Gao Bingzhu, meanwhile, embodies the gritty underbelly of Luoyang. As a low-ranking official turned vigilante, his street-smart tactics and moral ambiguity contrast sharply with Bai Li's aristocratic rigidity, creating a dynamic partnership fraught with tension and mutual distrust.
The narrative unfolds through a labyrinth of subplots: a poisoned banquet targeting foreign dignitaries, a hidden network of underground tunnels beneath Luoyang's markets, and the mysterious "Lian Fang" (联窻), an intelligence agency combining ancient cryptography with steampunk-inspired machinery12. The trio's investigation exposes corruption within the imperial court, including collusion between officials and Silk Road merchants, culminating in a showdown at the Tiantang Hall, a grand architectural marvel central to the conspiracy.
Wang Yibo's performance drew polarized reviews. While critics praised his cerebral portrayal of Bai Li Hong Yi—particularly his subtle gestures, like adjusting sleeves during deductions—some audiences found his stoicism overly rigid310. Conversely, Huang Xuan received acclaim for embodying Gao Bingzhu's raw intensity, especially in fight scenes choreographed to mimic Tang martial arts styles.
- Fashion, Multiculturalism, and Historical Authenticity
The series meticulously recreates Luoyang's status as a cosmopolitan hub. Costume designers drew from Tang-era artifacts to craft Ruqun (襦裙), the iconic high-waisted dresses for women, and round-collar robes for men, adorned with intricate embroidery reflecting social rank. Bai Li Hong Yi's wardrobe, featuring muted blues and silvers, symbolizes his scholarly detachment, while Wu Siyue's armor-like tunics highlight her warrior identity within a male-dominated system.
The drama emphasizes Luoyang's role as a crossroads of cultures. Persian merchants hawk gemstones in bustling markets, Buddhist monks debate Taoist scholars, and Uyghur dancers perform in taverns—a nod to the Tang Dynasty's openness to foreign influences. One subplot involves a Persian diplomat's assassination, mirroring historical tensions between the Tang Empire and Central Asian powers.
- Historical Easter Eggs
The "informant system" (告密制度) promoted by Empress Wu Zetian, which drives the plot's inciting incident, is rooted in historical policies to consolidate power1011.
Scenes set in Nan Shi (南市), Luoyang's largest market, replicate archaeological findings of Tang-era shop layouts and goods, from ceramicware to exotic spices.
Director Xie Ze and novelist Ma Boyong collaborated to balance historical rigor with narrative flair. The team rebuilt Luoyang's landmarks at Hengdian World Studios, including a 1:1 scale replica of the Tianjin Bridge, using Tang paintings and texts as references. The series' most striking visual invention, the Lian Fang, features crystal-powered communication devices and rotating brass gears—a fantastical yet plausible extension of Tang engineering.
- Global Reception and Legacy
Luoyang sparked international interest in Tang history, trending in over 50 countries upon its release. Its blend of political intrigue and cultural spectacle drew comparisons to Game of Thrones, while its focus on intellectual sleuthing resonated with fans of Sherlock Holmes. The series won the 2021 China Film & TV Blue Book Award and was nominated for Best Overseas Drama at the 2022 ALA International TV Festival.
However, debates persist about its pacing and character development. While some viewers lauded its "layered storytelling," others criticized rushed subplots, such as the underdeveloped romance between Bai Li Hong Yi and his arranged bride, Liu Qi Niang (played by Song Yi).
Beyond its entertainment value, Luoyang challenges stereotypes of historical dramas as stagnant, instead presenting Luoyang as a living, breathing entity—where poetry collides with politics, and silk robes hide daggers. It offers a gateway to understanding China's golden age, where multiculturalism and intellectualism laid the groundwork for centuries of innovation.
As Ma Boyong remarked: "Luoyang wasn't just a city; it was an idea—one that thrived on chaos and creativity." This series captures that spirit, proving that even 1,300 years later, the heart of the Tang Dynasty still beats.
These stories remind us that the past is never truly gone; it lives in the swords we brandish, the tea we pour, and the bonds we forge.
As you stream these series, you're not just watching a drama. You're walking the cobblestones of Luoyang's Silk Road, feeling the weight of a jian sword, and deciphering the unspoken language of flowing Han dynasty sleeves. You're witnessing how China's past continuously reinvents itself for each generation—and how actors like Wang Yibo become its modern-day storytellers.
Whether you're a history buff, a fantasy lover, or simply curious about the hype, let these dramas be your compass. The journey might start with Wang Yibo's arresting gaze, but it ends with a deeper truth: In the heart of every ancient tale lies a pulse that still beats today.
