If you've ever binge-watched a Chinese drama just for the costumes, chances are Yang Mi (杨幂) was in it. From mischievous fox spirits to time-traveling heroines, she's dominated China's costume drama scene for over a decade—not just with her looks, but with roles that blend grit, wit, and heart. Let's cut straight to her most iconic characters and why they're worth your screen time.
Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花
- Aired: 2017
- Period Background: Mythical fantasy realm spanning heavenly, mortal, and demonic worlds.
Genres: Xianxia (fantasy martial arts), Romance, Drama - Main Roles: Yang Mi as Bai Qian (白浅), Mark Chao (赵又廷) as Ye Hua (夜华)
- Adaptation Source: Novel Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms by Tang Qi Gong Zi (唐七公子)
Bai Qian, a 140,000-year-old fox goddess and ruler of the Qingqiu Fox Clan, is no damsel in distress. She's a deity who drinks wine like water, fights demons with a smirk, and has zero patience for celestial bureaucracy. But her life gets complicated when a celestial romance curse forces her into three lifetimes of love, loss, and amnesia.
First Life: As a young immortal, Bai Qian disguises herself as a male disciple named "Si Yin" to train under the God of War, Mo Yuan (a role later linked to Ye Hua). Her bond with Mo Yuan blurs mentorship and romance, but duty forces them apart.
Second Life: Cursed to live as a mortal, Bai Qian becomes "Su Su," a blind woman who falls for Ye Hua, the icy Crown Prince of the Celestial Tribe. Their love burns bright but ends tragically when celestial politics—and Ye Hua's scheming fiancée—push Su Su to leap from a heavenly bridge.
Third Life: Reborn as her true self, Bai Qian forgets her mortal trauma until Ye Hua reenters her life. Now, he's a single dad raising their son, Ah Li, while hiding centuries of guilt. Together, they battle ancient grudges (like the Ghost Tribe's uprising) and manipulative exes, all while untangling a web of past-life secrets.
Yang Mi's Career-Defining Role
Yang Mi doesn't just play Bai Qian—she owns her. From the cocky goddess swigging wine in the Peach Blossom Grove to the heartbroken Su Su trembling in the rain, she balances humor, rage, and vulnerability effortlessly. Her chemistry with Mark Chao's Ye Hua is electric, especially in quiet moments: a lingering glance over tea, a whispered apology in the mortal realm.
Mark Chao's Ye Hua: The Original "Cold Male Lead"
Before "cold CEO" tropes flooded dramas, Ye Hua set the standard. Mark Chao plays him with restraint—his stoic face barely flickers, even when sacrificing an arm to save Bai Qian or enduring lightning strikes for defying heaven's laws. But when he does crack (like tearfully begging Su Su not to jump), it's devastating.
Unlike slow-burn historical dramas, Eternal Love moves like a binge-worthy thriller. Subplots include:
Bai Qian vs. Xuan Nu: A petty rivalry that escalates into a magical catfight.
Ghost Tribe Rebellion: Battle scenes with CGI dragons and sword flights that still hold up today.
Comic Relief: Dijun (Venerable Lord Donghua), a retired god who trolls everyone while snacking on dried plums.
The Three-Lives Structure Keeps You Hooked
Just when you think Bai Qian and Ye Hua's story can't get messier, the drama slaps you with a new timeline. Each life deepens their bond:
Life 1: Teacher/student tension.
Life 2: Mortal vs. immortal power imbalance.
Life 3: Equal partners fighting side-by-side.
Beyond the romance, Eternal Love tackles loyalty (Bai Qian's bond with her Qingqiu family), sacrifice (Ye Hua's silent suffering), and female agency. Bai Qian isn't waiting for rescue—she's tossing enemies into lakes and challenging heaven's decrees.
Eternal Love isn't just a drama; it's a xianxia blueprint. Yang Mi and Mark Chao's performances, paired with lush visuals and a plot that balances tears and laughs, make it a timeless pick. Yes, it's 58 episodes, but you'll race through them—and maybe ugly-cry when Ye Hua whispers, "I've always been yours."
The Palace 宫锁心玉
- Aired: 2011
- Period Background: Qing Dynasty
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Time Travel
- Main Roles: Yang Mi as Luo Qingchuan (洛晴川), Feng Shaofeng (冯绍峰) as Yinsi (胤禩)
- Adaptation Source: Original screenplay
Luo Qingchuan (Yang Mi), a modern-day archaeology student, accidentally time-travels to the Qing Dynasty while chasing a historical painting during her engagement ceremony. Thrust into the chaotic final years of Emperor Kangxi's reign, she lands in the middle of the infamous "Nine Princes' Power Struggle" (九子夺嫡).
Using her knowledge of history, Qingchuan navigates the treacherous palace politics. She befriends the playful but ambitious Eighth Prince Yinsi (Feng Shaofeng) and the stoic, calculating Fourth Prince Yinzhen (later Emperor Yongzheng, played by He Shengming). As she becomes entangled in their rivalry, she also faces jealousy from other concubines and 宫女 (palace maids), like the cunning 禧嫔 (Xi Pin, portrayed by Kwok Sinn Lai).
Key turning points include:
Identity Crisis: Qingchuan's modern values clash with feudal norms. For example, she protests against the mistreatment of宫女, earning both allies and enemies.
Love Triangle: Her relationship with Yinsi evolves from mutual distrust to deep love, while the Fourth Prince's obsession with her drives him to manipulate events, including framing Yinsi for treason.
Sacrifices & Survival: In the finale, Qingchuan agrees to become Emperor Yongzheng's consort to save Yinsi from execution. However, during a celestial event (九星连珠), she returns to the modern era, leaving Yinsi heartbroken but determined to honor her memory.
This drama catapulted Yang Mi to stardom. Her portrayal of Qingchuan—a witty, resourceful heroine who balances modern sass with historical survival instincts—made her a household name. Scenes like her defiant speeches against palace injustice or tearful farewells with Yinsi showcase her range.
Pioneering the "Time-Travel Craze"
Before The Palace, Chinese TV rarely explored time-travel themes. Its success spawned a wave of "清穿" dramas. The mix of historical intrigue (e.g., the princes' power plays) and romance (Yinsi's transformation from a carefree prince to a devoted lover) kept viewers hooked.
From Qingchuan's accidental poisoning of a concubine to Yinsi's daring prison escapes, the plot rarely slows down. Subplots like 禧嫔's tragic descent into madness and the Fourth Prince's ruthless rise to power add layers of intrigue.
The drama dominated ratings, topping charts for weeks and sparking debates about historical accuracy vs. creative license. Its theme song, 《爱的供养》 ("Love's Offering"), became a karaoke staple. For many viewers, it's a nostalgic gateway to early-2010s C-drama.
The Palace isn't just a love story—it's a rollercoaster of power, betrayal, and what-ifs. While the CGI and costumes might feel dated today, its emotional stakes and character-driven conflicts remain compelling. For newcomers to Chinese historical dramas, it's a fun, accessible entry point.
Legend of Fuyao 扶摇
- Aired: 2018
- Period Background: Fictional ancient kingdoms
- Genres: Wuxia, Adventure, Romance
- Main Roles: Yang Mi as Fu Yao (扶摇), Ethan Ruan as Zhangsun Wuji (长孙无忌)
- Adaptation Source: Novel Empress Fuyao by Tianxia Guiyuan (天下归元)
Fu Yao isn't your typical damsel. Born with a mysterious seal on her palm (a death sentence in her world), she starts as a lowly servant in Xuanji Kingdom. But after unlocking her hidden martial arts prowess during a life-or-death trial, she embarks on a quest to dismantle the Five Continents' corrupt rulers. Enter Zhangsun Wuji, the crown prince of Tianquan Kingdom—a smooth-talking strategist who's equal parts ally and love interest. Together, they:
Battle a necromancer cult that resurrects the dead as zombie soldiers.
Infiltrate a matriarchal kingdom where men are enslaved (Fu Yao's revenge arc here is chef's kiss).
Uncover Fu Yao's true identity as the reincarnation of a goddess destined to destroy or save the world.
The stakes? Sky-high. The romance? Spicy. One minute, Wuji's flirting with Fu Yao while they duel atop floating rocks; the next, he's sacrificing his kingdom to save her life.
Yang Mi, fresh off Eternal Love, ditches the delicate immortal act to play Fu Yao—a woman who stabs first and cries later. She trained for months in swordplay and wirework, doing 80% of her stunts. Watch her in the "Blood Sacrifice Arena" scene: Fu Yao, chained and battered, uses her teeth to grab a sword and decapitate her captor. No CGI, just Yang Mi's raw intensity.
Her chemistry with Ethan Ruan? Electrifying. Wuji's playful teasing ("You fight like a raging bull") clashes with Fu Yao's no-nonsense grit, creating a dynamic that's more Mr. & Mrs. Smith than Romeo and Juliet.
Wuxia Worldbuilding
The Five Continents are a visual feast:
Tianquan Kingdom: Think Avatar's Ba Sing Se meets Versailles, with golden palaces and cherry blossom lakes.
Yao City: A Gothic nightmare ruled by a blood-obsessed queen (Liu Yijun 刘奕君), where Fu Yao leads a Mulan-style army revolt.
Sublime Abyss: A Lord of the Rings-style underworld filled with lava monsters (yes, lava monsters).
The fight choreography blends traditional wuxia elegance with brutal pragmatism. Fu Yao's signature move—the "Phoenix Ascension"—is a whirlwind of sword slashes and aerial flips, while Wuji relies on Qinggong (轻功, light-footed martial arts) to outmaneuver foes.
Swords of Legends 古剑奇谭
- Aired: 2014
- Period Background: Fantasy realm inspired by ancient China
- Genres: Xianxia, Adventure, Action
- Main Roles: Yang Mi as Feng Qingxue (风晴雪), Li Yifeng as Baili Tusu (百里屠苏)
- Adaptation Source: Video game Gu Jian Qi Tan
If you've ever binge-played an RPG game and thought, "This story deserves its own TV show!", Swords of Legends is your wish granted. Based on the hit video game Gu Jian Qi Tan (古剑奇谭, Legend of the Ancient Sword), this 2014 drama is a love letter to gamers and fantasy junkies alike. Imagine Final Fantasy meets Lord of the Rings, but with Taoist magic, flying swords, and a cursed hero who's equal parts brooding and badass. Here's why it's a must-watch:
Most video game adaptations are dumpster fires (cough Resident Evil cough), but Swords of Legends nails the RPG spirit. The drama keeps the game's core lore:
The Ancient Sword: Baili Tusu's (Li Yifeng) cursed blade, Zhan Lu, is a double-edged literal metaphor—it gives him demonic powers but slowly devours his soul.
Puzzle-like Quests: From decoding celestial star maps to battling dungeon bosses (yes, there's a lava cave level), every arc feels like a playable mission.
The show even replicates the game's iconic locations: the snow-capped Kunlun Mountains, the neon-lit Nightmare Tower, and the floating city of Penglai. It's like watching your save file come to life.
Forget sparkly immortals sipping tea—this is Xianxia with grit. Baili Tusu isn't a chosen one; he's a lab rat. As a child, he was injected with the soul of a demon prince (long story), turning him into a human time bomb. His journey isn't about saving the world; it's about surviving his own DNA. Yang Mi's Feng Qingxue, a healer with a tragic past, joins him not out of destiny, but guilt: her family helped create his curse.
Their crew is a ragtag mix of misfits:
Xiang Ling (郑爽, Zheng Shuang): A fox spirit princess who weaponizes her cuteness (and claws).
Ouyang Shaogong (陈伟霆, William Chan): A narcissistic warlock who's 50% ego, 50% eyeliner.
Hong Yu (迪丽热巴, Dilraba Dilmurat in her debut role): A fire-wielding assassin with a redemption arc.
Think Guardians of the Galaxy meets Journey to the West—banter included.
For a 2014 series, the effects are shockingly good. The demonic sword Zhan Lu morphs into a CGI dragon mid-battle, and the "Nine Heavens Thunder Punishment" scene—where Tusu fights a lightning god—still outshines recent Xianxia green-screen fests. But the real star is the martial arts choreography:
This isn't just hack-and-slash—it's a tearjerker. Tusu's curse forces him to push loved ones away (classic "I'm a monster" angst), while Feng Qingxue's quest to cure him becomes a metaphor for loving someone self-destructing. The most gut-punch moment? Tusu begging his mentor to kill him before he loses control, whispering, "I'd rather die as a human than live as a demon."
The OST, composed by Japanese maestro Kikuchi Shunsuke, blends erhu solos, choral chants, and electric guitars. The theme song "Jian Xin" (剑心, Sword Heart) by Zhang Jie became an anthem—it's still blasted at Chinese anime cons today.
Perfect For Fans Of:
Video Games: If you've ever grinded for loot or yelled at a boss fight, you'll feel seen.
Dark Fantasy: The Witcher fans will love the moral grays and monster slaying.
Yang Mi & Li Yifeng: Their chemistry here birthed a thousand fanfics (and a real-life friendship).
Fun Fact: Li Yifeng practiced swordplay so intensely, he sliced his hand open. The scar made it into the final cut—method acting, Xianxia-style.
Beauty's Rival in Palace 美人心计
- Aired: 2010
- Period Background: Han Dynasty
- Genres: Historical, Palace Drama, Romance
- Main Roles: Yang Mi as Mo Xueyuan (莫雪鸢), Ruby Lin (林心如) as Dou Yifang (窦漪房)
- Adaptation Source: Novel Mei Ren Xin Ji by Xiao Xiang Dong Er
If you're a sucker for stories where women outsmart kings, poison teacups double as weapons, and every smile hides a dagger, Beauty's Rival in Palace is your next obsession. This 2010 gem isn't just about pretty robes and whispered plots—it's a masterclass in how to survive (and conquer) one of history's most treacherous courts. Starring Ruby Lin as the cunning empress Dou Yifang and Yang Mi as her fiercely loyal yet tragic confidante Mo Xueyuan, this drama redefined the palace intrigue genre with its razor-sharp writing and morally gray heroines.
Dou Yifang (Ruby Lin) begins as a peasant girl whose life twists into a royal nightmare when she's forced to marry Liu Heng (陈键辉, Chen Jianhui), the unassuming Prince of Dai. But when Liu Heng becomes Emperor Wen of Han, Yifang's real battle begins. The Han court is a snake pit of concubines, eunuchs, and scheming ministers, all vying to control the throne. Yifang's strategy? Play the long game. She allies with Mo Xueyuan (Yang Mi), a spy with a deadly skillset—think Nikita in silk hanfu—who becomes her eyes, ears, and occasional assassin.
Together, they navigate:
Poisoned alliances: A concubine's "friendly" gift of perfume nearly blinds Yifang.
Bloodline wars: Yifang's rivals target her children, forcing her to fake a son's death to save him.
Betrayals: Even Xueyuan's loyalty is tested when her secret love for General Zhou Yafu (何晟铭, He Shengming) clashes with Yifang's orders.
The drama spans decades, showing Yifang's evolution from naive bride to the Empress Dowager who pulls the strings behind three generations of emperors.
Before Yang Mi became a xianxia queen in Eternal Love, she stole hearts as Mo Xueyuan—a role that cemented her as China's darling of tragic heroines. Xueyuan isn't just Yifang's tool; she's a woman torn between duty and desire. Trained as a spy since childhood, she can decipher codes, wield a sword, and brew poisons, but her heart remains achingly human. Her love story with General Zhou is the series' emotional core: a slow-burn romance doomed by loyalty to Yifang.
This isn't The Crown with polite British tension—it's Game of Thrones in ancient China. Key lessons from Yifang's playbook:
Trust No One: Even her husband's affection is conditional.
Weaponize Kindness: Yifang adopts rivals' children to control them.
Silence is Power: The fewer words spoken, the deadlier the move.
The dialogue crackles with double meanings. When Yifang tells a concubine, "Your hairpin is exquisite," she's really saying, "I know you're plotting with the minister."
No heroes or villains—just survivors. Even the "antagonist" concubine Lü Zhi (王丽坤, Wang Likun) is driven by fear of obscurity. While fictionalized, the series mirrors real Han power struggles, like Emperor Jing's (Yifang's son) ruthless consolidation of power. The hanfu designs, from Yifang's dragon-embroidered robes to Xueyuan's warrior-inspired tunics, set trends still copied in cosplay.
Perfect For Viewers Who Want:
Smart Escapism: Every episode feels like a chess match where the pawns checkmate the king.
Emotional Gut-Punches: Xueyuan's arc will leave you in a why-did-I-catch-feelings spiral. The Han Dynasty's opulence and brutality are showcased in equal measure.
Fun Fact: Ruby Lin, also the producer, fought to cast Yang Mi after seeing her audition tape. "She had Xueyuan's eyes—deadly but lonely," Lin told Sina.
Term "美人心计" became slang for office politics, proving the drama's timeless relevance.
Yang Mi's costume dramas aren't just about pretty outfits or palace politics. They're about women who fight—for love, for justice, or just to survive in a world that keeps throwing curveballs. Whether you're here for the sword fights, the tearjerkers, or the girl-power vibes, her shows prove one thing: in ancient China or a mythical realm, Yang Mi's characters always leave a mark.
