Hu Ge's Best 7 Costume Drama Hits

If you've ever wondered why Hu Ge (胡歌) is called the "King of Chinese Costume Dramas," his roles speak louder than titles. From sword-wielding heroes to cunning strategists, he's brought China's past to life for over 20 years—and his shows are a perfect starting point for anyone curious about Chinese history, myths, and storytelling. No frills, no jargon—just great stories that mix action, romance, and a slice of ancient China. Let's break down his best costume hits and why they're worth your watchlist.

Chinese Paladin: Sword and Fairy 仙剑奇侠传

• Aired: 2005
• Period Background: Mythical Ancient China (Wuxia/Xianxia genre)
• Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Li Xiaoyao), Liu Yifei (Zhao Ling'er), An Yixuan (Lin Yueru)
• Adapted From: The Sword and Fairy RPG game by Softstar Entertainment.

Li Xiaoyao isn't your typical hero. He starts as a carefree, slightly lazy innkeeper in a small coastal village, cracking jokes and dodging responsibility. But when his aunt falls mysteriously ill, he's forced to leave home and seek a cure. What begins as a simple rescue mission quickly spirals into an epic adventure. Along the way, he meets Zhao Ling'er, a gentle but enigmatic girl with a secret lineage tied to ancient immortals, and Lin Yueru, a fiery martial artist with a sharp tongue and an even sharper sword.

Together, they battle demons, uncover hidden realms, and confront a prophecy that marks Li Xiaoyao as the chosen hero destined to save the world. But this isn't just a "save the world" story—it's about messy, human choices. Li Xiaoyao struggles with his newfound responsibilities, torn between his playful nature and the weight of destiny. His bond with Zhao Ling'er deepens into a love that defies mortal and immortal boundaries, while his rivalry-turned-friendship with Lin Yueru adds sparks of humor and tension. The trio's journey is packed with sword fights, magical artifacts, and heartbreaking sacrifices, all set against lush landscapes inspired by classical Chinese paintings.

The Legend of Sword and Fairy isn't just a drama—it's a nostalgia bomb for '90s kids in China and a game-changer for fantasy TV. Before this show, most Chinese historical dramas focused on palace politics or gritty wuxia (martial heroes). Sword and Fairy did something bold: it mixed Taoist myths (think immortals, magical swords, and spirit realms) with relatable, flawed characters. Hu Ge's Li Xiaoyao isn't a perfect hero; he's impulsive, cocky, and often in over his head. But that's what makes him unforgettable. You root for him as he stumbles into greatness, whether he's accidentally unleashing a demon or making a dumb joke during a life-or-death moment.

The show basically invented the xianxia genre as we know it today. Modern hits like Eternal Love or The Untamed owe a debt to its mix of magic, romance, and moral dilemmas. The themes are timeless—sacrificing personal happiness for the greater good, choosing between love and duty, and asking whether destiny can ever truly be escaped.

Chinese Paladin: Sword and Fairy S3 仙剑奇侠传三

• Aired: 2009
• Period Background: Mythical Six Realms (Heaven, Demon, Human, etc.)
• Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Tragedy
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Jing Tian), Yang Mi (Tang Xuejian), Liu Shishi (Long Kui)
• Adapted From: The third installment of the Sword and Fairy RPG series.

Jing Tian is no chosen hero—he's a broke, smart-mouthed pawnshop worker in a dusty town, haggling over trinkets to pay his rent. But when a mysterious customer shows up with a magical sword, his life flips upside down. Suddenly, he's drafted into a celestial war to stop a demonic plague threatening all Six Realms (Heaven, Demon, Human, Ghost, Deity, and the enigmatic "Purgatory").

Teaming up with Tang Xuejian, a hot-tempered martial artist cursed with a deadly secret, and Long Kui, a ghostly girl bound to an ancient sword, Jing Tian becomes the unlikely leader of a ragtag squad. Their mission? Collect five magical orbs scattered across the realms to seal the plague. Along the way, they battle gods with grudges, demons with daddy issues, and even their own tangled pasts. Jing Tian, for instance, discovers he's the reincarnation of a heavenly general, Fei Peng—a revelation that forces him to confront whether he's a pawn of fate or capable of rewriting destiny.

The story isn't just about saving the world; it's about the cost of survival. Tang Xuejian's curse means she'll turn into a monster if she lives too long, while Long Kui's ghostly existence hinges on a sword that could shatter her soul. Add Jing Tian's crush on a icy goddess (who may have loved his past self), and you've got a mess of loyalties, sacrifices, and "why me?" moments.

Chinese Paladin 3 is the Empire Strikes Back of the Sword and Fairy series—darker, riskier, and packed with moral gray areas. The Six Realms aren't just cool locations; they're a metaphor for life's cycles—birth, death, and rebirth. Even the villains have motives you'll grudgingly respect, like the Demon Lord fighting to free his realm from heavenly oppression.

Hu Ge pulls double duty as Jing Tian and Fei Peng, and it's a masterclass in contrast. As Jing Tian, he's all sarcastic quips and "I just want a nap" energy. As Fei Peng, he's a stoic, duty-bound warrior who'd sacrifice a village to save the cosmos. Watching these two sides clash—both literally and in Jing Tian's psyche—is what makes the character iconic.

The Myth 神话

• Aired: 2010
• Period Background: Modern-Day China & Qin Dynasty (Cross-temporal)
• Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical Fiction
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Yi Xiaochuan), Bai Bing (Princess Yushu)
• Adapted From: The 2005 Jackie Chan film The Myth.

Archaeologist Yi Xiaochuan accidentally time-travels to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), where he's mistaken for General Meng Tian's brother. Thrust into palace politics, he bonds with Emperor Qin Shi Huang while falling for Princess Yushu, a noblewoman trapped in a forced marriage. Meanwhile, in modern-day China, his family races to uncover clues about his disappearance, linking ancient relics (like the Terracotta Army) to his fate.

Xiaochuan's friend Gao Yao, transported alongside him, suffers a darker path: castration and humiliation twist him into Zhao Gao, a ruthless eunuch manipulating the Qin court. Xiaochuan's attempts to protect Yushu clash with Gao Yao's vendettas, culminating in a tragic rivalry spanning millennia.

Hu Ge masterfully balances Xiaochuan's modern wit ("Why does everyone smell like soy sauce?") with the anguish of a man torn between eras. His chemistry with Bai Bing's Yushu—silent glances, stolen moments near the Terracotta Army pits—is quietly devastating.

The series avoids romanticizing history: the Qin Dynasty's brutality (forced labor, betrayals) contrasts sharply with Xiaochuan's idealism. His efforts to "fix" the past often backfire, underscoring time's ruthlessness. Gao Yao's descent into villainy asks: How would you survive in a merciless world?

Blending wuxia action, palace intrigue, and a detective subplot (modern sleuthing ties to ancient myths), The Myth is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The bittersweet ending—love and loyalty echoing across 2,000 years—sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Nirvana in Fire 琅琊榜

• Aired: 2015
• Period Background: Fictional Northern Wei Dynasty (6th-century-inspired)
• Genres: Political Thriller, Revenge Drama
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Mei Changsu/Lin Shu), Liu Tao (Princess Nihuang), Wang Kai (Prince Jing)
• Adapted From: Hai Yan's novel of the same name.

Mei Changsu, a terminally ill strategist with a hidden identity, returns to the capital under the guise of a scholar to avenge the wrongful execution of his family—the Lin clan and 70,000 loyal soldiers of the Chiyan Army, who were framed for treason 12 years prior. Once the brilliant young general Lin Shu, he survived the massacre at Meiling by enduring a torturous poison that left him physically frail and unrecognizable. Now as the leader of the Jiangzuo Alliance, he manipulates court factions with surgical precision, exposing corruption in the imperial court and guiding the principled but politically sidelined Prince Jing (Wang Kai) to the throne.

Intricate Political Chess

The series is a masterclass in layered storytelling. Mei's strategies, such as pitting the Crown Prince against rival Prince Yu, mirror historical Chinese power struggles. Each move is calculated, from planting spies to forging alliances, all while maintaining the facade of a detached advisor.

The drama critiques authoritarian rule through Emperor Liang's paranoia and the bureaucratic rot that doomed the Chiyan Army. In contrast, Prince Jing embodies Confucian virtues—loyalty, justice, and humility—making his rise a symbolic triumph of ethics over tyranny.

Meticulous Hanfu costumes and palace rituals immerse viewers in a fictionalized Northern Wei Dynasty. The emotional core lies in relationships: Mei's unspoken bond with Prince Jing (who unknowingly mourns his "dead" friend) and his mentorship of Ting Sheng, symbolizing hope for a reformed future.

Dubbed "China's Count of Monte Cristo," the series redefined historical dramas by blending revenge tropes with philosophical depth. Its critique of systemic corruption and emphasis on collective redemption resonate globally, while its cliffhanger ending—Mei dying on the battlefield as Lin Shu—cements its tragic grandeur.

The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2008) 射雕英雄传

• Aired: 2008
• Period Background: Southern Song Dynasty (12th century)
• Genres: Wuxia (Martial Heroes), Romance
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Guo Jing), Lin Yichen (Huang Rong)
• Adapted From: Jin Yong's classic wuxia novel.

Guo Jing, a humble and earnest martial artist raised in the Mongolian steppes, returns to the Central Plains to fulfill his destiny as a defender of his homeland against Mongol invaders. His journey intertwines with Huang Rong, the quick-witted daughter of the reclusive master Huang Yaoshi. Together, they navigate the treacherous jianghu (martial world), mastering legendary skills like the "18 Dragon Subduing Palms (降龙十八掌)" and the "Dog-Beating Staff Technique (打狗棍)." Their path is fraught with challenges: rivalries with power-hungry factions like the Iron Palm Gang, clashes with the cunning Yang Kang (Guo Jing's sworn brother turned antagonist), and the looming threat of Genghis Khan's expansionist ambitions.

The story balances grand historical stakes with intimate character growth. Guo Jing's simplicity and unwavering moral compass contrast sharply with Huang Rong's cunning and adaptability. Their partnership evolves from mutual reliance to deep love, tested by loyalty to family, nation, and martial honor. The drama culminates in the iconic "Battle of Xiangyang," where Guo Jing leads a ragtag alliance of heroes to resist Mongol forces, embodying Jin Yong's ideal of the "hero who serves the people" (侠之大者，为国为民).

Hu Ge, renowned for roles in Nirvana in Fire and Chinese Paladin, delivers a heartfelt portrayal of Guo Jing. He captures the character's innocence and growth—from a naïve outsider to a leader burdened by duty. His chemistry with Lin Yichen's Huang Rong, whose playful wit masks vulnerability, anchors the emotional core of the series.

Faithfulness to Jin Yong's Vision

Jin Yong's novels are cultural touchstones, blending martial arts with philosophical depth. This adaptation preserves key themes:

Patriotism vs. Personal Loyalty: Guo Jing's struggle to reconcile his Mongolian upbringing with his Han Chinese heritage mirrors the era's cultural tensions.

Daoist and Confucian Ideals: The "18 Dragon Subduing Palms" symbolize harmony with nature (Daoism), while Guo Jing's self-sacrifice reflects Confucian duty to society.

The series showcases classic wuxia tropes—epic duels, secret manuals, and sect rivalries—with meticulous choreography. Scenes like Guo Jing's training under the "Seven Freaks of Jiangnan" or Huang Rong's strategic outwitting of enemies highlight the genre's blend of physicality and intellect.

A cornerstone of Chinese television, The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2008) is a masterful blend of action, romance, and philosophical inquiry. Hu Ge's earnest heroism and Lin Yichen's charismatic wit make it a standout adaptation, while its exploration of loyalty, identity, and sacrifice ensures its place in the pantheon of wuxia classics. For newcomers to Jin Yong's world, this series is an ideal gateway.

Sound of the Desert 风中奇缘

• Aired: 2014
• Period Background: Han Dynasty (2nd century BCE)
• Genres: Romance, Political Drama
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Mo Xun/The Ninth Master), Cecilia Liu (Xin Yue), Eddie Peng (Wei Wuji)
• Adapted From: Tong Hua's novel Ballad of the Desert.

Xin Yue (Cecilia Liu), raised by Xiongnu nomads after being abandoned as a child, grows into a fiercely independent "wolf girl" who thrives in the harsh deserts of the Silk Road. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters two men from the Han Dynasty's heartland: Mo Xun (Hu Ge), a reclusive healer and wealthy merchant known as "The Ninth Master," and Wei Wuji (Eddie Peng), a charismatic general serving the Han court.

Mo Xun, who hides his crippling leg injury and traumatic past behind a veneer of calm wisdom, becomes Xin Yue's mentor and confidant. Their bond deepens into a quiet, unspoken love, but Mo Xun's self-doubt and fear of burdening Xin Yue lead him to repeatedly reject her advances. Meanwhile, Wei Wuji, a brilliant military strategist, falls for Xin Yue's wild spirit and relentlessly pursues her, even as he navigates the treacherous politics of the Han court.

The trio's relationships unfold against a backdrop of cultural clashes and imperial ambitions. Xin Yue's loyalty to her Xiongnu roots clashes with the Han Dynasty's expansionist policies, while Wei Wuji's military campaigns against nomadic tribes force Xin Yue to confront her dual identity. Political conspiracies, including a plot involving the Han emperor's concubine Qin Xiang, further complicate their lives.

Hu Ge delivers a career-defining portrayal of Mo Xun, blending vulnerability and stoicism. His restrained gestures—averted gazes, subtle tremors—convey the agony of a man torn between love and self-sacrifice. The scene where he silently burns Xin Yue's letters to protect her from political fallout epitomizes his tragic nobility.

Political Intrigue with Emotional Stakes

Unlike typical romance tropes, the triangle explores sacrifice and agency. Xin Yue's choice isn't merely between two men but between freedom and assimilation. Wei Wuji represents passionate devotion and integration into Han society, while Mo Xun symbolizes a quieter, more introspective love rooted in mutual respect.

Subplots like the Han court's manipulation of tribal alliances and Mo Xun's secret identity as a disgraced noble add suspense. The conflict between personal desires and societal duty—exemplified by Wei Wuji's struggle to balance loyalty to the emperor with his love for Xin Yue—echoes Confucian ideals of righteousness.

Though initially controversial due to its fictionalized portrayal of Han-Xiongnu relations, Sound of the Desert remains a landmark in Chinese historical dramas for its nuanced characters and cross-cultural themes. The bittersweet ending—Xin Yue choosing a life of freedom with her adopted wolf pack, while Mo Xun retreats into solitude—leaves audiences contemplating the cost of love and identity.

Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of the Sky  轩辕剑之天之痕

• Aired: 2012
• Period Background: Sui Dynasty (6th century)
• Genres: Fantasy, Adventure
• Main Roles: Hu Ge (Yuwen Tuo/宇文拓), Liu Shishi (Tuoba Yuer/拓跋玉儿), Tang Yan (Ning Ke/独孤宁珂)
• Adapted From: The Xuan-Yuan Sword RPG series, specifically The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3: The Scar in the Sky.

Set during the chaotic Sui Dynasty, the drama follows Yuwen Tuo (Hu Ge), a descendant of a celestial clan and bearer of the legendary Xuanyuan Sword, as he navigates a world torn by war and supernatural threats. Yuwen Tuo's mission is to collect ancient relics, including the Kunlun Mirror and Shattered Sky Stone, to prevent an apocalyptic event caused by the "Scar of the Sky" (Tian Zhi Hen), a rift between realms unleashing demonic forces. However, his quest is complicated by his dual heritage—part divine, part demonic—and his conflicted loyalty to the Sui Empire, which he serves as a general.

Yuwen Tuo's path intersects with Chen Jingchou (Jiang Jinfu), the last prince of the fallen Chen Kingdom, who seeks revenge against the Sui. Initially adversaries, the two form an uneasy alliance to confront greater evils, including the manipulative Ning Ke (Tang Yan), a Sui princess secretly serving the demonic realm. Meanwhile, Tuoba Yuer (Liu Shishi), a fiery tribal warrior, joins their journey, adding emotional tension and moral dilemmas as loyalties and loves collide.

The narrative weaves political intrigue, mythological battles, and personal sacrifices. Key arcs include Yuwen Tuo's struggle to suppress his demonic impulses, Chen Jingchou's growth from a reluctant hero to a leader, and Ning Ke's tragic arc as a spy torn between duty and love.

Hu Ge's Anti-Hero Complexity

Hu Ge delivers a career-defining performance as Yuwen Tuo, a morally gray protagonist who wields divine power yet battles inner darkness. His cold demeanor and calculated ruthlessness—such as sacrificing villages to save the greater good—challenge traditional hero tropes, offering a nuanced exploration of duty versus humanity.

Themes of Destiny vs. Free Will

The series blends Sui Dynasty politics with Taoist and Buddhist cosmology. The "Scar of the Sky" symbolizes cosmic imbalance, while relics like the Xuanyuan Sword and Kunlun Mirror draw from Chinese mythology, creating a rich tapestry of divine warfare and mortal ambition.

Characters grapple with predestined roles: Yuwen Tuo as a "chosen" savior burdened by his demonic blood, Chen Jingchou resisting his fated role as a revenge-driven prince, and Ning Ke's rebellion against her demonic masters. These struggles mirror Taoist debates on harmony and Buddhist concepts of karmic cycles.

Hu Ge's costume hits aren't just about flashy fights or pretty costumes. They're windows into the stories that shaped China—the loyalty of warriors, the cunning of rulers, and the quiet strength of everyday heroes. Whether you're binge-watching Nirvana in Fire for its political twists or falling for the fantasy of Sword and Fairy, these shows make history feel alive.