In 2022, plenty of wonderful Chinese costume dramas accompany us. For example, the military and espionage drama "The Wind Blows From Longxi" based on the Three Kingdoms period; "Luoyang" and "Strange Legend of Tang Dynasty" set in the Tang Dynasty; "A Dream of Splendor" set in the Song Dynasty; "Imperial Cuisine" and "The Imperial Age" with the Ming Dynasty background; and the latest Qing Dynasty theme drama "The Long River". There are still some dramas in the 2022 to-broadcast list that have not yet aired, check them out here. The following is a list of Chinese costume dramas in 2023, as compiled by Newhanfu. Destined · 长风渡 (Aired) Aired: June 18, 2023 Also known as: Chang Feng Du Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Historical, Romance Main Role: Bai Jing Ting as Gu Jiusi, Song Yi as Liu Yuru, Liu Xue Yi as Luo Zishang Plot summary of Destined The drama "Destined" is based on Mo Shubai’s novel of the same name. Liu Yuru (柳玉茹, played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant, has been suffering from her mother's illness, her concubine mother's lack of mercy, and her father's lack of attention since she was a child, so she…

The current drama market has become a trial ground for many top-tier dramas, and those who can break through the competition are receiving industry attention. The recently premiered drama "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is a prime example. According to public data, the show garnered over 4 million reservations, with more than 21.5 million bullet comments within 5 hours of its premiere. It topped various rankings such as the trending list, TV drama list, and rising list on the platform, reaching the top spot on the daily popularity chart just two hours after its premiere. It is quite surprising that this story about Jianghu (martial arts world) can stir up such storms during the summer season primarily targeted at young mainstream audiences. Analyzing the discussion points of this drama reveals that it is this refreshing portrayal of Jianghu in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" that helps drive its positive word-of-mouth transformation and accumulates strength for future dissemination. Though seemingly set in familiar Jianghu settings: heroic individuals, martial arts sects, isolated village inns, desolate ancient tombs, these well-known elements of Jianghu are portrayed by vivid characters in "Mysterious Lotus Casebook," delivering new emotional impact and viewing experiences to audiences. This creates another legendary tale within…

The hottest film of the summer season is undoubtedly the fantasy epic "Creation of The Gods 1: Kingdom of Storms", which director Wuer Shan has meticulously crafted over a decade. Before watching this film, it may be necessary for you to acquaint with some background knowledge.   The theme of "patricide" Based on existing materials, news reports, and premiere reviews, it can be observed that "Creation of The Gods 1: Kingdom of Storms" embodies the classic theme of patricide. In the movie, all four princes from different states who have no inheritance rights are sent to Zhao Ge (capital of the Shang dynasty) as Zhi Zi (质子, refers to the hostages sent to the enemy or other countries in ancient times, mostly princes or sons, and other people of noble birth. For example, Yan Bingyun in Joy of Life 1 played the role of a Zhi Zi), and raised by King Zhou of Shang as his own sons. Faced with two forms of paternal authority, King Zhou's and their biological fathers', the Zhi Zi must make a choice between them. This presents a timeless conflict between one's birth father and nurturing father figure. Whether in Eastern or Western cultures, traditional…

On July 12th, the costume drama "The Legend of Anle" took over from "Hidden Love", bringing a second wave of cdrama frenzy for the summer season. The premiere episode delighted viewers with amusing plot points such as "gazing through veils," "mutual rescue at sea," and "proactive marriage proposals." "The Legend of Anle" tells the story of Ren Anle, a righteous individual dedicated to the well-being of the people. While investigating a family mystery, she gains recognition from Prince Han Ye, who shares her commitment to their family, country, and citizens. As one of the highly anticipated dramas for the summer season, "The Legend of Anle" quickly captured audience affection with its compelling characters, light-hearted comedy elements, and profound themes – securing its position as number one on popular ranking charts.   Multi-dimensional characters Historical costume dramas have always been favored by audiences; however, with an abundance of similar content available today comes a certain level of viewer fatigue caused by formulaic productions that perpetuate gender stereotypes like dominant men and weak women. In truth, it is the characters themselves that form the core essence of any story. The success or failure of a drama hinges upon whether these characters can…

On July 2nd, "The Longest Promise" premiered. Directed by Jiang Jiajun and starring Xiao Zhan and Ren Min, this fantasy romantic love story captivates without the need for lengthy world-building narration. "The Longest Promise" begins with a retrospective narrative of the female lead Zhu Yan (played by Ren Min) fleeing from her wedding. It then delves into the main storyline of the male lead Ying Shi (played by Xiao Zhan), who was framed, faked his death, and left the palace during his youth. The intertwining of their growth and fate unfolds as they meet at Jiuyi Mountain's celebration. Since its debut, this drama has engrossed viewers with its lively storytelling pace, providing them with a rich blend of humor, sweetness, and heart-wrenching moments. Combined with a fresh worldview and Eastern fantastical aesthetics that enhance the audiovisual experience, "The Longest Promise" has become a focal point of discussion on social media platforms. The Eastern fantasy colors in "The Longest Promise" are not only superficial but also ingrained in its essence. Behind the immersive Eastern aesthetic ambiance lies the emotional core that shines brightly, the mortal struggle against destiny undertaken by Ying Shi and Zhu Yan illuminates their captivating bond.   Eastern…

This summer, it is destined to be a carnival for Chinese ancient costume dramas. First, we had "Lord of Snow Eagles" and "Destined," followed by "The Longest Promise" and "Divine Destiny." And in the upcoming yet-to-be-aired dramas, we have highly anticipated hits like "The Legend of Shen Li" and "My Journey to You." It can be said that one masterpiece follows another, leaving audience overwhelmed. Especially after completing filming in March, "My Journey to You" quickly obtained its distribution license and officially passed the review process within a very short period. As a pre-produced drama slated for summer season lineup, it is expected to premiere in the middle or later part of the summer. With its excellent production quality, captivating storyline, and a cast full of talented individuals who possess exceptional looks, once it starts airing, it will undoubtedly set new heights for costume dramas. The Wuxia cdrama "My Journey to You" tells the story of rebellious young noble Gong Ziyu and spy Yun Weishan's journey towards growth as they both crave freedom. This marks Guo Jingming's directorial debut in television after achieving consecutive successes in the film industry. His talent has gained recognition from the industry at large. At…

Yet another historical romance drama has broken records, "Destined," led by actors Bai Jingting and Song Yi. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Mo Shubai, this drama tells a legendary love story about Gu Jiusi (played by Bai Jingting), a prodigal son in Liangzhou City, who accidentally becomes married to Liu Yuru (played by Song Yi), the daughter of a cloth merchant. Their love grows after marriage, creating a captivating narrative. In the ancient costume drama, it is common to see the setting of marriage before love. What sets "Destined" apart? How does this epic tale of mutual growth ignite audience enthusiasm?   The Metamorphosis of the lead roles "Destined" can be divided into three stages: Yangzhou period, Youzhou period, and Dongdu period. Episodes 1-15 primarily focus on Gu Jiusi and Liu Yuru's emotional development as they meet and get to know each other in Liangzhou. Part of the high points from the original work are derived from this stage, which helped accumulate popularity and fan base during its first week of airing. Episodes 16-29 mainly revolve around the transformation and growth of protagonists as they journey from Yangzhou to Youzhou. The tone gradually shifts from light-hearted…

The hot-blooded Xianxia drama "Lord of Snow Eagles," directed by Li Dachao and starring Xu Kai, Gulnazar, Bai Shu, and Lu Tingyu, is currently airing. This drama is adapted from a novel of the same name. The story revolves around Dongbo Xueying, a young man with an ancient bloodline, who becomes entangled in the conflict between righteousness and evil as he strives to save his mother. Along the way, Xueying meets and falls in love with Yujingqiu, a descendant of the divine race. Together, they overcome numerous obstacles and eventually grow into the legendary Lord of Snow Eagles that shines brightly in the Orient. Xianxia dramas have always been popular among young audiences in Chinese film and television productions. Creating a unique worldview is often essential for such dramas. In terms of production value, Xianxia dramas tend to have relatively high costs due to special effects shots, action choreography, green screen editing skills etc., which require time and financial resources. Some large-scale productions even rely on CG technology to enhance visual effects. "Lord of Snow Eagles" has indeed created an expansive and innovative world view. Its fight scenes and special effects are commendable; if we overlook its conventional plotlines and focus…

The premiere of "The Longest Promise" undoubtedly brings the most pleasant surprise in this July. After all, this fantasy drama had generated immense anticipation across various online platforms before its release and even topped the new drama expectation charts multiple times. With solid production quality, beautiful visuals, and a high-profile cast led by Xiao Zhan, Ren Min, and Wang Churan, it has already laid a solid foundation for its popularity. "The Longest Promise" is a Wuxia & fantasy drama adapted from Cang Yue's novel "Zhu Yan." It tells the story of Shiyin, the aloof crown prince of Kong Sang Empire, and Zhuyan, the passionate princess of Chi Tribe. Their fates intertwine due to an act of kindness when they were young. Shiyin accompanies Zhuyan on her journey while they both strive to protect the Kong Sang Dynasty. In terms of viewership data presented during its premiere broadcast, "The Longest Promise" indeed lives up to audience expectations. Jiang Jiajun's expertise in costume dramas is evident in this series. His rich experience in martial arts filming ensures smooth transitions between scenes and fluid camera movements. The quality showcased in numerous action sequences highlights his skillset. Moreover, the visual effects are also commendable…

In June 2023, the Chinese television industry entered summer along with high temperatures. At the beginning of the month, the first China Drama Conference was held in grand style. Meanwhile, after a year's hiatus, the Shanghai Television Festival reopened its doors. The industry's exhibition & activities were among the first to resume, bringing back smiles on people's faces who had not seen each other for a long time. Production started slowly with only a few projects underway but picked up pace suddenly in May as 27 new productions began filming during that month alone - matching those from all three months of Q1. The quality of dramas receiving high reviews has significantly improved compared to previous years. Outstanding works have found their recipe for success against short videos' challenges. In June, four historical drama series that had been quiet for many years successfully passed regulatory filing procedures and reignited dreams within this once glorious genre. At this moment, important changes are happening in creating Chinese dramas.   Insights from hit dramas The above are the popular dramas that aired during the first five months of 2023, with most premiering in the first four months and one in late December last…

On June 18th, the romance costume drama "Destined (Chang Feng Du, 长风渡)", adapted from the novel of the same name by author Mo Shu Bai, directed by Yin Tao and starring Bai Jingting and Song Yi, began airing. The main characters are well-defined and the plot progresses rapidly. As for the current plot, it has outstanding highlights and logical development. As a debut in the summer of 2023, it has stabilized its position. The plot of "Destined" is full of ups and downs while also paying attention to family and national sentiments. The casting and filming were highly anticipated, not to mention that after wrapping up production, lead actors Bai Jingting and Song Yi were rumored to be in a relationship. Fans as well as viewers who enjoy costume dramas are eagerly anticipating watching this ancient love story which combines palace intrigue, business endeavors, and imperial court politics. The female lead Liu Yuru. She is an aristocratic daughter from a cloth merchant's family but her father is notorious for favoring his concubines over his wife. Liu Yuru was never valued by her father growing up; her stepmother was unkind towards her while her biological mother suffered from serious illness. This…

This summer, the most anticipated film is undoubtedly "Creation of The Gods Ⅰ: Kingdom of Storms". Originally scheduled for release in the summer of 2020, this mythological blockbuster will finally meet audiences on July 20th. Although some industry insiders are cautiously optimistic about its box office performance, it cannot be denied that it has already raised audience expectations to their fullest. With the announcement of this large-scale investment movie's release date, another phenomenon is emerging: a resurgence of ancient costume films. Of course, "Creation of The Gods" is not alone in this trend. During the Shanghai International Film Festival, Beijing Baination released their film lineup which includes three costume films: Cao Dun's directed and Ma Boyong's scripted "Heroes of Dunhuang", Wu Youyin's self-written and directed "Sha Hai Zhi Men (沙海之门)," and “Su Wu”. Also during the same festival was when Bona Film Group Co announced twenty new films with historical themes including costume dramas such as “Fighting for Love”, “The Story of the Stone” & “The Legend”. If we include movies like last month’s poster-released "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero" and other films that have been rumored since last year such as"Zheng He Xia Xi Yang:…

Among the upcoming dramas, "Snow Eagle Lord" starring Xu Kai and Gulnazar has been receiving a lot of attention. The drama, which obtained its license in May, has gained immense popularity and heat with over one million reservations made recently. It is definitely a hot topic before it even airs. The original novel of "Snow Eagle Lord" already had a high level of popularity. The plot is extremely exciting with numerous fighting scenes, grand world-building, and otherworldly plots as well as an all-star cast with attractive looks that are sure to captivate viewers. Additionally, the current topic surrounding the show suggests that it may become the biggest dark horse drama this season. The fantasy drama "Snow Eagle Lord" tells the legendary story about Dongbo Xueying, his wife Yu Jingqiu, and their companions' struggles and adventures in another world continent, eventually achieving unsurpassed achievements. From what we know from promotional materials so far, the costume design and makeup artistry are excellent, fighting scenes are fluent and stunning, and the pacing is also very compact, making for an overall high-quality production. Regarding the cast, Xu Kai and Gulnazar are two recognized ancient costume drama actors that make for a feast of beauty.…

"Creation of the Gods I" has announced its release date on July 20th. This mythological film, directed by Wu Ershan and starring Huang Bo, Fei Xiang, Li Xuejian, Xia Yu, and Chen Kun took over five years to produce and will finally meet with audiences. "Creation of the Gods" started shooting in September 2018 as a trilogy. The three parts were titled "Creation of The Gods I: Yao Luan Guo Shang", "Creation of The Gods II - Mo Dao Zheng Feng", "Creation of The Gods III - Feng Shen Tian Xia". Part one was initially planned to be released during summer 2020 but production schedules had been disrupted due to the pandemic. Now that it is set to premiere this summer season, can it boost the entire market? "Creation of the Gods" is based on China's famous classical novel "Investiture of the Gods", narrating an epic mythical war that lasted over three thousand years between humans, immortals, and demons. In part one of this series, Huang Bo plays Jiang Ziya; Fei Xiang portrays King Zhou of Shang; Li Xuejian appears as Ji Chang, King Wen of Zhou; Xia Yu takes up Shen Gongbao’s role while Chen Kun portrays Yuanshi Tianzun -…

The Chinese anime "The Ravages of Time" has finally met with its audience amidst high anticipation on April 29. The animation's production started years ago, but it faced many setbacks. After the release of the first promotional video, fans were dissatisfied with the rough modeling and voice acting quality which led to revisions in hopes of improvement. Unfortunately, after a revised edition was released, there was no further news or updates on development from the production company for some time. Thus, this year's sudden release came as a welcome surprise to viewers. As a Three Kingdoms-themed comic that has been serialized for over 20 years, "The Ravages of Time (Huo Feng Liao Yuan, 火凤燎原)" has becoming the longest-running comic series based on this historical period globally. For many readers and enthusiasts alike, it is undoubtedly one of China's best comics ever created thus far while maintaining close similarities to its original source material within several episodes aired so far. This leads us to question what makes "The Ravages of Time" such an outstanding success story and what inspiration can be drawn from it for future creations based on stories related to this era?   The longest Three Kingdoms comic ever…

"Gone with the Rain" is a female costume drama led by Zhang Nan, Wang Yuwen, Sun Yizhou, Zhao Yingbo and Liu Meitong. It was broadcasted on June 5th, 2023. The drama is adapted from the romantic novel "Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan" by Ni Luo. It tells the story of two sisters Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao who grow up together through ups and downs while always sticking to their inner justice and working together to resolve various crises. On the day of its broadcast, it immediately sparked discussions among netizens on social networking websites with almost everyone focusing on the portrayal of female characters. By abandoning conventional character designs for costume dramas and creating bold and agile female images that viewers want to see in such dramas. "Gone with the Rain" portrays both personal loyalty as well as national patriotism, during times when the country faces danger, personal emotions are intertwined with patriotism throughout. The drama does not directly focus on struggles between various factions in court but instead focuses on how Mo Xi & Feng Yao support each other against difficulties they face; portraying deep sisterly love as well as women's growth provides new inspiration for creating…

"Beauty of Resilience (花戎, Hua Rong)" is a ancient-style fantasy drama starring Ju Jingyi and Guo Junchen. It will be aired on June 1, 2023. Adapted from the popular xianxia novel "Wu Chang Sheng" by Lin Jiacheng, the story follows the female lead Wei Zhi and male lead Yan Yue as they overcome obstacles to rewrite destiny and save the three realms from chaos. Directed by renowned directors Chen Guohua and Hu Yijuan with script written by Qian Yu, this creative team boasts tremendous experience in storytelling; Chen Guohua has created successful ancient dramas such as "The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion", while Qian Yu is one of the main screenwriters for "Goodbye My Princess". With their expertise at play, Beauty of Resilience's production quality is bound to impress audiences. The drama centers around the growth of Wei Zhi, the phoenix reincarnate female lead character. It tells a story of her and the male lead's affectionate entanglement, featuring many highlights such as Wei Zhi's blackening reversal and the male lead's dilemma between righteousness and love. The exquisite costumes and excellent special effects render this drama with remarkably high quality. Ju Jingyi, who plays the female lead, has a sweet appearance and…

Among the many upcoming Chinese period dramas, "Destined" starring Bai Jingting and Song Yi has been highly anticipated. With over 2 million reservations before broadcast and the previously exposed romantic relationship between the two lead actors, fans are eagerly awaiting this historical romance costume drama. After intense post-production work, "Destined (Chang Feng Du, 长风渡)" has finally announced a premiere date for June - with rumors suggesting it to be on June 21st. In light of uncertainty regarding when other dramas like "Story of Kunning Palace" will air, perhaps "Destined" will become a flagship ancient costume drama during this summer season. Given its overall appeal and potential strength as a hit show, there is no doubt that it possesses qualities that could make it one. Directed by Yintao who is an experienced director in making quality period dramas such as his representative works including "Who Rules the World", along with screenwriter Rao Jun known for their reputation within industry circles - both of whom have created numerous popular productions- viewers can expect excellent cinematography and visual effects from them leaving deep impressions . With them at the helm of production , there's little doubt that quality assurance would be present throughout…

With summer just around the corner, viewers can look forward to a slew of new cdramas. Among them is "Lost You Forever", starring popular actors Yang Zi and Zhang Wan Yi. Prior to its release, "Lost You Forever" had already garnered over 2 million reservations. With its growing buzz and attention, the drama has recently received official approval for broadcast. Judging by the show's quality and unique plotline, it may very well become this season's biggest hit. Directed by Qin Zhen and Yang Huan with Tong Hua serving as screenwriter, "Lost You Forever" follows Ji Jiu Yao - played by Yang Zi - as she navigates through life in turbulent times after losing her identity as a princess. The story revolves around her personal growth journey intertwined with various relationships including friendship and love. Of course, one cannot ignore the stunning cast that includes many talented actors. As female lead actress in particular, Yang Zi is no stranger to costume or fantasy dramas having starred previously in hits like "Ashes of Love" and "Immortal Samsara". Her outstanding acting skills combined with her versatile portrayal of different character traits have earned her much acclaim from audiences. Once again taking on a…

An increasing number of young people are beginning to experiment with wearing hanfu, these clothing styles, which were widely used in different historical dynasties in ancient China, are now being reintegrated into contemporary life and have become an important part of youth culture.   The Origin of Hanfu Culture: From Niche to Popular Typically, the origin of the modern Hanfu culture is traced back to 2003. On November 22nd of that year, a power worker named Wang Letian from Zhengzhou, Henan, walked into a downtown commercial street wearing hanfu. This event was reported by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao, making Wang Letian the first modern Chinese person wearing hanfu to appear in public. Wang Letian was introduced to hanfu culture through forums Han Wang, and around 2003, the first hanfu enthusiasts gathered around Han Wang and other online hanfu forums, gradually forming the Hanfu circle. At the same time, some offline Hanfu culture communities began to be established. Around 2011, the subculture of adolescent internet culture rapidly developed. With the successive rise of the Lolita and the JK uniform fashion subculture, as well as the development of the cosplay community, hanfu has found its place among various clothing subcultures and has gained…