Must Watch Historical and Fantasy Chinese Dramas 2023

Chinese dramas have a different charm compared to any other Asian dramas. Especially the historical and fantasy drama genre. In terms of story, Chinese dramas was bolder than the others. They are not afraid to give more than a 100% of best wholesomeness to the story and the production, especially in year 2023.

A few dramas such as 2016’s Eternal Love: Ten Miles of Peach Blossom drama had poor CGI, but the story was enchanting that you could not resist the temptation to binge watch this drama. You’ll love it and would not care about the odd Golden Tiger or the Dragon 😁

Last year we were also drawn to the world’s hype of Love Between Fairy and Devil drama and Love Like the Galaxy drama. We are sure that our Dear Readers had already watched those, or at least read our reviews and episode recaps here 😉

And now, let us present you several historical and fantasy dramas in 2023 that are worth watching. And good news, we have updated our list, so you have more choices of historical and fantasy dramas to watch. Here we go!

Must Watch Historical and Fantasy Chinese Dramas in 2023

1. Till The End of The Moon

• Title: Till The End of The Moon
• Also Known As: 长月烬明, Hei Yue Guang Wen Na Be Ju Ben, Yue Zhao Qian Feng Wei Yi Ren, Zhang Yue Wu Jin
• Cast: Luo Yun Xi, Bai Lu, Chen Du Ling, Deng Wei
• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
• Number Episodes: 40
• Date of Release: April 2023
• Original Network: Youku
• Where to watch: Netflix, Viki, Youku

Till the End of the Moon made our eyes glued to the screen. This ongoing drama’s story was captivating. It tells you a story about immortals, demons, and time travel. Magic were everywhere and some people could talk with the animal.

The male lead, Tantai Jin, was not our type of man, but boy! You would not be able to escape from his appeal. And the female lead, Li Su Su/Ye Xi Wu, was funny and cute. They made a perfect pair and did a very good job on this drama.

Faraway in the future, the Devil God wiped out almost all immortal sects in the world, leaving only Xiaoyao and Hengyang Sect. When the Devil God attacked them, they could barely survive. The only way to prevent the catastrophe was to change the past. Li Su Su, a mortal from Hengyang Sect, was sent back to the past to prevent Tantai Jin, a weak hostage prince, from his awakening as the Devil God.

Li Su Su woke up in the body of Ye Xi Wu, Tantai Jin’s wife who was spoiled and cruel. Their relationship was bad. However, Li Su Su must find a way to destroy his evil bones and reverse the destiny. But things got complicated when they slowly fell in love with each other.

• Read the review here: Till The End of The Moon drama review
• Read the ending explained: Till The End of The Moon ending explained

2. A League of Nobleman

• Title: A League of Nobleman
• Also Known As: Zhang Gong An, The Society of Four Leaves, The Case of Mr. Zhang, Case of Judge Zhang
• Cast: Jing Bo Ran, Song Wei Long, Hong Yao, Guo Cheng, Wang Duo, Shawn Zhang
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Drama
• Number Episode: 29
• Date of Release: January 2023
• Original Network: Tencent Video
• Where to Watch: Viki, WeTv, Tencent Video

We already had review about this fascinating drama, here. The story was packed with mysteries and you would not be able to stop watching it. The mysteries were complicated and very detailed. A League of Nobleman was a novel adaptation. The story was well written and the dialogues were witty. You’ll be mesmerized with Jing Bo Ran and Song Wei Long’s acting or their handsomeness, or maybe both… 😄

A League of Nobleman was a story about Lan Jue and Zhang Ping. Lan Jue was a promising young official. His career would have advanced if only his family background was not a stumbling block. Meanwhile, Zhang Ping was a very sharp man. He was observant and possessed a good reasoning skill. Both men had a different character.

Zhang Ping was a rigid and stubborn while Lan Jue was a scheming person who knew how to make use of people and situation. Both people got entangled in a mystery of missing bead. Later, more mysteries appeared and they had to solve it together.

• Read the review: A League of Nobleman drama review
• Read the ending explained: A League of Nobleman ending explained

3. My Uncanny Destiny

• Title: My Uncanny Destiny
• Also Known As: 保护我方主大人, Protect Our City Lord, My Dear Destiny, Bao Hu Wo Fang Cheng Zhu Da Ren
• Cast: Zhang Yue Nan, Yan Zi Xian
• Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
• Number Episodes: 24
• Date of Release: January 2023
• Original Network: iQiyi
• Where to Watch: iQiyi, Viki

If you need a good dose of comedy, you might want to try this one. But, be careful… at first, you might feel that this drama was too… cringe. Don’t worry… just go with the episode. Don’t give up yet, because after you will get used to the cringes, you’ll find a hidden gem.😉

My Uncanny Destiny was a love story between Ye Zhao Nan and Liu Xuan Ming. The story started with the enmity between two cities, Mu Xi and Xuan Yue. Ye Zhao Nan was the only daughter of Mu Xi City Lord. However, since she was born Ye Zhao Nan’s gender had been concealed. She pretended to be a man so she could inherit the throne.

One day, Ye Zhao Nan accidentally met her mortal enemy from Xuan Yue City, Liu Xuan Ming. Both of them fell from the cliff and Ye Zhao Nan lost her memory. What would happen when two mortal enemies fall in love with each other?

4. Wulin Heroes

• Title: Wulin Heroes
• Also Known As: 武林有侠气,Wulin Has Squeamish, Wulin Has Pride, Wu Lin You Xia Qi
• Cast: Li Hong Yi, Huang Ri Ying, Zhu Zan Jin
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Wuxia
• Number Episodes: 22
• Date of Release: January 2023
• Original Network: Youku
• Where to Watch: Youku, Viki

If you are looking for a light-hearted, easy-to-watch drama, then Wulin Heroes drama is the best option for you. The story was funny and entertaining, and you’ll end up with a warm wholesome feeling. In the middle of the story, you might feel some frustration over the love story, but the story would make up for this. We also had this drama reviewed here. Don’t forget to check it out!

Wulin Heroes’ story revolves around the intense and quite epic romance between Bai Yue and Ye Xi. Bai Yue was a smart, talented, and ambitious young doctor. He has a poisonous mouth but a tender heart for his patients.

Ye Xi was a ginseng fairy who had cultivated for thousands of years before she transformed into a human. She was strong and had undefeated fighting skills, yet her trusting nature made her often fall into others’ manipulation.

Ye Xi was attracted to Bai Yue’s beautiful looks and amazing skill, but she also find his snappy words annoyed her. While Bai Yue secretly fell in love with her, he also realized that he was afflicted with a curse that prohibited him from falling in love. Would Bai Yue and Ye Xi ever find their true love?

• Read the review: Wulin Heroes drama review

5. Warm on A Cold Night

• Title: Warm on a Cold Night
• Also Known As:九霄寒夜暖, Warm Cold Night in the Nine Heavens, Jiu Xiao Han Ye Nuan
• Cast: Li Yi Tong, Bi Wen Jun
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy
• Number Episodes: 36
• Date of Release: February 2023
• Original Network: iQiyi
• Where to Watch: IQiyi, Viki

Another heartwarming yet funny drama from Li Yi Tong and Bi Wen Jun. It tells you a story about magic, shapeshifters, mysteries, and romance. The romance was quite sweet but the one that made me hooked was the production. The cinematography was great and you’ll enjoy every scene.

Su Jiu Er was a young, and talented female constable. She had a sharp and observant mind. As a Qian person, she possessed a rabbit-like spirit and a strange ailment that made her constantly feel cold. One day, she met Han Zheng, a mysterious Qi person, who possessed a wolf-like spirit.

Han Zheng’s warmth attracted her. Every time she touched him, it felt like her body was recharged and her energy level increased. However, Han Zheng was the object of her investigation. And because of a strange murder case, they were forced to team up and solve the mystery that involved both of their kingdoms.

6. The Starry Love

• Title: The Starry Love
• Also Known As: 星落凝成糖, Love When the Stars Fall, Xing Luo Ning Cheng Tang
• Cast: Chen Xing Xu, Landy Li, Luke Chen, He Xuan Lin
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy
• Number Episodes: 40
• Date of Release: February 2023
• Original Network: JSTV Youku ZJTV
• Where To Watch: Youku, Viki

The Starry Love was a fantasy drama about demons and immortals and the twin mortal princesses who were stuck in those worlds. This drama had a good amount of Chinese comedy drama, romance, and fantasy.

You’ll be mesmerized by the visual, since the director, Chu Yui Bun, was also the man behind The Blue Whisper (I also wrote this drama review and ending explained, you can read theme here, The Blue Whisper drama review and The Blue Whisper ending explained), Long Ballad (Long Ballad drama review), Ashes of Love, and Skate Into Love. The Starry Love was a part of the Honey Trilogy after Ashes of Love and Skate Into Love. But you surely could watch this drama without watching the prior parts.

Liguan Ye Tan and Liguan Qing Kui were sisters born in the Human Tribe. Although they were born twins, they lived a different life. Qing Kui was favored by their father and respected by the tribe. She was betrothed to You Qin, the prince of the Heavenly Realm. Meanwhile, Ye Tan was deemed a bad luck carrier and hated by the whole tribe, including their father. She was betrothed to marry a prince from the Void realm.

But although the sisters led different kinds of lifestyles, the relationship was harmonious. On their wedding day, they were swapped. Ye Tan who was a willful person was sent to the Heavenly realm to marry You Qin. While Qing Kui who was gentle and refined was sent to the harsh Void Realm. Will they manage to live a good life and met their true love?

• Read the review: The Starry Love drama review
• Read the ending explained: The Starry Love ending explained

7. Royal Rumours

• Title: Royal Rumours
• Also Known As: 花琉璃轶闻, Pretend time, Time of Creation, The Times Spent in Pretense
• Cast: Jeremy Tsui, Meng Zi Yi
• Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Drama
• Number Episodes: 24
• Date of Release: March 2023
• Original Network: Tencent Video
• Where to Watch: Viki, WeTV

Royal Rumours was a cute and funny drama. This drama was quite light that you could enjoy it on the weekend. Jeremy Tsui’s gorgeous looks and sultry voice were enough to be a reason not to miss this drama. The costumes were great but their headdress was over the top. You might not like it because it was too much, but then you’ll find they were quite interesting. The comedy was enough since both of the main characters were cunning and shameless.

What would happen when two people who like to put on a false appearance meet? Ji Yuan Su was a capable crown prince, yet he always pretended to be a useless and willful prince. Hua Liu Li was a strong and sharp girl born into a military family. However, she always pretended to be a weak girl.

Both of them knew each other’s secret personality but decided to play along with the farce. Their constant interactions warmed their heart and the bickering turned into their love language.

• Read the review: Royal Rumours drama review
• Read the ending explained: Royal Rumours ending explained

8. Under the Microscope

• Title: Under the Microscope
• Also Known As: 显微镜下的大明, Da Ming Under the Microscope
• Cast: Zhang Ruo Yun, Wang Yang, Qi Wei
• Genres: Historical, Mystery, Drama
• Number of Episodes: 14
• Date of Release: February 2023
• Original Network: iQiyi
• Where To Watch: iQiyi

Have you ever thought about a mathematician’s life in ancient China? This theme is surely unlike the usual Chinese drama. Under The Microscope was based on the novel written by Ma Bo Yong. The same author wrote The Wind Blows From Longxi, The Longest Day in Chang’an, and Luoyang.

If you were bored with the Chinese romance drama and comedy genre, then you might want to see this. The story was complicated and it might not be everybody’s cup of tea. But we personally, love this gem. Zhang Ruo Yun’s acting was superb and deserved a bunch of praise.

Under the Microscope drama was the story of Shuai Jia Mo who has a superior math skills. He seemed to be an autistic savant who possessed a terrific memory and was obsessed with numbers and accuracy. Feng Bao Yu was Shuai Jia Mo’s best friend, a gambling maniac. Shuai Jia Mo worked as a person who provided field measurement services for others.

Shuai Jia Mo’s obsession helped him to discover a tax discrepancy in Renhua that burdened the taxpayer for 100 years. Together with his friend Feng Bao Yu, Shuai Jia Mo filed for complaints. However, their action caused an uproar in eight counties.

9. Back From The Brink

• Title: Back From The Brink
• Also Known As: 护心Hu Xin , Heart Protection, Protect your Heart
• Casts: Hou Ming Hao, Zhou Ye, Yang Rong, Riley Wang, Chen Xin Yu
• Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Wuxia
• Number of Episodes: 40
• Date of Release: May 9, 2023 – Jun 9, 2023
• Original Network: Youku
• Where To Watch: Youku, Viki

Back From The Brink was a story that revolves around love, trust, and betrayal. It would give you a perfect example of the two sides of love, either love as your strength or love as your weakness. This xianxia drama was a whole package of drama. You’ll find a great combination of romance, comedy, and adventure.

This drama was a novel adaptation of Hu Xin or Heart Protection written by Hong Wan Lin also known as Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The same author of The Blue Whisper, Love Between Fairy and Devil, and the upcoming Si Ming. Jiu Lu Fei Xiang’s name alone was enough as quality proof, so aren’t you going to put this drama into your watch list?

Back From The Brink tell us the story of Tianyao, the Dragon King who was betrayed by the woman he loved on their wedding day. Su Ying not only broke his heart but also his body, literally, to take his precious Heart Protecting Scale. Su Ying planned to give the scale to her true love. But in his last breath, Tianyao sent the scale away and landed on a baby girl with a congenital heart disease.

Twenty years later, Yanhui has grown up into a kind, lively, and witty girl. Yanhui and the reborn Tianyao crossed paths in a small town. They started badly but their relationship was deepening over time. But the adventure takes them farther, the closest they were to the big mystery that is bound to Yanhui and her true origin.

• Read the review: Back From The Brink drama review
• Read the ending explained: Back From The Brink ending explained

10. Beauty Of Resilience

• Title: Beauty Of Resilience
• Also Known As: 花戎, Hua Rong , Floral Armor , Wu Chang Sheng
• Casts: Ju Jing Yi, Guo Jun Chen
• Genres: Romance, Fantasy
• Number of Episodes: 36
• Date of Release: Jun 1, 2023 – Jun 16, 2023
• Original Network: iQiyi
• Where To Watch: iQiyi

Beauty of Resilience was a Chinese fantasy drama about an ill-fated relationship that lasted more than a lifetime. It was a story about immortals and their love tribulation. The visual of this drama was stunning and we could not take our eyes off the screen. Besides Ju Jing Yi and Guo Jun Chen made a stunning pair that you’ll love to see. Beauty of Resilience was a perfect fit for your daily dose of drama after a long hard working day.

We Zhi was a young girl who believed that she was a harbinger of bad luck. Everything went wrong when she was around. Wei Zhi’s only wish was to change her fate, so her mother and brother could have a good life. When she was 16 years old, Wei Zhi was admitted to Egret Academy and she learned under the strict teaching of Yan Yue.

But fate always loves to join the fun. Nobody knows that behind the painful past, Wei Zhi was the reincarnation of Phoenix and she had a massive power that could destroy the three realms. Meanwhile, Yan Yue’s real identity was the God of the Red Sun. And his only mission in the world was to eliminate the phoenix. Their past relationship always ended with death. Could it happen again in this lifetime?

• Read the review: Beauty Of Resilience drama review
• Read the ending explained: Beauty Of Resilience ending explained

11. My Journey to You

• Title: My Journey To You
• Also Known As: 云之羽,Yun Zhi Yu, Cloud Feather , Half of Us
• Director: Luo Luo
• Cast: Yu Shu Xin, Zhang Ling He, Cheng Lei, Lu Yu Xiao
• Genres: Romance, Wuxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Number of Episodes: 24
• Date of Release: September 2, 2023
• Where to Watch: WeTV, iQiyi

If you couldn’t move on from Love Between Fairy and Devil, you shouldn’t miss this drama. My Journey to You brings back Yu Shu Xin and Zhang Ling He in one drama. This time, Yu Shu Xin was no longer the weak Xiao Lan Hua, and Zhang Ling He was no longer the soft-hearted Changheng.

Yun Wei Shan is a female assassin from Wufeng. To gain her freedom, she must accomplish one last mission. However, this is not an ordinary mission. It is a one-way ticket, either she succeeds or she dies. Yun Wei Shan disguises herself as a bride candidate for the young master of the mysterious Gong family.

Meanwhile, Gong Zi Yu, who was not expected to inherit the title of Sword Wielder, must step up to replace his father and brother, who were killed by a mysterious assassin. Their paths collide as Yun Wei Shan suddenly becomes his chosen bride. As their relationship intensifies, Yun Wei Shan must choose between freedom and love.

• Read the review: My Journey to You drama review
• Read the ending explained: My Journey to You ending explained

12. Mysterious Lotus Casebook

• Title: Mysterious Lotus Casebook
• Also Known As:莲花楼,Auspicious Pattern Lotus House, Ji Xiang Wen Lian Hua Lou, The Lotus Casebook
• Director: Guo Hu, Ren Hai Tao
• Cast: Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng, Xiao Shun Yao
• Genres: Mystery, Wuxia
• Number of Episodes: 40
• Date of Release: Jul 23, 2023 – Aug 9, 2023
• Where to Watch: iQiyi, WeTV
• Adapted from the novel: “Auspicious Pattern Lotus House” by Teng Ping

Before you start watching this masterpiece, let us remind you that once you start the first episode, there’s no turning back. Mysterious Lotus Casebook will draw you into the mysterious world of Li Lian Hua, Fang Duo Bing, and Di Fei Sheng. You wouldn’t stop until it was over. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to take a good look at the magnificent Lotus Tower.

Years ago, Li Lian Hua was known as Li Xiang Yi. He was known as the fastest swordmaster and held the title of the number one martial artist in the world. Li Xian Yi’s disappearance shocked the world after his life-and-death battle with Di Fei Sheng on the raging sea.

At this present time, the rumored dead Li Xian Yi was hiding in the crowd under the name of Li Lian Hua. He was no longer a martial artist, but a miraculous wandering doctor. He was often seen traveling everywhere in his portable house, the Lotus Tower.

During his journey, Li Lian Hua met Fang Duo Bing, the righteous young man from a prominent family, and Di Fei Sheng, his mortal enemy. The three of them embarked on a journey to solve cases that would give them the answers they were looking for.

• Read the review: Mysterious Lotus Casebook drama review
• Read the ending explained: Mysterious Lotus Casebook ending explained

13. Lost You Forever (Season 1)

• Title: Lost You Forever (Season 1)
• Also Known As: 长相思 第一季, Eternally Yearning For You, Sauvignon Blanc, Chang Xiang Si
• Director: Yang Huan, Zoe Qin
• Cast: Yang Zi, Zhang Wan Yi, Deng Wei, Tan Jian Ci, Dai Lu Wa, Wang Hong Yi
• Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
• Number of Episodes: 39
• Date of Release: Jul 24, 2023
• Where To Watch: WeTV, iQiyi, Viki
• Adapted from the 3rd book in the novel series: “The Book of Mountain and Sea” by Tong Hua

This Lost You Forever drama will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Love You Forever tells the story of deities who lived among mortals. But in their world, they were just like us, able to feel happiness, frustration, anger, or sadness. They also fall in and out of love. The story is enticing and frustrating at the same time, but you would not be able to take your eyes off the screen.

A weak deity named Wen Xiao Liu lived in a small town as a fertility doctor. She hides among mortals by changing her appearance and gender. For years, she concealed herself and her true identity as Xiao Yao, the Grand Princess of Haoling.

But destiny brings her back to the place where she was meant to be, surrounded by other prominent figures such as Cang Xuan, her childhood sweetheart; Tushan Jing, a young master who disguised himself as her disciple; Xiang Liu, the Nine-headed Serpent Demon; and Chishui Feng Long, a gentle young master with a sharp mind from the Chishui clan.

No matter how far she went or how long she hid, Xiao Yao was still dragged into the turbulent political waves of the Dahuang Kingdom.

• Read the review: Lost You Forever (Season 1) drama review
• Read the ending explained: Lost You Forever (Season1) ending explained

14. Story of Kunning Palace

• Drama Title: Story of Kunning Palace
• Also Known As: 宁安如梦, Peaceful as a Dream, Kun Ning, Ning An Ru Meng
• Director: Chu Yui Bun, Francis Nam, Gu Zhi Wei
• Cast: Bai Lu, Zhang Ling He, Wang Xing Yue, Zhou Jun Wei, Liu Xie Ning
• Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
• Number of Episodes: 38+1 extra
• Date of Release: Nov 7, 2023
• Where to Watch: iQiyi and WeTV
• Adapted from: web novel “A Lady’s Tranquility by Shi Jing”

Story of Kunning Palace is a Chinese fantasy drama about a novelist who wakes up in her story. This drama would make your heart beat a little faster because you could see beautiful faces like Bai Lu, Zhang Ling He, Wang Xing Yue, and our favorite, Zhou Jun Wei.

Jiang Xue Ning woke up and found that she had returned to her 18-year-old self. After the confusion subsided, she realized that she had been reborn with a chance to atone for her past sins.

Since then, she planned to escape her terrible fate as an ambitious and jealous queen. Jiang Xue Ning tried to stay away from the palace, but fate brought her back on the same path. She entered the palace and crossed paths with Xie Wei, the Grand Preceptor who killed her in her previous life.

• Read the review: Story of Kunning Palace drama review
• Read the ending explained: Story of Kunning Palace ending explained

15. The Last Immortal

• Title: The Last Immortal
• Also Known As: 神隐, The Hidden God, Shen Yin
• Director: Chan Ka Lam
• Cast: Zhao Lu Si, Wang An Yu
• Genres: Romance, Xianxia, Drama, Fantasy
• Number of Episodes: 40
• Date of Release: December 11, 2023
• Where to Watch: Tencent Video, WeTV, MGTV, Viki
• Adapted from the novel: “Hidden God” by Xing Ling

The year 2023 ended with The Last Immortal. This fantasy drama tells us a story about the world of gods, immortals, demons, and devils. Starring the one and only Zhao Lu Si and Wang An Yu, their on-screen chemistry would make you fall in love with this drama very soon.

Feng Yin, the Fire Phoenix, had her immortal spirit shattered on the day she was supposed to be born. It was all because of the carelessness of Gu Jin, a disciple of Daze Mountain. To atone for his sin, Gu Jin promised to collect all the fragments of Feng Yin so that she could be reborn as the Fire Phoenix. A fragment of Feng Yin’s immortal spirit awakened as a weak Water Divine Beast and took the form of a human named Ah Yin.

With their fate intertwined, Gu Jin and Ah Yin set out on a perilous journey to find all of Feng Yin’s immortal spirit. Along the way, Gu Jin and Ah Yin met Hong Yi, the nine-tailed red fox, and Yan Shuang, the eagle princess. As Gu Jin and Ah Yin’s relationship became deeper and deeper, catastrophe was looming around them.

• Read the review: The Last Immortal drama review
• Read the ending explained: The Last Immortal ending explained

Well, have you made your choice of drama for the weekend? We hope this Must Watch Historical and Fantasy Drama 2023 article helps. Do not forget to write down your choice at the comment section below… We’ll be waiting for your response. Happy Watching!