Loved Pursuit of Jade? 7 addictive Chinese period dramas you need to watch next

You have to admit, the bar for dramas is sky-high after the breakout success of Pursuit of Jade. After all, who could resist the combination of the swoon-worthy slow burn romance, stunning cinematography, breathtaking backdrops and of course, undeniably star-studded cast who were more than easy on the eyes? 

For many viewers, Pursuit of Jade was their introduction into the world of Chinese historical dramas — a genre brimming with brilliant plotlines, top-tier acting, stunning sets and the kind of on-screen chemistry that keeps fans hooked. Whether you’re looking for dramas with the same addictive mix as Pursuit of Jade, or simply can’t get enough of the lead actor Zhang Linghe and actress Tian Xiwei, there’s no shortage of Chinese dramas that will have you binging late into the night. 

From politically-charged storylines that will have you on the edge of your seat, to the ultimate enemies-to-lovers arcs, this list of series offer plenty to fill the Pursuit of Jade-shaped void.

Blossom

If you’re after a historical drama with equally stunning cinematography and a contract marriage that blossoms into a slow-burn romance, Blossom deserves a spot on your list. 

Directed by the same director Zeng Qingjie, the story follows Dou Zhao (Meng Ziyi), who spends her life dutifully supporting her family, only to be betrayed and killed. But she awakens in her younger self with a chance to rewrite her fate. Using a mysterious book that offers glimpses of the future, she sets out to carve a better path for herself.

Across both timelines, she crosses paths with Song Mo (played by actor Li Yunrui), a formidable young general who, together, become entangled in court politics and fight for justice. Much like Pursuit of Jade’s central duo, both leads are sharp, strategic, and emotionally layered. Their unmatched on-screen chemistry even landed them another deal in Tencent’s drama Tigers Sniff the Rose which wrapped up filming early this year. 

Fated Hearts 

For those who were drawn to Pursuit of Jade for its unexpected romance and action-packed scenes, Fated Heart takes those elements to the next level. 

The drama leans fully into an enemies-to-lovers trope, and pairs that with intense battle and war sequences—a combination that will have you hooked from start to finish.

The story centres on Fu Yi Xiao (played by actress Li Qin) a top archer of the Jin Xiu Kingdom, who shoots Feng Sui Ge (played by actor Chen Zheyuan), the invading army’s leader. Severely injured in the process, she loses her memory and is later captured by Feng Sui Ge at a medical base.

After a tense fight, they begin to suspect they’ve both been betrayed by someone close to them. They reluctantly form an alliance to work together to uncover the truth. 

The Prisoner of Beauty

If it’s the intricate politics behind rival clans and kingdoms that drew you into Pursuit of Jade, The Prisoner of Beauty arguably portrays the tension even more sharply. 

The female lead, Xiao Qiao (played by Song Zuer), a clever and self-assured young woman who is far from a damsel in distress enters a contract marriage with Wei Shao (played by actor Liu Yuning), the similarly sharp head of the Wei clan. With the bad blood between their families, the pair begin cautiously testing each other in both tense and lighthearted ways.

Over time, they navigate family conflicts and larger challenges together, build trust and slowly, backed by the leads’ great chemistry, fall in love with each other. An easy yet heart-warming watch, it’s the perfect series for C-drama newbies. 

The Long Ballad

The Long Ballad is similarly heavy on politics, set against the backdrop of the Tang dynasty, referencing real, historical figures, which is ideal if you’re finding yourself particularly intrigued by Chinese culture through Pursuit of Jade. 

At its centre is the highly intelligent princess, Li Changge (played by actress Dilraba Dilmurat) who seeks revenge after her family is killed by her uncle. She flees the Tang capital, disguised as a man, and meets a handsome Turkic general, Ashile Sun (played by actor Leo Wu). Together, they forge a military partnership while slowly developing romantic feelings. The series also stars fan-favorite Chinese actress Zhao Lusi and The Prisoner of Beauty’s Liu Yuning. 

Legend of the female general

If you love a strong, powerful and independent female lead, just like Pursuit of Jade’s lead female character Fan Changyu, Legend of the female general speaks for itself. 

It tells the tale of He Yan, the eldest daughter of the He family, who is forced to live under a false identity, posing as her family’s son, He Ru Fei. She first meets the brilliant male lead Xiao Jue at Xianchang Academy before leaving to the battlefield.

Years later, she returns as a celebrated hero—only to be betrayed when the real He Ru Fei reappears. Surviving, He Yan assumes a new identity and once again disguises herself as a man to enlist in the military, determined to reclaim what was taken from her.

There, she reunites with Xiao Jue, who suspects her of being a spy. As he tests her, He Yan proves her worth and becomes the top soldier. Through shared trials and battles, their bond deepens, and gradually come to understand each other’s true feelings.

Story of Kunning Palace 

If Pursuit of Jade’s Zhang Linghe has become your new celebrity crush, you need to add the Story of Kunning Palace to your watchlist. Here, the sweet, innocent heartthrob we all know and love takes on a stoic, dangerous and morally grey character. 

The drama centres around power dynamics, politics and family, following Jiang Xuening (played by actress Bai Lu), who schemes her way to become empress, and is killed in a palace coup. She miraculously, however, is reborn as her 18-year-old self before entering the palace. Determined to change her fate, she tries to escape the palace’s political games but is pulled back into it and becomes entangled in a complex romance with the cunning mastermind responsible for her former downfall, Xie Wei (played by Zhang Linghe). 

While Zhang Linghe’s character may be deemed a walking red flag, it’s also impossible to not be absolutely enamoured by him. Especially with his and Bai Lu’s steamy, passionate kissing scenes. 

New Life Begins

For Pursuit of Jade’s Tian Xiwei fans who can’t get enough of her sweet, endearing charm, the feel-good, light-hearted romance of New Life Begins will have you kicking your feet. 

Still set in the Chinese historical period, the drama starts with a marriage selection ceremony where girls all over the world gather in the Xin Chuan town. There, male lead Yin Zheng (played by actor Bai Jingting), the sixth young master of Xin Chuan who keeps a low profile, and female lead Li Wei (played by Tian Xiwei), a mischievous yet kind soul who just wants to work hard and not get selected, unexpectedly meet. Thereafter, they fall in love, overcome hardships together, and navigate daily and family life in Xin Chuan together. 

New Life Begins also weaves in themes of feminism and friendship as the women in the drama work together to challenge patriarchal rules. You’re also bound to absolutely love Yin Zheng, the cookie-cutter boyfriend who only has eyes for Li Wei and does everything in his power to help her accomplish goals that are important to her. 

Equal parts heartwarming and emotional, it’s an easy, addictive watch for anyone easing into their C-drama era.