The Years You Were Late 2018

The Qin Empire (2009 - 2017)

8 /10

The Qin Empire is a 2009 Chinese television series based on Sun Haohui's novel of the same Chinese title. The 51 episodes long series chronicles the rise of the Qin state in the Warring States period during the reign of Duke Xiao of Qin. It was produced in 2006 and first aired on television channels in China in December 2009.

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2009 - 2017

Director: Ding Hei

Stars: Zhang Bo , Shen Jiani , Chunyang Zhao , Wu Liansheng , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Zitong

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1994)

7 /10

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a Chinese television series adapted from the classical 14th century novel of the same title by Luo Guanzhong. It is part historical, part legend, and part mythical – romanticises and dramatizes the lives of feudal lords and their retainers, who tried to replace the dwindling Han dynasty or restore it. The focus is mainly on the three power blocs that emerged from the remnants of the Han dynasty, and would eventually form the three states of Cao Wei, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu. The novel deals with the plots, personal and military battles, intrigues, and struggles of these states to achieve dominance for almost 100 years.

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 1994

Director: Shen Haofang , Sun Guangming , Wang Fulin

Stars: Sun Yanjun , Tang Guoqiang , Pao Guoan , Lu Shuming , Li jingfei , Yuzhou Hong

Xue Zhan Song Mao Ling (2022)

0 /10

Based on the true events of the battle of Songmaoling in 1934, the drama follows the determination of young soldiers as they defend Songmaoling for seven days and nights.

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2022

Stars: Zhang Ningjiang , Lin Peng , Guo Jiahao , Yang Kai Cheng , Shao Tong , Cheng Cheng

Legend of Chu and Han (2012)

7.7 /10

Legend of Chu and Han, also known as Chu Han Chuanqi, is a Chinese television series based on the events in the late Qin Dynasty and the Chu–Han Contention that led to the founding of the Han Dynasty. It started airing on Anhui TV, Zhejiang TV, Jiangxi TV and Tianjin TV on 28 December 2012.

Average Episode Run Time: 50` . Year(s): 2012

Director: Gao Xixi , ZhGxd

Stars: Chen Daoming , Peter Ho , Qin Lan , Li Yixiao , Duan Yihong , Yang Lixin

The Advisors Alliance (2017 - 2018)

7.8 /10

The story of Sima Yi, a great politician and strategist who lived during the Three Kingdoms era. By his side, Sima Yi has his politically-astute distaff members of his household, and pitted against them are the formidable Cao Cao and his heirs. After defending the Kingdom of Wei from Kongming formidable talents, who will end up with the ultimate power?

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2017 - 2018

Director: Zhang Yong Xin

Producer: 李基业 Jiye Li

Stars: Wu Xiubo , Liu Tao , Jerry Lee , Tang Yixin , Janine Chang , Xiao Shunyao

For the Sake of the Republic (2003)

7.4 /10

Towards the Republic, also known as For the Sake of the Republic and Zou Xiang Gong He, is a Chinese historical television series first broadcast on CCTV in China from April to May 2003. The series is based on events that occurred in China between the late 19th century and early 20th century that led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the founding of the Republic of China. Owing to its portrayal of historical issues deemed politically sensitive by the Chinese government, the series has been subject to censorship in mainland China.

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2003

Director: Zhang Li

Stars: Ma Shaohua , Sun Chun , Bingyan Liao , Wang Bing , Lü Zhong , Li Guangjie

Sparrow (2016)

6.6 /10

This drama is set during the revolutionary time in Shanghai, based on a novel of the same name of Hai Fei. During the republican revolution, Chen Shen is a secret agent under Special Operations Executive Director Bi Zhongliang, among the agents called “sparrow” (similar to the program “zero” in Japan)

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2016

Director: Jin Chen

Stars: Li Yifeng , Zhou Dongyu , Edward Zhang , Zhang Ruoyun , Kan Qingzi , Lui Jia Tong

The Song of Glory (2020)

8 /10

During the Liu Song dynasty, powerful aristocrats have taken control of the government, throwing the country into chaos. To change this, Chancellor Liu Yikang (Qin Hao) introduces new policies for political reform. To break the alliance between the aristocrats, Liu Yikang enters into a marriage alliance with the Shen family, who has roots in the military. His fiancé turns out to be Shen Lige (Li Qin), whom he has previously met at a dance house. After marriage, Li Ge assists Liu Yikang in dealing with their political opponents and implementing new policies. However, in response, the aristocrats ally together to suppress Li Ge and the Shen family, who is later massacred. Pained by her loss, Li Ge vows to take revenge for her family.

Average Episode Run Time: 44` . Year(s): 2020

Director: Deng Wei En , Wai Chu Lee

Producer: Han Zhi Jie , Juan Wang , Fang Fang

Stars: Li Qin , Qin Hao , Jason Koo , Qi Ji , Guan Xueying , Eddie Cheung

White Deer Plain (2017)

6.4 /10

Set in the eponymous White Deer Village in Shaanxi Province where the two most important families – Bai and Lu – and their sons have always lived together in peace. But the turmoil leads to a fierce struggle for land ownership. A young woman new to the village soon finds herself caught between the two camps. Director Liu Jin uses the story of these two families as a metaphor for the fate of the Chinese people as first Chinese war lords are overrun by Japanese invaders, then civil war follows hot on the heels of the Second World War and finally the victorious Maoists begin waving their red flags. The drama is based off the novel by Chen Zhong Shi.

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2017

Director: Liu Jin , Chen Zhongshi

Stars: Zhang Jiayi , He Bing , Qin Hailu , Liu Peiqi , Lei Jiayin , Zhai Tianlin

Royal Nirvana (2019 - 2020)

7.3 /10

A story that follows a Crown Prince who faces enemies from all sides and falls in love with a maidservant who wants to kill him. He is a son simply yearning for his father's love but is feared and suppressed due to his position. Despite the conflicts, the Crown Prince is a man willing to sacrifice his life and reputation for his country.

Average Episode Run Time: 40` . Year(s): 2019 - 2020

Director: Chen Wenyong , Vincent Yang , Vincent Yang

Stars: Luo Jin , Li Yitong , Huang Zhizhong , Zhang Zhijian , Miao Pu , Jin Han

Love in Flames of War (2022)

0 /10

During the period of the Republic of China, the cardamom talented girl Lin Hangjing was imprisoned because of her father’s murder. She went to her father’s friend Xiao Dashuai. Although she was under the fence, she was not humble or overbearing. Xiao Beichen, the overbearing three young master of the Xiao family, had bullied her from the very beginning to gradually attracted by her strong independence.

Average Episode Run Time: 46` . Year(s): 2022

Stars: Chen Duling , Shawn Dou , Yuan Hao , Zhao Yingzi , Lai Yi , Dong Xuan

WIND SONG (2010)

0 /10

Da Feng Ge, also known as Da Han Shengshi and Wind Song, is a Chinese television series based on historical events in the early Han Dynasty, beginning with the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Gaozu after his triumph over Xiang Yu, and the events leading to the reign of Emperor Wen. Directed by Huang Jianzhong, the series starred Ray Lui, Wang Ji, Liu Mu, Zhang Guangbei, Chen Wei and Li Qingxiang in the leading roles. It was first broadcast on CCTV-8 in China on 17 December 2011.

Average Episode Run Time: 45` . Year(s): 2010

Director: Huang Jian-Zhong

Stars: Ray Lui , Wang Ji , Zhang Guangbei , Wang Qingxiang