Little Cozy Solace

There’s something truly enchanting about Chinese costume dramas — the sweeping romances, intricate palace politics, fantasy realms, and strong-willed heroines. But what really elevates the experience for me are the graceful, cinematic fight scenes that blend artistry with action. They’re not just battles — they’re beautifully choreographed storytelling in motion. In fact, it’s because of these extravagant, captivating scenes that I managed to get my husband completely hooked on these dramas too! Here are my current Top 5 Favorite Chinese Historical/Fantasy Dramas — each one a masterpiece in its own right.

⭐ 1. (Tie) Love Like the Galaxy (星汉灿烂)

A slow-burn romance wrapped in a coming-of-age story, Love Like the Galaxy follows Cheng Shaoshang, a neglected but clever young woman navigating a society that constantly underestimates her. I absolutely love how both the male and female leads have strong, compelling characters — Cheng Shaoshang with her fiery resilience, and Ling Bu Yi with his silent strength and loyalty. One of the most captivating parts of the drama is how the backstory of Cheng Shaoshang slowly unfolds, revealing the roots of her inner conflict and mistrust. It’s emotional, beautifully written, and full of rich character development against a backdrop of palace intrigue and war.

⭐ 1. (Tie) Blossoms in Adversity (惜花芷)

A gem of a story about resilience, strategy, and heart. Hua Zhi, once a noblewoman, faces adversity with intelligence and grace after her family’s fall from favor. What I especially love is that she doesn’t play the typical damsel in distress — instead, she fights her battles with wisdom, wit, and inner strength. She’s calm, calculated, and deeply admirable.

And let’s talk about the male lead — he’s one of my absolute favorite Chinese actors. He brings the perfect mix of charm, humor, and charisma, making every scene he’s in enjoyable. His fighting scenes are so elegant and fluid, it’s like watching a choreographed dance. Their chemistry and complementary strengths make this drama emotionally rich and highly satisfying to watch.

Scene from Blossoms in Adversity – Source: Tencent Video / TMDB, used under fair use for commentary.

🥈 2. Who Rules the World (且试天下)

Elegant and action-packed, this wuxia romance follows Bai Fengxi and Hei Fengxi — both powerful and strategic, but also secretly carrying royal identities.

I love how their relationship is built on mutual respect, teasing, and trust. The action scenes are breathtakingly choreographed, and their chemistry feels so natural. Watching them fight side by side is incredibly satisfying — it’s like power couple goals in ancient times!

And of course, one of the things I absolutely loved about this drama is that it stars Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi as the leads. Their on-screen synergy is magnetic — their personalities complement each other beautifully, with her charm and spirit balancing his cool-headed strength.

I’ve always admired Yang Yang’s fight scenes — they’re precise, fluid, and powerful, almost like poetry in motion. He plays the cold, composed Hei Fengxi so well, but what really stands out is how he subtly brings in emotional depth, loyalty, and vulnerability beneath that icy exterior. He doesn’t just play a strong character — he becomes someone who commands presence without needing to speak, yet when he does, his words carry so much quiet intensity. It made his character incredibly compelling to watch.

Drama: Who Rules the World (且试天下)

Characters: Hei Fengxi (Yang Yang) & Bai Fengxi (Zhao Lusi)

Source: Pinterest – Who Rules the World

🥉 

3. Guardians of Dafeng (大奉打更人)

A refreshing mix of mystery, politics, and the supernatural.

We just recently finished this drama, and overall, we really enjoyed it. The mystery was well-written and kept us guessing, and both my husband and I loved the clever fight scenes — they were sharp, strategic, and intense.

What hooked me the most was the clever and morally complex main character — he’s definitely not your typical noble hero. He uses his brains over brute strength and isn’t afraid to challenge authority or operate in the gray areas. The drama gradually uncovers layer upon layer of corruption, secrets, and loyalty, making it feel like a gripping political thriller with a fantasy twist.

That said, there was one major downside for us: we really did not like the female lead. Her character felt frustrating and mismatched, and we honestly hated that she was paired with the male lead. It felt like a forced connection that lacked chemistry.

But despite that, we absolutely loved the supporting characters — each one had their own growth and arcs that made them stand out. It was so satisfying to see how their relationships and dynamics evolved.

We’re now eagerly waiting for the next part of this drama — hoping it brings even more suspense, action, and perhaps a better romantic development.

Drama: Guardians of the Dafeng (大奉打更人)

Featured Characters: Xu Qi’an and the elite Dafeng Nightwatch division

🧧 4. Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (东游记之镜花缘)

A lesser-known but beautifully imaginative drama that truly surprised me.

This one swept me away with its dreamlike visuals and poetic storytelling — it felt like stepping into a living painting. I loved how fate and love were explored through themes of reincarnation, destiny, and magical realms. It’s not overly dramatic, but it still hits you emotionally in the most unexpected, quiet ways.

One of the highlights for me is the quirky, energetic female lead. She brought such charm and unpredictability to every scene. I really enjoyed how her personality played off the more serious male lead — they had great chemistry, and their connection felt both fun and sincere.

Their romance wasn’t just built on grand gestures, but on small, meaningful moments and shared purpose. I found myself smiling at their banter, and at times unexpectedly moved by how they supported each other through different lifetimes and trials.

The drama also stands out for its spiritual and mythological themes, which gave it a unique tone compared to most palace dramas. It made me reflect on how love can transcend time and identity — a bittersweet but comforting thought.

It’s the kind of series that leaves you feeling peaceful and nostalgic when it ends. A gentle fantasy gem I’m glad I didn’t miss.

🧚‍♀️ 

5. Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀)

A fantasy romance that masterfully blends humor, heartbreak, action, and healing — this drama quickly became one of my ultimate comfort watches.

Orchid and Dongfang Qingcang are the perfect example of “opposites attract.” She’s kind, naive, and full of light, while he’s cold, powerful, and emotionally shut off. But watching their relationship slowly evolve from hostility to deep, soul-stirring love was just magical. I loved how their bond grew through shared moments of vulnerability, sacrifice, and trust — it was emotional, raw, and absolutely beautiful.

Their romance felt both epic and intimate, full of adorable bickering, touching sacrifices, and scenes that made my heart ache (in the best way). One moment you’re laughing at Orchid’s innocence, and the next, you’re crying over how much they’re willing to give up for one another.

And let’s talk about Dylan Wang as Dongfang Qingcang — wow. He was so dashing, commanding, and charismatic, especially in the battle scenes. His fighting style was elegant but fierce, like a true warrior god. Every scene he was in had presence, whether he was destroying armies or quietly watching Orchid sleep. His portrayal added so much depth and dimension to what could’ve been a one-note “cold villain” role.

The visual effects were absolutely stunning, from the enchanting fairy realm to the dark moon tribe landscapes. It really felt like a fairytale world brought to life. But what made it memorable was that it wasn’t just fantasy fluff — it had real emotional weight, especially in how it explored healing, forgiveness, and the power of love to change even the darkest heart.

If you love fantasy romance with emotional highs and lows, this drama is a must-watch.

“Even the darkest night will end, and love will bloom — where a fairy’s light meets a demon’s shadow.”

💫 Dylan Wang as Dongfang Qingcang and Esther Yu as Xiao Lanhua in Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022).

📸 Source: Bing Images / Amazon

💬 Final Thoughts

Chinese costume and historical dramas have a unique way of capturing the heart — from sweeping romances to breathtaking fight scenes, and unforgettable characters. These are just my personal top picks (for now!), and I’m always open to discovering more hidden gems.

👉 What are your favorite Chinese dramas?

Have you watched any from my list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments — or feel free to drop a recommendation! I’d love to check out what others are loving too.

📝 Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to follow or bookmark if you enjoy drama reviews like this!