《逐玉》 Pursuit of Jade has hit the world by storm, and everyone has been talking about it. You’re probably here because you’ve just finished Pursuit of Jade and don’t know what to watch next.
If 《逐玉》 Pursuit of Jade is your first Chinese historical drama, then you’ve just stepped into a whole new world of beautiful costumes, visuals and heart-dripping stories. Sleep may become a problem.
Below are five Chinese historical dramas that I recommend, with a little bonus at the end.
Five Chinese historical dramas you should watch after 《逐玉》 Pursuit of Jade
《与凤行》 The Legend of Shen Li
《与凤行》 The Legend of Shen Li is a historical fantasy (xianxia) drama about the love between a deity and a general from the spirit realm who flees her arranged marriage. Their love takes them on a journey of self-discovery and friendship, and eventually leads them to uncover the mystery of their realm.
Added bonus: there’s a hidden identity with a calm slice-of-life subplot at the beginning, very 《逐玉》 Pursuit of Jade vibe.
Shen Li is one of my favourite female characters in historical drama. She is strong (physically), independent, strong-minded and knows exactly what she needs to do for her people.
《九重紫》 Blossom
Love the cinematic style of 《逐玉》 Pursuit of Jade? Then check out 《九重紫》 Blossom. It’s directed by the same director.
Instead of a physically strong female lead, 《九重紫》 Blossom offers a strong, intelligent female lead, who was given a second chance in life, transported back to her teenage years. To change her fate, she spends her teenage years planning for the future by educating herself in politics, business and more!
The couple’s relationship is one of the best I’ve seen in Chinese drama. They support each other with none of the misunderstandings that are so common in many dramas.
《墨雨云间》 The Double
《墨雨云间》 The Double tells the story of Zhang Li, who “comes back from the dead” and takes revenge on all those who wronged her and her friend. At the same time, she falls in love with a super handsome noble!
The romantic relationship in 《墨雨云间》 The Double takes a back seat, and the male lead plays a more passive role, quietly supporting the female lead in achieving her goals. The focus is on the female lead, Zhang Li.
《墨雨云间》 The Double is perfect if you’re looking for a satisfying revenge story with a strong, badass and intelligent female lead. It’s one of my favourite dramas in recent years.
《锦月如歌》 Legend of the Female General
Don’t be fooled by the name, 《锦月如歌》 Legend of the Female General is light-hearted and more romance-focused. We have the hidden identity trope, but instead of the male lead, as in Pursuit of Jade, it’s the female lead.
《锦月如歌》 Legend of the Female General follows the story of He Yan, who has been posing for her brother for many years. With the return of her brother, she loses everything she had worked for, including her title. Vowing to reclaim everything, she assumes a new identity and disguises herself as a man to join the military.
If you can’t get enough of kickass female generals, then 《锦月如歌》 Legend of the Female General is a great choice!
《云之羽》 My Journey to You
Is Zhang Ling He the reason for your Pursuit of Jade obsession? Then you probably want to watch some of his other works.
《云之羽》 My Journey to You is a show to try. It is a very different show from Pursuit of Jade. Firstly, the visuals are much darker with beautiful dark costumes and well-directed action scenes. And secondly, the story is more complex, with a strong focus on character development and uncovering the truths about their world.
What is similar, besides the male lead being played by Zhang Ling He, is the effect that’s been put into the side characters. They each have distinct personalities and interesting goals and stories. They’re very well written.
Word of warning, not all the questions are answered, and I’ve been hoping for a season two.
Learn Chinese
Not a drama, but something that may be on the back of your mind.
If you’ve fallen in love with Pursuit of Love or historical Chinese dramas so deeply that you want to learn Chinese, but think it’s a stupid idea? Let me tell you, it’s the best idea, it’s not stupid at all.
Being crazily obsessed with media is the perfect goal that will lead to success – it’s fun, personal and ignites a deep emotion! The type of emotion that will keep you motivated. Motivation and consistency are the keys to success.
