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Have You Been Searching for Shows Like Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace to Satisfy Your Palace Drama Cravings?
Are you still mesmerized by the intricate palace politics and heart-wrenching romance of Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace? You’re in the right place if you’ve finished this masterpiece and crave more historical Chinese dramas with similar depth and emotional intensity. We’ve discovered seven exceptional shows that capture the same essence of court intrigue, complex relationships, and stunning period details that made Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace so captivating.
What Makes Shows Similar to Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace Special?
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s understand what makes dramas similar to Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace so engaging:
- Rich historical settings and authentic period costumes
- Complex palace politics and power struggles
- Deep emotional storytelling
- Strong female protagonists
- Intricate relationships and alliances
Our Top 7 Picks for Series Like Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace
1. Story of Yanxi Palace

This compelling drama has captured audiences worldwide with its stunning portrayal of palace intrigue and female empowerment. Set in the Qing Dynasty, Story of Yanxi Palace follows Wei Yingluo, a determined young woman who enters the Forbidden City seeking justice for her sister’s death.
The series stars Wu Jinyan, Charmaine Sheh, and Qin Lan, with director Hui Kaidong at the helm. Released in 2018, it runs for 70 episodes, each packed with stunning visuals and intricate storytelling. The production’s attention to historical detail and costume design rivals that of programs akin to Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace.
With over 15 billion views online and an IMDb rating of 8.2/10, Story of Yanxi Palace became one of the most-watched shows in Chinese television history. The series earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards for its production quality and performances.
You can stream this gem with English subtitles on iQiyi, Viki, and YouTube.
Why watch it? Suppose you enjoyed the political maneuvering and character development in Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace. In that case, you’ll be captivated by Wei Yingluo’s journey from a determined servant to a powerful figure in the imperial court.
2. Empresses in the Palace
Also known as The Legend of Zhen Huan, this masterpiece explores a young concubine’s life navigating the imperial Palace’s treacherous waters during the Qing Dynasty.
The series features Sun Li in a career-defining performance as Zhen Huan, supported by an exceptional cast including Chen Jianbin and Carina Lau. Director Zheng Xiaolong crafted this 76-episode epic, originally aired in 2011 and remains one of the most influential TV shows resembling Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace.
The show achieved remarkable success with an IMDb rating of 8.6/10 and garnered international attention, including a shortened version released on Netflix. Its over 100 million yuan production budget resulted in stunning visuals and authentic period details.
Available on YouTube, Viki, and select regional streaming platforms.
Why watch it? This series’s psychological depth and character development are unparalleled, making it a perfect choice for fans seeking dramas similar to Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace.
3. The Legend of Mi Yue
Set in the Warring States period, this epic historical drama follows Mi Yue’s transformation from a Qin State princess to becoming China’s first known female regent, making it a compelling choice for those seeking dramas similar to Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
Starring Sun Li (who also appeared in Empresses in the Palace) alongside Liu Tao and Alex Fong, this masterpiece was directed by Lee Wai-chu and spans 81 episodes. Released in 2015, the series showcases the grandeur of ancient Chinese history with meticulous attention to period details and costume design.
The Legend of Mi Yue achieved remarkable success with an average viewership rating of 2%, peaking at 2.82%, making it one of the most-watched historical dramas of the year. The series holds an impressive IMDb rating of 8.4/10 and received multiple awards for its production design and performances.
Available for streaming on Viki, YouTube, and WeTV with English subtitles.
Why watch it? Suppose you appreciate the female empowerment themes in shows like Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace. In that case, Mi Yue’s journey from princess to powerful regent offers an equally compelling narrative of determination and political acumen.
4. Palace: The Lock Heart Jade
This visually stunning series presents a unique take on palace drama by following a modern woman who mysteriously travels back to the Qing Dynasty, offering a fresh perspective for viewers seeking streaming options like Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
The series features Yang Mi, Feng Shaofeng, and Mickey He in leading roles, with director Li Huizhu crafting an engaging 35-episode narrative. Released in 2011, the show combines traditional palace drama elements with a contemporary twist.
Palace: The Lock Heart Jade garnered significant commercial success, achieving over 400 million online views during its initial run. The series maintains a solid 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and received praise for its innovative approach to the genre.
Watch this series on iQiyi and Viki and select regional streaming platforms.
Why watch it? The show’s unique time-travel premise contrasts traditional palace dramas while maintaining the core elements of romance and intrigue that fans of TV shows resembling Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace enjoy.
5. Scarlet Heart

Also known as Bu Bu Jing Xin, this beloved series tells the story of a modern woman who finds herself transported to the Qing Dynasty during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor, making it one of the most compelling programs akin to Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
The series stars Liu Shishi, Nicky Wu, and Cecilia Liu under the skilled direction of Lee Kwok-lap. Released in 2011 with 35 episodes, the show revolutionized the historical drama genre with its emotional depth and innovative storytelling.
Scarlet Heart achieved phenomenal success with over 2 billion online views and an IMDb rating of 8.7/10. The show’s popularity led to multiple international remakes and established a new standard for historical dramas.
Available on Viki, YouTube, and various regional streaming platforms with English subtitles.
Why watch it? The series offers a perfect blend of romance, political intrigue, and time-travel elements that will captivate fans of series like Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace while providing a unique narrative perspective.
6. Ming Dynasty
This grand historical epic focuses on the founding of the Ming Dynasty, offering viewers seeking shows similar to Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace a glimpse into an earlier period of Chinese history.
Starring Tang Wei, Zhu Yawen, and Huang Xuan, with director Zhang Sheng at the helm, this 62-episode series released in 2019 presents a sweeping narrative of power, love, and sacrifice during one of China’s most pivotal historical periods.
The series achieved considerable commercial success with over 1 billion online views and maintains an IMDb rating of 7.9/10. Its production value and historical accuracy received particular praise from critics and audiences alike.
You can stream Ming Dynasty on iQiyi, WeTV, and YouTube with English subtitles.
Why watch it? While set in a different dynasty, the series maintains the high production values and complex political narratives that fans of dramas similar to Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace expect while offering fresh historical context.
7. The Rise of Phoenixes
Rounding out our list is this visually stunning drama that follows the story of a woman who disguises herself as a man to seek revenge, providing a unique twist for viewers looking for TV shows resembling Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
Starring Chen Kun and Ni Ni, under the direction of Shen Yan and Liu Haibo, this 70-episode series released in 2018 showcases extraordinary production values and compelling storytelling. The show’s international release on Netflix brought it to a global audience.
The Rise of Phoenixes garnered critical acclaim with an IMDb rating of 8.5/10 and received multiple awards for its cinematography and performances. Its Netflix release marked a significant milestone for Chinese historical dramas in the international market.
Available on Netflix globally with multiple subtitle options and on regional platforms.
Why watch it? The series offers a perfect combination of revenge plot, political intrigue, and romantic elements that will satisfy fans of shows like Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace while providing its unique narrative approach.
Where to Watch These Palace Dramas
Finding streaming options like Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace can be challenging outside of Asia. Here’s a quick guide to accessing these shows:
- Most are available on Viki with subtitles
- YouTube often hosts official channels with full episodes
- Regional streaming services like iQiyi and WeTV
- Some shows have international versions on Netflix
FAQ: Common Questions About Chinese Palace Dramas
Q: Are these shows available with English subtitles?
A: Most series like Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace offer English subtitles on major streaming platforms.
Q: How long are these dramas typically?
A: Chinese historical dramas usually run between 40-80 episodes, each lasting 45-50 minutes.
Q: Do I need to understand Chinese history to enjoy these shows?
A: While historical knowledge can enhance your viewing experience, these dramas are written to be accessible to all audiences.
Q: Are these shows historically accurate?
A: Based on historical events, these series take creative liberties for dramatic effect.
Final Thoughts
These seven shows offer the perfect blend of drama, romance, and historical intrigue for fans seeking more content similar to Ruyis Royal Love in the Palace. Each series brings its unique perspective to the genre while maintaining the high production values and compelling storytelling viewers expect from top-tier Chinese historical dramas.
Whether you’re drawn to political intrigue, romantic storylines, or historical details, these series provide hundreds of hours of engaging entertainment. Start with the one that most interests you, and prepare to be transported into another fascinating chapter of Chinese imperial history.