The 40 most popular chinese war & politics TV shows, ranked. Click any show for ratings, reviews, trailers, and where to watch.


Joy of Life
2019
country: China
Zhang Qing, a present-day college student in culture and history major wants to study in professor Ye's postgraduate class, so he decides to write a historical fiction to elaborate his perspective of analyzing ancient literature history with modern concept. In the fiction, Zhang himself acts as a young man Fan Xian with mysterious life who lives in a remote seaside town of Kingdom Qing in his childhood, under the help of a mysterious mentor and a blindfolded watchman. Fan goes to the capital when he grows up, where he experiences plenty of ordeal and temper. Fan persists in adhering the rule of justice and goodness and lives his own glorious life.


Pursuit of Jade
2026
country: China
This drama follows Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter, and Xie Zheng, a fallen noble seeking revenge. Their fake marriage turns into true love, but war tears them apart. Determined, Fan Changyu wields her butcher’s knife on the battlefield, searching for justice and her husband. Meanwhile, Xie Zheng reclaims his title, fighting to protect his country and love. Reunited in battle, they stand together, defying fate, uncovering the truth, and returning home without forgetting their vows.


Romance of the Three Kingdoms
1994
country: China
Adapted from the classical 14th century novel of the same title by Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is part historical, part legend, and part mythical – romanticises and dramatises 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 Qin Empire
2009
country: China
The rise of the Qin state in the Warring States period during the reign of Duke Xiao of Qin.


The Advisors Alliance
2017
country: China
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?


The Legend of Qin
2007
country: China
The Legend of Qin follows the Qin dynasty from when the Emperor of the Qin, King Zheng conquered the other 6 nations and unified China, to the rise of the king of Western Chu, Xiang Yu, who capture the capital city, Xianyang.


Love Like the Galaxy
2022
country: China
Cheng Shaoshang, left behind by her parents who went off to war, faces challenges from a scheming aunt and struggles with estrangement from her family. Lacking love and security, she is cautious in choosing a marriage partner and meets three suitors: Ling Buyi, the emperor's adopted son; Yuan Shen, a talented figure from Bailu Mountain; and Lou Yao, an aristocrat. Despite a rocky path to love, Shaoshang remains steadfast. Her involvement with Ling Buyi leads them into a mystery surrounding his family and identity and together they confront a national crisis, growing through their experiences and upholding their ideals.


Ice Fantasy
2016
country: China
A century after the war between the Ice and Fire Tribes, Prince Ka Suo of the Ice Tribe becomes king, searching for his missing lover and brother. He uncovers a dark conspiracy within his tribe, unaware that his brother, now the Fire Prince with no memory of his past, is leading the Fire Tribe. As tensions rise, the brothers are forced into a new conflict, this time against each other.


Arsenal Military Academy
2019
country: China
In 1910s China, nineteen year old Xie Xiang follows in her deceased brother's footsteps and enrolls in military school disguised as a man. She befriends her fellow cadets and and earns the respect of her instructors during the intense training. However, when the unfortunate arrival of the Imperial Japanese troops creates a web of distressing conspiracies, the batch and their allies are forced to prove their courage and resilience.


The Rebel Princess
2021
country: China
A princess trapped by prophecy and political intrigue finds love with her reluctant husband as they battle rebels and fight to protect their realm.


Decisive Victory
2021
country: China
For the first time, the drama "Decisive Victory" presents a panoramic view of the three major battles of Liaoshen, Huaihai and Pingjin in the form of a TV series, presenting a dramatic battle of China's destiny. It presents the three battles in three dimensions by telling the stories of strategy, tactics and battles and presents a vivid individual in the grand war through colorful characters.


The Long Ballad
2021
country: China
Li Chang Ge's family was murdered by Li Shi Min, the Emperor of Tang, during the Xuanwu Gate Incident. She heads to Shuo Province under the guise of a man with hopes of raising an army to kill Li Shi Min to avenge her family's death. However, as a captain of the army of Shuo Province in Zhangzhou, she loses a siege by the Eastern Turkic Khaganate General Ashina Sun, who takes her to serve him as a personal military strategist.


Royal Nirvana
2019
country: China
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.


Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties
2012
country: China
Heroes emerged in large numbers during the tumultuous and short-lived Sui to early Tang dynasty period. Most famous among them are Qin Qiong, Luo Cheng, Cheng Yao Jin, Shan Xiong Xin and Wei Chi Gong, known as the "Five Tigers of Sui and Tang", who would help Li Shi Min defeat rebels and rivals and pacify the land. The drama will start with the establishment of the Sui dynasty and end with Li Shi Min's ascension to the throne.


Transcend the Gods: The Black Troop
2017
country: China
No overview available


Winter Begonia
2020
country: China
In 1937 Beijing, a revered opera star and a businessman unite to preserve culture, love, and hope as their city falls under the shadow of invasion.


Legend of Chu and Han
2012
country: China
The events in the late Qin Dynasty and the Chu–Han Contention that led to the founding of the Han Dynasty.


Yangko Dance
2015
country: China
No overview available


Da Gou Gun
2013
country: China
A folk militia leader rises during the Anti-Japanese War to fight invasion and corruption while leading a civilian resistance force in Rehe.


Wonderland of Love
2023
country: China
Li Ni, the emperor’s overlooked grandson, lives freely as a border general until duty forces him to lead the campaign against a growing rebellion. On the battlefield, he repeatedly crosses paths with Cui Lin, the spirited daughter of a famed general who fights in disguise as a lieutenant. Their strategic duels and constant one-upmanship soon give way to a deeper bond, as rivalry slowly blossoms into love amid the chaos of war.


White Deer Plain
2017
country: China
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.


Who Rules The World
2022
country: China
A legendary wuxia romance that focuses on the decade-long romance between Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi, and the adventures they embark on together.


Sparrow
2016
country: China
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)


For the Sake of the Republic
2003
country: China
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.


地火
2012
country: China
No overview available


Ace Troops
2021
country: China
In a time span of nearly 40 years, the series tells the story of a group of young soldiers going through hardship and forging ahead to become the aces of the troop.


Eternal Brotherhood
2024
country: China
In the war-ravaged land of Zichuan, a heroic general and his sworn brothers battle internal rebellion and an invading enemy. As they fight to protect their homeland and loved ones, they forge a powerful tale of loyalty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of peace.


Burning Flames
2024
country: China
After the fall of his kingdom and the slaughter of his family, Prince Wu Geng is forced into slavery, but fueled by grief and guided by powerful allies, he rises to challenge the mighty Yun clan and reclaim his destiny.


The Line
2009
country: China
No overview available


The Legend of Xiao Chuo
2020
country: China
Late in the 10th century, the Liao dynasty is at the zenith of its power. The omnipotent Liao rule much of what is now Northeast China, Mongolia, Russia, and much of the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Xiao Si Wen and Princess Yan have three daughters, with the youngest, Xiao Chao, their favourite. Her heart belongs to the aspiring military commander, Han De Rang, whose family have served the Liao loyally for decades. However, her parents have other plans, sucessfully arranging her marriage to Liao Emperor, Jin Zhong, whom she eventually concedes to marry. As the Emperor’s queen, she becomes a fierce defender of the Liao by assisting in mobilizing the army, heading a 10,000-strong cavalry and providing support to the civil administration. Eventually, she will earn the title of Empress.


Thin Ice
2023
country: China
In 1943 Shanghai, military agent Chen Qian, tasked with assassinating a Japanese official, uncovers a conspiracy. Disguised as a Japanese envoy, he infiltrates enemy territory, relying on the help of Communist Party member Chun Yang to thwart the invaders' plans.


Liberation of Shanghai
2022
country: China
The series provides a comprehensive look at Communist Party of China members' attempts to reconstruct the city and resurrect its economy after Shanghai was liberated in May 1949. It depicts how the Party liberates the city and uses its wisdom, faith and unity to tackle a number of political, economic and social issues. They were successful in guiding Shanghai into a new era of peace, stability and development. Based on true historical events, the drama focuses on the challenges faced by the city leaders in the first year after liberation. Party members had to fight bandits and enemy agents to stabilize social and political order and restore the city's production and trade.


The Vendetta of An
2025
country: China
Xie Huai'an, son of the Huben Army's creator, survives his family's massacre. After ten long years in hiding, he returns to Chang'an disguised as a lowly registrar, moving step by step through jianghu clashes and palace power plays in a tense battle of wits to avenge his family and safeguard the realm.


In the Name of the Brother
2024
country: China
In 1945, Harbin has come under the rule of Japan's puppet state known as Manchukuo. Communist agent Song Zhuo Wen successfully infiltrates Harbin Secret Service where Guan Xue holds a post as the chief of special police.


The Legend of Kublai Khan
2013
country: China
No overview available


The Message
2020
country: China
1942, Nanjing. Following a series of assassination attempts on officials of the Japanese-controlled puppet government, the Japanese spy chief gathers a group of suspects in a mansion for questioning, and eventually, torturing. A tense game of "cat and mouse" ensues as the Chinese code-breaker attempts to send out a crucial message while protecting his/her own identity.


霹雳勇士之元气勇者
2014
country: China
No overview available


The Princess Weiyoung
2016
country: China
A princess descended from a ruined noble family disguises herself as the woman who saved her life and embarks on a mission to avenge her loved ones.


The Song of Glory
2020
country: China
In the Liu Song dynasty, Chancellor Liu Yikang seeks to reform a corrupt government by marrying Shen Lige, a woman from a powerful military family. As they fight to implement change, political rivals strike back, leading to the downfall of the Shen family. Driven by grief and vengeance, Shen Lige rises to challenge the forces that destroyed her world.


腾飞五千年
2014
country: China
No overview available
Chinese television is built around costume drama and wuxia serials running to substantial episode counts, with a production scale that has few equivalents anywhere.
War and political series use serial length to show process: campaigns, negotiations, and institutions grinding forward. The genre works best when it's interested in systems rather than just speeches.