8 / 10 (based on 225 reviews)
The story of Shiyi, born a concubine’s daughter. She believed that women should be free to pursue a life outside of home and hoped to someday use her embroidery skills to secure her freedom. But destiny had something else in store for her.
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Wallace Chung, Hongshan He, Songyun Tan, Xiaotian Tang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
Shows Most Like Jing xin si yu (2021)
Under the Power (2019)
7.6 / 10 (based on 286 reviews)
Genius constable Yuan Jinxia and ruthless secret police officer Lu Yi are at loggerheads, but are forced to work together when the government loses one hundred thousand teals of silver. They gradually became friends and fall in love with each other. Unfortunately Yuan Jinxia finds out that her family was massacred by the secret police, and she must ultimately choose between revenge for her family or love.
Genre: Action, Drama, History, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Jialun Ren, Songyun Tan, Hong Lu, Chengru Li
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 2 episodes
Chang Ge Xing (2021)
8.3 / 10 (based on 1006 reviews)
On her quest for revenge, Li ChangGe, a discounted princess of the Tang Dynasty with military expertise, comes across AshiLe Sun, a General of the opposing Khan army.
Genre: Action, History, Romance
Main Cast: Dilraba Dilmurat, Lei Wu, Yuning Liu, Lusi Zhao
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 49 episodes
Love and Redemption (2020)
8.2 / 10 (based on 756 reviews)
According to legends, the god of war saved the heavens in a deadly battle against the demon a thousand years ago. Both fell from the heavens and disappeared from the world.
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Xueyi Liu, Cheng Yi, Gong Zhang, Crystal Yuan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 59 episodes
Chuan wen zhong de chen qian qian (2020)
7.9 / 10 (based on 712 reviews)
Chen Xiao Qian, an unknown screenwriter who’s been single since birth, worked really hard and finally finished a grand drama of a heroine. It was planned to started filming, but stopped because the actor Han Ming Xing questioned a lot about the script. One day, she accidentally got stuck in her own script and turned into the third princess of Huayan city, a city where females dominate. The third princess past self was determined to marry Han Shuo, a crown prince of the enemy city despite being engaged to Pei Heng, a ministry of education. The little support role of Third Princess revises the whole play to survive and eventually develop her relationship between prince Han Shuo and Pei Heng.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Minghao Chen, Yuxi Ding, Peilun Quan, Yinghao Sheng
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
24 episodes
Ni shi wo de cheng chi ying lei (2021)
8.1 / 10 (based on 341 reviews)
As a new resident at the bustling metropolitan hospital, Mi Ka’s life is far from boring. With a steady stream of patients to see and a variety of training exercises to complete, Mi Ka has little time for anything other than work, but she doesn’t mind. The chance to help people and save lives is all she has ever wanted and she’s happy she has finally found a way to make that dream come true. Ever one to volunteer when a new opportunity to help others arises, Mi Ka joins in a joint emergency rescue training exercise between the hospital and the police SWAT team, a decision that will change her life forever.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jingting Bai, Hao Chen, Sichun Ma, Peiyao Jiang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 40 episodes
Three Lives Three Worlds, The Pillow Book (2020)
8.1 / 10 (based on 891 reviews)
The drama depicts the love story of deities Bai Feng Jiu and Dong Hua Di Jun that spans 2000 years. A spin-off to Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossom (2017).
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Dilraba Dilmurat, Weiguang Gao, Dongheng Li, Angel Liu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 60 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Zhi fou zhi fou ying shi lü fei hong shou (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 539 reviews)
An unfavoured child of a rich family, Ming Lan studies and works hard, and falls in love with the son of a high official. Through cunning schemes, they both rise in position and work to obtain justice from those that have wronged them.
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Zanilia Zhao, Shuzhen Zhao, Shaofeng Feng, Cuifen Cao
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 73 episodes
My Sunshine (2015)
6.6 / 10 (based on 230 reviews)
While studying at university, Zhao Mosheng fell in love at first sight with law student He Yichen. Through various incidents where Mosheng “stalked” Yichen on campus, Mosheng’s cheerful personality charmed Yichen, and they slowly became college sweethearts. When Yichen’s foster sister Yimei challenged Mosheng for Yichen’s attention, Mosheng turned directly to Yichen for clarification, but did not expect to receive a cold response from him. Mistaking that Yichen and Yimei are a couple, Mosheng followed her father’s arrangements and moved to the United States to continue her studies. Seven years later, Mosheng – who is now a professional photographer – returns to China, and coincidentally bumps into the unforgettable Yichen. Since the seven years they broke up, many people stand in the way of these star-crossed lovers: Foster-sister Yimei; Mosheng’s marriage in United States; the unrelentingly infatuated ex-husband Ying Hui; as well as the financial grudges between the couple’s fathers. All these situations continue to affect the two former lovers, but instead, these misunderstandings and challenges give them a better comprehension of the love they have missed over the past seven years
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Yan Tang, Wallace Chung, Yunxi Luo, Qian Wu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 15 episodes
Ru yi fang fei (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 191 reviews)
Fu Rong, a girl who has the power to look into the future in her nightmares, tries to change it by avoiding her ill-fated relationship with the Duke. However, will destiny be so easily dissuaded?
Genre: Adventure, Romance
Main Cast: Harry Song, Jingyi Ju, Youshuo Wang, Jiaqi Xu
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 1 episode
Yu ci xiao wu zuo (2021)
7.7 / 10 (based on 160 reviews)
Set in the middle and late Tang Dynasty. Chu Chu, a young girl from coroner family in southwest mountainous area, comes alone to the capital to chase her dream of becoming a professional coroner. Prince An (Xiao Jingyu), a competent detective, accepts her as a coroner partner for mysterious cases investigation. Chu Chu, Prince, and their friends break the balance of multiple forces in the capital, figure out the truth of a blockbuster case which continued for 18 years step by step. Chu Chu and Prince get married at last.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Xiaotong Su, Zi Qi Wang, Tingdong Yang, Yaoke Zhao
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 36 episodes, 40.0-minute runtime
Yan xi gong lüe (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 1331 reviews)
A young girl searches for the truth about her older sister’s death by becoming a seamstress in the Emperor’s harem.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jinyan Wu, Yuan Nie, Enshang Liu, Charmaine Sheh
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 70 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Lang ya bang (2015)
8.9 / 10 (based on 2412 reviews)
Story about a son’s search for his family’s lost honor.
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Kei Gambit, Ge Hu, Yongdai Ding, Kai Wang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 104 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
In the vast ocean of TV shows, finding a series that stands out for its unique storytelling and captivating characters can be a challenge. However, every once in a while, a show like “Jing Xin Si Yu” (2021) comes along and manages to leave a lasting impression on its audience. This Chinese drama, also known as “Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities,” is a hidden gem that deserves a spotlight for several reasons.
The Premise
At its core, “Jing Xin Si Yu” is a fantasy romance drama that transports viewers to a world where two cities, Yudu and Tianguan, exist in harmony yet with underlying tensions. The story revolves around Su Mo, a warrior from Yudu, and Bai Ying, a princess from Tianguan. Their paths cross in a tale filled with love, betrayal, and the quest for peace between their worlds.
Why It Stands Out
Unique World-Building
One of the show’s most striking features is its world-building. The creators of “Jing Xin Si Yu” have painstakingly crafted a universe that is both fantastical and believable. The cities of Yudu and Tianguan are not just backdrops for the story; they are characters in their own right, each with its history, culture, and politics. This attention to detail creates an immersive experience for the viewer, making the fantasy world of “Jing Xin Si Yu” as real as the emotions it evokes.
Complex Characters
Forget the one-dimensional characters often found in fantasy dramas; “Jing Xin Si Yu” offers a cast of complex individuals, each with their motivations, flaws, and growth. Su Mo, for instance, is not your typical hero. His journey from a warrior seeking revenge to a leader striving for peace is filled with internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. Similarly, Bai Ying is far from a damsel in distress. She is a strong, intelligent woman caught between her duties as a princess and her desires as an individual. These characters, along with a host of others, make the story compelling and relatable.
The Power of Love and Sacrifice
At its heart, “Jing Xin Si Yu” is a love story. However, it eschews the cliches of love at first sight and happily-ever-afters for a more nuanced exploration of love’s power and its consequences. The relationship between Su Mo and Bai Ying is tested by their allegiances to their respective cities, creating a tension that drives the narrative. Their love is not just about romance; it’s about the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other and their people. This portrayal of love adds depth to the story and resonates with anyone who understands that love often involves difficult choices.
Visually Stunning
No discussion of “Jing Xin Si Yu” would be complete without mentioning its visual appeal. The show is a feast for the eyes, with stunning landscapes, intricate costumes, and impressive special effects. The visual design not only enhances the storytelling but also helps in world-building, giving viewers a vivid picture of the universe the characters inhabit.
Behind the Scenes
The success of “Jing Xin Si Yu” can be attributed to the talented team behind it. The show is based on a novel, which means the story had a strong foundation from the start. However, adapting a novel to the screen is no small feat. The writers, directors, and producers worked closely to ensure that the essence of the story was preserved while making it suitable for a television format. Additionally, the cast, led by Li Yi Feng as Su Mo and Chen Yu Qi as Bai Ying, brought the characters to life with their performances, adding layers to the narrative.
Cultural Impact
Since its release, “Jing Xin Si Yu” has not only entertained audiences but also sparked discussions about various themes it explores, such as duty versus desire, the nature of leadership, and the importance of understanding and empathy in resolving conflicts. These themes, while set in a fantastical world, are relevant in the real world, making the show more than just an escape from reality.
Conclusion
“Jing Xin Si Yu” is a testament to the power of storytelling. It combines a compelling narrative, complex characters, and stunning visuals to create a world that is both fantastical and deeply human. For those tired of the same old fantasy tropes and looking for a show that offers something different, “Jing Xin Si Yu” is worth checking out. It’s a reminder that, in the right hands, a story can be a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human heart.