Chinese Drama/Series
Introduction Profile of Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花
Title: 三生三世十里桃花 (Eternal Love)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Historical Drama
Director: Lin Yufen
Adapted From: The novel To the Sky Kingdom (三生三世十里桃花) by Tang Qi Gongzi
Main Cast: Yang Mi, Mark Chao, Dilraba Dilmurat
Episodes: 58
Original Network: Tencent Video, Zhejiang TV
Release Date: January 30, 2017
Overview
Eternal Love, also known by its Chinese title 三生三世十里桃花 (Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms), is one of the most popular and widely acclaimed Chinese dramas in recent years. The series, which aired in early 2017, is based on the hit novel To the Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi Gongzi. It tells the sweeping, multi-layered love story of Bai Qian, a powerful fox goddess, and Ye Hua, a celestial prince. Their love spans three lifetimes, filled with heartbreak, misunderstandings, sacrifice, and ultimate reconciliation.
Set in a fantasy world where immortals, demons, and mortals coexist, the series blends romance, adventure, and traditional Chinese mythology, making it a hallmark of the xianxia genre—a genre known for its focus on immortals, magical realms, and cultivation.
The show’s incredible popularity helped redefine the fantasy genre in Chinese television, breaking viewership records both domestically and internationally. Eternal Love boasts stunning visuals, elaborate costume designs, and a well-crafted narrative that captivated viewers across China and abroad, establishing it as a cultural phenomenon.
Plot Summary
The central plot of Eternal Love follows the intertwined destinies of Bai Qian (played by Yang Mi), the goddess of the Fox Clan, and Ye Hua (played by Mark Chao), the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Tribe. Their story, marked by love, heartbreak, and sacrifice, unfolds over the span of three lifetimes:
- First Lifetime – Si Yin and Mo Yuan:
Bai Qian initially appears in her first incarnation as Si Yin, the only female disciple of the revered god Mo Yuan (also played by Mark Chao). Si Yin trains under Mo Yuan to become a powerful immortal. When a great war breaks out between the Celestial Tribe and the Demon Tribe, Mo Yuan sacrifices himself to seal away the demon lord Qing Cang, leaving Si Yin heartbroken. - Second Lifetime – Su Su and Ye Hua:
After losing her memory, Bai Qian reincarnates as a mortal woman named Su Su, who meets and falls in love with Ye Hua, the Crown Prince of the Celestial Tribe. Unaware of her true identity as the goddess Bai Qian, Su Su endures countless trials in her relationship with Ye Hua, facing the interference of the Heavenly Empress and enduring great pain. This lifetime ends in tragedy when Su Su loses her eyes and jumps off the Zhu Xian Terrace, believing Ye Hua has betrayed her. - Third Lifetime – Bai Qian and Ye Hua:
In her third life, Bai Qian returns to her true identity and reclaims her memories. Ye Hua, who has never forgotten Su Su and has carried the guilt of their ill-fated love, seeks to win back Bai Qian’s heart. As they reunite, the threat of Qing Cang’s return looms large, forcing them to confront their pasts and face a new set of challenges to be together.
The narrative is interspersed with numerous supporting characters and side plots, such as the love triangle between Feng Jiu (played by Dilraba Dilmurat), the youngest member of the Fox Clan, and Dong Hua Dijun (played by Gao Weiguang), an ancient celestial god. Their story serves as a compelling subplot, adding emotional depth and complexity to the overall series.
Characters
- Bai Qian (Yang Mi)
Bai Qian is the central female protagonist of Eternal Love. A powerful goddess and the future queen of the Fox Clan, Bai Qian is courageous, strong-willed, and independent. She endures great hardship over the course of the series, particularly in her second lifetime as Su Su, when she loses her memory and faces overwhelming emotional pain. Bai Qian’s journey from innocence to maturity forms the emotional heart of the series. - Ye Hua (Mark Chao)
Ye Hua is the male lead of the series, a formidable celestial prince known for his stoic and composed demeanor. Though he appears cold at first, Ye Hua’s deep love for Bai Qian/Su Su and his sense of duty are central to his character. His internal struggle between his personal desires and responsibilities as Crown Prince creates much of the emotional tension in the story. Ye Hua’s love for Bai Qian transcends time and lifetimes, and his loyalty and sacrifice make him a deeply beloved character. - Mo Yuan (Mark Chao)
In addition to playing Ye Hua, Mark Chao also portrays Mo Yuan, Ye Hua’s older brother and Bai Qian’s mentor in her first lifetime as Si Yin. Mo Yuan is a revered and respected god who sacrifices himself to defeat the demon lord Qing Cang. His relationship with Bai Qian is marked by deep respect and platonic love. - Feng Jiu (Dilraba Dilmurat)
Feng Jiu is Bai Qian’s niece and the youngest member of the Fox Clan. Her love story with Dong Hua Dijun forms a significant subplot in the series. Feng Jiu is playful, bold, and determined, especially when it comes to pursuing Dong Hua, an ancient and powerful god who initially shows little interest in romantic attachment. - Dong Hua Dijun (Gao Weiguang)
Dong Hua is one of the most powerful gods in the Celestial Realm. His seemingly cold and indifferent demeanor belies a complex personality. Dong Hua’s relationship with Feng Jiu is characterized by a push-and-pull dynamic, as he gradually learns to open his heart to love.
Themes and Symbolism
Eternal Love explores a variety of themes that resonate deeply with audiences, contributing to its wide appeal:
- Love and Sacrifice:
Central to the story is the theme of love and the sacrifices it demands. Bai Qian and Ye Hua’s love story is marked by repeated trials, misunderstandings, and heartbreak. The theme of eternal love, as suggested by the title, is woven throughout the narrative, as their love transcends lifetimes and identities. - Fate and Destiny:
The series also delves into questions of fate and destiny, as Bai Qian and Ye Hua are repeatedly drawn to each other across lifetimes. The inevitability of their connection raises the question of whether love is predestined or shaped by the choices one makes. The idea that certain relationships are “fated” forms the backbone of many of the series’ plotlines. - Immortality and Mortality:
As an xianxia (immortal heroes) drama, Eternal Love contrasts the world of immortals with that of mortals. Characters like Bai Qian and Ye Hua grapple with the consequences of immortality, particularly when it comes to love and loss. Mortality, though viewed as a weakness by some immortals, is portrayed as the key to understanding the depths of human emotion. - Duty and Personal Desire:
Many of the characters in Eternal Love, especially Ye Hua, are torn between their responsibilities to their respective clans or realms and their personal desires. The tension between duty and personal happiness is a recurring theme, as characters struggle to reconcile their love with their societal roles. - Transformation and Growth:
Throughout the series, the characters undergo significant transformations, both emotional and spiritual. Bai Qian’s journey from Si Yin to Su Su to her true self as the Queen of the Fox Clan reflects her personal growth and the emotional scars she carries from her experiences. Similarly, Ye Hua’s journey from an unfeeling prince to a deeply passionate man illustrates the transformative power of love.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Eternal Love was a major cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2017. The series achieved immense popularity in China, breaking viewership records and dominating online discussions. It was praised for its intricate plot, strong performances, and high production values, particularly its beautiful cinematography and costume design. The series also enjoyed widespread international success, gaining a substantial following in countries like South Korea, Thailand, and the United States.
The chemistry between Yang Mi and Mark Chao was one of the driving forces behind the show’s success. Their portrayal of Bai Qian and Ye Hua captured the intense emotional stakes of their characters’ love story, earning them a loyal fan base. Dilraba Dilmurat’s portrayal of Feng Jiu also garnered widespread praise, leading to her reprising the role in a spinoff series, Eternal Love of Dream.
The series’ success has led to numerous adaptations, including a 2017 film adaptation titled Once Upon a Time (starring Liu Yifei and Yang Yang), though the film did not achieve the same level of success as the television series.
Eternal Love remains one of the most beloved Chinese fantasy dramas, celebrated for its grand storytelling, emotional depth, andEternal Love (三生三世十里桃花) is a 2017 Chinese fantasy drama series based on the popular novel To the Sky Kingdom by Tang Qi Gongzi. Directed by Lin Yufen, the series stars Yang Mi as Bai Qian and Mark Chao as Ye Hua, with Dilraba Dilmurat in a prominent supporting role. The plot revolves around Bai Qian, a goddess of the Fox Clan, and her love story with Ye Hua, the Crown Prince of the Celestial Tribe. Their love transcends three lifetimes, filled with trials, misunderstandings, and emotional sacrifices.
In her first lifetime, Bai Qian, as Si Yin, is a disciple of Mo Yuan and experiences heartbreak after his sacrifice in a war against the Demon Tribe. In her second lifetime, she reincarnates as Su Su, a mortal who falls in love with Ye Hua, unaware of her true identity. Tragedy strikes when Su Su is separated from Ye Hua, leading to her death. In her third lifetime, Bai Qian reclaims her memories and faces the lingering emotional wounds of her past as she reunites with Ye Hua. Their complex relationship, filled with longing and heartache, forms the emotional core of the series.
The show explores themes of love and sacrifice, fate and destiny, and the tension between immortality and mortality. Characters grapple with their duties as immortals while facing the emotional complexities of love, loss, and loyalty. The contrast between mortal frailty and immortal power adds depth to the plot, highlighting how these characters must navigate their desires alongside their responsibilities.
Bai Qian is portrayed as a strong yet vulnerable character, transitioning from an innocent disciple to a goddess weighed down by the consequences of her past. Ye Hua is depicted as a stoic, determined prince, whose devotion to Bai Qian spans lifetimes. Supporting characters like Feng Jiu (Dilraba Dilmurat) and Dong Hua Dijun (Gao Weiguang) add another layer of romantic complexity to the narrative.
The series was praised for its stunning visuals, elaborate costume designs, and its emotional depth. The production employed rich aesthetics to bring to life the heavenly realms and mystical forests that serve as the story’s backdrop. Yang Mi and Mark Chao’s chemistry was a major factor in the series’ success, drawing viewers into their characters’ emotional journey. The show also benefited from Dilraba Dilmurat’s rising popularity, further boosting its appeal.
Internationally, Eternal Love gained a strong following, breaking viewership records and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its exploration of timeless themes like love, loyalty, and destiny, combined with the xianxia (immortal heroes) genre’s magical and mythological setting, made it a standout series in both China and abroad.