Chinese Drama/Series
Introduction to Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略)
Title: Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略)
Genre: Historical Drama, Romance
Director: Hui Kaidong
Production Company: Huanyu Film
Main Cast: Wu Jinyan, Charmaine Sheh, Qin Lan, Nie Yuan, Xu Kai
Episodes: 70
Original Network: iQiyi
Release Date: July 19, 2018
Overview
Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略) is a Chinese historical drama that became a global sensation after its release in 2018. Set during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, the series follows the journey of Wei Yingluo, a palace maid who rises through the ranks of the imperial harem to become a favored consort. The drama intricately weaves together themes of revenge, intrigue, romance, and palace politics, showcasing the cutthroat nature of life in the Forbidden City.
Produced by Huanyu Film, Story of Yanxi Palace quickly became one of the most-watched dramas in China and internationally. Its success can be attributed to its fast-paced narrative, strong character development, stunning costumes, and intricate portrayal of court life during the Qing Dynasty. The series also gained attention for its depiction of female empowerment and its refreshing focus on a strong, intelligent protagonist who challenges traditional expectations of women in historical dramas.
Plot Summary
Set in the opulent Forbidden City during Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1735-1796), Story of Yanxi Palace follows Wei Yingluo (played by Wu Jinyan), a young, determined woman who enters the palace as a seamstress. Her main objective is to uncover the truth behind her sister’s mysterious death, which she believes was caused by a powerful nobleman. Yingluo’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and wit quickly set her apart, and she navigates the dangerous palace environment by forming alliances and outwitting her enemies.
At the start, Wei Yingluo works her way up from the lowest ranks, encountering treachery, betrayal, and power struggles among the concubines. She initially enters the service of Empress Fuca (Qin Lan), the virtuous wife of Emperor Qianlong (Nie Yuan). Under Empress Fuca’s guidance, Yingluo learns palace etiquette and begins her transformation from a maid into a trusted attendant.
As Yingluo grows closer to the Empress, she becomes embroiled in the complex dynamics of the imperial harem, where women vie for the Emperor’s favor and survival. The series highlights Yingluo’s fierce loyalty to Empress Fuca, but after the Empress’s tragic death, Yingluo swears revenge against those responsible. She eventually catches the eye of Emperor Qianlong and becomes one of his favored consorts, much to the dismay of her rivals, particularly Consort Xian (played by Charmaine Sheh), who is one of the most cunning and powerful women in the palace.
Through her intelligence, perseverance, and strategic thinking, Yingluo not only uncovers the truth behind her sister’s death but also solidifies her position within the imperial court, all while seeking justice and protecting herself from the palace’s many intrigues.
Main Characters
- Wei Yingluo (吴谨言 as 魏璎珞)
Wei Yingluo is the central protagonist of Story of Yanxi Palace. Intelligent, bold, and fiercely determined, she enters the palace seeking revenge for her sister’s death. Unlike many typical heroines of historical dramas, Yingluo is not afraid to take risks, manipulate situations, or confront her enemies head-on. Over the course of the series, she evolves from a lowly maid to one of Emperor Qianlong’s most trusted consorts, using her sharp wit and adaptability to navigate palace politics. - Empress Fuca (秦岚 as 富察皇后)
Empress Fuca is the kind-hearted and virtuous wife of Emperor Qianlong. She is deeply beloved by the Emperor and is known for her fairness and compassion. Throughout the series, she forms a close bond with Yingluo, acting as a mentor to her. However, her tragic fate serves as a turning point for Yingluo’s character development. - Emperor Qianlong (聂远 as 乾隆皇帝)
Emperor Qianlong is the ruler of the Qing Dynasty, a powerful and often mercurial leader. He initially views Yingluo as a bold and troublesome maid, but her intelligence and fearlessness eventually win his admiration. Their relationship evolves throughout the series, with the Emperor growing increasingly fond of Yingluo. - Consort Xian / Hoifa-Nara (佘诗曼 as 娴妃/令妃)
Charmaine Sheh’s portrayal of Consort Xian (later Empress Nara) is one of the most compelling characters in the series. Initially appearing as a calm and gentle woman, Consort Xian gradually reveals her ambition and cunning. She becomes Yingluo’s main adversary in the palace as they both vie for the Emperor’s favor. Her character adds depth to the show’s depiction of the dangerous power struggles within the imperial harem. - Fuheng (许凯 as 傅恒)
Fuheng is Empress Fuca’s brother and a key military figure. He is one of Yingluo’s early love interests, and their romantic tension provides an emotional subplot to the larger narrative. Although he deeply loves Yingluo, their relationship faces numerous obstacles due to his loyalty to the imperial family and her rise within the harem.
Themes and Appeal
Story of Yanxi Palace gained widespread popularity due to its unique approach to traditional palace dramas. While many similar shows focus on the tragic fate of women trapped in the imperial court, Story of Yanxi Palace offers a refreshing narrative centered around female agency and resilience. The show’s protagonist, Wei Yingluo, is strong, independent, and unafraid to challenge the status quo, making her an inspiring figure for modern audiences.
The show also explores themes of power, loyalty, revenge, and the complexities of love in a hierarchical society. The relationships between the women in the harem are particularly compelling, as they are constantly maneuvering between friendship and rivalry in their quest for survival.
Another factor in the show’s success is its high production value. The elaborate costumes, detailed set designs, and beautiful cinematography bring the Qing Dynasty to life, immersing viewers in the luxurious yet dangerous world of the Forbidden City.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Story of Yanxi Palace was a massive hit both in China and internationally. Upon its release, it became the most-watched drama on Chinese streaming platform iQiyi, accumulating billions of views. Its success extended beyond China, as it was also broadcast in several countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and even parts of Europe and North America, making it a global phenomenon.
Critics praised the series for its fast-paced plot, strong character development, and departure from traditional palace drama tropes. Wu Jinyan’s portrayal of Wei Yingluo, in particular, was lauded for bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to the role of a palace maid-turned-consort.
However, Story of Yanxi Palace was not without its controversies. Some critics pointed out that the show took creative liberties with historical accuracy, focusing more on drama and intrigue than on a faithful depiction of Qing Dynasty history. Nevertheless, these elements only added to the show’s entertainment value, making it a favorite among fans of historical fiction.
The show also sparked a trend of similarly styled palace dramas, with producers looking to replicate its success. It even led to discussions about feminism in Chinese media, with some viewers viewing Wei Yingluo as a symbol of female empowerment, while others debated the portrayal of women’s roles in historical contexts.
Conclusion
Story of Yanxi Palace stands out as one of the most successful and impactful Chinese historical dramas in recent years. With its intricate plot, strong female lead, and stunning production design, the series captivated audiences around the world and set a new standard for palace dramas. Its legacy continues to influence Chinese television, and it remains a beloved show for fans of historical fiction and drama.