K-Dramas like A Beauty in Troubled Times

12 shows with a similar feel

• 
  The Qin Empire (2009)Also drama

  The rise of the Qin state in the Warring States period during the reign of Duke Xiao of Qin.
• 
  The Advisors Alliance (2017)Also drama

  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?
• 
  Drawing Sword (2005)Also drama

  Li Yunlong, a bold and unconventional leader during the War of Resistance, leads his battalion to victory against Japanese forces. Amid rivalry and friendship with fellow general Chu Yunfei, he is wounded in battle and later finds love with nurse Tian Yu, facing the challenges of war and changing times alongside his comrades and family.
• 
  The Vendetta of An (2025)Also drama

  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.

  1 tracking it here
• 
  Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1994)Also drama

  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.
• 
  Romance in the Rain (2001)Also drama

  Lu Yiping, one of many children of a retired general with nine wives, is banished from her family home due to Wang Xueqin. Driven by resentment, she plots revenge by targeting her stepsister's love interest, He Shuhuan. But as Yiping navigates life with her mother, she unexpectedly finds forgiveness and love through the people she meets, transforming her journey of vengeance into one of self-discovery and healing.
• 
  Arsenal Military Academy (2019)Also drama

  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.
• 
  Pursuit of Jade (2026)Also drama

  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.

  6 tracking it here
• 
  Love Between Lines (2026)Also drama

  Xiao Zhiyu and Hu Xiu are brought together by a Republic of China-themed murder mystery game. In the scripted NPC game filled with falling snow and spies in the shadows, the two ignite a fateful spark. An unexpected reunion in the real world reveals the mystery of each other's identities. The two shuttle between the misaligned time-spaces of reality and the script, and finally achieve two-way growth in the cross-dimensional bond, completing the transformation of love and self.

  3 tracking it here
• 
  Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty (2022)Also drama

  General Lu Lingfeng and Detective Su Wuming uncover supernatural mysteries and hidden conspiracies threatening the empire during Emperor Xuanzong’s reign.

  2 tracking it here
• 
  The Princess Weiyoung (2016)Also drama

  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.
• 
  Northwest Years (2024)Also drama

  Amid the upheaval of Chiang Kai-shek’s 1927 coup, young revolutionary Xi Zhongxun defies political terror and emerges as a leader. Inspired by Liu Zhidan’s uprising, he joins forces to establish the Shaanxi-Gansu Red Army. During the Anti-Japanese War, he strengthens the revolutionary base and fosters its development, earning Mao Zedong’s praise for his loyalty to the cause. After Japan’s surrender, Xi Zhongxun fiercely defends the Northwest, helping to lay a foundation for national progress.