The Empress of China

Set in the 7th and 8th centuries, The Empress of China charts the climb of Wu Meiniang, who moves from a concubine in the Tang court to a central figure wielding real power. The show follows the daily mechanics of palace life, the fragile alliances and betrayals that shape policy, and the personal costs of ambition. Scenes shift from whispered conspiracies to elaborate state ceremonies, showing how strategy and emotion interact as Wu builds influence. Fan Bingbing plays the lead, and the series keeps its focus on political tactics and relationships rather than revealing every historical outcome, so viewers can watch plans and rivalries unfold without major plot spoilers.

Released in 2014, the series was directed by Go Yik-Chun and created by Yik Chun Go. Fan Bingbing produced and stars as Wu Meiniang, joined by Zhang Fengyi, Aarif Rahman, Ning Chang, and Jerry Lee in key roles, giving the production a high-profile Chinese cast.

While the show received strong domestic visibility, it did not secure major international awards, though it did spur conversations within the Chinese television community and among viewers about historical drama production values and casting.

The series made an impression culturally for its lavish visual style and Fan Bingbing's central performance, which attracted wide attention. Costuming and set design were often discussed in media coverage, and the portrayal of a powerful female ruler prompted public debate about historical representation and gender in Chinese history.

Critical reception was mixed to positive overall, reflected in audience ratings around 7.2/10 on some platforms. Reviewers highlighted the series' focus on court politics, the moral compromises of power, and the human side of leadership. Themes include loyalty, ambition, statecraft, and the limits of influence, making the show appealing to viewers who like political drama rooted in historical settings.