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Empresses in the Palace 2011

“An epic tale of love, betrayal and scandal in Imperial China.”

★ 8.6/10 · 71 votes TV-14 Drama 1 seasons · 76 eps Ended
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Quick answer

What is Empresses in the Palace?

Empresses in the Palace is a 2011 Chinese television series based on the novel of the same name by author Liu Lianzi. The program follows the life of a young woman named Zhen Huan, who is born into an Eight Banners family and enters the imperial court as a concubine to the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

Type
TV series
Year
2011
Status
Ended
Episodes
76
Runtime
45 minutes
First aired
Nov 17, 2011
Last aired
Jul 10, 2012
Original language
ZH
Origin
CN
Networks
Dragon Television 东方卫视, Anhui Television
Genres
Drama
Updated
Availability by region

Where to watch

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Overview

Empresses in the Palace is a 2011 Chinese television series based on the novel of the same name by author Liu Lianzi. The program follows the life of a young woman named Zhen Huan, who is born into an Eight Banners family and enters the imperial court as a concubine to the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. While she initially arrives with dreams of love and prosperity, she soon discovers a dangerous environment defined by treachery and corruption. Throughout the series, Zhen Huan must survive numerous murderous scandals and betrayals within the imperial harem. Over time, she navigates this dog-eat-dog world to eventually prevail as the Empress Dowager, the most powerful woman in the Emperor's harem. The series, which stars Sun Li in the lead role alongside actors such as Jianbin Chen, premiered in the Beijing area on December 6, 2011. It achieved significant success during its initial broadcast, securing top spots in local television drama ratings in cities such as Guangzhou and Hangzhou.

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Should you watch it?

“A young woman enters the imperial court only to face a treacherous world of palace corruption.”

Reasons to watch
  • complex power dynamics
  • intricate character development
Keep in mind
  • slow pacing
  • dense plot

Watch it if you enjoy historical dramas focused on court intrigue and power struggles.

The series depicts themes of betrayal and corruption within an imperial setting.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 76 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →

Frequently asked questions

What is the premise?

A young woman becomes a concubine and must navigate the dangerous politics of the imperial court.

Who is the protagonist?

The story centers on a 17-year-old named Zhen Huan.

What is the setting?

The show takes place within the imperial court under Emperor Yong Zheng.

What is the tone?

It is a dramatic portrayal of a treacherous and competitive environment.

Is it based on history?

The series features the imperial court of Emperor Yong Zheng.