Palace of Desire (2000)
A lavish Tang dynasty epic tracing the turbulent life of Princess Taiping, daughter of China's only female emperor, Wu Zetian.
Palace of Desire - Series Information
- Original Title: 大明宫词
- First Air Year: 2000
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Created by: Zhong Zheng
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Networks: CCTV-8
- Alternative Titles: Da Ming Gong Ci (US), 大明宫词 (CN)
- Production Countries: China
Palace of Desire - Plot
Palace of Desire, also known as Da Ming Gong Ci, is a Chinese television series based on the life story of Princess Taiping, a daughter of China's only female emperor Wu Zetian. Directed by Li Shaohong and Zeng Nianping, the series starred Chen Hong, Zhou Xun, Gui Yalei and Winston Chao in the leading roles. It was first broadcast on CCTV-8 in mainland China on March 30, 2000.
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Palace of Desire - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Zhong Zheng
Main Cast
- Chen Hong
- Gua Ah-leh
- Zhou Xun
- Winston Chao
- Li Bingbing
- Li Zhixing
- Fu Biao
- Shen Junyi
- Xue Bai
- Jia Ni
Palace of Desire - FAQs
Is Palace of Desire based on a true story?
Yes, the series draws heavily from Tang dynasty history. Princess Taiping was a real and powerful figure at the imperial court, and her mother Wu Zetian was China's only female emperor. While the drama takes creative liberties with dialogue and romance, its core political events and characters are rooted in documented history.
Who plays Princess Taiping in Palace of Desire?
Princess Taiping is portrayed by two actresses across different life stages. Zhou Xun plays the young Taiping with wide-eyed wonder and vulnerability, while Chen Hong takes over as the adult princess, bringing authority and emotional complexity to the role. Both performances are widely praised as highlights of the series.
Is Palace of Desire worth watching?
Absolutely, especially for fans of historical drama. Palace of Desire stands out for its poetic dialogue, lavish Tang dynasty aesthetics, and a deeply emotional central narrative. Director Li Shaohong's distinctive visual style gives the series an almost theatrical quality that sets it apart from conventional Chinese period television.
Where can I watch Palace of Desire online?
Streaming availability for Palace of Desire varies by region. The series originally aired on CCTV-8 in mainland China in 2000. For current viewing options in your country, check JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming, rental, and purchase availability across multiple platforms.
Who directed Palace of Desire?
Palace of Desire was co-directed by Li Shaohong and Zeng Nianping. Li Shaohong is particularly celebrated for her bold visual approach, which gave the series its signature theatrical and painterly atmosphere. Her direction elevated the production well beyond typical Chinese period television of the era.
How many episodes does Palace of Desire have?
Palace of Desire consists of 40 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 45 minutes. The generous episode count allows the series to trace Princess Taiping's journey from a sheltered imperial childhood through the dangerous power struggles of the Tang dynasty court in rich, unhurried detail.
What role did Wu Zetian play in Palace of Desire?
Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor, is a towering presence throughout the series, portrayed by Gua Ah-leh. She shapes every aspect of Princess Taiping's life, from her earliest court experiences to the brutal political intrigues of adulthood. The mother-daughter dynamic between them forms one of the drama's most compelling emotional threads.
What are some shows similar to Palace of Desire?
If Palace of Desire captivated you, consider The Rise of Phoenixes (2018) for its similarly intricate Tang-era court politics, or Shōgun (2024) for a richly produced East Asian historical epic. The Advisors Alliance (2017) also delivers compelling political drama set in ancient China with strong character work.
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