The Legend of Xiao Chuo (2020)
A sweeping Chinese historical epic charting one woman's extraordinary journey from favoured daughter to the most powerful Empress in Liao dynasty history.
The Legend of Xiao Chuo - Series Information
- Original Title: 燕云台
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 48
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: November 3, 2020 (Canada - 14+), November 3, 2020 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Tencent Video
- Alternative Titles: 燕雲台, The Legend of Empress (JP), Yanyuntai (CN), 燕雲台 (HK)
- Production Companies: Tencent Penguin Pictures
- Production Countries: China
The Legend of Xiao Chuo - Plot
Late in the 10th century, the Liao dynasty is at the zenith of its power. The omnipotent Liao rule much of what is now Northeast China, Mongolia, Russia, and much of the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Xiao Si Wen and Princess Yan have three daughters, with the youngest, Xiao Chao, their favourite. Her heart belongs to the aspiring military commander, Han De Rang, whose family have served the Liao loyally for decades. However, her parents have other plans, sucessfully arranging her marriage to Liao Emperor, Jin Zhong, whom she eventually concedes to marry. As the Emperor's queen, she becomes a fierce defender of the Liao by assisting in mobilizing the army, heading a 10,000-strong cavalry and providing support to the civil administration. Eventually, she will earn the title of Empress.
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The Legend of Xiao Chuo - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Tang Yan
- Shawn Dou
- Charmaine Sheh Sze-Man
- Jing Chao
- Tan Kai
- Liu Yijun
- Lu Shan
- Ji Chen
- Ning Li
- Peter Sheng
Executive Producers
- Xu Ling Ling
The Legend of Xiao Chuo - FAQs
Is The Legend of Xiao Chuo based on a true story?
The series draws from both historical record and literary adaptation. It is based on a novel inspired by the real Empress Xiao Yanyan of the Liao dynasty, who lived in 10th-century China. While the romance and dramatic arcs are fictionalised, the political backdrop and key figures are rooted in documented Khitan imperial history.
Who plays the lead role in The Legend of Xiao Chuo?
Tang Yan takes the lead as Xiao Yanyan, the youngest daughter of Prime Minister Xiao Siwen who rises to become Empress. Shawn Dou plays her devoted love interest Han Derang, while Charmaine Sheh Sze-Man portrays her elder sister Xiao Hunian in a strong supporting role.
Where can you stream The Legend of Xiao Chuo?
The series is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten Viki, both offering subscription access with Viki also providing an ad-supported tier. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased individually through Amazon Video.
What is The Legend of Xiao Chuo about?
Set in the powerful Liao dynasty of 10th-century China, the story follows Xiao Yanyan, a spirited young woman whose heart belongs to military commander Han Derang. Forced into an imperial marriage, she channels her strength into defending the empire, eventually commanding cavalry and earning the title of Empress.
How does Xiao Yanyan's relationship with Han Derang unfold?
Xiao Yanyan and Han Derang share a deep, enduring bond that predates her imperial marriage. Though separated by duty and political circumstance when she weds Emperor Jin Zhong, their connection persists across the series as a central emotional thread, exploring the tension between personal longing and dynastic obligation.
How was The Legend of Xiao Chuo received by critics and audiences?
The series earned warm praise from fans of Chinese historical drama, particularly for Tang Yan's commanding performance and the lavish production design. Viewers appreciated its blend of romance, political intrigue, and battlefield action, though some noted the pacing across its 48-episode run required patience from international audiences.
What makes the Liao dynasty setting unique in this series?
Unlike many Chinese period dramas centred on the Han Chinese court, The Legend of Xiao Chuo spotlights the Khitan-ruled Liao dynasty, an empire that dominated Northeast China, Mongolia, and parts of the Korean Peninsula. This less-explored historical backdrop gives the series a distinctive cultural identity and visual aesthetic.
What are some shows similar to The Legend of Xiao Chuo?
If you enjoyed this series, consider Scarlet Heart (2011) for its imperial romance and political drama, The Untamed (2019) for its epic Chinese period storytelling, or A Dream of Splendor (2022) for its strong female lead navigating a historical setting. The Advisors Alliance (2017) is another solid pick for fans of court intrigue.
More About The Legend of Xiao Chuo
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