A Dream of Splendor (2022)

A sweeping Chinese historical drama about a tenacious teahouse owner who defies fate, forges unbreakable friendships, and finds unexpected love in the imperial capital.

A Dream of Splendor - Series Information

  • Original Title: 梦华录
  • First Air Year: 2022
  • Last Air Year: 2022
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 40
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin
  • First Air Date: June 2, 2022 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: Tencent Video
  • Alternative Titles: 汴京梦华图 (CN), สามบุปผาลิขิตฝัน (TH), Мечта о величии (RU), A Dream of Splendor (US)
  • Production Companies: Tencent Penguin Pictures, Golden Pond Media, Zwave Pictures
  • Production Countries: China

A Dream of Splendor - Plot

Zhao Pan'er is a smart and savvy teahouse owner in Qiantang, living alongside her two best friends Sun Sanniang and Song Yinzhang. When she finds out her fiancé left her for another woman of a high ranking officer after becoming an official in the capital of Bianjing, she refuses to give into her fate and decides to travel to the capital in search for the truth. On her way there, she crosses paths with both of her best friends whose lives she saves, and they follow her onward. Gu Qianfan is a commander in an elite capital squadron nicknamed "Living Devil". He is setup by the very people he swears allegiance to and must find out the truth behind a nefarious scheme involving the imperial court. When he first meets Zhao Pan'er, they don't see eye to eye, however this intelligent businesswoman has caught his attention and as they help each other, they get closer to their own goals.

A Dream of Splendor - Trailer

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A Dream of Splendor - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Liu Yifei
  • Chen Xiao
  • Liu Yan
  • Lin Yun
  • Joe Xu
  • Dai Xu
  • Zhang Xiaoqian
  • Guan Yunpeng
  • Daisy Li
  • Sun Zujun

Writers

  • Zhang Wei

Executive Producers

  • Fang Fang

A Dream of Splendor - FAQs

What is A Dream of Splendor about?

A Dream of Splendor follows Zhao Pan'er, a resourceful teahouse owner who travels to the imperial capital after her fiancé abandons her for a wealthier match. Alongside her two best friends, she navigates court intrigue and romance with a brooding elite commander named Gu Qianfan.

Who are the main actors in A Dream of Splendor?

The series stars Liu Yifei as Zhao Pan'er and Chen Xiao as Gu Qianfan. The supporting cast includes Liu Yan as Sun Sanniang, Lin Yun as Song Yinzhang, Joe Xu as Ouyang Xu, Dai Xu as Chi Pan, Zhang Xiaoqian, Guan Yunpeng, Daisy Li, and Sun Zujun.

Is A Dream of Splendor based on a true story?

A Dream of Splendor is not based on a true story, but it is adapted from the Yuan dynasty zaju play "Zhao Pan'er Rescues a Courtesan" by Guan Hanqing. The series reimagines the story as a historical romance set during the Song dynasty, blending fictional characters with period-accurate detail.

Where can I watch A Dream of Splendor?

A Dream of Splendor is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, both with a subscription and with ads on the free tier. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming options available in your region, you can check JustWatch.

How many episodes does A Dream of Splendor have?

A Dream of Splendor consists of 40 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, making the complete series roughly 30 hours of content. The show aired in 2022 and has since concluded.

Is A Dream of Splendor worth watching?

A Dream of Splendor was one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of 2022, praised for Liu Yifei's compelling performance, its lush Song dynasty production design, and a refreshingly capable female lead. Fans of historical romance and friendship-driven narratives will find it particularly rewarding.

What is the friendship dynamic between the three female leads?

The bond between Zhao Pan'er, Sun Sanniang, and Song Yinzhang is central to the series. Their sisterhood — often called a "sismance" by fans — drives the emotional core of the story. Each woman faces distinct hardships, and their mutual loyalty and resilience set the show apart from typical romance dramas.

What language is A Dream of Splendor in?

A Dream of Splendor is in Mandarin Chinese. The original title is 梦华录 (Mèng Huá Lù). Subtitled versions are available on streaming platforms such as Rakuten Viki, making the series accessible to international audiences.

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