Palace of Devotion (2021)
A sweeping Chinese historical drama tracing Liu E’s extraordinary rise from orphan to empress regent of the Song Dynasty.
Palace of Devotion - Series Information
- Original Title: 大宋宫词
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Li Shaohong
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 61
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: March 20, 2021 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Tencent Video, Youku, iQiyi
- Alternative Titles: Palace of Devotion (UK), 大宋宫词 (CN)
- Production Companies: Beijing Culture
- Production Countries: China
Palace of Devotion - Plot
Orphaned as a child, Liu E travels to the capital Kaifeng, and later catches the eye of Zhao Heng. Though she was a concubine, Liu E was perceptive to state affairs, and often discussed politics with Zhao Heng. This tradition continued when he became emperor in 997.
Liu E is crowned empress after adopting the son of a concubine (later Emperor Renzong), and serves as regent of the Song Dynasty during the last two years of her husband’s reign. Liu E would continue to rule until her death twelve years later in 1033.
Palace of Devotion - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this epic Song Dynasty drama.
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Palace of Devotion - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Li Shaohong
Main Cast
- Liu Tao
- Vic Chou
- Lin Xi
- Cao Lei
- Qi Xi
- Liang Guanhua
- Li Jiaxin
- Fang Zibin
- Zheng Wei
- Pan Yiyi
Writers
- Zhang Yong Chen
Palace of Devotion - FAQs
Is Palace of Devotion based on a true story?
Palace of Devotion is rooted in real history. Empress Liu E — known as Empress Dowager Liu — was a genuine historical figure who ruled the Song Dynasty as regent from 1022 until her death in 1033. The drama fictionalizes aspects of her life while drawing on documented events from the Northern Song period.
Who plays the lead role in Palace of Devotion?
Liu Tao takes on the central role of Liu E, portraying her journey from a young orphan to the most powerful woman in the Song Dynasty. Taiwanese actor Vic Chou plays Emperor Zhao Heng opposite her, and the supporting cast includes Lin Xi, Cao Lei, Qi Xi, and Liang Guanhua.
Where can you stream Palace of Devotion?
Palace of Devotion is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and iQIYI, with iQIYI also offering a free ad-supported option. If you prefer to own it, Amazon Video has the series available for purchase. Availability may vary by region.
How many episodes does Palace of Devotion have?
The series runs for 61 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 45 minutes. It’s a substantial watch that allows the story of Liu E’s rise from orphan to empress regent to unfold at a measured, epic pace.
Did Liu E actually become regent in Palace of Devotion?
Both in the drama and in history, Liu E does become regent. After Emperor Zhao Heng’s death in 1022, she governed the Song Dynasty on behalf of the young Emperor Renzong — whom she had adopted — and continued to hold power until her own death in 1033, a reign of over a decade.
When did Palace of Devotion first air?
Palace of Devotion premiered on March 20, 2021. The series aired on major Chinese streaming platforms including Tencent Video, Youku, and iQIYI, and concluded the same year with all 61 episodes released.
Who created and wrote Palace of Devotion?
The series was directed by Li Shaohong, a veteran Chinese filmmaker known for her work on historical dramas. The screenplay was written by Zhang Yong Chen. The production was backed by Beijing Culture and distributed across Tencent Video, Youku, and iQIYI.
What are similar shows to Palace of Devotion?
If you enjoyed Palace of Devotion, Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures offers another richly produced Chinese imperial drama. For broader historical romance, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung are strong picks. Pretty Guardian of the City shares a similar period setting and tone.
More About Palace of Devotion
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