The Empress of China (2014)
A grand Chinese historical epic chronicling the rise of Wu Zetian, the only woman ever to reign as emperor of China.
The Empress of China - Series Information
- Original Title: 武媚娘传奇
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Yik Chun Go
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 96
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: December 21, 2014 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Hunan Television
- Alternative Titles: 武媚娘传奇 (CN), 武則天 (HK), 武媚娘傳奇 (TW), 武則天 (JP)
- Production Companies: Fan Bingbing Studio
The Empress of China - Plot
Based on events in 7th and 8th-century Tang dynasty and starring producer Fan Bingbing as the titular character Wu Zetian, The Empress of China is the story of the only woman in Chinese history to rule as an emperor.
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The Empress of China - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Yik Chun Go
Main Cast
- Fan Bingbing
- Zhang Fengyi
- Aarif Rahman
- Janine Chang Chun-Ning
- Jerry Lee
- Kathy Chow Hoi-Mei
- Zhang Ting
- Ma Sichun
- Gu Yuhan
- Wang Jianguo
The Empress of China - FAQs
Is The Empress of China based on a true story?
Yes. The Empress of China is inspired by the real life of Wu Zetian (624–705 AD), the only woman in Chinese history to assume the title of Empress Regnant. The series dramatizes her rise from a Tang dynasty imperial concubine to the supreme ruler of China, blending historical fact with fictional storytelling.
Where can you stream The Empress of China?
The Empress of China is available to stream on OnDemandKorea with ads. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming platforms and viewing options available in your region, you can check JustWatch, which tracks availability across multiple services.
Why was The Empress of China censored after broadcast?
Shortly after its premiere on Hunan Television in December 2014, Chinese regulators ordered the series to be re-edited. Authorities required scenes featuring lead actress Fan Bingbing to be reframed, reportedly because her costumes revealed too much cleavage, which was deemed inappropriate under broadcast standards.
Who plays Wu Zetian in The Empress of China?
Fan Bingbing portrays Wu Zetian, also known as Wu Meiniang, in The Empress of China. Fan Bingbing, who also served as a producer on the series, delivers a commanding central performance across all 96 episodes, anchoring the epic narrative of China's only female emperor.
How many episodes does The Empress of China have?
The Empress of China consists of 96 episodes, all contained within a single season. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, making it one of the longer Chinese historical dramas produced. The series aired from December 2014 through early 2015 on Hunan Television.
What is The Empress of China about?
Set during the 7th and 8th centuries, The Empress of China chronicles the extraordinary life of Wu Zetian, the sole woman to rule China as emperor. The drama traces her journey from a young imperial concubine navigating deadly court politics to her eventual rise as the undisputed sovereign of the Tang dynasty.
Who created The Empress of China?
The Empress of China was created by Yik Chun Go. The series was produced by Fan Bingbing Studio and broadcast on Hunan Television in China. Fan Bingbing, who stars as the titular empress, also served as a producer, giving her significant creative involvement in the production.
What are shows similar to The Empress of China?
Viewers who enjoyed The Empress of China may also appreciate Ming Dynasty (2019), The Empress (2022), Curse of the Royal Harem (2011), Pearl and Dragon (2012), and Dream of the Emperor (2012). These series share similar themes of imperial court intrigue, historical drama, and strong central characters navigating power.
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