I decided to make this list to share with you my favorite Chinese historical romance novels, set either in Ancient China or within Imperial Courts. Before we dive into it, let me explain the criteria I used to create this list.... more>>

I tried to organize them in a rough order of preference, but it’s not an exact ranking — every story here has something special that stood out to me. When it comes to this genre, there are a few things I value the most:

Realism: I love narratives and characters that make sense within the historical context, that feel captivating but also believable.

Well‑written storytelling: I prefer novels with detailed world‑building and careful attention to character relationships and historical accuracy.

Convincing characters: If the protagonists or other characters don’t feel consistent or well‑developed, I usually don’t include them in my list.

Finding truly good novels in this genre can be hard, since many fall into clichés or skip proper historical research. That’s why I want to share the ones I think are genuinely worth reading. Some of them you might already know, while others may be new discoveries for you.

I’ll be updating this list every month to bring you fresh recommendations and keep the content exciting for anyone who loves this genre as much as I do. <<less

Just like the name says, it's all ancient romance novels that I feel are too good for me not to share

Titles I'm praying we'll see an official English license for soon! These are also ones I write in the 7seas monthly reader surveys (if anyone has extra spots on their's, please please consider putting these!! ⸝♡... more>>

Mostly danmei, but there are some other ones too <<less

The backdrop is the Ancient Age - monarchy, harem, generals and matriarchs, etc. Novels compiled mostly have a balanced mixture of a good plot, round... more>> characters, politics and romance. With the exception of a few most books carry a heavy theme. Characters are a mixture of soft, ruthless and decisive. <<less

BLs in "historical" times with various subgenres that I've read and enjoyed.... more>>

❤️ <<less

2nd list of novels set in Ancient China that I like. Royalty, palace intrigues, noble families, officials and etc. Of course all of them has romance!
The novels listed are mostly completed. I will add more to this list as time goes by.... more>>

You can find the first list here: https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/95176/ <<less

Novels I might read

Novels that I have read completely are included in this list it may or may not be my favorites but some of it I absolutely... more>> loveeeee! since I usually drop novels if I don’t like it lols <<less

I like books with an Alpha ML and smart FL. I also look for books wiyh great relationship development and book having a great portion... more>> of them together than apart. Basically fast paced but not insta.  <<less

Takes place in ancient China, but doesn't focus on Imperial family/fight for the throne. ... more>>

(See also: Imperial Family list) <<less

A list of novels that I enjoyed so much I can re-read them over and over again without ever getting tired of it. Some of... more>> them might not be peak literature, but if they made me giggle or blush with how sweet and silly the characters were, they will be included nonetheless.Please note: The books in this list aren't placed in any particular order. I'll try to give them all short descriptions but I'll probably do it really slowly. Some angsty novels were included (because this list is extremely biased) but most of them are sweet and fluffy.  <<less

Characters are Imperial family member(s): emperor(s); empress(es); crown prince(s); imperial princess(es); imperial prince(s); imperial consort(s)... more>>

(See also: Ancient China Life list) <<less

Tags are not related to all novels but more like this genre of novels are in list

This is just a list of different danmei story ive read. ... more>>

I go by my own rating which is

1 -utter tr*sh don't read 

2 - tr*sh may have some enjoyable moment

3 - enjoyable, nothing to extraordinary but good overall

4- good stuff, enjoying myself 

5- Preakness, nothing will ever make me salvate as hard as I did with this story. Bow down to your overlord/queen/monarch/emperor/empress/ etc. <<less

Danmei and Baihe, which were recommended to me.

Running list of our translations: Will write a review after translation is completed.

Bls that takes place in ancient China or some parallel universe akin to that (including cultivation/jianghu)... more>>

Ordered by personal enjoyment <<less

current favourites + some thoughts... more>>

newer ones are at the back

(low quality not welcomed in this house) <<less

Some 10 out of 10 novels that I am currently obsessed with.  Funny, romantic, and all with great female leads!

Soft. Cute. Romance. Yaoi. Little bittersweet moments. Chasing Crematorium. Sweet moments

So you’re still here. Still not getting help? That makes two of us. Here’s a bunch of historical yandere BLs with all the Wuxia drama... more>> your rotting brain craves. Editing  and updating the list always—since neither of us has a life anyway <<less

No description.

All the completed historical novels. Mostly happy endings as I don't like to read sad novels that much.... more>>

Only has completed novels as I don't read unfinished or ongoing translation.

Would love to get more recommendations in the comments. <<less

Just realized that I have read a lot of novels written by Butterfly's Shadow beneath the moon. Some of the earliest novels I have read... more>> and I still love are written by him/her (idk the gender).  <<less

Chinese novels to Chinese drama series adaptation. Historical and Modern—all genres. BG only.