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

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BxG novel. I enjoyed it, but not my favorites. Who knows you will like it :)
Here my best novel recommendations list : https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/118177/

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

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

All of my favorites. Typically: josei, female protagonist, romance, chinese

NTH TO SAY, I ONLY KNOW THAT I LOVE, LOVE THESE TYPES OF NOVELS!!!!

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My recs

Novels that have a special place in my heart and that I would recommend. Includes romance, wuxia, xianxia, etc.

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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

Mostly RomComs with Female MCs, along with a few child MC fics I really enjoyed. Mostly not much drama (though there may be some that... more>> contradicts that, I still recommend!).  <<less

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Matrimoni combinati, a contratto, di convenienza, forzati.... more>>

Nei tempi moderni o antichi 

Matrimonio prima, amore dopo #2 - https://www.novelupdates.info/viewlist/115489/ <<less

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Feel-good and satisfying Chinese novels for leisure reading. Who doesn’t love a good revenge or cunning female lead?

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I'm very picky and I only put the ones with intricate relationships, deep and clever scheming, top-notch writing, and beautiful life lessons. ... more>>

Enjoy! <<less