Story of Yanxi Palace
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Television |
| Founded | July 19, 2018 |
| Founder | Yu Zheng (producer), Zhou Mo (scriptwriter) |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | TV series |
Story of Yanxi Palace () is a 2018 Chinese TV drama that portrays the challenges faced by a palace maid within the reign of the Qianlong Emperor. Produced by Yu Zheng with a script authored by Zhou Mo, this series was subsequently transformed into a novel by Xiao Lianmao. Featuring lead performances by Wu Jinyan, Charmaine Sheh, Qin Lan, and Nie Yuan, it originally aired on iQIYI from July 19 to August 26, 2018.
Broadcast across more than 70 countries, Story of Yanxi Palace achieved widespread acclaim throughout Asia, significantly boosting the careers of Wu Jinyan and Xu Kai while revitalizing those of Qin Lan and Charmaine Sheh. Despite Google's inaccessibility in Mainland China, it ranked as the most searched TV show worldwide in 2018 and garnered over 15 billion streams on iQIYI within that year. A related spin-off and sequel, Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures, premiered on Netflix on December 31, 2019.
Plot
Embroidery Bureau (Episodes 1–7)
Set during the Qing dynasty, Wei Yingluo joins the imperial court as an embroidery attendant to uncover the truth behind her sister Wei Yingning’s suspicious demise. Through cleverness and resilience, Yingluo outmaneuvers envious competitors and earns the favor of Empress Fuca.
Changchun Palace I (Episodes 8–27)
Suspecting the integrity of imperial guard Fuca Fuheng, Yingluo strategically positions herself to serve Empress Fuca within the Changchun Palace. There, she becomes a trusted ally and discovers the innocence of the Fuca siblings. A romantic connection blossoms between Yingluo and Fuheng.
The Emperor takes notice of Yingluo, who, despite her humble origins and inability to read or write, receives education in literacy and etiquette from the Empress. Yingluo assists Empress Fuca in countering adversaries while revealing that her sister was assaulted by Prince He, whose mother ordered Wei Yingning’s death. In retribution, Yingluo eliminates Consort Dowager Yu.
Hard Labour Department (Episodes 28–36)
Feigning displeasure, the Empress exiles Yingluo to the Hard Labor Department, sparing her from harsher penalties. During this time, Yingluo befriends eunuch Yuan Chunwang.
In Yingluo’s absence, Empress Fuca falls victim to Noble Consort Gao’s schemes and slips into a coma. Yingluo’s devoted care impresses the Emperor, who forbids her marriage to Fuheng due to her background and shrewd nature. To protect Yingluo, Fuheng reluctantly agrees to wed Erqing. Concurrently, Consort Xian exploits Yingluo's strategies to coerce Noble Consort Gao into suicide. Ultimately, the Emperor permits Yingluo’s return to Empress Fuca.
Changchun Palace II (Episodes 37–40)
Empress Fuca recovers from her coma, conceives, and gives birth to a son but suffers betrayal when Consort Chun instigates a fire that kills the infant. Overcome with grief, the Empress takes her own life.
Summer Palace I (Episodes 41–42)
Yingluo withdraws voluntarily to the Summer Palace to safeguard Empress Fuca’s memory. During festivities honoring the Empress Dowager’s birthday, she uncovers Consort Chun’s culpability and resolves to return to the Forbidden City for retribution, leaving Yuan Chunwang heartbroken.
Yanxi Palace I (Episodes 43–57)
Winning over the Empress Dowager’s favor, Yingluo enters the Imperial Harem as a noble lady. Supported by allies such as Mingyu and Fuheng, she captivates the Emperor’s attention, defeats rivals, ascends to Consort status, exposes Consort Chun’s involvement in Empress Fuca’s demise, and eliminates Erqing for complicity.
The Step-Empress contests Yingluo’s influence. Yuan Chunwang reappears aligned with the Step-Empress and reveals Yingluo’s secret use of contraception, leading to her fall from grace despite the Emperor's fondness.
Aligning with the Empress Dowager, Yingluo uncovers that the Emperor is not her biological son but was born to Lady Qian under mysterious circumstances—implying he was adopted under questionable conditions.
Summer Palace II (Episode 58)
Yingluo retreats alongside the Empress Dowager to the Summer Palace in voluntary exile, intensifying the Emperor's remorse over doubting his adoptive mother.
Yanxi Palace II (Episodes 59–70)
A new adversary emerges in Concubine Shun who befriends yet frames Yingluo for assassination with assistance from Step-Empress Nara. Placed under house arrest and mistreated by Yuan Chunwang, Yingluo reverses her fortunes by exposing Shun’s deceit and regaining imperial favor while expecting the Emperor's child.
Yingluo negotiates a truce with Step-Empress Nara concerning protection of imperial heirs amid ongoing rivalry.
Over a decade, Yingluo bears four children—two daughters and two sons—and raises Fifth Prince Yongqi. The loss of one son at an early age adversely affects her health.
Yuan Chunwang betrays Step-Empress Nara by inciting rebellion alongside Prince He during an imperial southern expedition. A fire erupts; although presumed dead after rescuing his mother heroically, both Emperor and Empress Dowager survive secretly. The Step-Empress betrays Prince He to demonstrate loyalty. Protected uniquely by imperial guards—the only consort granted such privilege—Yingluo incites Step-Empress's fury leading her to break tradition by cutting her hair.
Prince He is imprisoned; Step-Empress is stripped of power but retains title through Yingluo’s intervention. Yuan Chunwang reveals himself as an illegitimate son of late Yongzheng Emperor seeking vengeance after castration and denial of recognition. The Empress Dowager rejects his claim; he descends into madness and receives a life sentence in Hard Labour Department.
Following Prince He’s poisoning arranged by the Emperor, Yingluo fulfills her quest for justice on behalf of her sister.
Promoted to Imperial Noble Consort—the highest consort rank—Yingluo is appointed deputy empress with authority over palace affairs.
Main
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Wu Jinyan | Wei Yingluo
魏璎珞 |
Starts as an embroidery bureau maid 绣坊宫女, then serves as a palace maid at Changchun Palace 长春宫, later becomes a servant in the Hard Labor Department 辛者库, advances to managing maid at Changchun Palace 长春宫 掌事宫女, and finally a maid in the Imperial Gardens 圆明园. She ascends through ranks to Noble Lady Wei 魏贵人, Imperial Concubine Ling 令嫔, Consort Ling 令妃, Noble Consort Ling 令贵妃, and ultimately Imperial Noble Consort 皇贵妃.
A clever and determined woman who enters the palace to uncover her sister’s murder. She adeptly maneuvers through palace intrigues to become Emperor Qianlong’s favored consort, mother of several imperial offspring, and an influential player in court affairs. |
| Charmaine Sheh | Hoifa-Nara Shushen
辉发那拉·淑慎 |
Progresses from Consort Xian 娴妃 to Noble Consort Xian 娴贵妃, then Imperial Noble Consort 皇贵妃, and finally Empress Nara 那拉皇后
Originally benevolent, she transforms into a shrewd and calculating figure to secure her status as Qianlong Emperor’s second wife and Step-Empress. She is both biological and adoptive mother to multiple princes, influencing succession dynamics. |
| Nie Yuan | Aisin-Gioro Hongli
爱新觉罗·弘历 |
Qianlong Emperor 乾隆帝
The fifth ruler of the Qing dynasty, recognized for his firm yet fair governance. |
| Xu Kai | Fuca Fuheng 富察·傅恒 | Begins as an Imperial Palace Guard 御前侍卫, later titled Duke Zhongyong of the First Rank 一等忠勇公
Third young master of the Fuca clan and brother to Empress Fuca. Well-liked by palace maids, he harbors secret feelings for Yingluo but marries Hitara Erqing due to political necessity. He climbs from head of the Imperial Guards to a trusted official, military commander, and duke. |
Imperial Harem
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Qin Lan | Fuca Rongyin
富察·容音 |
From Empress Fuca 富察皇后 to Empress Xiaoxian 孝贤皇后
Qianlong Emperor’s first wife; embodies virtue and kindness while mentoring Yingluo. Despite her high moral standing, she faces adversaries who ultimately drive her to suicide after the loss of two sons. |
| Tan Zhuo | Gao Ningxin
高宁馨 |
Elevated from Noble Consort Gao 高贵妃 to Imperial Noble Consort Huixian 慧贤皇贵妃
The highest-ranking consort after Empress Fuca; known for ruthless tactics and scheming against rivals including both Empress Fuca and Yingluo. |
| Wang Yuanke | Su Jinghao
苏静好 |
Starts as Consort Chun 纯妃, advances to Noble Consort Chun 纯贵妃, later demoted to Second Class Attendant Su 蘇答應
A cunning strategist originally allied with Empress Fuca but turns hostile following unreciprocated love for Fuheng. Eventually exposed for her plots and demoted; later killed by Step-Empress. |
| Lian Lian | Keliyete Ayan
珂里叶特·阿妍 |
From Noble Lady Yu 愉贵人 to Imperial Concubine Yu 愉嫔 and then Consort Yu 愉妃
A timid consort subjected to abuse by Gao Ningxin; initially supports Yingluo but later sides with Su Jinghao. Sacrifices herself to reveal conspiracies before being exiled while entrusting her child to Yingluo’s care. |
| Xu Baihui | Lady Huang
柏氏 |
Imperial Concubine Yi 怡嫔
Close companion of Keliyete Ayan who takes her own life following public disgrace inflicted by Gao Ningxin’s attendant. |
| Pan Shiqi | Lady Jin
金氏 |
Starts as Imperial Concubine Jia 嘉嫔 then Noble Lady Jia 嘉贵人 before becoming Second Class Attendant Jin 金答應
The elder Jin sister aligned with Gao Ningxin; assumes responsibility for schemes and is ultimately killed by Hoifa-Nara Shushen. Mother of Fourth Prince (Yongcheng). |
| Ascends from Noble Lady Jia 嘉贵人 to Imperial Concubine Jia 嘉嫔 then Consort Jia 嘉妃
Younger Jin sister who enters the harem after her elder sister’s death; persistently attempts to undermine Yingluo with limited success. | ||
| Li Chun'ai | Nalan Chunxue
纳兰·淳雪 |
Progresses from Noble Lady Shu 舒贵人 to Imperial Concubine Shu 舒嫔 then Consort Shu 舒妃
Initially ambitious and allied with Gao Ningxin against adversaries; later becomes a supportive ally providing comic relief alongside Yingluo. |
| Li Ruoning | Lu Wanwan
陆晚晚 |
From First Class Attendant Qing 庆常在 through Noble Lady Qing 庆贵人 to Imperial Concubine Qing 庆嫔 then Consort Qing 庆妃
A reserved yet significant confidante of Yingluo who aids in raising the Fifteenth Prince (Yongyan). |
| Jenny Zhang | Niohuru Chenbi
钮祜祿·沉璧 |
Imperial Concubine Shun 顺嫔
Originally a tribal maiden from Xinjiang presented as a peace gift; later revealed as the lost daughter of Niohuru Aibida. After enduring tragedy and captivity, she pursues revenge against her captors, becomes favored during Yingluo’s absence, attempts assassination, is confined under house arrest but ultimately achieves vengeance. |
| Liu Lu | Lady Barin
巴林氏 |
Rises from Noble Lady Ying 颖贵人 to Imperial Concubine Ying 颖嫔 then Consort Ying 颖妃 |
| Wang Xinhui | Lady Chen
陈氏 |
's progression includes Noble Lady Wan 婉贵人 followed by Imperial Concubine Wan 婉嫔 |
| Fu Xiaoyu | 's character Lady Socoro 索绰罗氏 holds the title of Noble Lady Rui 瑞贵人 |
Palace Maids
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Su Qing | Hitara Erqing
喜塔腊·尔晴 |
Chief Maid of Changchun Palace 长春宫 掌事宫女 → Madame Fuca 富察夫人 → Duchess Zhongyong of the First Rank 一等忠勇公夫人
Initially the personal attendant to Fuca Rongyin and the Empress’ most trusted aide, she later develops envy toward Yingluo and manipulates Mingyu along with the Fuca family to fulfill her ambitions. |
| Jiang Zixin | Mingyu
明玉 |
Maid who rises to Head Maid of Changchun Palace, then serves as Maid and Head Maid in Yanxi Palace.
Loyal attendant to Fuca Rongyin and the Empress; originally wary of Yingluo but eventually becomes a dependable friend and aide. Develops romantic feelings for Hailancha, who proposes marriage. |
| Fang Anna | Zhen'er
珍儿 |
Head Maid of Chengqian Palace 承乾宫 掌事宫女
Attendant to Hoifa-Nara Shushen; falls in love with Yuan Chunwang and unintentionally plays a part in Shushen's downfall. |
| Yang Xue | Yunxiang
云香 |
Senior Maid at Chengqian Palace; punished after offending the Step-Empress. |
| Shi Yufei | Zhilan
芝兰 |
Head Maid of Chuxiu Palace 储秀宫掌事宫女
Personal attendant to Gao Ningxin. |
| Chen Mo | Yuhu
玉壶 |
Chief Maid of Zhongcui Palace 钟粹宫掌事宫女
Attends Su Jinghao; pursued romantically by eunuch Wang Zhong. |
| Ren Wanjing | Fangcao
芳草 |
Senior Maid of Yonghe Palace 永和宫大宫女
Attendant to Keliyete Ayan; accepts bribes from elder Lady Jin. |
| Liu Sisi | Heye
荷叶 |
Maid of Yonghe Palace 永和宫宫女
Serves Keliyete Ayan personally. |
| Qian Chenjie | A'shuang
阿双 |
Senior Maid at Chuxiu Palace 储秀宫大宫女
Attendant to elder Lady Jin. |
| Liu Shitong | Lan'er
兰儿 |
Head Maid of Chuxiu Palace 储秀宫掌事宫女
Personal maid to younger Lady Jin. |
| Zhang Jie | Yizhu
遗珠 |
Chief Maid of Lijing Chambers 丽景轩 掌事宫女
Attendant to Niohuru Chenbi. |
| Ma Shunsha | Dongzao
冬枣 |
Personal maid serving Nalan Chunxue. |
| Li Jiawei | Aunt Liu
刘姑姑 |
Head Maid of Shoukang Palace 寿康宫掌事宫女
Attends Empress Dowager; skilled in medical care. |
| Gao Rui | Bailing
百灵 |
Senior Maid at Shoukang Palace 寿康宫大宫女
Serves Dowager Consort Yu. |
| Yang Jingru | Hupo
琥珀 |
Transferred maid from Changchun to Yanxi Palace, later assigned to Hard Labor Department.
Served Empress Fuca under various head maids; sent to irritate Yingluo and subsequently exiled for disrespectful behavior. |
| Zhang Tianyun | Zhenzhu
珍珠 |
Maid at Changchun and Yanxi Palaces; promoted to Head Maid at Yanxi.
Served Empress Fuca and later became Head Maid for Consort Ling. |
| An An, Zhao Mengjie, Xu Gege | (Manao, Feicui, Hongluo)
玛瑙、翡翠、红螺 |
Maids initially serving Changchun Palace at series onset. |
Embroidery Bureau and Hard Labour Department
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Zhang Yixi | Jixiang
吉祥 |
'Embroidery maid close to Yingluo; falsely accused of theft by Linglong. |
| Gao Yu'er | Jinxiu
锦绣 |
'Embroidery maid envious of Yingluo; expelled following wrongful allegations. |
| Chen Ruoxi | Linglong
玲珑 |
'Embroidery maid who plots against Yingluo by stirring dissent; pretends friendship after Jixiang’s death. |
Palace Eunuchs
Trusted aide and personal attendant to Qianlong Emperor; provides moments of comic relief. Assistant eunuch attending Qianlong Emperor; contributes humor in the narrative. Sworn brother to Yingluo; deeply infatuated with her and determined to win her favor. }Imperial Guards and Physicians
| Actor | Character | Role | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Character | Role | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Wong | Suolun Hailancha
索伦·海兰察 |
Imperial Guard and closest companion to Fuca Fuheng; falls in love with Mingyu and later proposes marriage. | |
| Tan Xuqi | Cigiya Qingxi
齐佳·庆锡 |
Imperial Guard; rumored lover of Wei Yingning. | |
| Yong Yi | Ye Tianshi
叶天士 |
'Gifted itinerant doctor who becomes imperial physician; trusted friend of Yingluo. | |
| Chief Imperial Physician. |
Imperial Family
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Wang Huichun | Yongzheng Emperor Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen 爱新觉罗·胤禛 | Yongzheng Emperor, father of Qianlong; deceased at series commencement, appears in flashbacks. |
| Ma Chunyan | Empress Xiaojingxian Lady Ula-Nara 乌拉那拉氏 | Empress Xiaojingxian, consort of Yongzheng and mother of Qianlong; deceased before series begins, shown in flashbacks. |
| Song Chunli | Empress Xiaoshengxian Lady Niohuru 钮祜禄氏 | Empress Dowager Chongqing, late consort of Yongzheng; devout Buddhist dedicated to empire stability; adoptive mother to Hongli and birth mother to Princess Hean. |
| Bai Shan | Imperial Noble Consort Chunque Lady Geng 耿氏 | Dowager Noble Consort Yu, senior consort and devout Buddhist; mother of Hongzhou. |
| Gong Fangmin | Yuntao Aisin-Gioro Yuntao 爱新觉罗·允祹 | Prince Lü of the First Rank; twelfth son of Kangxi Emperor and uncle to Qianlong; critical toward Hongzhou’s conduct. |
| Zhang Bin | Yunxi (prince) Aisin-Gioro Yunxi 爱新觉罗·允禧 | Prince Shen of the Second Rank; twenty-first son of Kangxi Emperor and uncle to Qianlong; fondly regards Hongzhou. |
| Gu Tiantian | Hongshi Aisin-Gioro Hongshi 爱新觉罗·弘时 | Third son of Yongzheng and elder half-brother to Qianlong; once attempted poisoning Qianlong during youth. |
| Hong Yao / Yan Xinhao | Hongzhou, Prince He Aisin-Gioro Hongzhou 爱新觉罗·弘昼 | Prince He of the First Rank; fifth son of Yongzheng and younger half-brother to Qianlong; conceals ambition beneath an indifferent exterior. |
| – | Aisin-Gioro Yonglian 爱新觉罗·永琏 | Second Prince → posthumously titled Crown Prince Duanhui; second son of Qianlong by Empress Fuca; died at age nine prior to series start. |
| Fang Yangfei | Yongcheng (prince) Aisin-Gioro Yongcheng 爱新觉罗·永珹 | Fourth Prince → Prince Lü of the First Rank; Qianlong’s fourth son by Lady Jin; insecure personality influenced by Yuan Chuanwang and Zhen'er against Step-Empress. |
| Chen Youwei | Yongqi, Prince Rong Aisin-Gioro Yongqi 爱新觉罗·永琪 | Fifth Prince → Prince Rong of the First Rank; fifth son by Keliyete Ayan; known for talent and capability. |
| Zhou Yicheng | Yongrong Aisin-Gioro Yongrong 爱新觉罗·永瑢 | Sixth Prince → Prince Zhi of the Second Rank; sixth son by Su Jinghao. |
| – | Empress Xiaoxianchun#Issue Aisin-Gioro Yongcong 爱新觉罗·永琮 | Seventh Prince → posthumously Prince Zhe of the First Rank; died as an infant due to palace fire. |
| – | Consort Shu (Qianlong)#Issue Aisin-Gioro Yongyue 爱新觉罗·永玥 | Tenth son by Nalan Chunxue; died during infancy. |
| Sun Ao | Empress Nara#Issue Aisin-Gioro Yongji 爱新觉罗·永璂 | Twelfth son by Step-Empress Nara; diligent child with concerns over rivalry with Yongqi. |
| – | Empress Nara#Issue Aisin-Gioro Yongjing 爱新觉罗·永璟 | Thirteenth son by Step-Empress Nara; died in infancy. |
| – | Empress Xiaoyichun#Issue Aisin-Gioro Yonglu 爱新觉罗·永璐 | Fourteenth son by Yingluo; died as an infant. |
| Tang Jiatong | Jiaqing Emperor Aisin-Gioro Yongyan 爱新觉罗·永琰 | Fifteenth Prince → future Jiaqing Emperor; fifteenth son by Yingluo; raised under Consort Qing’s care and doted on by Consort Shu. |
Others
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|
– Qian Zhengyuan 钱正源 Older brother to Lady Qian and biological maternal uncle to Qianlong Emperor. Zhou Jianhua Wang Tianyi 王天一 Personal guard serving late Yongzheng Emperor and mentor figure for young Qianlong; revealed identity truth about Qianlong’s biological mother. Shen Baoping Empress Xiaoyichun#Family background Wei Qingtai 魏清泰 Father of Wei Yingluo and Wei Yingning. Ru Ping Empress Xiaoxianchun#Family background Old Madame Fuca 富察老夫人 Mother to Fuca Rongyin, Fuheng, and two elder sons; legitimate mother of Fuca Fuqian. Mother-in-law to Qianlong Emperor and Hitara Erqing. Grandmother to Fukangan. Wei Yankan Fuca Fuqian 富察·傅谦 Fourth young master from Fuca Clan; half-brother to Rongyin and Fuheng; harbors feelings for sister-in-law Erqing. Zhuang Zexi Fuk'anggan Fuca Fukangan 富察·福康安 Son of Erqing with disputed paternity—officially recognized as Fuheng's child but rumored biologically fathered by Qianlong or Fuqian. Fang Chutong Qinglian 青莲 Trusted maid at Fuca Manor devoted to Erqing’s service; secretly enamored with Fuheng and frequently targeted by Erqing’s jealousy. Mo Xiaoman Dujuan 杜鹃 Maid attending Erqing at Fuca Manor as Madame Fuca’s personal attendant. Su Mao Imperial Noble Consort Huixian#Family background Gao Bin 高斌 Father figure to Gao Ningxin and Gao Heng. Zheng Xiaodong Imperial Noble Consort Huixian#Family background Gao Heng 高恒 Older sibling of Gao Ningxin. Yao Moping Hoifa-Nara Naerbu 辉发那拉·那尔布 Father of Hoifa-Nara Shushen and Changshou. Dai Chunrong Lady Langiya 郎佳氏 Mother figure for Hoifa-Nara Shushen and Changshou. Wang Chenyao Hoifa-Nara Changshou 辉发那拉·常寿 Younger brother to Hoifa-Nara Shushen. – Noble Lady Shun#Family background – Niohuru Aibida 钮祜禄·爱必达 Father of Niohuru Chenbi and sibling to Niohuru Neqin; executed following Chenbi's failed assassination attempt. Sun Yong Niohuru Neqin 钮祜禄·讷亲 Uncle to Niohuru Chenbi and brother to Niohuru Aibida; executed after failure during War of Jinchuan campaign.
Production
Numerous props and costumes were produced using traditional Chinese craftsmanship techniques that are now rare, with only a handful of master artisans still practicing these meticulous and time-consuming skills that demand lifelong commitment and accuracy.
Velvet flowers (ronghua)
The velvet floral headpieces worn by leading characters drew inspiration from historical relics housed in the Palace Museum. Each item was custom-made to reflect the personality of its wearer. Zhao Shuxian, one of the few remaining experts in this art form, handcrafted all the velvet flowers featured in the series. This method, originating during the Tang dynasty (618–907), entails molding silk flowers and animal motifs onto twisted wire frameworks.
Jeweled hairpins (tian-tsui)
These striking blue hairpins, crafted from preserved kingfisher feathers, were traditionally worn by imperial consorts as emblems of prestige and elegance. The technique is akin to cloisonné, and when adorned with pearls and gemstones, these pieces exemplify exquisite artistry and luxury.
Soundtrack
An extended play containing the original soundtrack was released on July 23, 2018, with the track "Willows of the Palace" by Li Chunai issued separately.
On July 19, 2018, a comprehensive studio album titled The Story of Yanxi Palace TV soundtrack (延禧攻略 影视剧配乐) was launched, featuring 70 instrumental tracks composed by Chen Guoliang. Recorded at J Productions House, it showcases performances by renowned musicians playing flute, violin, pipa, erhu, alongside female vocalists. Overall, the series incorporated a total of 129 musical pieces.
In the Philippines, the official theme song "Aahon" by JMKO was released through ABS-CBN's Star Music as the series’ official anthem.
Reception
The drama sparked considerable online enthusiasm due to its captivating "Cinderella" narrative infused with distinct Chinese elements. It broke single-day online viewership records in China with 530 million views and amassed a total of 13 billion views by August 2018. Throughout 2018, it was streamed more than 15 billion times on iQIYI, maintaining its position as China's most-watched online drama for 39 consecutive days.
Audiences commended the protagonist Wei Yingluo for her clever and decisive demeanor, which contrasted with conventional heroine portrayals. Additionally, the show received acclaim for its richly developed characters, compelling performances, stunning cinematography, elaborate costume design, and faithful depiction of Qing dynasty life. Its popularity also led to a rise in visitor attendance at Beijing's Palace Museum.
Ratings
| Air date | Ratings (%) | Rank | Audience share (%) | Daily cumulative eps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 24, 2018 | 0.253 (AM) 0.498 (PM) |
1 | — | 8 |
| September 25, 2018 | 0.330 | 7 | 3.787 | 4 |
| September 27, 2018 | 0.319 | 6 | 3.853 | 4 |
| September 28, 2018 | 0.354 | 5 | 4.316 | 4 |
| September 29, 2018 | 0.285 | 7 | 3.780 | 4 |
| October 1, 2018 | 0.593 | — | — | 8 |
| October 2, 2018 | 0.615 | — | — | 8 |
| October 3, 2018 | 0.689 | 1 | 7.317 | 8 |
| October 4, 2018 | 0.694 | 1 | 7.474 | 8 |
| October 5, 2018 | 0.603 | 1 | 6.202 | 2 + 6 (two rounds) |
| Re-run | ||||
| October 6, 2018 | 0.565 | 2 | 5.576 | 8 |
| October 7, 2018 | 0.619 | 2 | 5.787 | 8 |
| October 8, 2018 | 0.403 | 4 | 4.894 | 4 |
| October 9, 2018 | 0.422 | 4 | 4.915 | 4 |
| October 10, 2018 | 0.494 | 2 | 5.957 | 4 |
| October 11, 2018 | 0.442 | 1 | 5.546 | 4 |
| October 12, 2018 | 0.520 | 1 | 6.485 | 4 |
| October 13, 2018 | 0.518 | 1 | 5.451 | 8 |
| October 14, 2018 | 0.588 | 1 | 5.848 | 8 |
| October 15, 2018 | 0.528 | 1 | 6.362 | 4 |
| October 16, 2018 | 0.541 | 1 | 6.545 | 4 |
- The highest ratings are highlighted in red, while the lowest are shown in blue.
Controversy
A dispute emerged in China when a Vietnamese website released episodes that had not yet been broadcast within China. The site required users to verify their Vietnamese nationality by correctly answering a question regarding the Hoàng Sa Islands (Paracel Islands) territorial conflict, with "Vietnam" being the sole acceptable response. Subsequently, these episodes were taken down from the website.
Censorship
On January 25, 2019, the official government publication Beijing Daily condemned the series for failing to uphold socialist principles. Just four days later, on January 29, the Chinese authorities terminated the program alongside other similar productions such as Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. News organizations including CNN described this as an act of censorship by China. Experts inferred that the show's removal was influenced by its widespread popularity and its challenge to established social conventions.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work Nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5th Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China | Best Television Series | Story of Yanxi Palace | Template:Won |
| 24th Huading Awards | Best Actress (Ancient Drama) | Wu Jinyan | Template:Won | |
| Best Supporting Actress | Charmaine Sheh | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Qin Lan | Template:Nom | ||
| 2019 | Golden Bud – The Third Network Film and Television Festival | Most Influential Web Series | Story of Yanxi Palace | Template:Won |
| Influence of Recreational Responsibilities Awards | Web Drama of the Year | Story of Yanxi Palace | Template:Won | |
| Asian Academy Creative Awards | Best Telenovela/Soap Opera | Story of Yanxi Palace | Template:Won |
International broadcast
| Region | Channel | Broadcast Period | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Country data Hong KongTemplate:Namespace detect showall Template:Country data MacauTemplate:Namespace detect showall  Template:Country data MalaysiaTemplate:Namespace detect showall   |
TVB Jade | 6 August–6 October (Mon–Fri 20:30; Sat & Sun two episodes consecutively at 20:30) | Cantonese dubbed; certain episodes omitted. |
| Template:Country data MalaysiaTemplate:Namespace detect showall | Astro AOD | Same as TVB Jade | Dubbed in Cantonese. |
| Template:Country data VietnamTemplate:Namespace detect showall | HTV7 – Ho Chi Minh City Television | 9 August–October 2018 (Mon–Fri 17:00) | Vietnamese dubbed. |
| H1 – Hanoi Radio Television | 22 Nov 2018 – 20 Feb 2019 (varied schedule) | Edited to 77 episodes; original language with Vietnamese narration. | |
| VTC1 | March–13 May 2019 (17:00) | Vietnamese dubbed. | |
|
Hub VV Drama | From 20 Sept (weekdays 17:00) | Subtitled in original language. |
| Mediacorp Channel U | 8 March–13 June (weekdays 22:00) | Original language with subtitles. | |
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Fairchild TV 2 HD | From 6 August (Mon–Fri) Vancouver & Toronto times noted. | Cantonese dubbed (TVB version). |
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ABS-CBN (defunct) | 27 Jan–5 May 2020 (cancelled due to network closure) | Filipino dubbed. |
| Asianovela Channel (defunct) | June 2020 (cancelled re-run) | ||
| Kapamilya Channel | Nov 2020 – Feb 2021 (full re-run via cable/satellite) | ||
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Sony Entertainment Television | To be announced | Hindi dubbed. |
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RCTI | To be announced | Indonesian dubbed. |
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M-Net | To be announced | English dubbed. |
|
CTi International | From 3 Sept 2018 (weekdays 19:00, repeat next day at 15:00) | Subtitled original language. |
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ja:衛星劇場#Eigeki | From 18 Feb 2019 (Mon–Fri 21:00) | Original language with subtitles. |
| Template:Country data CambodiaTemplate:Namespace detect showall | Phnom Penh Cable Television#PPCTV Drama 10 | From 10 March 2019 (daily at 11:30 &19:30) | Khmer dubbed. |
| Template:Country data MalaysiaTemplate:Namespace detect showall | 8TV (Malaysian TV network) | Sept–Dec 2019 (Mon–Fri 19:00) | Subtitled original language. |
| Template:Country data MalaysiaTemplate:Namespace detect showall | Astro Prima | To be announced | Malay dubbed. |
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Polsat 1 | To be announced | Polish dubbed. |
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TVR 1 | Oct 2019–Jan & Mar–July 2020 (Mon–Fri afternoons) | Original language with subtitles. |
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LNK (television station) | Jan–Aug 2020 (weekends) | Lithuanian dubbed. |
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RTP1 | To be announced | Subtitled original language. |
| Template:Country data MongoliaTemplate:Namespace detect showall | Asian Box (Mongolia) | June–July 2019 (Mon–Fri 22:00) | Mongolian dubbed. |
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TRT 1 | To be announced | Turkish dubbed. |
Sequel
On December 31, 2019, Netflix premiered the six-episode spin-off series Yanxi Palace: Princess Adventures, which centers on the wedding of Wei Yingluo's daughter, Zhaohua.
Principal Cast
- Wang Herun portraying Princess Zhaohua
- Wang Yizhe as Fuca Fuk’anggan
- Wang Yuwei playing Lhawang Dorji, Prince Chaoyong
- Xu Xiaonuo in the role of Princess Siwan
- Wu Jinyan as Wei Yingluo, Imperial Noble Consort Ling
- Nie Yuan as Aisin-Gioro Hongli, Qianlong Emperor
Supporting & Guest Cast
- Zhang Tianyun as Zhenzhu, the personal maid to Imperial Noble Consort Ling
- Xu Yuan portraying Chisu, personal maid to Princess Zhaohua
- Wang Chenyixian in the role of Dingxiang, personal maid to Princess Siwan
- Liu Enshang as Li Yu, Head Eunuch
- Chang Cheng playing Desheng, eunuch attending the Qianlong Emperor
- Zheng Long as Xiao Quanzi, eunuch serving Imperial Noble Consort Ling
- Wei Yankan in the role of Fuca Fuqian, Fuk'anggan’s uncle