Putting them together, `古 (ancient) + 装 (costume) + 剧 (drama)` literally translates to “ancient costume drama,” a perfectly descriptive name for the genre.
`古装剧` are far more than just entertainment; they are a significant cultural phenomenon in modern China and a major cultural export. They represent a way for contemporary audiences to connect with—and often romanticize—China's long and storied history. These dramas frequently adapt the “Four Great Classical Novels” of Chinese literature and other historical texts, making them a modern medium for traditional storytelling. The closest Western equivalent is the “period drama” (e.g., *Bridgerton*, *The Tudors*). However, the comparison has its limits. In the West, period drama is a specific genre. In China, `古装剧` is a mega-genre with its own well-defined sub-genres that have no direct Western parallel, such as:
These shows explore and reinforce cultural values like filial piety (`孝顺`), loyalty (`忠诚`), and the complex web of social obligations known as `关系 (guānxi)`, all set against a grand historical tapestry.
`古装剧` is a common topic of conversation among friends, family, and colleagues. On social media platforms like Weibo, hashtags for popular dramas can trend for weeks, with fans dissecting plot points, costume designs, and actors' performances.