Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty (2019): A Time-Travel Romance Through History
Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty (梦回), a 2019 Chinese historical fantasy drama, weaves an enchanting tale of time travel, romance, and palace intrigue set in the opulent Qing Dynasty. Premiering on iQiyi and Tencent Video on December 14, 2019, it follows a modern architect’s journey through the Kangxi era, blending humor, heartbreak, and historical drama. Despite mixed reviews, its fresh take on time travel and strong performances make it a captivating watch for fans of Scarlet Heart.
Plot Overview
Xiao Wei, a 21st-century architect, mysteriously travels back to the early 18th century during the Kangxi Emperor’s reign after encountering a magical jade pillow. Posing as Ming Wei, a Manchu noblewoman, she navigates the treacherous Forbidden City, befriending the scholarly 13th Prince Yinxiang and the charming 4th Prince Yinzhen (Ding Qiao). As she grapples with palace conspiracies, a love triangle with the princes, and her desire to return home, Xiao Wei uncovers her connection to the Qing court’s history. The drama explores themes of identity, love, and sacrifice, culminating in a poignant ending that leaves viewers debating its emotional weight.
1. Fresh Time-Travel Spin
Unlike typical time-travel dramas, Xiao Wei’s journey blends modern wit with historical immersion. Her architectural knowledge aids her survival, from sketching palace designs to solving crises, making her a proactive heroine. Fans on MyDramaList praise her “relatable smarts,” though some note her early naivety feels jarring. The drama’s mix of lighthearted fish-out-of-water humor and intense palace politics keeps the tone dynamic.
2. Compelling Leads and Chemistry
Li Landi shines as Xiao Wei, balancing comedic flair with emotional depth as she grows from a confused time-traveler to a decisive figure in the court. Wang Anyu’s Yinxiang is a standout, his loyal and intellectual charm earning him “best prince” status on X. Ding Qiao’s Yinzhen adds brooding intensity, fueling a love triangle that divides fans. The chemistry between Xiao Wei and Yinxiang, especially in quiet moments like their lantern scene in episode 20, is a highlight, though some Reddit users wish the romance developed faster.
3. Rich Historical Setting
Filmed at Hengdian World Studios, the drama recreates the Qing Dynasty with lavish costumes, intricate palace sets, and vibrant festivals. While the CGI for time-travel sequences is occasionally clunky, the attention to historical details—like Kangxi’s court dynamics and Manchu customs—immerses viewers. The soundtrack, featuring the soulful “Dreaming Back” by Zhang Bichen, amplifies the drama’s nostalgic and bittersweet mood.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Engaging Heroine: Xiao Wei’s modern perspective and resourcefulness make her a refreshing protagonist.
Historical Intrigue: The power struggles among Kangxi’s sons, based loosely on real history, add depth.
Emotional Payoff: The final episodes deliver heart-wrenching moments, especially for Yinxiang fans.
Weaknesses:
Pacing Issues: The middle episodes drag with repetitive palace schemes and Xiao Wei’s indecision, testing patience.
Love Triangle: The romance with Yinzhen feels forced to some, overshadowing the stronger Xiao Wei-Yinxiang bond.
Ending Debate: The ambiguous, melancholic conclusion frustrates viewers seeking closure, with IMDb reviews calling it “beautiful but unsatisfying.”
Reception and Impact
Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty attracted a dedicated fanbase, boosted by Li Landi (My Huckleberry Friends) and Wang Anyu’s rising fame (The Heiress). It scored 7.5/10 on MyDramaList and 7.3/10 on IMDb, with over 1 billion streams on iQiyi. X posts rave about the “gorgeous visuals” and “Yinxiang’s devotion,” but many criticize the slow pacing and “rushed” finale. Reddit threads compare it unfavorably to Scarlet Heart for lacking emotional depth in key moments, though others defend its lighter tone as a “fun escape.” The drama sparked interest in Qing history and cemented its leads’ chemistry for future projects.
Should You Watch It?
Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty is a great pick for fans of time-travel romances like Bu Bu Jing Xin or The Eternal Love, especially if you enjoy historical settings and strong female leads. Its blend of humor, romance, and intrigue makes it a solid binge, though the pacing and ending may polarize. If you love angst-free fluff or clear resolutions, it might not fully satisfy. As one X user put it, “It’s a dreamy ride if you’re here for Li Landi and palace vibes!”
Where to Watch
Stream Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty with English subtitles on iQiyi, Tencent Video, Viki, or YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty is a visually stunning, emotionally layered drama that captures the allure of time travel and forbidden love. While it stumbles with pacing and a divisive ending, Xiao Wei’s journey through the Qing court, alongside Yinxiang’s steadfast support, makes it a memorable escape. Whether you’re drawn to the historical drama or the heart-fluttering romance, it’s a trip worth taking. As a Reddit fan noted, “It’s not perfect, but it’ll steal your heart anyway.”