Ju Jingyi and Liu Xueyi's 'The Double' Isn't the Worst! Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Dramas in the Past 3 Years, Champion Scores Only 4.2—Worse Than Chen Zheyuan's 'Chinese Paladin 4'

Historical Chinese dramas remain a major traffic driver for streaming platforms, with popular actors like Yang Mi, Xu Kai, Ju Jingyi, and虞书欣 (Yu Shuxin) headlining big-budget productions. However, many of these series have faced backlash due to plot alterations, lack of on-screen chemistry, slow pacing, and repetitive xianxia tropes. This article compiles the top 10 lowest-rated historical Chinese dramas that premiered between 2023 and 2025, with publicly available Douban scores, ranked from highest to lowest. We examine which highly anticipated shows ultimately became viewing disasters in the eyes of audiences.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 10 – Wang Ziqi and Lu Yuxiao, 'The Best Husband on the List' | Douban Score: 5.3

'The Best Husband on the List' is a historical drama blending romance, mystery, and imperial examination politics. Lu Yuxiao plays Jian Mingshu, the daughter of the Jiangning Jian family, who survives a family massacre after falling off a cliff and losing her memory. Wang Ziqi plays Lu Chang, a talented scholar from a humble background who lies that they are siblings to protect his beloved, accompanying her to the capital to take the imperial exams and uncover her true identity.

The story incorporates forbidden sibling romance, family murder, and court intrigue, aiming to enhance dramatic tension through multi-threaded storytelling. Some viewers found the early episodes—focusing on the journey to the capital and academy life—engaging, but criticized the pacing as losing focus once the plot shifted to domestic affairs and side characters’ romantic subplots. Netizens described the viewing experience as 'a long drama wasting lives,' questioning whether the content justified a 40-episode run. Others felt too many characters and subplots diluted the core mystery of the family massacre.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 9 – Liu Xueyi and Hu Yixuan, 'When We Meet Again in the Falling Blossoms' | Douban Score: 5.3

'When We Meet Again in the Falling Blossoms' is adapted from the novel of the same name by Shu Ke. Liu Xueyi plays Jin Xiu, the divine ruler of Zhongtian, while Hu Yixuan portrays Hong Ning, a tea-flower spirit with a straightforward personality. Hong Ning embarks on a cultivation journey based on Jin Xiu’s promise, but upon learning he has another engagement, she chooses to abandon immortality and enter reincarnation. Jin Xiu then attempts to defy fate to reunite with her, leading to a tragic immortal-spirit romance spanning a thousand years.

Negative reviews focused on the outdated visual style and character reinterpretations. Some viewers said the show looked like an older xianxia production, with the story sticking to the familiar trope of a cold-faced immortal paired with a weak spirit. The original Hong Ning was described as stubborn and free-spirited, but the live-action version came across as more childish, leading audiences to criticize her transformation from an independent flower spirit into a naive 'damsel-in-distress' chasing the male lead.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 8 – Liu Xueyi and Ju Jingyi, 'The Double' | Douban Score: 5.2

'The Double' centers on historical mystery and face-swap suspense. Liu Xueyi plays Pan Yue, a handsome and noble imperial censor. Zheng Hui Zi and Ju Jingyi portray Yang Caiwei before and after a face swap. Yang Caiwei is murdered on her wedding day and wakes up in the body of her enemy, Shangguan Zhi. She assumes this new identity to get close to Pan Yue, and together they investigate a series of murders in Heyang City.

After the first two episodes, Zheng Hui Zi’s portrayal of Yang Caiwei received widespread praise for quickly conveying the character’s vulnerability, resilience, and trauma. However, the shift in performance style after the face swap created a sense of disconnection, making many viewers feel the character had been replaced. Some sarcastically said the show 'only needs to be watched for two episodes,' praising the strong opening suspense but criticizing the weakening logic of the investigations and romantic development.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 7 – Yang Mi and Gong Jun, 'Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yue Hong Chapter' | Douban Score: 5.0

'Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yue Hong Chapter' is adapted from the popular manhua of the same name. Yang Mi plays Tu Shan Honghong, the leader of the fox clan, responsible for maintaining peace between humans and demons. Gong Jun plays Dongfang Yuechu, an orphan raised by the Tu Shan clan. Their bond deepens into love, but they face obstacles from racial conflict, lifespan differences, and family vendettas, leading to a cross-species romance spanning centuries.

Original fans were most disappointed by the drastic plot changes and altered character personalities. They felt the grand human-demon conflict was reduced to a generic historical romance. Netizens described it as 'middle-aged historical romance with zero chemistry,' criticizing the bloated narrative and the loss of the original’s charm in the relationship between the three Tu Shan sisters and Dongfang Yuechu. Even lavish costumes and sets couldn’t hide the hollow storytelling.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 6 – Xu Kai and Yu Shuxin, 'The Long Ballad' | Douban Score: 5.0

'The Long Ballad' is adapted from the game 'Chinese Paladin 6.' Xu Kai plays Yue Jinzhao, a man with amnesia, while Yu Shuxin plays Yue Qi, who shares a mysterious resonance with him. After living together for three years in Wu Yan Village, they enter the martial world to uncover their origins, meeting allies like Luo Zhaoyan and Xian Qing, and getting caught in a conspiracy involving Qiyuan Sect, Hengdao Zhong, and the Yu Clan.

Gamers appreciated the retention of many story elements and dialogues, but general audiences were confused by the complex world-building, numerous factions, and frequent new terminology. Yu Shuxin’s voice and Yue Qi’s initially childish persona sparked controversy. Some viewers dubbed this and 'Chinese Paladin 4' as 'the two swords to avoid,' believing neither could revive the classic IP.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 5 – Ju Jingyi and Guo Junchen, 'Flower of War' | Douban Score: 5.0

'Flower of War' is adapted from the novel 'Mistaken Immortality.' Ju Jingyi plays Wei Zhi, a girl seen as cursed since childhood, suspected of being the phoenix reincarnate after a celestial test. Guo Junchen plays Yan Yue, the sun god sent to eliminate the phoenix, who also becomes Wei Zhi’s teacher at Bailu Academy. Initially tasked with killing her to prevent a catastrophe, he falls in love during their time together.

Viewers found the phoenix reincarnation, teacher-student romance, three-life tragedy, and world-saving tropes too familiar, feeling the show merely reassembled popular xianxia elements. The plot was criticized as 'thin,' with later episodes relying on amnesia, reincarnation, and sacrifice to create drama, lacking proper character motivation. By the end, audiences were left with more questions than answers.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 4 – Xu Kai and Gulnazar, 'Master of Xueying' | Douban Score: 4.8

'Master of Xueying' is adapted from the xuanhuan novel by Wo Chi Xihongshi. Xu Kai plays Dongbo Xueying, the young lord of Xueying Manor, who embarks on a cultivation journey to rescue his imprisoned mother. Gulnazar plays Yu Jingqiu, a descendant of the divine race, who joins Xueying in fighting the demon clan. The series attempts to combine youth growth, family rescue, academy adventures, and epic battles to create a热血 (rexue) male-oriented xuanhuan world.

Original readers were deeply dissatisfied with changes to character introductions, cultivation progression, and core themes, feeling the story had become entirely different despite keeping character names. Netizens called it 'a well-choreographed but empty narrative,' praising action scenes but criticizing the lack of plot tension, pacing, and emotional payoff.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 3 – Yang Chaoyue and Xu Zhengxi, 'Chongzi' | Douban Score: 4.3

'Chongzi' is adapted from Shu Ke’s novel. Yang Chaoyue plays Chongzi, a girl born with demonic aura destined to fall into darkness. Xu Zhengxi plays Luo Yinfan, the Supreme Ruler of the Six Realms. Against opposition, he takes her as his disciple. Their bond turns romantic, but conflicts over their identities, duty, and misunderstandings lead to a tragic three-life teacher-student romance.

The drama was frequently compared to 'Hua Qiangu,' even dubbed a 'low-budget version.' Viewers felt the leads resembled playful siblings rather than embodying the forbidden tension of a teacher-student romance. Combined with subpar visuals, effects, and plot logic, the tragic love story felt childish.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 2 – Ju Jingyi and Chen Zheyuan, 'Chinese Paladin 4' | Douban Score: 4.3

'Chinese Paladin 4' is adapted from the classic single-player game. Chen Zheyuan plays Yun Tianhe, a naive boy raised on Qingluan Peak. Ju Jingyi plays Han Lingsha, a girl searching for her family’s secrets by exploring tombs. They embark on a journey to seek immortality, meeting Liu Mengli and Murong Ziyun, uncovering the cost behind Qionghua Sect’s ascension plan.

Gamers felt the original characters were vivid and the themes profound, and even a faithful adaptation would be moving. The drama failed to capture the essence, with netizens criticizing 'strong effects but stiff acting.' Yun Tianhe’s innocence was overacted, and Han Lingsha’s liveliness was dulled by polished makeup and performance.

Top 10 Lowest-Rated Historical Chinese Drama (Past 3 Years): No. 1 – Xu Zhisheng and Fan Jingyi, 'The Impossible Knight' | Douban Score: 4.2

'The Impossible Knight' is a martial arts comedy. Xu Zhisheng plays Gou Lingfeng, a kind-hearted but fearsome-looking merchant’s son who discovers after years of training that he’s mastered demonic sect martial arts. Fan Jingyi plays Ma Yingdan, the 'Hundred Flowers Knight' from the Poison Immortal Valley—cold, aloof, and highly skilled. She teams up with Gou Lingfeng and Zhuge Heng to solve martial arts world cases. The show features cameos from comedians like Niao Niao, Hu Lan, and Meng Chuan.

The ensemble of comedians was meant to be the biggest selling point, but expectations were unmet. Many viewers felt the comedy clashed with the wuxia tone, with forced humor and shallow storytelling, lacking character depth or emotional growth.