I’ve gotten totally hooked on Chinese dramas these days, and one of the ones that totally enthrals me was 锦月如歌. If you enjoy strong female protagonists, multi-dimensional characters, and storylines where women take on another name to fit into a man’s world, you’ll enjoy this drama. Due to my nature as a person, after watching it, I simply couldn’t resist but seek out more Cdramas Like Legend of the Female General that are just as much about courage, deception, and strength of spirit.
The show chronicles the life of He Yan as she takes on the identity of her brother in an effort to save her family’s honour. She rises through the ranks within the army over the course of her life, only to be betrayed by her best friends. She does not quit but renews herself in the hope of reclaiming her identity, as well as her honour. Zhou Ye is amazing in capturing He Yan’s vulnerability and strength, and Ryan Cheng (Cheng Lei) as Xiao Jue injects intensity and depth into the male lead character. The show is not about fighting; it is about identity, trust, and survival in a world where loyalty sometimes comes at a price.
What I appreciated most about this series is how naturally the romance between the leads develops. Theirs is a love based on respect and trust, not forced melodrama. The fight choreography is adequate, and He Yan’s process of transformation from masked soldier to tough woman who takes on her true identity is gripping to watch. It’s not perfect, but it’s visceral, emotional, and strangely addictive. That’s why I started looking for more Cdramas such as Legend of the Female General, and I’ve listed six that have the same sensation.
Cdramas Like Legend of the Female General
Dominion and Devotion
Dominion and Devotion gives us yet another powerful female protagonist disguised as a male character. Huang Hao Yue is Ning Jing Yi, a woman who is made a puppet emperor, and Li Ge Yang is Pei Shen Zhi, an intelligent eunuch who navigates the game of politics in the palace. There is a world of plots, stabbing in the back, and ill-fated love, the same tension-ridden world fans came to adore in Legend of the Female General.
This drama is the raw intensity of its political games and the slow-burning between the leads. The forbidden relationship of a female emperor and a eunuch is so rare, and the chemistry between the leads is electric. The side characters are all well-written as well, contributing to the depth of the plot. If you’re looking for a Chinese drama like Legend of the Female General but with a palace setting, this is well worth a watch.
Everlasting Longing
Everlasting Longing stars Angelababy playing Jun Qi Luo, a woman raised as a man who uses her brains to keep her family afloat and contribute to the kingdom. But when others take credit for her work, she comes back to take it back. With Song Wei Long playing the cold but devoted general Xuan Lie, her life is one of wars, betrayals, and forbidden love – all of which are themes that hit very close to home for Legend of the Female General.
This drama moved me because of the high drama in the story. Jun Qi Luo’s journey was so similar to He Yan’s – grappling with betrayal, coping with love in the midst of war, and forging a space of her own in a man’s world. Though it’s overdone with the emotional drama, the romance is decent, and the finale leaves you craving for more. If you’re in the mood for Cdramas such as Legend of the Female General with epic scope storytelling, this one is a great choice.
Also Read: 6 Cdramas like The Prisoner of Beauty That Nailed the Enemies-to-Lovers Trope
Arsenal Military Academy
During the Republican era, Arsenal Military Academy features Bai Lu as Xie Xiang, a woman who dresses up as her late brother to enlist in the army. With Xu Kai and Toby Lee, she struggles, is discriminated against, and ultimately wins the respect of fellow comrades. Like He Yan, Xie Xiang gets to play a man’s game without sacrificing her cover. Action, comedy, romance, and friendship are intertwined in the drama to create a suspenseful and emotional experience.
This series has an excellent blend of intense military training and some lighthearted friendship moments. The brotherhood aspect is done so well here, and I kept finding myself reminded of the same kind of bonding moments that I got to experience in Legend of the Female General. The toughness and resilience of Xie Xiang make her a heroine whom you find yourself wanting to root for, and her chemistry with Xu Kai is a beautiful bonus. If you’re looking for C-dramas Like Legend of the Female General but with a slightly more contemporary backdrop, then this one is an absolute must-watch.
The Long Ballad
Starring Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Changge, The Long Ballad is about a princess who dresses up as a man to stay alive after the tragic fall from grace of her family. She meets stoic general Ashile Sun, played by Leo Wu, with whom she battles, strategises, and develops increasing passions. The slow-burning romance and undercover identity plot make it, oddly enough, quite similar to Legend of the Female General.
This drama is the grandeur of the story mixed with the vulnerability of the characters’ development. Li Changge is tough but vulnerable, and her relationship with Ashile Sun is filled with mutual respect and admiration. The way the politics, action, and romance are balanced reminded me of why I loved Zhou Ye’s drama so much. For those who are hungry for Cdramas Similar to Legend of the Female General with epic journeys and sweeping vistas, this drama does not disappoint.
General’s Lady
Although a little lighter in tone, General’s Lady has the same positives. Tang Min stars as Shen Jin, a woman of aristocratic background who has to hide and reinvent herself in military life after she marries General Chu Xiu Ming, who is portrayed by Caesar Wu. Their romance flourishes behind closed doors, in political manoeuvrings, and inner conflict. Again, as in He Yan, Shen Jin’s journey is finding inner strength in the most unexpected situation.
My pick is General’s Lady because it has romance with a dash of humour, but is still able to tackle issues of identity and perseverance. The main chemistry is nice, and the build-up of Shen Jin’s character throughout the series makes her a nice and competent leading lady. If you liked the romance and strategy mix of Female General drama, this series provides a lighter but satisfying experience.
SPECIAL MENTION
Mulan: Rise of a Warrior
Not a drama, but this movie version of the ancient legend casts Zhao Wei as Hua Mulan, a woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the army in place of her father. As with He Yan, she has a tough time, gains the respect of the men and is promoted to general. Chen Kun is the stern general who discovers her true identity and has admiration for her pluck and determination. The movie is just as much about sacrifice, identity, and determination.
It’s an ageless story of empowerment with the same emotional arcs as Legend of the Female General. Mulan’s camaraderie is warm, and the romance with the male lead is so sweet and powerful. If you enjoyed the sense of honour and self-denial in He Yan’s existence, you will enjoy the same here. It’s a shorter but equally powerful experience as the longer dramas.
Let me know in the comments which of these dramas you think truly captures the essence of that unforgettable woman general’s tale.
Also Read: 6 Must-Watch BL Dramas Like Revenged Love with the Same Enemies-to-Lovers Spark
