Top Ancient China Manga Recommendations

Kingdom

Status: Releasing
Genres: Action , Drama

Millions of years have passed since the times of legends, when the worlds of man and gods were still the same. In these times it was the desires of man that moved the world. It is the period of the 500 year war: the Era of Warring States. Kingdom is the story of a young boy who grew into a great general and all the trials and bloodshed that led him there.

Tags: Military , Historical , War , Ancient China , Royal Affairs , Politics , Male Protagonist , Seinen , Coming of Age , Swordplay , Tragedy , Foreign , Heterosexual , Gore , Primarily Male Cast , Fugitive , Conspiracy , Body Horror , Assassins , Spearplay , Time Skip , Archery , Ensemble Cast , Torture , Crossdressing , Magic

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries.

Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Mystery

Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!



Note: Won the Grand Prize in the Printed Manga category at the Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Award 2019.

Tags: Female Protagonist , Medicine , Detective , Historical , Foreign , Ancient China , Primarily Female Cast , Seinen , Drugs , Tragedy , Royal Affairs , Politics , Work , Crime , Maids , Asexual , Adoption , Heterosexual , Episodic , Conspiracy , Suicide , Chibi , Ojou-sama

Chang Ge Xing

Status: Hiatus
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama

Chang An in the Tang Dynasty of China (618-907): The demon star is passing through the sky, clamity is about to befall the Tang Dynasty - because of a woman.

The story is set in early Tang Dynasty, after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, in which Li Shimin the prince of Qin, killed the crown prince and usurped the throne soon after. It is under such background that our female protagonist set out to discard her former identities and seek revenge against the most powerful man in her world.

Note: This story was put on hiatus on March 2016. The author's contract with SUMMERZOO ended in Sept 2017 and she has since founded her own studio. Until she is able to get the rights back to Chang Ge Xing (and Zi Bu Yu), she won't continue publishing it, but she has promised and reassured that it lives on somehow.

Tags: Historical , Female Protagonist , War , Philosophy , Politics , Survival , Ancient China , Royal Affairs , Revenge , Conspiracy , Crossdressing , Foreign , Acting , Fugitive , Heterosexual , Swordplay , Age Gap , Classic Literature

Huo Feng Liao Yuan

Also known as The Ravages of Time.

Status: Releasing
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama

Nearly 2000 years ago, the prosperous Han dynasty of China collapsed. Heroes rose and fell, and three nations emerged--Wei, Shu, and Wu. Historians refer to this period as the Three Kingdoms period. The romance of the three kingdoms is an intriguing tale of heroic deeds, of alliance forged and broken, of loyalty and betrayal.
Hong Kong artist Chan Mou retells this classic tale in "The Ravages of Time" from the perspective of the Sima clan, which in the end united the three kingdoms. Readers will be attracted by an array of well-developed characters and Chan Mou's own unique top-notch art-style.

Tags: Historical , War , Military , Politics , Classic Literature , Ensemble Cast , Swordplay , Martial Arts , Ancient China , Foreign , Tragedy , Wuxia

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries.

Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Mystery

In the East is a land ruled by an emperor, whose consorts and serving women live in a sprawling complex known as the hougong, the rear palace. Maomao, an unassuming girl raised in an unassuming town by her apothecary father, never imagined the rear palace would have anything to do with her—until she was kidnapped and sold into service there.
Though she looks ordinary, Maomao has a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an extensive knowledge of medicine. That's her secret, until she encounters a resident of the palace at least as perceptive as she is: the head eunuch, Jinshi. He sees through Maomao's façade and makes her a lady-in-waiting to none other than the Emperor's favorite consort... so she can taste the lady's food for poison!



Tags: Female Protagonist , Foreign , Detective , Medicine , Historical , Maids , Adoption , Royal Affairs , Politics , Economics , Primarily Adult Cast , Conspiracy , Agriculture , Episodic , Heterosexual , Primarily Female Cast , Religion , LGBTQ+ Themes , Asexual , Drugs , Ancient China , Crossdressing , Seinen , Tragedy , Meta , Go , Age Gap , Shogi

Bocchi na Bokura no Renai Jijou

Also known as Bocchi na Bokura no Renai Jijou.

Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Drama , Romance , Slice of Life

Having spent the entire summer solely working and taking make-up exams, Hajime Ichijou finds himself surrounded by couples on the first day of the new term. Being the lone person without a partner, Hajime realizes that he has been left behind in this flood of love affairs. But that same day, a beautiful redhead named Chitose Ninomiya transfers to his class and coincidentally happens to be unattached—just like Hajime. As they are the only single people around, Hajime and Chitose capture everyone's attention, giving rise to assumptions about their eventual romance. However, with their constant bickering and inability to see eye to eye, love could prove to be more challenging than expected.

Tags: School , Heterosexual , Seinen , Tsundere , Family Life , Ancient China

Houshin Engi

Also known as Hoshin Engi.

Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

When his clan is wiped out by a beautiful demon, young Taikobo finds himself in charge of the mysterious Hoshin Project. Its mission: find all immortals living in the human world and seal them away forever. But who do you trust--and whose side are you really on--when you've been trained to hunt demons by a demon?



Tags: Classic Literature , Shounen , Historical , Meta , Ancient China , Anachronism , Male Protagonist , Demons , Foreign , Aliens , Angels

Sangokushi

Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama

Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, is a Chinese historical novel based upon events in the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era, starting in 168 AD and ending with the reunification of the land in 280 AD. Yokoyama Mitsuteru's adaption begins from the decline of the Han Dynasty until the fall of Shu-Han.



Tags: Historical , Classic Literature , War , Military , Foreign , Politics , Gore , Ancient China , Primarily Adult Cast , Shounen

Koukyuu no Karasu

Also known as Raven of the Inner Palace.

Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Fantasy , Mystery , Supernatural

Deep within the palace lives a mysterious woman known only as the Raven Consort. Some say she’s an old woman, others that she’s young and beautiful. But all are agreed on this: her dark arts have the power to exorcise spirits, lay fatal curses, and find what has been lost—for a price. When the young emperor, Koushou, seeks out the Raven Consort to make use of that magic, what follows will overturn the court…and perhaps even the country.



Tags: Foreign , Historical , Female Protagonist , Ghost , Necromancy , Mythology , Episodic , Magic , Shoujo , Royal Affairs , Ancient China

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou

Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Mystery , Slice of Life

In the imperial court, a young woman is put into servitude, Maomao. The tale is just beginning for the woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, as rumors circulate about the emperor's children's lives being short-lived. Her curious nature and thirst for knowledge pushes her to action. To satisfy her curiosity, this young doctor/pharmacist will investigate the origin! What is shifting in the imperial court..!?

Tags: Medicine , Seinen , Female Protagonist , Historical , Ancient China

Gekkakoku Kiiden

Also known as The Eccentric Doctor of the Moon Flower Kingdom.

Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Romance

A beautifully illustrated shoujo manga tale of medicine, royal intrigue, and romance in a setting inspired by historical China!

Whether it be for illness or injury, the preferred healing method in Moon Flower Kingdom has always been the country’s special medicinal baths. However, after his party is attacked by a mysterious figure during a regional inspection, Prince Keiun witnesses a never-before-seen lifesaving medical technique. Even more shocking still, the one who performed this feat is a young girl named Koyo! And while luck may have been on their side this time, questions remain. Just who is this girl, and who is after the prince’s life? Shadowy conspiracies, mysterious religions, and deep-rooted beliefs all collide in this beautifully drawn manga series!



Tags: Shoujo , Female Protagonist , Historical , Medicine , Foreign , Royal Affairs , Ancient China , Religion

Saiunkoku Monogatari

Also known as The Story of Saiunkoku.

Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Fantasy , Romance

Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern.

Shurei enters the palace as Ryuki’s consort, but he has yet to seek her out. It is rumored that men, not women, share the emperor’s bedchamber. Shurei must think of a way to stop the emperor from shirking his responsibilities, but she has to find him first!



Tags: Josei , Historical , Foreign , Unrequited Love , Ancient China , Kingdom Management , Work , Female Protagonist , Politics , Male Harem , Royal Affairs

Qi Wei Shang

Also known as The Tyrant Prince's Last Promise.

Status: Finished
Genres: Romance

Renowned for his illustrious military achievements, Jing Shao is unexpectedly betrayed and falls from grace, finding himself abandoned by all but one: his male spouse, whom he had neglected for over a decade. Given another chance by the universe, he vows to turn over a new leaf and win back the love of his husband. However, this journey of love and redemption is fraught with challenges, teaching Jing Shao the true meaning of commitment and the strength of enduring affection.



Tags: Boys' Love , Full Color , Politics , Primarily Adult Cast , Ancient China , Time Manipulation , Male Protagonist , Reincarnation , Historical , Arranged Marriage , War , Royal Affairs

Kingdom: Soushuu-hen

Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama

Side stories included in the "Kingdom: Highlights" books:

Volume 1:
1. Kongou (金剛)
2. Umazakehei Sanbyaku (馬酒兵三百)

Volume 2:
3. Li Mu(李牧):
An insight to the past of Li Mu and Hai Yin as they resist the forces of the Xion Nus.
4. Meng Wu and Chu Zi (蒙武と楚子)

Tags: Historical , Military , Seinen , Ancient China

Tekken Chinmi

Also known as Ironfist Chinmi.

Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy

Chinmi is a young Chinese boy devoted to martial arts training. Word of his skill reaches the kung-fu masters at the famous Dailin temple who invite him to study with them. Through his own dedication and the guidance of his teachers, Chinmi becomes one of the top students at the temple. Eventually the time comes for him to leave Dailin and make a pilgrimage. On his journey he faces a number of dangers that test his skills, but he also meets many people who inspire him in different ways. A chastened but determined Chinmi returns to Dailin for advanced training. But soon his skills are needed again - the Mongol hordes are nearing the temple.



Tags: Shounen , Wuxia , Martial Arts , Historical , Male Protagonist , Drugs , Ancient China

LORD

Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama

The story is set in the period from the end of the Later Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms Period in China. In 184 AD, a brave general of the Nanukoku Kingdom, who contributed to Himiko's unification of Japan, decides to take over the "hegemony" of the Later Han Dynasty. He travels alone to Yushu in the Later Han Dynasty, where he meets the three brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. He works with these three brothers, but soon learns that Liu Bei is an evil person. One day, Liu Bei tries to kill a criminal to test his new sword, but Pei Yu stops him and even cuts off Liu Bei's head. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are outraged, but Pei Yu sees and points out that the two were not following Liu Bei out of pure heart. Afterwards, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei witnessed Puo Yu's actions and thoughts and decided to make Puo Yu the new Liu Bei, and the three of them took a new oath of brotherhood in Taoyuan.

Note: The story is loosely based on the Three Kingdoms period, using both real and original characters and events from the historical period in Chinese history and folklore of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Tags: Seinen , Historical , Ancient China

Saiunkoku Monogatari

Also known as The Story of Saiunkoku.

Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Fantasy , Romance

The story, which takes place in the fictional medieval empire of Saiunkoku, follows the adventures of Shuurei Kou, a descendant of a noble family that has fallen on hard times.

Her father works as a librarian in the Imperial palace, a post which offers prestige and respect, but little compensation. Shuurei teaches in the temple school and works odd jobs to make ends meet, but her dream is to pass the imperial examinations and take a post in government, a path forbidden to women.

Shuurei's plans come to an abrupt halt when the Emperor's Grand Advisor makes a startling offer, which is joining the imperial household for six months as the young Emperor's consort, and teach the Emperor to be a responsible ruler. If she succeeds, the financial reward will be great.

The story details Shuurei's growing relationships with the Emperor and other members of the court, the intrigues that surround imperial politics, and her commitment to better herself and her country.

Note: This entry consists of 18 regular volumes, 4 volumes consisting of side stories, and a single volume consisting of short stories.



Tags: Josei , Historical , Primarily Adult Cast , Work , Family Life , Urban , Mythology , Philosophy , Unrequited Love , Ancient China , Kingdom Management , Female Protagonist , Foreign , Politics , Crime , War , Found Family , Ghost , Gods , Travel , Royal Affairs , Male Harem , Tragedy , Assassins , Bullying , Marriage , Time Skip , Pregnant

Ryu-ou Heika no Gekirin-sama: Hon suki Nezumi Himedesuga, Naze ka Ryu-ou no Saiai ni Narimashita

Also known as The Dragon King’s Imperial Wrath: Falling in Love with the Bookish Princess of the Rat Clan.

Status: Finished
Genres: Fantasy , Romance

Princess Ruiying of the Rat Clan, the weakest of the thirteen animal clans, was summoned to the palace of the Dragon Clan, as the Dragon King sought a bride. But instead of competing with the other princesses, her goal was to check out the library of the dragon palace, the largest in the world. Seven days after arriving, Ruying was reading alone in the library when she was caught by a handsome man from the Dragon Clan. He suddenly kissed her and said, "I've finally found you," as Ruiying's life was about to change forever.



Tags: Josei , Ancient China , Female Protagonist , Kemonomimi , Heterosexual , Dragons , Foreign

Gungeneun Gaekkochi Sanda

Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Romance

She is beautiful, persevering but what amazes people is her sharp mind. Sharp minded enough to become the next empress. However the prince despises her... How will she manage to make him fall in love with her?

Tags: Full Color , Female Protagonist , Historical , Villainess , Foreign , Heterosexual , Ancient China

Shin Tekken Chinmi

Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy

In the previous "Kung-Fu Boy" series, Chinmi became the master of Kempo at Dairin temple, where he trained disciples. When they lose contact with Kyorinji, a temple of the same sect, Chinmi is dispatched to the Kanan Autonomous region to investigate.

He tries to enter Kanan with Pushin, a swordmaster whom he met traveling to Kanan. But they are attacked after trying to enter Kanan and pursued by the Border Police who chase them into a waterfall. A fisherman saves them and aids their entrance into Kanan. The people of Kanan are forcibly oppressed by the government. Chinmi befriends the people and makes the big decision to free them with his Kempo. Sorabi Boru, Lieutenant of the Border Police and Jirai, the evil king of Kanan attack Chinmi...



Tags: Shounen , Historical , Wuxia , Martial Arts , Male Protagonist , Ancient China