What would you do if you accidentally found yourself inside the world of a script, playing the role of a tragic female lead used and discarded by the villainous male lead, even tortured to death? For Song Xiao Yu, the answer is obvious: run as far away as possible. She had the perfect escape plan, but reality said otherwise. Every time she tries to change the storyline or marry a supporting male character, she becomes trapped in a never-ending loop full of “bugs,” dying in 108 unique and absurd ways. In short, the game was over for her the moment it began. Eventually, Xiao Yu comes to a painful realization: no matter how hard she tries, the “plot” always pulls her back to the male lead, Nan Heng, forcing her to re-enact the script’s iconic scenes repeatedly. In this paper-thin world, so many characters are shackled by predestined roles. Some are imprisoned in palace intrigues, others are confined in grand aristocratic mansions. Some are trapped in toxic rivalries among women, while others endlessly pursue power and status. Some yearn for love and freedom but can only dance in fear, bound by invisible chains. Some dream of soaring like mighty birds, only to lose their spirit amid the monotony of daily life. Only when Xiao Yu realizes that she is no longer living in the old plot and Nan Heng isn’t the villain she thought he was, could they both find the truth and perhaps love along with it. (Source: IQIY; edited by kisskh) Edit Translation
- English
- 中文(简体)
- Русский
- हिन्दी
- Native Title: 书卷一梦
- Also Known As: Shu Juan Yi Meng , 書卷一夢 , Cон во сне
- Director: Guo Hu
- Screenwriter: Ren Zhuang Liu
- Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
Where to Watch A Dream within a Dream
Cast & Credits
- Li Yi TongSong Yi Meng / Song Xiao YuMain Role
- Liu Yu NingNan Heng / Li Shi Liu / Nan FengMain Role
- Zhu Xu DanSong Yi TingSupport Role
- Riley WangShangguan HeSupport Role
- Wang You ShuoChu Gui HongSupport Role
- Chang LongNan RuiSupport Role
Reviews
Liu Yuning is on the roll!!!
First of all, huge shout out to all the supporting actors. They are absolute gems when it comes to showcasing their prowess of acting in a comedy genre. This show is undeniably hilarious (that laughter of 18th Prince is my favourite) and it is even better when the show itself knows about it and doesn't take itself seriously from the get go. From the first episode you will be glued to the screen and binge watch all the episodes.Li Yitong is simply made for this genre and Liu Yu Ning is in his best. (It is basically his yr.) I just like that guy whatever he does, whatever roles he chooses or whatever song he sings. (Yes, I am totally biased!)
The first ep. explains what the story is all about - a sword triangle *cough* a love triangle that literally raises the storm and the struggle of ML to seize the throne (literally quite a bloody one) and they definitely have a chemistry in this one... literally 'cough'.
Now the best part of it is the music and the lyrics that made me laugh so much which is very unique especially in historical/wuxia dramas. The scenes of FL trying to change the story and repeating the same things over and over again in 2x and 3x speed was really funny (that is some final destination stuff going on with her). I love it how it gets serious when it is required with a perfect blend of comedy that is central to the plot and the production what to say...they have got some big BUDGET. Nothing looks cheap everything is top notch and the fact that they used famous scenes of other popular dramas and reused them in a comedic way is cherry on top. Another commendable thing is the character development of side characters, no matter how small but they tried to evolve all the characters and gave them screentime which I haven't seen in many dramas.
If you are a fan of 'Romance of tiger and rose' and Love game in Eastern Fantasy' and another kdrama 'Extraordinary You' then this show will definitely exceed your expectations because it incorporates everything which the others lacked. Overall it is now one of my favourites of 2025 dramas with a well thought out transmigration plot that I have watched in a while. (Believe me you won't be able to guess the twists and yes it is remarkably done from start to finish so throw your worries of 'rushed ending' out of the window.)
Highly recommended.
This drama has everything you'll love.⭐
From beginning to end, this drama truly delivered. Fresh concepts, great synergy among the cast, amazing music, and just the right amount of comedy without any cringe—plus some of the best actors in recent years. Liu Yu Ning was outstanding and consistently excels in roles like this. I hope we continue to see him in more historical or fantasy dramas.It’s definitely a rewatch-worthy series because you’ll enjoy yourself from start to finish. The overall concept stands out—just when you think you can predict what’s coming next, the show proves you wrong every time. I’d 100% recommend it to anyone who enjoys a perfect blend of historical romance and comedy.
A 10/10 banger! This one’s officially going on my “never forget” list.
Recent Discussions
| Title | Replies | Views | Latest Post | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link to Translated Novel by noveladdict | 0 | 0 | No discussions yet | |
| [SPOILER] Nan Heng and the Male Lead Pain Bias, Explained by Playset9656 | 20 | 0 | Tintentaucher Oct 13, 2025 | |
| A DREAM WITHIN A DREAM [Ending Explained] by Salwa Nice | 30 | 0 | 2busywatching Oct 9, 2025 | |
| Better Understanding of the Female and Male Lead Characters of "A Dream Within A Dream". by AboutTheMessaging | 4 | 0 | AboutTheMessaging Sep 18, 2025 | |
| Female Lead A Dream Within a Dream by sam | 1 | 0 | Deci16 Sep 17, 2025 | |
| Episode recaps for "A Dream Within A Dream" by Cho Na | 0 | 0 | Cho Na Aug 16, 2025 | |






























