This review may contain spoilers
Great chemistry! Be prepared to read between the lines.
I was impressed in the first episode with the cinematography and how grand it all appears. Everything looked like the makings of a great drama and for the most part it was but it fell short by about 2.5 points. First, let me say the wardrobes were spot on beautiful and flowing for the women, strong and fierce for the men. The production was done well and made you feel as if you were somewhere real instead of a green screen. Thumbs up to the casting directors because they picked a great cast of actors. Each of the characters big and small does a great job of bringing you into their world. From Gu's father to the Goa's father. The only character I never connected with along with all of his scenes was Chi the gangster. I fast forward most of his scenes which were actually quite a few. They could have skipped those storylines and put back many of the ones they edited out.The FL and ML have great chemistry and if you like romance there is a lot of it. Now this is also where they loose points with me for bad editing. It seems they edit out some key points in this drama. You will have to fill in the gaps, holes and even make up some episodes on your own. Don't bother going back to see if you missed something (You didn't). It was cut somewhere when back on the editing floor. Who ever the editing team were which would include the director they left out a left a lot of key elements on the editing floor. Which made me really angry. They spent too episodes trying a create love triangle that just fell flat, flat , flat. It was quite annoying.
Even at the last two episodes you may be confused because what could have been good for the drama and made it better got cut.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Strong female lead but looking for too much support and making it useless
A strong female lead is a great thing… but what are the issues:1. Her former lover is the main enemy at the end when she is so good in assessing character and ouyang in fact was not bad to start with; if you are so clear about your lovers …only two lovers in her life… will you go to the extent of banishing him …will you not do your due diligence or let go as you are a strong lead
2. Her 2nd lover has to work hard to gain her favor in the later part of the story…again flawed…i really have two close friends in my 30 years of life…do I need a convincing from this person again…what sort of character am I… how can I be a strong lead…or champion among people
3. She is a strong lead but tries to prove herself in a bunch of hopeless men and women who act as authorities …if not for the support of these hopelesss people she would have died long back…if her character is not thorough or smart how can she a strong lead
- she goes to main inspector to negotiate who could have made her a concubine if not for her lover support…utter foolishnesses
- she accepts getting flogged 20 times and her lover as well…when they clearly know she can die out of flogging…another foolishness when it’s said she is the best businesswoman and her lover being the top agent
- she could have been killed by officials or empress anytime…where is the strength if you don’t know how to play politics and being the top businessswoman ?
- she goes to negotiate with the top businessman who could have also made her a concubine if not for his poor portrayal….
So is there anything strong about the female character here? Doing 4-5 things does not mean the leader among women…..one needs to show how smart she is to make it right 90% time…
Was this review helpful to you?
SO BORING :(
I was shocked to see so many good reviews. Did we watch the same show??The romance wasn’t that romantic. The first half was more interesting with them having underlying feelings for one another but their status would be questionable because of her background. After that, yeesh. The kisses were terrible and to be honest, GXF was like two different people. He’s the “Living Devil”- ruthless and merciless. But with her he’s like a puppy and trying to be comical... doesn’t quite match.
All the politics and power struggle - I did not even bother to watch. It was ff all the way. The other couples- boring. The comedy- boring. Music- boring. Sure yes- three women speaking up, fending for themselves, being successful in their careers etc... maybe it could have been better with 20 episodes? ;)
From Epi 21 I skipped to 26-27.. then to 40. Haha... just wanted to see the end. Even skipping that many episodes, I can still understand the final episode. Goes to show how much they dragged out the storyline. If you’re looking for a good historical drama, I would recommend Who Rules The World. That was really good:)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WATCH IT! You won't regret at all!
Yes I finally completed this drama after waiting for like 2 years after its first trailer!!! Great great drama given that C-dramas has been rather disappointing for quite a long while now especially for the historical genre! The cast is just wonderful and unexpected for the great chemistry and synergy, Chen Xiao and Liu Yi Fei together in a drama again is a total gift from heavens and their "lovers" set up is so believable and so sweet just by watching it!Jelly Lin's acting gave me a big sight of relieve as she's finally starting to act well/normal in her roles after so many past dramas she had destroyed with her real bad acting.
Ada Liu's performance here made me so happy for her that Ada Liu could finally get her revenge against the people who bullied her in real life! If you have watched the scene whereby Sun San Niang throwing Du Chang Feng into the river for him saying demeaning words towards the three ladies, though it was a super funny scene but you may not know how is this scene related to a real past controversy of Ada Liu. What happened was that Ada Liu was the bridesmaid to her celebrity friend's wedding in China and after the ceremony ended, the Groom along with Groomsman decided to "prank" Bridesmaid by throwing one of them into the pool/pond in the venue which ended up they chose Ada Liu because she had "great figures"... The situation ended really ugly due to the fact that all the guys involved didn't bother to apologies nor admit they were wrong but instead pushed the fault to Ada Liu for making a big deal out of a small issue when she wasn't the one who blow up the issue (She was even made to apologise on the situation!). Since then, she was bullied by the Groom and Groomsmen's fans/netizens name calling her being "slutty" and many disgusting behaviors from the internet...
I really like how the story is setup especially the smooth ending leading towards the last few episodes which many dramas tend up end up rushing or make sudden bad ending due to poor management of quality checks. I particularly like Xu Hai Qiao, Guan Yun Peng and Zhang Xiao Qian's splendid acting here and made their mediocre roles stood out! Though Xu Hai Qiao's character isn't a good one at all but honestly his performance here really make you forget he's an actor and really naturally progressed from a timid guy to turning evil. Guan Yun Peng's character expressions are really charismatic when it could have been a mediocre character if not acted right! Just that his initial behavior from a small soldier to when he became the right-hand man was kinda odd for me as it does seemed that he had motives getting close to the Gu Jian Fan and not as innocent/righteous as portrayed.
So there are certainly quite a few flaws even though it was nicely produced. One would be the fact that Zhao Pan Er managed to be on intimate/good terms with many "foe" characters so easily every time she used her sincerity is quite unrealistic TBH... Olden days people in these capital cities are honestly not as trustable and easily persuadable as what was portrayed in this drama due to their complicated environment and strict social classes...
Overall, really recommended for everyone to watch and enjoy the natural sweetness of the main couple and feel real satisfied with all the revenge they have taken on those who kept bullying and belittling them!
Was this review helpful to you?
Like it!!!
I like the early episodes to the middle episodes, this part is what I always repeat.Their chemistry is really good. Like it!!!
actually it's been a long time since I've keep up in Chinese dramas, and Chen Xiao.
and when I saw chen Xiao after a long time, something had changed about him, he had become more mature, masculine, cool, and handsome.
and yes I was stunned to see him as Gu Qianfan.
and Liu Yifei she is more beautiful and elegant.
I like the story of their friendship.
Pan Er's figure with her intelligence and ingenuity I like it.
Was this review helpful to you?
More shows like this Please!
I LOVE this show. I enjoyed it very much and did not once FF it. It would have been perfect if the last few episodes didn't feel rushed or random to me, but C-dramas have been notoriously bad at sticking their landings!The story line was engaging. The characters were dynamic and three-dimensional. I love the agencies the women had in this series. It was good to see a storyline where the women weren't catty with one another, but rather supportive to each other. This includes ALL the women in the series, not just the leads. The romance was void of dramatic spins, falls, and catches, and not too many slow-motion beauty shots, so that is always a PLUS in my book! It has been quite a while since I've enjoyed a C-drama this much (since the Imperial Coroner), especially after so many highly-anticipated ones which ended up be so disappointing to ME (Who Rules the World, Pearl Eclipse, The Long Ballad, Snow Sword Stride -- Don't come for me! If you love those shows, that's awesome!) To each her/his/their own! :-)
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Yes. In this lifetime and every lifetime: yes.
I didn't have a lot of expectations going into this drama, but what I got was a beautiful story of three AMAZING WOMEN who gave this story its true charm. The romance was there, but it took third seat behind the gorgeous tale of these three strong women, and then the hilarious comedy of Chi Yan Nei and his goons. So many hilarious, laugh out loud moments.Zhao Pan Er was the perfect FML. She was smart, beautiful, witty, and not perfect. She grew and learned, but always kept her head held high and was always so positive without being naive.
The only tiny niggle that is barely anything is that Gu Qianfan is nicknamed "The Living Devil", which sounds badass, right? But he doesn't really... so anything devillish or badassish.
But the chemistry was for sure there.
Either way, this is a must-watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Beautiful, Empowering Journey
I started watching A Dream of Splendor with zero expectations and somehow ended up finishing it in just two days. This drama quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. From its storytelling to its characters, visuals, and emotional depth, it delivers a rare balance of elegance, realism, and heart.
🌸 Story & Themes
At its core, A Dream of Splendor is a story about three women who refuse to accept the fate society assigns them. Zhao Pan’er, Sun San Niang, and Song Yin Zhang each come from difficult pasts and low social standing, yet they dare to dream of independence, dignity, and success. Their journey to the capital is not just physical, but emotional and symbolic—a fight against class prejudice, gender restrictions, and personal trauma.
The drama explores women’s empowerment, social hierarchy, human rights, and self-worth, but it does so without becoming overly heavy. Humor, warmth, romance, and suspense are woven in beautifully, making the narrative engaging rather than exhausting.
💼 Business & Growth Arc
One of the most satisfying aspects of this drama is the business storyline. Watching the women build their teahouse from scratch is incredibly rewarding. Zhao Pan’er’s sharp business sense, San Niang’s culinary skills, and Yin Zhang’s artistic talent complement each other perfectly.
Their struggles with customers, competitors, officials, and societal bias feel realistic and grounded. Success is never handed to them it’s earned through strategy, resilience, and teamwork. The business side is not just a backdrop; it actively shapes their character growth and independence.
💕 Romance & Relationships
The romance between Zhao Pan’er and Gu Qian Fan is refreshingly mature. Their relationship is filled with longing, misunderstandings, restraint, and quiet devotion. The misunderstandings between them can be frustrating, but they come from fear, duty, and past trauma rather than petty reasons.
Gu Qian Fan may appear cold and distant, but he never truly stops protecting Pan’er. Pan’er, in turn, remains patient because of the depth of her love. Their chemistry feels natural especially the physical closeness. Their hugs, kisses, and moments together feel sincere and lived-in, setting a high standard for how couples should be portrayed on screen.
Chi Pan serves as a gentle, almost bittersweet presence more a bridge in Pan’er’s emotional journey than a true rival which adds emotional depth without unnecessary drama.
👩🦰 Female Characters Done Right
This drama truly shines in its portrayal of women. Pan’er is neither a flawless nor a helpless damsel. She is smart, ambitious, emotionally vulnerable, and deeply human.
San Niang and Yin Zhang are not sidelined for the sake of the main romance. They make mistakes, suffer consequences, grow, and mature. Their bond feels genuine—full of support, disagreements, and unconditional loyalty. The scene where Yin Zhang finally stands up for herself is incredibly uplifting.
🎭 Acting & Casting
The acting across the board is outstanding. It’s refreshing to see age-appropriate casting, where actors actually look and feel right for their roles.
Liu Yifei brings grace and subtlety to Zhao Pan’er, especially in emotional scenes and quiet moments.
Chen Xiao is phenomenal as Gu Qian Fan—stoic, reliable, and irresistibly charismatic. His restrained expressions and quiet devotion made him a standout.
Jelly Lin deserves special praise for her impressive character development as Yin Zhang.
Even the supporting and male side characters are well-written, memorable, and emotionally engaging.
🎨 Cinematography & Aesthetics
The first third of the drama is especially magical. The cinematography creates a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The water reflections, teahouse scenes, city streets, and natural lighting are stunning. Costumes are elegant and refined without being over-the-top, and the sets feel fresh rather than recycled from other historical dramas.
⚖️ Minor Criticisms
Some misunderstandings dragged on longer than necessary.
The ending could have offered more happy, settled moments for the main characters.
Certain plot threads felt slightly underdeveloped toward the end.
🌟 Final Thoughts
A Dream of Splendor is an inspiring, emotionally rich, and beautifully crafted drama. It celebrates women’s resilience, meaningful love, chosen family, and personal ambition without losing its elegance.
With its strong writing, mature romance, compelling business arc, and exceptional performances, this drama easily earns its 9/10 rating. It’s one of those rare shows that feels both comforting and empowering—and absolutely worth revisiting.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves strong female leads, mature romance, business growth stories, and beautifully told historical dramas.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Class warfare, emotional manipulation, and skirts that don’t crease under pressure
I am not a feminist by any means but I do like dramas with strong female leads, and I usually stay away from ones where the FL’s sole purpose in life is to chase a guy around, which, thank God, this isn’t the case here. The premise where three down-on-their-luck women, who strive to succeed in a traditional, mostly patriarchal society, appealed to me, and this didn’t disappoint.Only recalling her as “Mulan,” I was not exactly surprised by Liu Yi Fe’s acting skills. Crystal balances both elegance and determination as Zhao Pan Er, a business-savvy teahouse owner who has been jilted by her ex-fiance who ditched her for a more favorable marriage. Throughout the drama, Pan Er devices ways to bring this person to “justice,” although I wasn’t quite sure what the intention was behind this aside from getting her hands back on a highly sought-after painting that seemed to be left in his possession. Unless there was a legal contract binding Pan Er and Ouyang Xu together, I don’t see why he owed her anything else, except perhaps an explanation. Though he’s no saint in the beginning, I feel others didn’t need to show much malice towards him until later, perhaps when his true colors were revealed. (More on this later).
But no, she has to go to another city, dragging along with her three friends and hunt this guy down and demand some sort of reparation. Granted, the other two ended up in the same place may be coincidence: San Niang, floating in the water, after realizing she married a jerk, and Yin Zhang, shackled in her own house, because she married an even bigger a$$hole. So Pan Er’s duty, as the loyal and dedicated friend she is, to save both of them from their disastrous circumstances wearing a flowy cape.
She does all this while carrying on a mild flirtation with some guy named Gu Qian Fan, because you never know, she may need him in the future, even though she absolutely abhorred where he works/where he came from because of past events, that he had no knowledge of. Well, this worked in Pan Er’s favor because Qian Fan saved her ass countless of times. But she insists on repaying his kindness by rubbing her ex’s name in his face. Yes, yes, Qian Fan gets it: “We are just friends, and you’re just bitter, but I’m so okay with this because I’ve never seen another woman in my life who I don’t consider my mother or sister or the kitchen help. I just like coming here for the tea you brew.”
Now, speaking of brewing, this woman can sure brew. Pan Er can brew up several storms at the same time and still keep her skirt tidy. Competitors try to outwit, outsmart, outbid, outflank her, but Pan Er sticks to her guns, the ones that she keeps close to her breasts, I mean, chest. But she eventually loosens up around Qian Fan, because of course, he might prove useful on another occasion.
In the meantime, shady dealings are going everywhere else. It seems that somebody is out to get somebody by using somebody else who is, in turn, using someone else to their nefarious deeds. So everyone’s looking over their shoulder, especially Gu Qian Fan, who has to keep deflecting daggers out of his back. Meanwhile, Pan Er is also busy swatting flies, but does so with a curved pinky, so it’s not surprising that one vermin or two invades her life.
Qian Fan magically disappears from a few episodes, and Pan Er has a second string waiting in the wings. Her falling out with Yin Zhang also stressed her out, because she realizes her friend could do other things aside from playing the Pipa. It’s not entirely for show. (Although it looked liked, it really is). Pan Er realizes that she’s not the only one that Yin Zhang can rely on. She also has her scripted partner, because God damn it, everyone needs to be coupled up, whether or not they like it. It’s part of the story.
The only miserable people really are those who ended up single, like Ouyang Xu, who I still think was driven to madness by his own ambition, with a generous prodding from Pan ER. In the end, it was his desperation to survive in a world that heavily favors people who have a good social standing, that failed him. Ouyang Xu lost sight of his initial dream, which is to pass the imperial exam, so he can marry well. Perhaps, we would see a different story if Pan ER let him be. He could have probably led a decent family life with Gao Hui who genuinely liked him. His moral compass was broken anyway when he started doing questionable things. Like a cornered mouse, he didn’t see a way out except to resort to violence.
As the drama goes, this was way more interesting than I expected. The characters are not perfect but are multidimensional. The three women, in particular, have a natural character development that wasn’t contrived. There was an engaging plot and side arcs that didn’t feel too out of place, except perhaps for the gaping hole that Gu Qian Fan left with his absence towards the end. Acting from both leads were A+, and the rest of the cast were very good in their own right. The few times where I felt frustrated are when Pan Er displays some sort of self-righteousness. I’m not saying that women SHOULDN’T rely on men to be independent. Anyone could use some help, and still be successful in their own right, but just don’t dismiss it as if it’s ALL your effort. Give credit where credit is due. And it’s true what Qian Fan said or implied at one point, that being in a relationship means that you CAN depend on each other, that one didn’t need to take all the problems upon oneself. This does not make you weak. But other than that, this is a decent drama about female empowerment in a Class-based society, and can teach a thing or two on how NOT to be hoodwinked into a disastrous marriage.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This drama was so good I had to write a review to tell everyone how good it is.
A Dream of Splendour is hands down one of the best dramas I have watched in my life. It's more than just a romantic love story - it's a story about friendship, forgiveness, courage and what it means to be strong. True strength does not mean winning every fight but it means strength of character and strength to change for the better. The drama delivers some very poignant and heart touching lessons in a very beautiful and entertaining way.Personally, I found the drama to be very relatable as it focuses on characters that are very real and who have very real challenges despite being set in glamorous Song dynasty costumes and backdrop (for example, battling financial and business problems, toxic exes, falling out with friends etc). Each character has their own story arc and motivations and learn and work through their own trials and tribulations - they are very much alive rather than being two dimensional and moving for the sake of the plot.
The main actors, Chen Xiao and Liu Yifei, were superb and had so much chemistry together (love their banter!). That said, the drama would not have been a success without such a talented supporting cast (eg Liu Yan, Lin Yun, Dai Xu - just to name a few). I also particularly enjoyed the dynamics between the emperor and empress - very wholesome and refreshing take on an imperial marriage.
Overall, this is an uplifting drama that makes you believe in love and friendship again (in case you had forgotten). Bonus brownie points for having a satisfying happy ending! I mean how many historical dramas have there been that has ended in unnecessary tragedy. Although I would still have a tissue box handy for the sad and emotional scenes in A Dream of Splendour.
Well what are you waiting for? Go and watch A Dream of Splendour!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
