Kangxi Dynasty


Kangxi Dynasty is a 2001 Chinese historical drama television series based on the novel The Great Kangxi Emperor by Eryue He, focusing on major events during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty. The series is a prequel to the 1997 television series Yongzheng Dynasty, and was followed by Qianlong Dynasty in 2002.

Synopsis

The series focuses on the major events which occurred during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty, including the power struggle with Oboi, the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, and the campaign against the Kingdom of Tungning.

Cast

Production

The series was partially produced on location at the House of the Huangcheng Chancellor in rural Shanxi, the home of Chen Tingjing, a minister of the Kangxi Emperor who served as the chief editor for his dictionary.

Awards

Kangxi Dynasty won the Outstanding Drama award at the 20th Golden Eagle Television Awards in 2002.

Reception

Although the series was generally popular, it received lower ratings than its predecessor, Yongzheng Dynasty, a similar television series about the Kangxi Emperor's son and successor, the Yongzheng Emperor. The series was criticised by some for being wrought with historical inaccuracies. Critics also pointed out its unnecessary emphasis on Taiwan, a contemporary issue. Some major events during Kangxi's reign were omitted, such as his contributions to the Chinese language with the Kangxi Dictionary, and the contention for the succession among Kangxi's sons, which is featured more prominently in Yongzheng Dynasty.