Girl power: Five popular TV series focus on women in 2017

As the status of Chinese women is rising in almost every field nowadays, the entertainment industry tries to win their hearts through more productions that center on women.

2017 is a year that has seen many women protagonists commanding the small screen. From princesses and businesswomen in the human world to fairies in wonderland, these heroines are the core of their TV dramas. They all are strong and kindhearted, and they undoubtedly have a beautiful appearance.

The emergence of these productions is also the result of the online literature boom in China, for many are adapted from popular novels on the internet. Before adaptation, these works had a group of faithful readers who later became audiences.

However, the TV version doesn't always accord with what the readers had imagined.

Winning both applause and boos, the following five are the most popular TV series centered on women in 2017.

No. 1 The Glory of Tang Dynasty

The 60-episode TV drama was adapted from a novel Legend of Princess Pearl published in 2007. It focuses on the protagonist Shen Zhenzhu's romance with her husband and their efforts to protect the country.

Premiered Jan 29, the drama received 7 points out of 10 on the country's popular review website Douban.

While not a low rating when compared to the other four dramas, it was still criticized by many audience members.

"In the drama, romance is the protagonist's only pursuit. It seems that the meaning of her life is to have a romantic relationship with a Prince Charming. No, not only one, but three or four," Douban user Jiuyuehuashang said.

No. 2 Once Upon A Time

The online novel Once Upon A Time by Tang Qi was published in 2009. This year saw a series of adaptations of the novel, including a TV series, a film, a drama and a computer game.

The TV version premiered Jan 30 and starred two popular actresses, Yang Mi and Dilraba. It is about a fairy's romance with a god in their three different lives.

"The scenes in the TV adaptation are beautiful, and also consistent with the original work," a Douban user Banchengyansha said.

Rated 6.4 points out of 10 on the review website, some users said the drama focused too much on romance.

"They are fairies. Can't they do something else except falling in love?" another Douban user Amy said.

No. 3 Princess Agents

Adapted from an online novel Queen of No. 11 Agent, the TV series is about the adventure of a female slave Chu Qiao and her romance with a prince Yan Xun.

The drama was broadcast during the summer holiday, targeting young audiences who prefer fantasies and romances.

Although the original book got 7.9 out of 10 on Douban, the TV version only got 5 for its poor adaptation.

"Why do the slaves all dress in white and look like fairies in this drama? Plus they even ran faster than horses. Is it reasonable?" user Shiweitian said.

No. 4 The King's Woman

Premiered in August, the 48-episode TV series is a fictional story, with a plot centering on struggles and romance during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).

The drama won much praise for its use of slow motion when shooting martial arts.

"Martial arts are highlighted in the TV series. The actors performed real kung fu," a Douban user Weishenmeyaoxuefa said.

Yet the TV adaption couldn't satisfy the audience, who prefer real history rather than fiction, and it only got 4.9 points on Douban.

No. 5 Nothing Gold Can Stay

The TV drama is not based on a novel but the story of a real businesswoman Zhou Ying. Born in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Zhou was the richest female entrepreneur in Shaanxi province at that time.

Leading actress Sun Li played Zhou in the drama. Despite her age, Sun, who was born in 1982, still successfully presented a lovely and innocent teenage Zhou in the eyes of many audience members.

"As a native of Shaanxi, I found Sun played the role well. She jumps and runs wildly, just like a typical young naughty Shaanxi girl," a netizen Xuelili said.

The drama got 7.2 points on Douban, receiving criticism for having too much romance and too few of Zhou's struggles.