1998 Chinese-Taiwanese historical romantic comedy based on novels by Qiong Yao (琼瑶). Launched the careers of Vicki Zhao (赵薇, as Xiaoyanzi/小燕子), Ruby Lin (林心如, as Ziwei/紫薇), and Alec Su (苏有朋). Set in the Qing Qianlong reign. A cultural phenomenon of the late '90s and early 2000s across the Chinese-speaking world.
usage
格格 is a Manchu term for 'princess' (Qing dynasty title). 还珠 = 'returning the pearl,' a literary allusion to the Tang-era tale 红拂夜奔 via Qiong Yao's original title. Often abbreviated just 还珠.
1998 TV adaptation of Qiong Yao's novels, set at Emperor Qianlong's court. Tomboy orphan Xiaoyanzi is mistaken for the emperor's lost daughter; comedy, romance, and palace intrigue follow. Aired across mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia — one of the most-watched Chinese dramas of all time.
