1998 Chinese-Taiwanese historical romantic comedy based on novels by 琼瑶. Launched the careers of 赵薇 (as 小燕子), 林心如 (as 紫薇), and 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 via Qiong Yao's original title. Often abbreviated just 还珠.
1998 TV adaptation of 琼瑶's novels, set at Emperor Qianlong's court. Tomboy orphan 小燕子 is mistaken for the emperor's lost daughter; comedy, romance, and palace intrigue follow. One of the most-watched Chinese dramas of all time.
