A still of the TV series The Glory of Tang Dynasty [Photo/VCG]

5. The Glory of Tang Dynasty

A TV series inspired by a legendary queen is making waves in China. The Glory of Tang Dynasty, being shown on Beijing Satellite TV since late January, has been adapted from the popular novel of the same title, and chronicles the life of Shen Zhenzhu, wife of the 8th-century Emperor Daizong.

Jing Tian, who starred in the film The Great Wall, directed by Zhang Yimou, plays the role of Shen, a tough queen who sacrifices herself to protect the people and her husband, played by Ren Jialun, an upcoming star.

The series has been made with a budget of around 260 million yuan ($38.68 million), and shot in 70 sets, with massive digital backup.