What's behind China's crackdown on Story of Yanxi Palace and other period dramas

Zhejiang satellite TV station took Chinese drama Story Of Yanxi Palace off air from Jan 29, Duowei magazine reported. PHOTO: STARHUB
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

In a scene in Chinese drama Story Of Yanxi Palace, Emperor Qianlong chances upon an opera which depicts two women in love.

He rushes to the chambers of the Empress, who, some palace maids whisper, is uncommonly close to a concubine.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.