Movies Like Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin

If you liked Zheng Yuanhe and Li Yasin (1980), a movie directed by Yu Han-Hsiang, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
M. Butterfly (1993)
★ 6.6/10
In 1960s China, French diplomat Rene Gallimard falls in love with opera singer Song Liling – but Song is not at all who Gallimard thinks.
2
Written on the Wind (1956)
★ 7/10
Mitch Wayne is a geologist working for the Hadleys, an oil-rich Texas family. While the patriarch, Jasper, works hard to establish the family business, his irresponsible son, Kyle, is an alcoholic playboy, and his…
3
White Snake (2019)
★ 7.7/10
One day a young woman named Blanca is saved by Xuan, a snake catcher from a nearby village. As they set off an a journey to discover her real identity, the pair develop feelings for each other.
4
Chang'an (2023)
★ 7.6/10
A few years after the Anshi Rebellion, Tang dynasty military commander Gao Shi suffers a defeat in a battle threatening Chang'an. Trapped in the besieged city, he recalls his lifelong friendship with the acclaimed poet…
5
Legend of the Demon Cat (2017)
★ 6.2/10
During the Late Tang Dynasty, a manor is invaded by a demon cat and a sense of unrest befalls the capital of Changan. A poet is charged with investigating the case and meets up with a monk. The two work together and…
6
New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
★ 8/10
While living as an ordinary deliveryman and motor racing fan, Nezha encounters old nemeses and must rediscover his powers to protect his loved ones.
7
Blades of the Guardians (2026)
★ 8.2/10
Dao Ma, the "second most wanted fugitive," is entrusted by his benefactor, the chief of Mo family clan, to take on a mysterious escort mission-escorting the "most wanted fugitive" to Chang'an.
8
Rip Girls (2000)
★ 6.3/10
A teen-age girl and her father come to an island on Hawaii, they find a closer relationship to each other and think about changing the island. During her adventures, Sydney finds friends, a new hobby with her fantastic…
9
Buddha Mountain (2011)
★ 6.7/10
In Chengdu, China, a retired female opera singer named Master Chang takes in a trio of young tenants into her boarding home. The tenants include a rock singer and a college student who has run away from home.
10
Farewell My Concubine (1993)
★ 8/10
In an epic tale of theater, gender, love and class, two Beijing opera actors navigate political turmoil as their friendship evolves over decades.
11
Avanti! (1972)
★ 6.9/10
A successful businessman travels to Italy to arrange for the return of his tycoon father's body, only to learn that dear old dad died with his longtime mistress.
12
Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)
★ 6.5/10
An engaged Philadelphia policeman falls in love with a beautiful woman while dealing with a corrupt superior.
13
Our Kind of Traitor (2016)
★ 6/10
A young Oxford academic and his attorney girlfriend holiday in Morocco. They bump into a Russian millionaire who owns a peninsula and a diamond watch. He wants a game of tennis. What else he wants propels the lovers on…
14
The Sleeping Dictionary (2003)
★ 6.6/10
In the 1930s, British officer John Truscott journeys to a remote village in colonial Malaysia to educate and Westernize the local Iban population. There, he's introduced to the lovely Selima. In keeping with tradition…
15
Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (1998)
★ 7.2/10
Young teen girl Xiu Xiu is sent away to a remote corner of the Sichuan steppes for manual labor in 1975 (sending young people to there was a part of Cultural Revolution in China). A year later, she agrees to go to even…
16
A Brighter Summer Day (1991)
★ 8.2/10
A boy experiences first love, friendships and injustices growing up in 1960s Taiwan.
17
Taipei Story (1985)
★ 7.5/10
A young woman urgently seeks to navigate the maze of contemporary Taipei and find a future. She hopes that her boyfriend Lung is the key to the future, but Lung is stuck in a past that combines baseball and traditional…
18
Nobody (2025)
★ 7.9/10
The Little Pig Yao decides to leave Langlang Mountain to join the pilgrimage. On the journey west, what trials will the little monsters face? In the end, will they achieve their dreams and live as they truly desire?
19
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
★ 7.3/10
Chosen by prophecy but doubted by all, Po is an unlikely choice for the mystical title of the Dragon Warrior—a clumsy panda thrust into the world of kung fu as a deadly enemy threatens the Valley of Peace. Under…
20
Wuthering Heights (1992)
★ 6.7/10
Young orphan Heathcliff is adopted by the wealthy Earnshaw family and moves into their estate, Wuthering Heights. Soon, the new resident falls for his compassionate foster sister, Cathy. The two share a remarkable bond…