The Legend of Zhen Huan was a beautiful drama.  Just look at the photos of the sets, costumes and makeup...I do not think I've ever seen another period piece that paid this much painstaking attention to detail.  This drama elevated the Chinese period drama bar high after it's initial run on television and for good reason.

With that said, you need to be a person with a certain level of patience to finish this drama.  The story is well executed, the actors high caliber and the drama level high... however, it is very slow paced.  The focus is on the relationship between the leading ladies, the palace intrigue and the power struggles of the inner palace.  There are no gimmicks to entertain the audience.  Therefore, if you are someone who needs plot twists and action after every episode to keep you hooked, this drama is not for you.  

Personally, I loved watching Zhen Huan.  The acting was superb.  The costumes so beautiful.   It felt like I was watching a Chinese version of a Jane Austin novel played on screen.  While Jane Austin's female protagonists can feel a bit vanilla, Zhen Huan was a breath of fresh air.  It was a joy watching her change from a doe eyed, somewhat naive yet bright, young girl into a manipulative, jaded and vengeful Queen B.  She had the makeup and the acting chops to pull it off.  I also learned a lot about Chinese history with this drama.  My knowledge of female titles in the inner palace was limited to concubine and empress...who knew there was such a hierarchy?

All in all, this was a very beautifully executed, smart drama that felt real to its time and worth the journey.  I highly recommend it.