gōngdòu
Also written: gongdou; palace intrigue; harem struggle; palace struggle; 宫斗剧
A Chinese drama and fiction label for intrigue, rivalry, survival, and power struggles within an imperial palace, especially among empresses, consorts, concubines, attendants, and factions connected to the inner court.
Literal meaning
palace struggle; palace fighting
Cultural context
The modern genre is commonly associated with stories in which women navigate a patriarchal imperial institution and compete over security, status, heirs, affection, and political influence. Academic and popular definitions vary, and not every palace drama is gongdou.
How dramas use it
Common plots include rank competition, succession, pregnancy and heirs, alliances, poisoning, false accusations, household management, family factions, information networks, demotion, exile, and strategic performance of loyalty.
Usage & formality
Gongdou is narrower than general court politics. A ruler-centered political history or military palace drama may be a court drama without being primarily a harem-struggle narrative.