This drama tells the stories of Nurhaci and the first four emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Power struggles and brutal wars unfold amongst them. Nurhaci successfully united the Jurchen tribes and established the Later Jin dynasty after avenging his family. His son, Hong Taiji, continued his work and changed the Later Jin dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, despite many challenges. After Hong Taiji's death, Empress Dowager Zhaoren and Regent Dorgon assisted the young boy Emperor Shunzhi in seizing and establishing control over China. However, due to his inexperience in leadership and personal conflicts with the empress, Shunzhi died young. Empress Dowager Zhaoren helped Shunzhi's young son, Kangxi, become emperor, and he went on to provide stable leadership which helped the Qing Dynasty thrive.

Season 2 of Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty premiered on 1988-06-29.

Season 3 of Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty premiered on 1990-04-05.

Season 4 of Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty premiered on 1992-04-27.