Nirvana in Fire (2015)

Both are the stories of power play, entanglement into politics and scheming which are inspired by the Asian history. Both center around secret organizations and backroom deals, lofty ideals and seeking for justice.
However, the characters of NiF are absolutely fictional, it has something of fantasy , it shows how justice prevails at the end whereas SFL aspires to some real historicity and believability (though there are also flying martial artists there), its characters are more realistic and multi-dimensional.
Also NiF looks more expensive and the plot is a little bit more suspensefull and accelerated, imho.

Not only both series have the same production teams. Both are about secret organizations and people ready to make a sacrifice for a high purpose. Both are the stories of the calculating and cunning hero and his friends and family, he comes to his hometown and they begin to do justice either according to a prearranged plan or out-of-hand.
But D is more cheap and dragged, it looks like they scrimped on the actors' number and even left some holes in the plot. Some characters (like young hero's future wife) are just badly written. So, NiF is better.

Both are costume dramas about intrigues, ambitions and scheming between princes at the royal court where people look for power, justice and revenge. Both have typical Chinese ending (I'd call it 'Chinese nationhood wins'). Both have beautiful visuals and very good acting. Rise of Phoenixes is a little bit more slow but has a real female lead and more romance.

This is a drama I can proudly say takes the mantle from Nirvana in Fire. I am privileged to watch this gem.

a secret plot that can break a kingdom, great script and fast action, memorable characters and strong women. the end of every episode leaves you asking for more

Both shows were produced by the same production company i.e. Daylight Entertainment, and therefore have very authentic settings and high quality production values.

Both shows take a bit of time to warm up as they introduce the main characters, the circumstance & situations surrounding them and the characters' unique personalities. But the storytelling in both is masterfully done so if one is patient, the pay-offs will be worth it.

Both shows have layered, complex and nuanced characters who have to face difficult life decisions and consequences for their actions.

Both shows explore themes of the tragic consequences of human nature i.e. corruption, injustice, loss and war. But both shows are more than just those themes, there are also heartwarming themes of friendship, familial love, loyalty and brotherhood.

Both shows are masterpieces with depth and substance.

For me, the feeling of these dramas was the same. Nirvana does not have romance, but love is used, sometimes, in Empress Ki as mean to a purpose.
You cannot get bored at any if these two dramas and if you like strategy and court intrigues dramas, make sure you watch both. Great leads and supporting actors/actresses in both, stunning visuals, suspense.

I do believe Nirvana was better acted and characters were more complex, but if you liked one of these 2, don't miss the other one.

Sequel to the first Nirvana in Fire Both is EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Li Lianhua is very similar to Mei Changsu in many aspects. They are both grown man, mature, strategic, wise, and a leader. They fall and rise in similar way, and meet the end of their life in the end of the story. They both hang by a thread and are so sick due to poison. They both are noble birth, but Mei Changsu has more beautiful life in the palace in comparison to Li Lianhua who live his childhood as a beggar.

If you like sweet sweet revenge, but the manner in how it's done is calculated, crafty, smart, etc. etc., then Nirvana in Fire is a great option! The romance factor is not as prominent in Nirvana in Fire, as it's main focus is really on the politics and revenge.

In sixth-century China, the Emperor of Great Liang orders the unjust execution of his brother-in-law Marshal Lin Xie alongside the Lin family, his 70,000 army soldiers, and Crown Prince Qi. Secretly surviving the massacre is Lin Xie's son, Lin Shu, who undergoes medical treatment that changes his appearance entirely and leaves him in a weakened state, unable to ever perform martial arts again. Lin Shu changed his name to Mei Chang Su and later became the chief of the pugilist world and established the Jiangzuo Alliance.............

Both are stories about revenge
Both main character's family were unfairly beheaded for the throne
Both are political court dramas
Both Main characters change identity and infiltrate court
Both have wuxia elements
Both main characters are smart, cunning and scheming
Both have romeo and juliet kind of love stories
Infact this Legend of anle has been termed as female version of nirvana in fire

Both are historical costume dramas, featuring ML with hidden past, plotting revenge
Both cases the ML is cunning and smart, and influences the palace politics
Both include Leo Wu in their cast

Both series follows intelligent plot line with genius leads. In both series leads are trying to uncover truth behind death of their loved ones. Both leads teach harsh lessons to the people who tries to hurt their loved ones. Both leads are very good in foshadowing the future conditions and can manipulate other people and plays them like chess pieces.

Both Involve political battles, strategy, intelligent men.

Both are epic dramas.

Three Kingdoms has grand realistic battle scenes.