Poster of Legend of Zhen Huan

Aisin Gioro Puyang, a descendant of the Imperial Aisin Gioro clan that ruled during China's Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), criticized popular TV series set in this era for distorting history.

Puyang, over 60 years old, who spends most of her life abroad, is the 11th granddaughter of Nurhaci, the founding father of the Qing Dynasty, and cousin of the last emperor Puyi.

Puyang noted that "TV series should respect history" during an interview at a forum on Puyi studies, using the popular Return of the Pearl Princess and Legend of Zhen Huan as examples.

"The emperor in the latter is obsessed with beauty and does not concern himself with state affairs," she said, "It also gives a distorted description of concubine life in the harem."

The public is attracted to this grotesque distortion, with many fans ignoring the real history, she added. "These TV series fail to educate the youth with a correct view on the past."

Yin Hong, director of the China Media Center at Tsinghua University, said there exists a form of art and literature that is mainly composed of fiction, supplemented by historical facts.

The Legend of Zhen Huan has achieved much success across Asia and will soon hit the US. Actress Sun Li was nominated for an International Emmy in the Best Actress category for her role in the drama.