10 best Chinese Xianxia dramas you have to add to your watchlist

10 best Chinese Xianxia dramas you have to add to your watchlist

If you’re looking to start something new to watch on a slow evening, we’ve listed down the 10 best Chinese Xianxia dramas worth bingeing and investing your feelings in.

While K-dramas and J-dramas have long dominated the battle of cultures on the small screen, there’s another popular and enriching Asian drama genre that’s becoming a growing pop culture phenomenon. The Chinese drama-verse is a riveting and colourful world of fantastical adventures, which is exploding in popularity with its unique storylines, enamouring characters, cultural richness and eye-catching fashion. ‘Xianxia’ (meaning ‘immortal heroes’) in particular, is the most popular Chinese drama genre, which takes you on an odyssey of fantasy, mythology and cultivation.

High on the themes of Gods, demons, heaven and hell and more, Xianxia dramas beautifully blend traditional elements of Chinese culture, inspiring contemporary citizens to reconnect with classical heritage. If you’re looking to start something new, we’ve listed down the 10 best Chinese Xianxia gems worth bingeing and investing your feelings in.

Understanding Xianxia dramas

Many Xianxia dramas are being widely discussed by fans outside of China, their songs have become massive hits and they’ve helped revive classical Chinese dress in pop culture and high fashion. These dramas have aroused interest in ancient Chinese culture and transcended millennia to inspire the youth of today.

To qualify as Xianxia, the drama should focus on the theme of using one’s own power to punish evil and praise good. Xianxia is made up of two words: xian (which refers to immortal or supernatural beings) and xia (the gallant heroes). The stories usually follow the growth of the main protagonist – one with a strong mind as well as a great personality. In their journey, the Xianxia heroes face unbelievable adventures and opportunities that strengthen their resolve and allow them to defeat their nemesis. According to a study published on the University of Sydney’s website, Xianxia is a blend of Confucianism, Buddhism as well as Daoism.

Just like the Marvel classics and Western superhero flicks like Spider-Man as well as Captain America, the Xanxia heroes usually have one ultimate purpose – to guard all people. The study rightly notes that the core belief in Xianxia stories is that “with great power comes great responsibility.”

It’s about time to get that C-Drama habit with the 10 greatest Xianxia dramas of all time.

Best Xianxia dramas you have to add to your watchlist

1. The Untamed

Directed by: Zheng Weiwen, Chen Jialin

Cast: Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo

Seasons: 1

Release date:  Jun 27, 2019

Adapted from the danmei novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, The Untamed has redefined the standards of Xianxia excellence with its strong plot, well-rounded characters, and stunning clothing/ makeup. It revolves around Wei Wu Xian and Lan Wang Ji, two talented disciples of respected clans who meet during cultivation training, only to discover a hidden secret and must unite to rid the world of the looming threat. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when Wei Wu Xian dies.

He’s brought back to life 16 years after his tragic death by a self-sacrificing ritual. Our leading duo then gets together to solve a series of mysterious murders, taking you on a goosebump-inducing ride.

2. Love Between Fairy and Devil

Directed by:  Yi Zheng

Cast:  Yu Shuxin and Dylan Wang

Seasons: 1

Release date: August 7, 2022

The series beautifully combines fantasy and martial arts elements, taking you through a tale of celestial, supernatural romance. Love Between Fairy and Devil chronicles the tale of Dongfang Qing Cang, of the Moon Tribe, and Orchid, a weak flower fairy. The encounter of this duo, who is tied together by mutual incantation and mutual curse, sets off a series of events that threaten to change the world’s fate. Will this cosmically entangled couple find love in the midst of chaos?

3. Eternal Love

Directed by: Lam Yuk-fan, Yu Cuihua, Ren Haitao

Cast: Yang Mi and Mark Chao

Seasons: 1

Release date: January 30, 2017

Get ready to witness a tale of eternal romance and divine adventure. Eternal Love is based on the novel Hilarious Pampered Consort: Lord I Will Wait for Your Divorce by Fan Que. It revolves around two deities Bai Qian and Ye Hua, who fall in love. While Ye Hua is the crown prince of heaven, Bai Qian is the monarch of Qing Qiu (Fox Country in Heaven). A love story that transcends time, Eternal Love marked a new renaissance for Chinese television. With popular stars, poetic dialogues and heavenly scenes – Eternal Love has attracted a large number of foreign fans.

4. Till the End of the Moon

Directed by: Kuk Kok-Leung, Wang Haiqi

Cast: Luo Yunxi, Bai Lu

Seasons: 1

Release date: April 6, 2023

The show is set in a demon-dominated era, when the devils ruled over cultivators and humans. The cultivators thought it was imperative to send someone back in time, to find out about the origin of the demon lord and prevent his resurrection. This is when an immortal, Li Susu, takes on the human identity of Ye Xi Wu, the second daughter of General Ye, and time travels to prevent the rise of the future demon king, Tan Tai Jin, whom she’s married to.

However, witnessing his past complicates things for her. This is where the romance between two star-crossed lovers comes into play. What will Li Su Su choose – saving the world or her love? Can she protect the world and stop the demonic revival of Tan Tai Jin?

5. Love And Redemption

Directed by:  Yin Tao, Mai Guan Zhi

Cast: Cheng Yi, Yuan Bingyan

Seasons: 1

Release date:  August 6, 2020

Love And Redemption is a deep love story, interspersed with mystical realms and ancient traditions. It revolves around the daughter of a sect leader’s daughter, Chu Xuanji, who is deprived of her six senses and another sect’s disciple, Yu Si Feng, who always wears a mask. However, these are only their mortal form. There’s so much more than what meets the surface, with their identities being a contributing factor to their prohibited love. Will their love transcend all barriers? From story and acting to cinematography as well as casting – every element of this drama is outstanding.

6. Ashes of Love

Directed by:  Zhu Ruibin

Cast:Yang Zi,Deng Lun

Seasons: 1

Release date: August 2, 2018

Ashes of Love is one the most viewed Xianxia dramas ever. And rightly so! It has captivated the hearts of millions with its light-hearted yet grounded storyline, well-constructed plot, high production quality, beautiful cinematography as well as costumes.

Zi Fen, the Flower Deity, dies after giving birth to a daughter, Jin Mi. Prior to her death, Zi Fen foresaw that her daughter will encounter a fatal love trial and therefore feeds her a pill that prevents her from developing any romantic feelings. Jin Mi’s identity is kept a secret and she’s hidden away in a water boundary in the Flower realm. However, things change drastically when Xu Feng, a heavenly emperor’s second son mistakenly enters the realm. An adventurous love story commences as the duo gradually develop feelings for each other.

7. Ancient Love Poetry

Directed by: Yin Tao, Li Cai

Cast: Zhou Dong Yu, Xu Kai

Seasons: 1

Release date: Jun 17, 2021

When common folk encounter hardships, they seek god’s help. But when gods themselves face obstacles, who do they approach? This twisted tale chronicles the deep love and hardship between a powerful god and goddess, Bai Jue and Shang Gu. These two are among the four most powerful beings in existence aka true gods (someone more powerful than normal gods and born on a platform by heaven and earth). The tale takes an interesting turn when the lovers and reborn and embark on a heartwarming romantic journey. This historical fantasy romance drama is all you need to unwind and relax your soul.

8. The Blood of Youth

Directed by:  Yin Tao, Zhu Hai Jun

Cast:Liu Xue Yi, Li Hong Yi, Ao Rui Peng

Seasons: 1

Release date: December 26, 2022

A thought-provoking narrative with a historical backdrop, The Blood of Youth captures the theme of rebellion and societal change. A generation of talented youth set out to prove themselves in the world of martial arts, undeterred by the challenges that lie before them. These ambitious boys won’t stop at anything to achieve their goals. Will this brotherhood survive in the face of competition as well as ambition?

9. Legend of Fuyao

Directed by: Yang Wenjun, Xie Ze, Li Cai

Cast: Yang Mi, Ethan Juan

Seasons: 1

Release date:  June 18, 2018

The story revolves around Meng Fuyao, a young woman who was born out of a divine lotus petal. The orphan girl, who’s believed to be a curse to the world, is raised by one of the top cultivation masters. A crown prince and famous disciple of the righteous sect has to kill this curse-stricken soul, however, he falls in love with her. It’ll be interesting to see how the story of these ill-fated lovers progresses. Will Fuyao restore peace to her land and unravel the dangerous conspiracy from the heavens?

10. The Fighter Of Destiny

Directed by: Zhong Shujia

Cast: Lu Han, Gulnazar, Janice Wu, Zeng Shunxi

Seasons: 1

Release date:  April 17, 2017

When Chen Changsheng, a young man with a mysterious past takes on a journey to change his destiny, he faces numerous challenges, battles formidable enemies and learns some dark secrets of his origin. Chen Changsheng was abandoned in a flowing river, where he was picked up by a Taoist monk. He faces an incurable illness, fated to not live beyond the age of 20. Chen Changsheng leaves his temple, enrolling in a famous academy and ultimately overturning his curse.

(Hero and feature image: Courtesy IMDb)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are there any Chinese shows that have modern Xianxia?

Ashes of Love, The Journey of Flower, Eternal Love, and The Untamed are some of the best Chinese shows in the Xianxia genre.

• What is the difference between Xianxia and Wuxia dramas?

While Xianxia dramas delve into fantastical and mystical realms, wuxia dramas involve low fantasy materials like martial arts.

• What is Chinese Xianxia drama?

Xianxia (meaning ‘immortal heroes’) is a popular Chinese drama genre, which takes you on a tale of fantasy, mythology and cultivation.

• What is the most popular Xianxia drama?

The Untamed, Love Between Fairy and Devil as well as Eternal Love are some of the most popular Xianxia dramas.