The highly anticipated Wuxia drama Fu Shan Hai (赴山海) is poised to set the summer viewing season ablaze, premiering on iQiyi July 22nd. This S+ production, a flagship entry in iQiyi's "Eastern Legends" lineup, has already shattered genre presale records, surpassing 8 million reservations across platforms. Adapted from Wen Rui'an's (温瑞安) revered Divine Land Swordsman (神州奇侠), the series injects a bold twist into the classic tale: a disillusioned modern editor, Xiao Mingming (played by Cheng Yi), finds himself transported into the very martial arts world he once penned.
Thrust into the body of the youthful swordsman Xiao Qiushui (萧秋水), his journey from novice to revered hero unfolds against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and intricate conspiracies, promising a potent mix of nostalgia and novelty that has captivated audiences even before its debut.
Transmigration Meets Tradition
Fu Shan Hai masterfully blends the established lore of Wen Rui'an's universe with a contemporary "transmigration" narrative device. Xiao Mingming's (肖明明) abrupt transition from office drudgery to the perilous Jianghu creates immediate comedic and dramatic friction. His modern sensibilities clash humorously with ancient customs, offering fresh commentary on classic Wuxia tropes.
Crucially, the adaptation retains the essence of the source material. Iconic characters like the elegant swords woman Xiao Xueyu (Gulnezer Bextiyar) and the beguiling Mo Yanxia (Chen Yuqi) grace the screen, alongside formidable antagonists like Liu Suifeng (柳随风). The core narrative of Xiao Qiushui's arduous growth into a martial paragon remains intact, now enriched by the outsider perspective of his modern inhabitant, adding layers of self-awareness and unexpected humor to the hero's quest.
Cheng Yi's Triple Challenge
Cheng Yi delivers a performance of remarkable range, tackling three distinct roles within the series. His primary portrayal is Xiao Qiushui, the earnest and evolving hero whose journey forms the drama's backbone. The most demanding transformation, however, lies in his portrayal of Li Chenzhou (李沉舟), the complex and formidable leader of the antagonist Power Gang. Early glimpses showcase Cheng Yi embodying Li Chenzhou's menacing authority and cunning with chilling precision, a stark contrast to Xiao Qiushui's idealism.
Additionally, he periodically appears as the hapless modern editor Xiao Mingming. Director Guo Hu (郭虎) has lauded Cheng Yi's ability to create distinct physicality and presence for each character, from subtle shifts in posture and gaze to the very way each wields a weapon, earning early acclaim as "role-shedding acting" that elevates the entire production.
Wuxia World Building
The production spares no effort in crafting an immersive and authentic Jianghu experience. The series boasts extensive location shooting across China, utilizing the verdant bamboo forests of Zhejiang, the majestic snow-capped peaks of Yunnan, and meticulously constructed studio sets. Over 327 bespoke sets were built, including the intricate mortise-and-tenon structure of the Tingxue Pavilion, showcasing painstaking attention to historical detail.
Authenticity extends to the arsenal; more than 200 cold weapons were reportedly hand-forged, with Cheng Yi's signature sword "Qiushui" undergoing a rigorous 12-step tempering process. The action choreography aims for visceral impact, combining traditional martial arts forms with dynamic, close-quarters combat sequences. Na Zha's (娜扎) dedication is particularly noteworthy; she trained intensively for three months to perform complex swordplay sequences herself, resulting in fluid and powerful on-screen action that has already drawn significant praise. This commitment to tangible craftsmanship and kinetic energy promises fight scenes of exceptional quality.
The stage is set for a fiercely competitive summer drama season. Fu Shan Hai faces formidable rivals, including Tencent's highly anticipated Lost You Forever 2 (长相思 2) and Youku's Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact (狐妖小红娘月红篇). Yet, its potent combination of beloved source material, innovative narrative framing, Cheng Yi's highly publicized multi-role tour de force, and evident production grandeur has generated unparalleled buzz. The record-breaking presales and intense social media chatter underscore a palpable audience hunger for a return to Wuxia's core tenets of heroism, sacrifice, and breathtaking spectacle.
As the premiere date approaches, the anticipation only intensifies, suggesting Fu Shan Hai is not just a contender, but a potential defining hit of the summer, ready to reignite passion for the martial world.
