The second half of 2025 is turning out to be a battlefield for streaming platforms, with everyone pulling out their big guns. Over at iQIYI, the historical drama lineup is already heating up, and several titles have broken the one-million-reservation mark—some even by a landslide. So, if you're into time-traveling swordsmen, complex dual identities, and a touch of modern fantasy, here's a drama you'll want on your radar.
The Journey of Legend 赴山海
The Journey of Legend 赴山海
- Starring: Cheng Yi × Gulnazar
- Reservations: 4.26 million
Based on Wen Rui'an's cult wuxia novel Shenzhou Qixia, this upcoming drama is not your typical martial arts tale—it throws in a “stuck in a novel + game system” combo for a genre-bending ride.
Our protagonist, Xiao Mingming, is just another burnt-out corporate drone in the real world—until he wakes up as the hero of his favorite martial arts story, now living as the hot-headed teenage swordsman Xiao Qiushui. Through his eyes, we traverse three timelines—Northern Song, Republican era, and the modern day—in a tightly woven loop narrative.
From punching above his weight in sword fights to learning what it truly means to protect something bigger than himself, Xiao's growth from an impulsive underdog to a selfless hero makes up the emotional backbone of the story.
But the journey doesn't end there. After his stint in the fictional world, Xiao returns to reality, determined to turn his experience into a novel—keeping alive the belief that “where there is loyalty and righteousness, people will gather.”
This one's shaping up to be a love letter to classic wuxia—with a contemporary twist.
Xiao Mingming isn't a natural-born hero—he's awkward, broke, and cynical. But once he steps into the boots of Xiao Qiushui, he's thrust into a world where loyalty is everything and every blade tells a story. Over time, he finds his own version of “chivalry” and redefines it in his writing after returning home.
So yes, there are swords and vendettas. But it's also about a disillusioned adult rediscovering what it means to care about something again.
Cheng Yi takes on a triple identity: Xiao Mingming (the guy from our world), Xiao Qiushui (the teenage martial artist), and Li Chen Zhou (a legendary master swordsman with political clout). All three are vastly different in tone and temperament, and that layered acting challenge is probably one of the main selling points.
Meanwhile, Gulnazar plays Xiao Qiushui's sister, Xiao Xueyu—yes, there's family drama. Other supporting female characters also stand out, each with distinct personalities: Zhao Shirong (elegant), Tang Fang (lively), and Song Mingzhu (sharp and smart). This isn't just another male-centered action show.
Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved 狐妖小红娘·王权篇
Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved 狐妖小红娘·王权篇
- Starring: Cheng Yi × Li Yitong
- Reservations: 3.43 million
The third live-action entry in the Fox Spirit Matchmaker franchise, this installment adapts the beloved comic into a tale of tragic romance, clashing loyalties, and defiance against fate. Directed by Du Lin, it stars Cheng Yi as Wangquan Fugui, a human weapon raised by a powerful Taoist clan, and Li Yitong as Qing Tong, a spider demon who enters his world as a spy—only to unravel everything he thought he knew.
Wangquan Fugui has never lived for himself. As the heir to a prestigious Taoist family, he's been groomed since childhood to kill demons, trained to feel nothing and follow orders. They call him the “ultimate weapon”—a title he wears like armor. That is, until he meets Qing Tong.
Sent into the Wangquan estate under false pretenses, Qing Tong is supposed to serve as the enemy within. But she isn't cold or cruel. She's quiet, gentle, and stubborn in a way that throws Fugui off balance. Through her, he begins to question the rules he's lived by: Why should demons be hunted? Why can't love exist beyond bloodlines?
The two shift from enemies to soulmates, challenging the human–demon divide. Their story leads them to the legendary “Tree of Bittersweet Love,” where they make a vow to reunite in another life—if fate allows.
Cheng Yi's portrayal of Fugui is layered and precise. As the son of Wangquan Baye and Dongfang Huaizhu (both key characters in the larger Fox Spirit universe), Fugui is a man bound by duty, stripped of emotion, and treated as a tool. But that controlled façade begins to crack the moment he heals a demon for the first time. Through subtle shifts in his gaze and body language, Cheng Yi captures a man learning to feel—then learning to fight for what he feels.
Li Yitong's Qing Tong is more than just the love interest. Yes, she's a spy, placed in the estate by Lady Venom (a.k.a. Duniangzi), but she's also a spider spirit with a tragic past and a surprising inner strength. Her quiet defiance and selfless courage make her the emotional anchor of the show. The line “Let me be your eyes” hits harder than expected—it's not just romantic, but a cry for freedom, equality, and trust.
The crew spent months building core sets like the Wangquan estate and the Tree of Bittersweet Love. The visual design doesn't just recreate the comic's aesthetic—it elevates it. The “Sword of the World”, a central element from the original manga, is brought to life as a fusion of golden talismans and an oversized black-iron blade.
Wangquan Fugui's robes are embroidered with gold-threaded Taiji motifs, underscoring his noble lineage. In contrast, Qing Tong's gauzy gowns are patterned with web-like details—subtle nods to her demon identity.
And then there's the swordplay. Fugui's ultimate technique, “Wangquan Sword Will”, is rendered with gold-colored sword energy and blood-red runes, all enhanced with slow-motion and particle FX. The moment he forges a blade from his own life force is both beautiful and gut-wrenching. On the other side, the spider demon form of Lady Venom is a CGI-heavy spectacle, complete with twitching limbs and venom-laced strikes that feel surprisingly real.
At its heart, Wangquan Chapter tackles a deep-rooted idea: “Those who are not of our kind must be enemies.” he story questions this mindset by showing how violence is often disguised as justice, and how love can be a form of rebellion.
Wangquan Fugui's arc—from a blade forged by tradition to a protector of those he once hunted—isn't just a character transformation. It's a quiet revolt against inherited authority. And Qing Tong's act of “weaving landscapes” isn't just symbolic of love—it's a metaphor for reimagining the world, for breaking out of inherited narratives.
Both carry the weight of lineage and conflicting loyalties. He's the product of a bloodline built to conquer; she's caught in the politics of demon survival. Their choice to trade freedom for love—with “ten thousand swords” as the price—lends a tragic weight to their bond. Yet the idea of reincarnated love, introduced late in the story, leaves a flicker of hope: maybe in another life, the world will be kind.
Fate Chooses You 佳偶天成
Fate Chooses You 佳偶天成
- Starring: Ren Jialun × Wang Herun
- Reservations: 1.76 million
A costume fantasy romance rooted in the xianxia genre, Fate Chooses You revolves around the themes of “mutual redemption” and “breaking free from fate.” The story follows Lu Qianqiao, born with a supernatural curse known as the “Five Lacks,” and Xin Mei, a young cultivator doomed by her “husband-killing” fate. A mystical contract binds them together unexpectedly, forcing the two into a reluctant marriage—and a long journey through five transformations and six life-and-death trials.
The origin of this tale stretches back to an ancient “Spirit Bond Pact.” In a bid to enslave all races, the main god tried to turn them into loyal servants. But the Battle Ghost Clan resisted. Refusing to be tamed, they united to destroy the sacred divine tree, severing the link between mortals and gods. The cost was heavy: their kind was cursed, stripped of their ability to fully awaken their warrior powers. For thousands of years, they were exiled to darkness, their strength and future erased by divine punishment.
Enter Lu Qianqiao (played by Ren Jialun)—born after millennia of despair, carrying the last hope of the Battle Ghost Clan. He's fated to walk a near-impossible path, where each of his five senses must be traded away and regained through trials, symbolizing both sacrifice and rebirth.
But fate, as always, has its own rhythm.
Xin Mei (played by Wang Herun), a spirited disciple from a celestial sect, crosses his path just when he begins this treacherous journey. She's quick-witted, resilient, and endlessly curious—but plagued by a so-called “death-bringer” fate, one that supposedly dooms any man who dares marry her. While others avoid her like a curse, Lu Qianqiao gets entangled in it—literally. One accidental contact and the Spirit Bond triggers, locking them into a forced marriage. From that moment on, their destinies are no longer separate.
From the trailers alone, you can feel the contrast between the leads: Qianqiao is stoic, burdened, emotionally closed-off; Xin Mei is bright, outspoken, and fiercely alive. Their chemistry crackles not because they fit together perfectly, but because they clash in all the right ways—and then slowly, meaningfully, find common ground.
Their journey takes them across diverse settings: the political heart of the capital, the mysterious Chongling Valley, and the vast deserts of the Western Regions. With each challenge, they peel back the layers of a conspiracy buried within the origins of the Spirit Bond itself. Along the way, Xin Mei doesn't just survive—she thrives. She breaks free from the idea that fate defines her and becomes a true equal in battle, in love, and in self-worth.
The cast is a major draw here.
Ren Jialun (Allen Ren) is already a fan favorite when it comes to period dramas. From the quiet intensity of Lu Yi in Under the Power to the tragic nobility of Zhou Shengchen in One and Only, he's built a reputation for emotionally restrained but deeply layered characters. In Fate Chooses You, he once again dons his signature flowing robes, but this time as Lu Qianqiao—a character who starts off cold and detached, and gradually becomes someone who can hurt, hope, and love again.
And Wang Herun? She's no newbie either. Whether it was her sharp-eyed supporting role in The Story of Minglan or her turn in The Longest Day in Chang'an, she's consistently delivered presence and versatility. As Xin Mei, she brings a much-needed liveliness to the show—equal parts adorable and tough. Her dynamic with Ren Jialun has that slow-burn tension that makes every glance and bickering exchange feel earned.
Fated Hearts 一笑随歌
Fated Hearts 一笑随歌
- Starring: Li Qin × Chen Zheyuan
- Reservations: 1.25 million
This historical romance drama blends political intrigue with romance, delivering a plot rich in “dual power leads, classical aesthetics, and high-stakes twists.”
Li Qin plays Fu Yixiao, a legendary archer from the Jinxiu Kingdom, while Chen Zheyuan portrays Feng Suige, the crown prince of the enemy Susa Kingdom. The two start as sworn enemies on the battlefield—until fate intervenes. After Fu Yixiao mysteriously falls off a cliff and loses her memory, she crosses paths once more with Feng Suige. From initial distrust and mutual exploitation, they gradually become unlikely allies, uncovering layers of political conspiracy between their kingdoms.
At the pivotal Battle of Pingling, Jinxiu faces certain defeat. But in a dramatic moment, red-clad archer Fu Yixiao (Li Qin) lets loose a single arrow that pierces Feng Suige (Chen Zheyuan), the formidable crown prince of Susa—turning the tide of the war.
Yet soon after, Fu Yixiao falls off a cliff and vanishes. When she's found again, she has no memory of her past. At the same time, a wounded and hunted Feng Suige escapes to safety. Their fates collide once more at Zhengnian Manor, where Feng—sensing something amiss—decides to keep the amnesiac Fu Yixiao close, using her to get to the truth behind the betrayal that shook both nations.
As they investigate side by side, they take down corrupt officials, confront false allies, and follow a trail of deception and betrayal. What begins as cold calculation slowly warms into genuine affection, their relationship evolving from manipulation to mutual respect—and love. Sweet yet angst-ridden, this is a story about truth, courage, and love forged through adversity.
Based on the first teaser, the pacing is tight and the stakes keep rising. Amnesia, manipulation, betrayals, emotional entanglements—it's a web of constant reveals and reversals. Directed by Zhu Ruibin, known for delivering polished period dramas, the series promises high production values and strong storytelling momentum.
Just from the teaser alone, Fated Hearts looks like it has serious breakout potential.
Li Qin needs no introduction. As one of the most respected “post-90s” actresses, she combines classic beauty with refined talent. Over the years, she's gained a reputation for consistently strong performances, always throwing herself into every role with quiet determination. After starring in three consecutive dramas aired on CCTV—all with excellent ratings—Li Qin has firmly transitioned into an actress known for serious, dignified roles in costume dramas.
In Fated Hearts, she stuns once again—not just in her ethereal period styling, but in the physicality of her role. Fu Yixiao isn't just a love interest; she's the greatest archer of her time. Whether she's drawing her bow or landing impossible long-range shots, the role demands serious coordination and stage presence. And Li Qin nails it—every shot is elegant, fierce, and mesmerizing to watch.
Chen Zheyuan is on a meteoric rise. After leading roles in projects like Chinese Paladin 4, his swordplay, charisma, and traditional good looks have made him a favorite for period roles. His appearance in the Fated Hearts teaser doesn't disappoint either. As Feng Suige—a cold-faced young general with a noble heart—Chen balances fierceness with vulnerability.
His scenes with Li Qin crackle with tension, each confrontation layered with emotional subtext. Whether in conflict or alliance, their chemistry suggests great things ahead, and his performance hints at real range and depth.
Joining the leads are Summer Meng, Chen Heyi, Zuo Ye, and Xin Kaili—a lineup of fresh, high-visuals young talent. From lead to supporting roles, Fated Hearts is stacked with performers who not only look good in period garb but also bring solid performances to the table.
Legend of the Magnate 大生意人
Legend of the Magnate 大生意人
Starring: Chen Xiao × Sun Qian
Reservations: 1.08 million
Set against the turbulent commercial tides of the late Qing Dynasty, Legend of the Magnate blends a gripping underdog rise, political-business intrigue, and patriotic duty. With intense focus on the art of strategy and commerce, the series revolves around the theme: “The greatest merchant serves the country and the people.”
Adapted from Zhao Zhiyu's acclaimed novel of the same name, the original work is beloved for its dramatic plot twists and vivid portrayal of the commercial landscape during the twilight of the Qing Empire.
Chen Xiao plays Gu Pingyuan, a humble scholar whose dreams of climbing the ranks through the imperial examination are shattered when he's falsely accused in a cheating scandal. Sentenced to exile in the remote northern land of Ningguta, he fakes his death and disappears from the world. But instead of vanishing, he reinvents himself—emerging from the salt-smuggling trade to become one of the most powerful merchants of his era.
This is not your typical “chosen one” protagonist. Gu Pingyuan is no hero with a golden aura; he is a man who claws his way back from the brink. This "from the ashes" arc is more relatable, more stirring. It reflects the perseverance and passion of countless ordinary people striving to turn their lives around—and that realism brings the character closer to audiences.
Through shrewd partnerships with Huizhou and Shanxi merchant guilds, Gu Pingyuan fights back against the encroaching tide of foreign capital. His efforts go beyond business—they aim to save a crumbling national economy. In a time of chaos, he becomes a symbol of hope.
Sun Qian brings to life Chang Yuer, daughter of a prominent escort agency. She is as bold and straightforward as she is gentle and insightful—an intriguing blend of martial-world flair and inner strength. In Gu Pingyuan's rise, she is more than a love interest—she's a critical partner, strategist, and protector.
Whether in business maneuvers or moments of emotional tension, Chang Yuer's presence is commanding. Her partnership with Gu Pingyuan—both romantic and tactical—becomes a highlight of the story. Their chemistry and tension-filled interactions add layers to the unfolding saga.
This role marks a fresh challenge for Sun Qian in the realm of period dramas. Her spirited performance, martial poise, and heartfelt moments with Chen Xiao have already sparked anticipation for their character arc and shared journey.
Beyond the leads, Legend of the Magnate boasts an exceptionally strong ensemble that gives the story both weight and richness.
Cheng Taishen plays Lord Chang, fusing streetwise pragmatism with the pride of a true martial elder.
Huang Zhizhong embodies a shrewd and powerful merchant mogul whose presence commands respect and dread in equal measure.
Zhu Yawen brings enigmatic energy to a character cloaked in mystery, pushing the plot into deeper and darker waters.
The cast is rounded out by veteran heavyweights such as Liu Peiqi, Ke Lan, Athena Chu, and Liang Guanhua. Though their screen time varies, their acting prowess gives life to every corner of the late-Qing commercial world. With these seasoned performers anchoring the narrative, the series promises not only emotional depth but also historical authenticity.
At its heart, Legend of the Magnate is a saga of ambition, sacrifice, and loyalty. It depicts a world where fortunes rise and fall overnight, where loyalty is tested, and where national identity hangs in the balance. It's a stirring tale about reclaiming dignity—not just personal, but national.
This summer, get ready to dive into the thrilling business battleground of the late Qing—witness the ambition, the passion, and the blood-pounding rivalries that define Legend of the Magnate. With Chen Xiao and Sun Qian leading a powerhouse cast, this drama is poised to ignite a wave of excitement around period business epics.
