Top 10 Must-Watch Chinese Fantasy Dramas of 2025

The landscape of Chinese television has seen a flurry of activity, with several productions capturing audience attention through distinctive narrative approaches and visual styles. These series often blend traditional elements with modern sensibilities, creating a unique viewing experience. The following selections represent some of the more notable entries that have generated discussion for their execution and conceptual frameworks.

Whispers of Fate (水龙吟)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: Fictional ancient realm
• Genres: Fantasy, Martial Arts, Mystery
• Main Roles: Luo Yunxi (罗云熙) as a fox-like being with dual hearts, Xiao Shunyao (肖顺尧) as a mysterious warrior, Ao Ziyi (敖子逸) as a youthful fighter, Bao Shang'en (包上恩) and Chen Yao (陈瑶) as skilled female leads
• Adapted from: The novel Qian Jie Mei (千劫眉) by Teng Ping (藤萍)
• Plot Deep Dive: The narrative begins with a violent incident at a wedding, setting off a chain of mysteries that move from one location to another. The central character possesses a dual nature, embodying both serene and destructive tendencies, which complicates his journey through a world filled with intrigue. The story structure involves interconnected cases that challenge both the characters and the audience.

• Why Watch: This production distinguishes itself through its integration of aesthetic principles from historical cave art into its costume and weapon design. Everyday objects like flutes and silks are reimagined as potent arms. The action sequences are noted for their scale and fluidity, combining elements of spiritual iconography with a mechanical precision that creates a distinct visual tone.

Sword and Beloved (天地剑心)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: Mythical ancient era with human-demon conflicts
• Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
• Main Roles: Cheng Yi (成毅) as Wang Quan Fu Gui, Li Yitong (李一桐) as Qing Tong
• Adapted from: The manhua Fox Spirit Matchmaker (狐妖小红娘) by Tuo Xiaoxin (庹小新)
• Plot Deep Dive: The series follows a powerful military figure bound by duty and a spider spirit who seeks to understand the human world. Their relationship develops against a backdrop of strict societal rules and supernatural conflicts, exploring themes of predetermined paths versus personal choice. The dynamic between the two leads forms the emotional core of the story.

• Why Watch: The lead performance has been highlighted as a key attraction, with particular attention given to sequences involving intricate martial arts. The production incorporates elements of traditional craft into its visual effects, aiming for a cinematic quality. Its initial reception suggests it successfully connected with viewers looking for a blend of action and emotional narrative.

A Moment But Forever (念无双)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: Ancient three-realms mythology
• Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
• Main Roles: Tang Yan (唐嫣) as Ji Tanyin, Liu Xueyi (刘学义) as Yuan Zhong
• Adapted from: The novel Tian Xia Wu Shuang (天下无双) by Shi Si Lang (十四郎)
• Plot Deep Dive: A divine being descends to the mortal plane with a mission to retrieve a sacred artifact, posing as a servant to a high priest she intends to defeat. However, she discovers he is not the antagonist she presumed, but rather a tragic figure on the verge of a destructive transformation. This revelation forces her to question her mission and the nature of destiny itself.

• Why Watch: The series offers a perspective that challenges typical narrative conventions within its genre, focusing on a protagonist who actively defies a preordained fate. The lead actor's return to this type of role after a long hiatus has been noted for its maturity. The plot developments involve significant reversals and a complex relationship dynamic that avoids simpler tropes.

Love in the Clouds (入青云)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: Imaginary ancient world with martial sects
• Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy
• Main Roles: Hou Minghao (侯明昊) as Ji Bozai, Lu Yuxiao (卢昱晓) as a warrior in disguise
• Adapted from: The novel Love in the Clouds by Bai Lu Cheng Shuang (白鹭成双)
• Plot Deep Dive: Two individuals, each harboring secret agendas and disguised identities, find themselves in a complex dance of deception and attraction. One is a warrior hiding her true nature, while the other presents a careless facade masking deeper intentions. Their every interaction is charged with the tension of their hidden motives, set against a backdrop of revenge and political schemes.

Why Watch: The appeal lies in the clever presentation of a relationship built on mutual pretense, where the comedy stems from the characters' elaborate deceptions. The performance of the male lead effectively captures a character who is both frivolous and deeply calculating. The supporting cast adds depth to the world, making the narrative increasingly engaging as it unfolds.

When Destiny Brings the Demon (献鱼)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: Fantasy realm blending ancient and modern themes
• Genres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
• Main Roles: Chen Feiyu (陈飞宇) as Sima Jiao, Wang Yinglu (王影璐) as Liao Ting Yan
• Adapted from: The novel Xiang Shi Zu Xian Shang Xian Yu (向师祖献上咸鱼) by Fu Hua (扶华)
• Plot Deep Dive: A powerful but eccentric immortal master crosses paths with a disciple whose primary ambition is to avoid any form of exertion. Her refusal to engage in the typical striving of their world and her demands for reasonable working conditions create a humorous dynamic with the formidable figure who is accustomed to absolute authority. Their unlikely partnership leads them through various adventures across different realms.

• Why Watch: The series stands out for its satirical take on workplace culture, transposing contemporary attitudes about labor into a fantasy setting. The contrast between the two main characters provides both comedy and a surprising emotional anchor. The production values are high, with visual effects that showcase detail and creativity, contributing to a fresh direction for the genre.

Love in Pavilion (淮水竹亭)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: A fictional ancient dynasty rooted in Chinese mythology
• Genres: Xianxia, Fantasy, Romance
• Main Roles: Liu Shishi (刘诗诗) as Dongfang Huaizhu, Zhang Yunlong (张云龙) as Wangquan Hongye
• Adapted from: The webcomic Fox Spirit Matchmaker by Tuo Xiaoxin (庹小新)
• Plot Deep Dive: The story orbits a fated, tragic romance between a noblewoman and a powerful figure from a rival clan. Their love is thwarted by preordained circumstances and familial duties, leading to a series of heart-wrenching decisions. The narrative is punctuated by visually striking action sequences set in bamboo forests and amidst floating red silks, which have become signature moments. A group of supporting characters, known as the Mask Squad, provides additional emotional layers with their own intertwined, sorrowful fates.

• Why Watch: The drama is noted for its commitment to a bittersweet aesthetic, avoiding a simple resolution. Liu Shishi's background in dance translates into fight scenes that are both powerful and graceful, earning praise for their execution. The director, Li Guoli (李国立), who previously worked on the classic Chinese Paladin, skillfully manages a large ensemble cast, ensuring every subplot feels significant. It is a choice for those who appreciate melancholy storytelling and high-caliber action choreography.

Love of the Divine Tree (仙台有树)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: A celestial realm within the Xianxia tradition
• Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Drama
• Main Roles: Deng Wei (邓为) as Su Yishui, Xiang Hanzhi (向涵之) as his master in a reversed dynamic
• Adapted from: An original script
• Plot Deep Dive: This series introduces a novel premise where the typical master-disciple relationship is inverted. A formidable female master is reborn into a situation where her former disciple, now a powerful and arrogant demon lord, becomes her superior. The plot explores this forbidden attraction without relying on overused character archetypes, building their renewed connection through subtle, everyday interactions rather than grand gestures. The celestial setting features imaginative locations, such as the Tower of Three Thousand Realms, celebrated for its visual design.

• Why Watch: The appeal lies in its deviation from standard Xianxia tropes. The concept of characters who are ambivalent about attaining higher spiritual states offers a relatable twist. Deng Wei successfully sheds his previous image from other series, delivering a performance that is both commanding and vulnerable. Director Yin Tao, known for his work on Under the Power, brings a delicate touch to the evolving romance, making the emotional journey feel genuine and earned.

Feud (临江仙)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: A mythic ancient world with cyclical time elements
• Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Suspense
• Main Roles: Bai Lu (白鹿) as Hua Ruyue / Li Qingyue, Zeng Shunxi (曾舜晞) as Bai Jiusi
• Adapted from: An original concept
• Plot Deep Dive: The narrative begins with a shocking act: a female immortal stabs her husband on their wedding night to achieve enlightenment, subverting the typical love story. This event triggers a complex plot involving time loops, swapped identities, and a web of schemes that blur the lines between reality and illusion. The female lead navigates dual roles, while the male protagonist grapples with profound internal conflict, moving beyond his established persona in lighter genres.

• Why Watch: For viewers seeking an unconventional and intellectually engaging story. The integration of mystery and psychological elements into the Xianxia framework creates a captivating, layered experience. Bai Lu demonstrates considerable range in portraying two distinct characters, and the production design, including the transformation of red wedding drapes into white funeral silks, creates powerful, memorable imagery that challenges genre expectations.

The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: A sprawling, cultivation-based universe
• Genres: Xianxia, Adventure, Drama
• Main Roles: Yang Yang (杨洋) as Han Li, Jin Chen (金晨) in a supporting role
• Adapted from: The popular web novel by Wang Yu (忘语)
• Plot Deep Dive: This adaptation stays true to its source material by focusing on an ordinary village boy's arduous journey to power. He possesses no innate talent or shortcuts, relying solely on perseverance, cleverness, and cautious strategy. The series depicts his growth from a timid, impoverished youth into a formidable figure, facing political intrigue, mythical beasts, and intricate battles. The visual effects bring to life elements like the Silver Armored Python and intricate battle formations.

• Why Watch: It is a grounded take on the cultivation genre, emphasizing hard work over destiny. Yang Yang underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, effectively conveying the character's humble origins and wary nature. The pacing is tight, with action sequences that are both intense and visually impressive. Directed by Zheng Weiwen (郑伟文) of The Untamed fame, the show balances epic scope with character-driven storytelling.

The Demon Hunter's Romance (无忧渡)

• Aired: 2025
• Period Background: The late Tang Dynasty, infused with supernatural elements
• Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Suspense
• Main Roles: Ren Jialun (任嘉伦) as Xuan Ye, Song Zuer (宋祖儿) as Ban Xia
• Adapted from: The novel Ban Xia: Moonlit Darkness, The Five Hundredth Nightfall (半夏：月下灯黑，夜幕降临第五百纪事) by Ban Ming Ban Mei (半明半寐)
• Plot Deep Dive: Structured as an anthology, the series presents six self-contained stories—Jade Green Pear, Reunion Inn, Red Practice, Spring Dawn, Bone Washing Pond, and the namesake The Demon Hunter's Romance—each exploring a different supernatural mystery. The aesthetic draws heavily from the classical style of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (聊斋志异), creating a world where ancient streets and dark forests hide spectral secrets. The male lead's crisis of identity and the female lead's resilience form the emotional core across the episodes.

• Why Watch: This drama stands out for its atmospheric depth and refusal to use excessive digital filtering, resulting in a more authentic, textured visual experience. The direction by Lin Yufen (林玉芬) ensures each tale is both haunting and emotionally resonant. Ren Jialun portrays a complex arc of disbelief and acceptance, while Song Zuer breaks from her prior typification to depict a character of both strength and sensitivity. It is a selection for those who value mood, folklore, and sophisticated narrative construction.

Innovative 2025 Chinese TV Series

This summary covers a selection of notable Chinese television series from 2025, highlighting a trend of innovative storytelling that blends traditional elements with modern sensibilities. These productions, spanning genres like fantasy, romance, and Xianxia, are often adapted from popular novels or manhua. They are distinguished by their unique conceptual frameworks, intricate plots featuring complex character dynamics, and a focus on defying conventional tropes.

Visually, they excel through high production values, creative costume and weapon design, and fluid, large-scale action sequences that incorporate traditional aesthetics. The series offer fresh perspectives, exploring themes of fate, identity, and love, and have successfully resonated with audiences seeking emotionally engaging and visually distinctive narratives.