Jin Yong's martial arts novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" is a voluminous and difficult for film adaptation. "Sakra (乔峰传)" takes the most central character in the original novel, Qiao Feng, and develops the entire story around his fate and life. With his understanding and creative approach, Donnie Yen has created a new image of Qiao Feng. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es5NAYPdcdI During the Northern Song Dynasty, Qiao Feng, the heroic and chivalrous leader of the Beggar's Gang, was supported by the martial arts world, but was suddenly identified as a Khitan and defected from the family. In Qiao Feng to trace his life, looking for enemies on the way, he and Murong family maidservant girl Azhu acquaintance and mutual affection. They go through several adventures, until Ah Zhu is mistakenly killed by Qiao Feng because of Mrs. Ma's design, and Qiao Feng finally finds out that everything is Murong's plot to restore Yan. Qiao Feng killed Murong Fu, and then took Zhu's last wish and went to the outside of the country.   The Difficulty of Adapting Jin Yong's Wuxia Work The creators of "Sakra", Donnie Yen and Wong Jing, had just previously collaborated on the "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" film series, with Donnie…

Wuxia drama "The Blood of Youth (少年歌行)" is adapted from the original novel of the same name by Zhou Munan, directed by Yin Tao, the original author Zhou Munan as a scriptwriter, the story tells a group of influential teenage chivalrous experts in the Jianghu world. Since the broadcast of "The Blood of Youth", it has become the first popular martial arts drama in 2023. At a time when the martial arts drama style is gradually weakening, this achievement is quite excellent. From the perspective of audience portraits, the main audience of "The Blood of Youth" is aged 18-24, and the audience aged 18-29 accounts for 80% of paying users. This is a martial arts drama that depends on the support of young audience. The Blood of Youth can win the favor of young audiences because it reshapes the spirit of chivalry. It is a Wuxia drama and also an emotional drama full of hot blood and sincerity. Its special effects are outstanding, but it does not overwhelm main focus; it portrays many characters, but focuses on important plots instead of introducing them one by one. When the cost of investment is not high, there is even simplicity visible in…

More than 20 Chinese Wuxia and Xianxia drama series are scheduled to air in 2022, including the highly anticipated "Joy of Life: Season 2" starring Zhang Ruo Yun and Li Qin; "The Longest Promise" starring Xiao Zhan and Ren Min; "The Longest Promise" starring Gong Jun and Dilraba Legend of Anle, starring Dilmurat. There are also several fantasy Xianxia dramas based on exciting Xianxia novels. The following is a list of Chinese Wuxia & Xianxia Drama highlights for 2022, as compiled by Newhanfu.   Joy of Life: Season 2 · 庆余年2 Also known as: Qing Yu Nian 2 Period Background: Alternative reality Genres: Wuxia, Political, Romance, Action, Comedy Main Role: Zhang Ruo Yun as Fan Xian, Li Qin as Lin Wan'er, Chen Dao Ming as Emperor of Qing, Wu Gang as Chen Ping Ping Joy of Life: Season 2 will bring an even more stirring story, as Fan Xian's challenges continue to escalate after the ups and downs of the previous life and death, while many characters from the first season return and new roles will be introduced to the audience.   Sword Snow Stride · 雪中悍刀行 (Aired) Aired: December 15, 2021 Also known as: Xue Zhong Han Dao Xing…

Recently, Who Rules the World (且试天下), wuxia drama starring Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi, is being broadcast on Tencent Video. This drama adapted from the novel of the same name by Qing Ling Yue, combines traditional costume, romance, and martial arts. In just one week of broadcasting, the cumulative viewership of Who Rules the World has already exceeded nearly 500 million. The kingdom is divided into seven parts, the emperor's family is the most honored. The person who has the Xuan Ji Ling (玄极令) can command six states. However, the disappearance of the Xuan Ji Ling has led the chaos, and the power-hungry heroes are out in force, they all want to be the first to find the Xuan Ji Ling and achieve their own supremacy power. Hei Feng Xi and Bai Feng Xi are also involved in it, they not only implicated in the huge power and conspiracy between the court and the martial arts world, but also write their own martial arts romance saga. In terms of plot, Who Rules the World is not based on historical dynasties, but the exciting game of court, the thrilling martial arts fighting scenes, as well as the sweet emotional scenes, can…

In recent years, exciting Chinese anime productions have emerged, making great leaps in content and quality and gaining more and more recognition and love from anime fans. For example, the Wuxia anime The Legend of Qin, which is about to receive its seventh season, and the Xuanhuan anime Douluo Continent, updated to more than 200 episodes. The combination of Wuxia, Xuanhuan, and anime can be said to be perfect, with fantastic dueling images and heart-wrenching plots. Once you open the first episode, you will be immersed in it, and keep looking forward to the start of the new season. This article will list the Martial Arts and Fantasy Chinese Animation that will be released or updated in 2022. Bookmark this list, and we'll keep updating it here with exciting Chinese anime!   The Degenerate-Drawing Jianghu Season 5 · 画江湖之不良人5 Also known as: Hua Jianghu: Bu Liang Ren V Period Background: Tang Dynasty Genres: Wuxia Anime, Action, Historical Aired: January 20, 2022 Episodes/Duration: 12/25min "Buliang Ren" is an officer who was engaged in detecting and catching theft in Tang Dynasty. The story of this animation is about the hidden treasure of Longquan by "Buliang Ren". In The Degenerate-Drawing Jianghu, the heroes…

In the year 2021 that has just passed, a topic that is often brought up is just how many Wuxia and Xianxia cdramas will be aired next year. It is not difficult to understand such a question. According to statistics from public sources, including various projects to be broadcast, wrapped, started filming, and in preparation, there are at least 40+ Wuxia and Xianxia cdramas exposed so far, which can be considered the most crowded track in the film and television industry in 2022. On January 14, the new-style martial arts drama "Sword Snow Stride " ushered in the first season finale. on January 16, "Mirror: Twin Cities" will first kick off the prologue of this year's fantasy cdrama.   Xianxia Cdramas: Adaptation Determines the Winner The most obvious phenomenon of Xianxia cdramas is that although the quantity is large, the hits are not easy to come by. On the one hand, although Xianxia cdramas have a fixed audience, there is a quota for scheduling, and only the real top dramas have the chance to be syndicated on multiple platforms. On the other hand, historical drama is a big part of cdrama, long creation period and large cost investment are its…

Wuxia (武俠), which is a type of Chinese fantasy with a lot of martial arts. It’s a lot of attractive people flying around with swords using powers, and it’s amazing. What you see wuxia world in dramas, what you think is the ancient Chinese cultural ideal world is actually created within the last say a little bit over half a century in the 1950s. In this post, I am going to attempt to explain the rather complicated concept of Wuxia and Jianghu that even a lot of Chinese native people actually don't quite know about that. So if you're coming from a different cultural background and you don't speak the language it might be even more confusing for you to understand what jianghu. So first we have to understand the word Wuxia, and then the concept of Jianghu. Wuxia World in Chinese Dramas If you have been watching a lot of Chinese dramas, you may realize a large proportion of current Chinese dramas are of the period drama genre and within this genre. A large proportion is the Wuxia genre or versions that branch off from this genre or even if it's really a serious political or Romantic period drama,…

A lot of people on blog website including me have made posts about top wuxia dramas to watch but we always end up adding Xianxia dramas to the list. So in today's video,  I am only gonna include wuxia dramas on this list. Wuxia literary translates to Martial Heroes and it's set in Jiang Hu. Jiang Hu means lakes and rivers. In the west, Superman and Batman can be considered martial heroes but in Chinese drama land, wuxia dramas are set in ancient China. Wuxia dramas contest of Jiang hu, martial arts, swordsman,  and the characters must know some form of martial arts.   1. Nirvana In Fire 瑯琊榜 Starring Hu Ge, Tamia Liu & Wang Kai, Nirvana In Fire is a 54 episode drama that tells the story of a brilliant strategist who helps an uncovered prince battle for the throne. The screenplay is well-written and the storyline is well-paced as plots get revealed. You know how most shows are pretty boring in the beginning and only get interesting around episode 15 or so,  well Nirvana In Fire is amazing and it’ll hook you in right from the 1st episode. The drama has also got an amazing cast but…

Wuxia clothing is a fantasy martial arts garment, and also called as xianxia clothing in immortal wuxia novels. In most cases, Wuxia clothes are made specifically for filming movies and costume TV series, so there are many kinds. Martial arts clothing is based on the traditional Chinese Hanfu Version (loose fit design and is worn left over right), but it is not a simple copy. Because there are few strict textual research on historical clothes, and designers can freely design them, most of the martial arts clothes we see in the film do not exist in history. Strictly speaking, it is a kind of modern clothing. Many excellent wuxia films and ancient Chinese dramas have good appearance, kungfu movements, and dancing beauty design. They keep innovating in following the ancient culture, the background of the times, the character's personality, etc. Both fabric selection and color matching are carefully designed to ultimate beauty and strive for perfection. It can be said that wuxia clothing is exquisite modern art. So let's explore the fantastic martial arts world through these beautiful wuxia clothes. 1. Xianxia Clothing Taoist xianxia novel is a new kind of novel style in recent years. It grew out of…

What if your very existence doomed the ones you loved? "The Journey of Flower" (花千骨) is not your typical xianxia fantasy. Yes, there are swords, immortals, and sect rivalries—but at its heart, it's a ticking time bomb of forbidden love and fated tragedy. Each episode peels back a layer of mystery surrounding one girl born under a deathly curse, and the immortal who dares to teach her. Ep 1–12: Cursed Beginnings Qiangu's birth under a lethal curse dooms every living thing that loves her—demons swarm at her scent, villagers shun her, and even the land seems to wither in her presence. Orphaned and alone, she survives by scavenging in Lotus Flower Village, her only comfort the belief that mastering immortal arts might free her from this fatal destiny. When bandits massacre her adoptive family, Qiangu unleashes a desperate burst of power—her blood disintegrates their weapons and halts their advance, marking her as both miracle and monster. Enter Bai Zihua, the aloof leader of the Chang Liu sect: bound by heavenly law to eliminate any threat, yet moved by Qiangu's sacrifice in saving his life from a venomous trap. He senses her unique aura—a fated calamity that prophecy warns will one…

Chinese sci-fi animation is quietly undergoing a revolution. No longer confined to tropes of myth or fantasy, a new wave of creators is tackling speculative futures with precision and boldness. These works don't shout for attention; they earn it through sharp world-building, unflinching themes, and a refusal to simplify humanity's relationship with technology. From crumbling post-apocalyptic cities to AI-dominated dystopias, these stories ask urgent questions: What does survival cost? Can humanity evolve without losing itself? The answers are rarely comfortable but always compelling. Below are seven essential titles that define this movement—not as "cultural milestones" but as raw, inventive narratives. They prioritize substance over spectacle, proving that Chinese sci-fi animation isn't just catching up—it's carving its own path. Ling Cage: Incarnation 灵笼 In Ling Cage: Incarnation, humanity's survival hinges on a brutal calculus: sacrifice empathy or perish. The floating fortress Lighthouse enforces a genetic hierarchy where "Uppercitizens" hoard resources while "Dust Citizens" endure dehumanizing labor and insect-based diets. This system strips away human bonds—exemplified by the Dawn Hall's emotionless breeding rituals—reducing life to a eugenicist project. Mark, a Hunter captain tasked with scavenging a monster-infested Earth, initially upholds this order until discovering the Lighthouse's darkest secret: a cult sacrificing children…

Chinese romance animations thrive on bold storytelling and character-driven intimacy. Series like Fox Spirit Matchmaker hook viewers with immortal lovers defying reincarnation cycles, while No Doubt in Us reinvents relationship dynamics through a royal couple's body-swap chaos. These stories avoid tired tropes by grounding emotions in tangible stakes: a demon hunter's loyalty tested across lifetimes in Demon List, or a mortal girl unraveling celestial secrets in Contemplation of Affection. What unites them is razor-sharp focus on how characters earn love—whether battling societal expectations or their own flaws—making every confession or sacrifice resonate with raw, earned authenticity. Fox Spirit Matchmaker 狐妖小红娘 "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" redefines fantasy romance with its inventive premise of fox spirits bridging past and present loves. At its core lies the hauntingly beautiful saga of Dongfang Yuechu, a mortal warrior, and Tu Shan Honghong, a fox spirit matchmaker bound by centuries of duty. Their story isn't a straightforward courtship but a layered unraveling of identities—she must confront her role as an emotionless facilitator of others' romances while secretly yearning for her own; he grapples with fragmented memories of lives where their love repeatedly ended in tragedy. The series weaponizes reincarnation as both plot device and emotional catalyst. Flashbacks to past lives—as star-crossed lovers in imperial courts…

When Zhou Xun dons historical costumes, audiences hold their breath—this petite woman from Jiangnan watertowns carries half of China's epic history in her bones. As the soul-devouring fox spirit in Painted Skin, she laid bare human fragility beneath ethereal beauty; in Ruyi's Royal Love, her restrained sighs as an embattled empress turned palace intrigue into visceral poetry. From her deliberate whisper-pauses to the way her eyes flicker between vulnerability and cunning, we unpack how this actress bends time itself through roles that resonate across generations. Palace of Desire 大明宫词 Aired: 2000 Period Background: Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), focusing on imperial intrigue. Genres: Historical, Romance, Political Drama Main Roles: Zhou Xun as Young Taiping Princess, Chen Hong as Adult Taiping, Gua Lunshu as Emperor Gaozong. Adapted From: Original screenplay by Wang Anyi. Palace of Desire traces the life of Taiping Princess, portrayed by Zhou Xun in her youth. The series begins with Taiping as a sheltered yet rebellious teenager, her curiosity clashing with the rigid imperial hierarchy. Her early escapades—sneaking into bustling markets, questioning court rituals—highlight her defiance against the suffocating palace life. However, her innocence shatters as she witnesses the ruthless political maneuvers of her mother, Empress Wu Zetian, particularly…

Tencent Video and Tencent Animation have become hubs for China's animation gems, blending ancient myths, futuristic sagas, and everything in between. Here are 10 must-watch Chinese anime series that redefine what Donghua can be. Battle Through the Heavens 斗破苍穹 At first glance, Battle Through the Heavens fits squarely into the classic cultivation formula: a fallen genius named Xiao Yan sets out to regain his status and surpass his former self. But unlike many shows where power-ups come too easily, BTTH is unusually committed to making every stage of Xiao Yan's progress feel earned—and hard-won. The early loss of his talent isn't just a narrative hook; it forces him to rely on intellect and resourcefulness rather than sheer force. When he gains a mysterious old mentor, Yao Lao, their relationship doesn't just serve as a shortcut for instant power. Yao Lao is more like a chessmaster, constantly reminding Xiao Yan that in this world, raw power alone won't keep you alive—reputation, alliance, and careful timing matter just as much. One of the most distinctive features of this show is its emphasis on alchemy. In many xianxia stories, alchemy is just background dressing—here, it becomes a central tool of conflict and control.…

Bilibili has become a hub for high-quality Chinese animation, offering diverse genres and fresh storytelling. This list highlights standout titles that resonate with both casual viewers and anime enthusiasts, prioritizing engaging plots and unique styles over abstract praise. The Outcast 一人之下 The Outcast (2016-present) is a Chinese animated series blending urban fantasy, dark comedy, and martial arts. With 5 seasons so far, it follows Zhang Chulan, a college student dragged into the hidden world of "Heteromorphs"—people with supernatural abilities—after his estranged grandfather’s death. Teaming up with the enigmatic, deadpan Feng Baby (who wields kitchen knives and an immortal past), he uncovers family secrets while dodging rival factions seeking ancient power. The show stands out for balancing gritty action with quirky humor. Fight scenes mix traditional Chinese martial arts (like Baguazhang) with creative superpowers—a villain manipulates chess pieces as weapons; another controls paper. The animation, while not ultra-polished, delivers kinetic choreography and distinct character designs, especially in later seasons. Character dynamics drive the story. Zhang Chulan evolves from a cynical slacker to a cunning strategist, using wit rather than brute strength. Feng Baby’s emotionless demeanor hides tragic depth, and villains like the scheming Wang Ye feel layered—driven by ambition, not pure…

Sixteen years. A mysterious return. A flute that summons the dead. The Untamed isn't just another xianxia drama—it's a layered story of loyalty, injustice, and love in a world where righteousness is often just a mask. If you're new to the series, or just trying to figure out why everyone online is crying about rabbits and swords, here's your complete guide through the twists and turns of The Untamed. Chapter 1: Bright Beginnings (Ep 1–5) Setting the stage: a world of cultivation, clans, and quiet bonds in bloom. At first glance, The Untamed opens like many fantasy dramas—a beautiful, intricate world of magic, sects, and sword-wielding disciples in flowing robes. But behind the lush aesthetics is a tightly-woven story of friendship, fate, and the beginning of something much deeper. The first five episodes introduce us to Wei Wuxian, the charismatic, mischievous adopted son of the Jiang clan. He's skilled, clever, and always smiling—the kind of guy who laughs off danger and breaks rules with charm. But there's more to him than the prankster image. He's loyal, kind-hearted, and deeply protective of those he loves. His journey begins with a visit to the Cloud Recesses, the strict and serene home of…

Before Michelle Yeoh—Michelle Yeoh (杨紫琼)—became a global icon, she was already a standout presence in Chinese-language costume films. While most international fans know her from films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, her roles in historical TV films are just as revealing. These films show a different side of Yeoh: not just a martial artist, but a storyteller navigating dynastic intrigue, loyalty, and sacrifice. Her work in costume films isn't extensive, but it's meaningful. Each project—whether based on classic wuxia novels or original scripts—places her in morally complex roles shaped by tradition, power, and personal duty. She's played warriors, nobles, and strategists, all grounded in different periods of Chinese history. This article highlights some of her most notable films—both mainstream and lesser-known—where history meets performance with striking results. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 卧虎藏龙 Released: 2000 Period Background: Set during the Qing Dynasty, but in a fictionalized jianghu world Genres: Wuxia, Historical Fantasy, Action, film Main Roles: Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu Lien; Chow Yun-fat as Li Mu Bai; Zhang Ziyi as Jen Yu Adapted From: The fourth novel in the Crane-Iron pentalogy by Wang Dulu The film tells the story of Li Mu Bai, a legendary swordsman who plans to retire…

Yu Shuxin's (虞书欣) costume dramas redefine charm and grit in historical fantasy. With a career spanning quirky heroines, cunning spies, and soul-stirring immortals, she crafts characters that linger long after the credits roll. What sets her apart? A rare blend of authenticity and versatility. Whether navigating slapstick comedy or tragic love, Yu avoids overacting traps, grounding even the most fantastical roles in relatable humanity. This isn't accidental. Trained at Huace Film Academy, Yu meticulously dissects character motivations. For Love Between Fairy and Devil, she studied orchid symbolism to embody Xiao Lanhua's purity; in The Ingenious One, she trained in martial micro-expressions to portray a spy's calculated restraint. Yet she never loses her signature spark—the wit and warmth that make her heroines feel like friends. Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀 Aired: 2022 Period Background: A mythical realm divided between celestial beings, demons, and mortals. Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Adventure Main Roles: Yu Shuxin as Xiao Lanhua, Wang Hedi as Dongfang Qingcang Adapted From: The novel Cang Lan Jue by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The fantasy drama centers on Xiao Lanhua (Yu Shuxin), a low-ranking fairy tasked with repairing fate records in the celestial realm. Her life takes a dramatic turn when…

Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) , known for her magnetic presence in historical dramas, Fan doesn't just act—she resurrects legends. Take The Legend of Wu Mei Niang, where she transforms into Wu Zetian, the Tang Dynasty's ruthless empress. In one scene, Fan's character coldly outmaneuvers a rival, her gaze sharp as the ceremonial dagger she wields. Moments like these—raw, tense, and steeped in history—define her roles. From mischievous maids to cunning monarchs, Fan's performances bridge centuries, offering viewers not just entertainment but a visceral connection to China's dynastic sagas. The Legend of Wu Mei Niang 武媚娘传奇 Aired: 2014–2015 Period Background: Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) Genres: Historical, Political Drama Main Roles: Fan Bingbing as Wu Zetian (武则天), Zhang Fengyi as Emperor Taizong Adapted From: Historical accounts of China's only female emperor Spanning 80 episodes, the series chronicles Wu's ascent from a curious palace maid to China's only female emperor, a journey Fan embodies with striking nuance. Her performance captures both the vulnerability of young Wu Ruyi, who defies court norms by refusing to kneel during her first encounter with Emperor Taizong, and the calculated ruthlessness of the ruler who later dismantles political rivals. A standout moment occurs when Fan's Wu, wielding a ceremonial…

Jackson Yee (易烊千玺) isn't just a pop idol turned actor—he's a master at breathing life into historical roles. From strategists to poets, his costume dramas blend sharp storytelling with meticulous period details, making history feel urgent and relatable. Take The Longest Day in Chang'an, where he plays Li Bi, a Tang Dynasty genius racing against a 12-hour terrorist plot. The series doesn't just showcase palace politics; it thrusts viewers into dusty market alleys and smoke-filled war rooms, with Yi's calm intensity anchoring every scene. Or consider Hot Blooded Youth, where his character A Yi evolves from a revenge-driven orphan to a revolutionary hero, mirroring China's turbulent shift from dynasty to republic. These roles aren't pageantry—they're about flawed, thinking characters navigating crises that still echo today: corruption, identity, and sacrifice. Here are 3 Historical Series with Jackson Yee that you'll love watching over and over again. The Longest Day in Chang'an 长安十二时辰 Aired: 2019 Period Background: Tang Dynasty, during the Tianbao era under Emperor Xuanzong's reign, a golden age marked by cultural prosperity and political intrigue. Genres: Costume suspense, political thriller, action Main Roles: Lei Jiayin as Zhang Xiaojing, a disgraced detective-turned-prisoner; Jackson Yee as Li Bi, a prodigious young strategist.…