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…

Have you ever seen a historical drama costume that made you do a double take? When actor Liu Xueyi (刘学义) appeared as Emperor Tuoba Jun (拓跋濬) of the Northern Wei dynasty in the new series Jiangshan Datong (江山大同), online forums exploded. Viewers didn’t gush over flowing silk robes or delicate hair ornaments. Instead, they threw around a loaded historical slur: Suo Lu (索虏), meaning “rope captive.” Surprisingly, it was a compliment. Why? Because his look—braided hair, heavy beard, and a strange hood called a Feng Mao (风帽)—matched sixth-century tomb figures and cave carvings. This wasn’t the usual polished, pretty-boy emperor. It was gritty, foreign, and real. So, was it strange? Or was it the most honest costume on TV? Braids and Bias Let’s talk about that word “Suo Lu.” Originally, it was a derogatory label Han Chinese used for the Xian Bei (鲜卑) people, who ruled Northern Wei. “Suo” means rope, referring to their distinctive braided hair. Unlike the pinned-up topknots of central China, Xian Bei men wore multiple tight braids tied with cords—a practical style for horseback life on windy steppes. Dust and galloping didn’t mix with loose hair. In one scene without a hat, Liu Xueyi’s character shows…

From blood-soaked Wuxia and cunning rebirth revenge to cosmic Xianxia and Tang dynasty mysteries—this slate of ten upcoming dramas has something for every craving. Whether you want Gong Jun's blade-sharp detective, Wang Hedi (王鹤棣) as a "crazy beauty" antihero, or Cheng Yi's (成毅) brutal wartime transformation, these stories ditch clichés for raw emotion, real locations, and earned romance. No fairy tales here. Just fierce heroines, morally gray masters, and plots that respect your intelligence. Dive in. The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng (凤舞九天) Platform: Tencent Period Background: Fictional ancient Jianghu (江湖) setting Genres: Wuxia (武侠), Mystery, Detective, Unit-based storytelling Adapted from: Gu Long's (古龙) classic novel Lu Xiaofeng Legend (陆小凤传奇) Main Roles: Gong Jun (as Lu Xiaofeng), Zheng Yecheng (as Ximen Chuixue), Wang Yilun, Quan Yilun, Chen Qiaoen (as Guo Changu), Zhu Xudan Plot Deep Dive: A blind friend. A desperate search. A world of deception. Lu Xiaofeng (陆小凤), the four-eyebrowed detective, is not chasing glory or gold. He wants one thing: a cure for his closest companion Hua Manlou's (花满楼) lost sight. That simple wish drags him into a web of strange deaths, missing artifacts, and whispered conspiracies across the martial arts underworld. The drama adopts a "one case, one…

She's an ancient beast who has lived for tens of thousands of years. She nearly destroyed the world. She's so sharp that she can spot a lie from a mile away. So how did Jiu Ying (九婴), the main villain of Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪), get tricked by a few simple sentences from Ji Ling (寄灵), a blind fox from under Nan Shan (南山)? The answer isn't that Ji Ling is some master manipulator. It's that Jiu Ying's own mind built the trap for her. She wanted something so badly that her common sense took a holiday. And that made her the easiest mark in the entire drama. The Arrogance of an Ancient Beast Jiu Ying has been around since before humans learned to make fire. She's seen empires rise and crumble. She's watched heroes beg and villains weep. In her eyes, Ji Ling is a child playing dress-up. She doesn't fear his little schemes because she believes she can crush him with one claw behind her back. The power gap between them is that enormous. Remember, it took nine dragons sacrificing themselves just to seal her away the first time. Each dragon swallowed one of her nine heads. And…

When you scroll through China's animation platforms, the top hits all look familiar. A Mortal's Journey (凡人修仙传), Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹), Renegade Immortal (仙逆) – all adapted from popular web novels. But where are the original 3D series? Guoman (国漫) has produced gems like Ling Cage (灵笼) and The Degenerate-Drawing Jianghu (画江湖之不良人), yet they remain rare exceptions. Why does the industry prefer to borrow stories rather than invent them? Two brutal reasons explain this imbalance: the safety of existing fans and the speed of script production. Let us break them down. Built-In Fans A hit web novel spends ten years building its audience. Take A Mortal's Journey – millions of readers already love its characters and world. When the animation drops, these fans become free promoters. They post theories, share clips, and defend the show even if early episodes look rough. That is pure marketing that money cannot buy. The adaptation starts with a running start. Original animations start with nothing. No existing fans. No emotional attachment. No proof that the story works. The creators must invent every name, every plot twist, every piece of world-building from scratch. In a crowded market, a random original series gets swiped away…

In the fantasy world of Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪), a young fox spirit named Lu Wuyi (露芜衣) thinks she has found her fated love. Sent by the Fox King from Wuxiang (无相) Moon Hall, she must get close to a boy called Ji Ling (寄灵) at Luoyan Wei (洛安韦) Mansion. He is a cheerful young mage from the Shilin(侍鳞) Sect, always carrying a cloth doll. But when she sneaks into the sect after he gets hurt, she sees something terrible. Ji Ling dies in front of her. He turns into a wooden puppet. Her destined person was never real. So who is he? And what does this mean for her? The Puppet's Heart Ji Ling is not a normal boy. He laughs easily, loves giving flowers, and knows how to cheer someone up. When Lu Wuyi feels sad, he tells her to make a circle with her hands and look through it to see something beautiful. She feels a strange connection, as if they met years ago when she saved a little fox at the foot of a mountain. But that memory is not really his. It belongs to someone else. The truth is cruel. Ji Ling has no heartbeat…

Two grand fantasy dramas now compete for your attention. Veil of Shadows (月鳞绮纪) and Love Beyond the Grace (白日提灯) both dropped around the same time. Each delivers stunning visuals, top-tier casts, and immersive worlds. Fans are already comparing, debating, and struggling to pick a side. But beauty alone never decides the winner. The real question is simple: what does each story actually say, and how does it say it? Let’s break down their strengths and weaknesses so you can choose wisely. Veil of Shadows Ju Jingyi (鞠婧祎) and Chen Duling (陈都灵) shine under the director’s signature lens. Their dual female leads share a rare hook: two women connected through shared memories. The drama also plays with the contrast between a puppet and its real body. This is Xianxia with a philosophical twist. Every frame feels crafted for maximum aesthetic pleasure. When the “peerless twin beauties” appear on screen, they own it. Fans of gorgeous costumes and ethereal faces will find plenty to admire here. Then comes Zeng Shunxi (曾舜晞) as Wu Shiguang (武拾光). His character brings something unexpected to the glossy fantasy world. He moves like a classic Wuxia hero—clean, sharp, and refreshingly grounded. Against all the dramatic posturing and…

The first quarter of 2026 has proven to be a landmark season for historical dramas, offering an exceptional range of narratives that span forensic mysteries, transmigration deconstructions, weighty political epics, and grounded Wuxia tales. From sleeper-hit sequels that deepened beloved character dynamics to ambitious productions that redefined genre conventions, the landscape showcased a remarkable diversity in both storytelling and production value. These standout series collectively demonstrated that the genre continues to evolve, offering audiences compelling narratives built on intellectual compatibility, moral complexity, and genuine character growth. For viewers seeking a curated selection, here are 7 recommended costume dramas for the first quarter of 2026. The Imperial Coroner 2 (御赐小仵作2) Platform: Tencent Period Background: Fictional Tang Dynasty Genres: Historical, Mystery, Investigation, Romance Main Roles: Wang Ziqi (as Xiao Jingrui), Su Xiaotong (as Chu Chu), Yang Tingdong, Zhao Yaoke, Zhang Chenxiao Adapted from: Madam Constable by Xianxian Yatou (清闲丫头) Plot Deep Dive: The first Imperial Coroner was the quintessential sleeper hit. It debuted with modest expectations in 2021 and became a phenomenon, lauded for its logical forensic mysteries and a respectful, low-key romance. Returning five years later with the original cast, The Imperial Coroner 2 faced the daunting task of satisfying loyal…

Donghua (动画) has carved a unique space in global animation, not merely as entertainment but as a vessel for stories that resonate across cultures. While fantasy and martial arts often serve as the backdrop, the true engine of this international wave is a deep, often raw, exploration of human connection, destiny, and emotion. The following four series, each distinct in genre and style, demonstrate how complex narratives and breathtaking artistry have captivated audiences worldwide, proving that a well-told story transcends language and geography. Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福) The adaptation of Heaven Official's Blessing became an immediate global phenomenon upon its release, topping Netflix charts in numerous regions. The story’s engine is a profound connection between two powerful beings: a disgraced prince-god and a formidable ghost king. Their relationship, built on a single act of rescue centuries prior, is portrayed with an almost aching tenderness. The animation excels at translating the novel’s intricate emotional landscape into visual poetry, particularly in scenes where a simple touch of hands conveys a bond that has weathered eight hundred years of separation and longing. https://youtu.be/SiL9q5hjO2I?list=RDSiL9q5hjO2I The series' appeal is magnified by its meticulous production quality. Every frame is composed with a painter’s eye, from the…

What if the most profound lesson from a classical text wasn't about scholarship, but about the quiet, devastating truth of a teacher’s poverty? In the animated series Sword of Coming 2 (剑来), a moment of humor unravels into a scene of raw emotion, redefining the bond between master and student. The story revolves around a single, seemingly trivial question: why does the classic essay Encouraging Learning (劝学) state that a crab has “six legs and two claws” when everyone knows it has eight? The answer, delivered not by a scholar but by a tiny incense figure, cuts through centuries of academic debate to reveal something far more personal—a secret of sacrifice that brings a proud man to tears and resonates deeply with viewers. A Teacher’s Silence The journey begins years before the main events of Sword of Coming 2. A young man named Cui Chen (崔瀺), who would later take the name Cui Dongshan (崔东山), was once a penniless student traveling with his teacher, the man known simply as the Old Scholar. Their travels were the very definition of a “frugal” education. They were often hungry, and the Old Scholar, a man of immense wisdom, was perpetually broke. This period…

In the murky depths of the Generation to Generation (江湖夜雨十年灯) , where loyalty is a currency and betrayal a craft, a single treasure called the Purple Jade Golden Sunflower holds the power to shatter facades and spill blood. This is not merely a story of martial arts conflict; it is a dissection of human nature, where the kindest face hides the most ruthless heart. Here, survival depends on unmasking the villain before he tightens the noose around your own neck. The Deadliest Secret The story begins with a ghost. Mu Qingyan (慕清宴), the son of a disgraced hero, hides within the fortified walls of Chang (常) Family Fort, living under a dead man's name. He seeks only to survive, to stay out of sight. But survival is a luxury in a world controlled by puppeteers like Qi Yunke (戚云柯). When the fort is massacred in a single night, Mu Qingyan escapes, saved not by his own skill, but by the sharp wit of Cai Zhao (蔡昭) and her family. The attack was no random act of violence. It was a surgical strike designed to unearth a secret buried beneath the fort's famous mechanical floors. That secret, the legendary Purple Jade…

In the intricate tapestry of Wuxia (武侠) dramas, characters often wear masks that hide their true nature. The series Generation to Generation (江湖夜雨十年灯) introduces viewers to a web of love, betrayal, and calculated revenge. While the male lead, Qi Yunke (戚云柯), appears to be a tragic figure consumed by madness and nostalgia, a closer look reveals that the true architect of the entire story's conflict is a woman who has been dead from the start. Cai Pingshu (蔡平殊) is not just a memory that haunts the living; she is the ultimate chess player, a master strategist whose plans were set in motion long before the series' present timeline. Her influence dictates every major character's actions, making her the hidden, yet most powerful, force in the entire narrative. The Heart of the Battlefield: A Master Strategist Cai Pingshu was far more than a beautiful face in the martial arts world. She was a female martial arts fanatic whose true weapon was not just her exceptional skill, but her profound understanding of human nature. She saw people's hearts and desires as a battlefield, and she was undefeated in this arena. This is evident in her final days, when, severely injured and nearing death,…

The landscape of Chinese costume drama is undergoing a quiet but significant evolution. As evidenced by five recent standout series, the genre is moving beyond epic battles and fantastical romance toward a new paradigm defined by intellectual depth and narrative precision. These shows—from investigative procedurals to historical political dramas—prioritize specialized knowledge, mature character dynamics, and sophisticated genre blending. Their collective success, often fueled by word-of-mouth rather than sheer promotional might, signals a discerning audience appetite for substance. This trend marks a maturation of the genre, where compelling storytelling is built not on scale, but on the solid foundations of logic, character integrity, and innovative conceptual hooks. The Imperial Coroner 2 (御赐小仵作2) The sequel to the sleeper hit The Imperial Coroner demonstrates that a loyal audience awaits well-crafted stories. The Imperial Coroner 2 reunites the original cast after five years, a rare move that pays off by preserving the unique dynamic fans loved. The series follows the married forensic examiner Chu Chu (楚楚) and her husband, the imperial official Xiao Jinyu (萧瑾瑜), as they lead the judicial department. Their partnership now operates on both professional and personal levels. What sets this show apart is its effortless blend of a tightly-plotted investigative…

Amidst a sea of predictable plots, Unveil: Jadewind (唐宫奇案之青雾风鸣) introduces a compelling shift by anchoring its story in procedural realism and female expertise. Set within the intricate bureaucracy of the Song (宋) dynasty, it follows Zhao Ming (赵明), a meticulous investigator whose authority stems from her deep understanding of court protocols. She dissects clues without supernatural aid, relying instead on astute observation and logical deduction. Here, the palace operates as a structured institution, with clear roles and responsibilities. Zhao Ming's collaboration with Scholar Li (李学者) emphasizes professional synergy over romantic entanglement, reflecting a modern approach to partnership. The narrative avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the subtle mechanics of power and perception. This series transforms historical setting into a lens for examining systemic dynamics, offering viewers a nuanced perspective on agency and hierarchy. Its grounded storytelling provides a refreshing alternative to ornate dramas, proving that depth can arise from simplicity and intelligence. Tang Dynasty Shadows: A Palace of Truth and Illusion In a landscape saturated with historical fantasy, one series dares to reimagine the past not as a backdrop for romance, but as the intricate, breathing machinery of a mystery. This is not merely a costume drama; it is an architectural…

A cliffhanger has haunted fans of the epic drama Princess Agents (楚乔传): the image of the male lead, Zhuge Yue (诸葛玥), sinking into a frozen lake, followed by the heroine Chu Qiao (楚乔) leaping in after him. This unresolved moment became a legendary "unhealed wound" in Chinese television history. Now, the official sequel, titled Rebirth (冰湖重生), has been announced, promising to pick up the story directly from that icy plunge. Slated for a simultaneous release on major streaming platforms iQiyi and Tencent Video, the series aims not just to continue a story, but to mend a seven-year-old heartache for its devoted audience. New Faces, Familiar Souls The cast, while not the original ensemble, represents a thoughtful new generation. Playing the adult Chu Qiao is Huangyang Tiantian (黄杨钿甜), who once portrayed the younger version of the character. Now 16, she has undergone intensive martial arts training for months. Her performance showcases a steely determination that feels like a natural evolution from the resilient girl audiences remember. She embodies the seasoned "Xiuli King (秀丽王)," a leader forged through hardship, with fight scenes that are powerful and grounded. Taking on the pivotal role of Zhuge Yue is Li Yunrui (李昀锐). His approach avoids…

A solitary figure moves against a vast, amber expanse. This is the opening scene from Yao-Chinese Folktales 2 (中国奇谭2), in the episode titled Sanlang (三郎). There are no sprawling cities or intricate political plots here, only a lone swordsman, a dutiful camel, and a haunting forest of Hu Yang (胡杨) trees in the desert. The narrative strips away everything but the essence of a personal quest, one that begins with a declaration steeped in Wuxia (武侠) tradition: "The world's greatest fighter does not kill a nameless opponent." This statement sets a man on a path not just through physical terrain, but into the deepest recesses of his own purpose. The Swordsman's Quest He is a man defined by a single, consuming goal: to challenge and defeat the reigning champion. To signify his total commitment, he gives his own name, Sanlang, to his camel, vowing to reclaim it only when he returns victorious. In a roadside inn, he faces ridicule but also accepts a final request from the keeper—to find a missing daughter in the desert. Armed with a cured leg of mutton, a symbol of heritage and sustenance, and his blade, a tool for achieving fame, he enters the whispering…