Cdrama & hanfu

If you're a fan of Chinese dramas, then you've probably heard of Xianxia and Xuanhuan genres. These two popular genres revolve around ancient Chinese myths, legends, and folklore and they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique storylines, stunning visuals, and captivating characters. From epic battles between good and evil to intricate plot twists, Xianxia and Xuanhuan dramas offer a mesmerizing escape into a world of magic and adventure. In this article, we have compiled the top 10 Xianxia and Xuanhuan dramas that will take you on a thrilling journey through mystical lands and fantastical creatures. Whether you're a hardcore fan or just starting to explore this genre, these dramas are sure to keep you hooked till the very end.   Chinese Paladin · 仙剑奇侠传 "Chinese Paladin" is a Chinese Xianxia Xuanhuan drama adapted from the RPG game of the same name. It stars Hu Ge, Crystal Liu, Ady An, and Eddie Peng in leading roles. Also known as: Xian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan Aired: Jan 24, 2005 Episodes/Duration: 34/50min Period Background: Alternative reality Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Wuxia, Fantasy Main Role: Hu Ge as Li Xiao Yao, Crystal Liu as Zhao Ling Er, Ady An as…

From conception to airing, "Till The End Of The Moon (长月烬明·月照千峰)" has garnered much attention and has not disappointed audiences. Since its premiere on March 6th, it has set a record for the highest viewership rate in two years among Chinese web dramas. Discussions about the combination of immortal fantasy with Chinese mythology, the fusion of modern special effects and Dunhuang aesthetics, and more have been ongoing and many netizens praise the drama's cultural significance and aesthetic style.  

For nearly two decades since the premiere of "Chinese Paladin" in 2005, ancient costume fantasy dramas have captivated audiences with their enchanting worlds and captivating storytelling. From "Eternal Love" to "Ashes of Love," "The Untamed," "Love and Redemption," "Word of Honor," "Legend of Fei," and the recent sensation "Ancient Love Poetry," these dramas have consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre, expanding its horizons and attracting a diverse fanbase. As the genre enters its third decade of exploration, the question arises: What lies ahead for ancient costume fantasy dramas? One potential direction for the genre is to delve deeper into mythology and folklore, drawing inspiration from a wider range of cultural traditions and legends. While many ancient costume fantasy dramas have been rooted in Chinese mythology, there is ample opportunity to explore other mythologies from around the world, introducing audiences to new and intriguing mythological realms. Moreover, there is a growing demand for more diverse and inclusive storytelling within the genre. While ancient costume fantasy dramas have traditionally focused on heterosexual romances between male and female protagonists, there is an increasing appetite for stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. By embracing diversity and representation, the genre can appeal to a…

After the market saw the decline of the once-dominant "palace intrigue" and "time-travel" dramas, similar genres like "family intrigue" and "rebirth" dramas have experienced a resurgence in recent years. Combining the elements of both "family intrigue" and "rebirth," new series have emerged, doubling the dramatic conflicts and emotional thrills that keep female audiences hooked. Last year's hits "Story of Kunning Palace," "Scent of Time," and "Romance on the Farm," as well as this year's "The Double," are all prime examples. But what exactly is the allure of "palace intrigue" and "family intrigue"? And why do "time-travel" and "rebirth" continue to captivate audiences?   Competitive Spirit vs. Intrigue Although "competitive femininity" is often criticized, the "battle of wits" undeniably captivates audiences. Traditional palace intrigue dramas revolve around competitive femininity, where palace women vie for favor, either actively or passively, engaging in a struggle filled with both overt and covert schemes. The distorted human nature and malevolent hearts revealed in these struggles act as a vivid moral lesson in human depravity. The strategies employed by the female protagonist in battling the surrounding enemy forces in the palace provide a lively display of practical wisdom. While competitive femininity may not align with the…

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 of…

"A Journey to Love," a highly anticipated period martial arts drama, has garnered widespread attention since obtaining official release permission and unveiling its first trailer. Starring Liu Shishi, this television series quickly gained enthusiastic responses from the audience due to its captivating plot and powerful cast, with the number of pre-orders even surpassing the million mark. Numerous fans and viewers are eagerly awaiting its premiere date. The series tells an epic and tumultuous story, centered around the protagonist Ren Ru Yi, who, through a series of fortuitous events, becomes a member of a small team accompanying the Wu state Emperor's envoy. Alongside Wu state's Liudao Hall Master Ning Yuanzhou, the charming Yu Shisan, the noble princess Yang Ying, the clever teenager Yuanluo, and the loyal imperial guard Qian Zhao, they experience life and death struggles and personal growth. The interactions between these characters and the development of the story are filled with emotional ups and downs and thrilling adventures. According to the scheduling arrangement of the broadcasting platform and various sources, "A Journey to Love" is expected to premiere in mid-November, bringing a pleasant surprise to the long-awaited audience. It is worth mentioning that this drama not only features the…

After the adaptation of "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" into a film and television series, the first part has been completed and is highly anticipated with over 2 million reservations. The most attention is on the "Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Yue Hong," especially with Yang Mi and Gong Jun leading the cast, featuring a lineup of high beauty among all the upcoming dramas. With excellent production quality, it undoubtedly shines among the rest. As the female lead Yang Mi, with her outstanding beauty and solid acting skills, has always performed exceptionally well in period dramas. The same applies to her performance in the "Yue Hong." Previously, she stunned everyone with her red outfit in the stills, leaving a lasting impression. In the new poster, Yang Mi unveils a completely new look. Compared to the previous white-powdered or all-red outfits, she now dons a light blue attire, accompanied by a more elegant makeup and hairstyle. Her overall temperament appears more gentle and her beauty and harmony with the character are enhanced. Alongside the male lead Gong Jun, who previously wore a white and blue outfit, their coordinated costumes give off a couple-like feeling, which has garnered unanimous praise and countless compliments from netizens and…

Chinese Palace drama (宫斗剧, Gongdou, harem drama, or palace scheming dramas) refers to a drama set in ancient China's feudal dynasties. Female characters, such as concubines or female officials, are the main subjects of the story. The main plotline is the emotional entanglement of the characters or political power struggle. Palace dramas focus on entertainment and dramatization, and are somewhat different from historical dramas. The first hit palace drama was "War and Beauty" in 2004, then "Schemes of a Beauty" in 2010, and "Empresses in the Palace" in 2011 generated outstanding ratings and brought widespread attention to palace dramas. Almost all of the stories in the palace dramas occur in the isolated harem, where the "scheming" is the core plot and narrative focus. A group of originally delicate aristocratic women, fighting on this battlefield of deceit, with only one goal in mind: the emperor's favor. All the characters in the harem drama have no distinction between right and wrong, good and evil, but only the success or failure of their tactics and schemes, and the consequent differences in their fates. Therefore, the women in the situation have a strong sense of crisis and high sensitivity to their difficult situation. All…

With the popular broadcast of "The Ingenious One", we are once again reminded of the charm of martial arts. The strategic planning of Yun Xiang, the intense fight scenes of Shu Ya Nan and Jin Biao, and the various acts of chivalry and righteousness that bring justice to the martial arts world have all left many martial arts fans feeling satisfied. As "The Ingenious One" continues to hold the spotlight, another martial arts drama, "Mysterious Lotus Casebook (莲花楼, Lian Hua Lou)", has recently obtained its official broadcasting license and has successfully passed censorship. The highly anticipated "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" has already gained a lot of popularity and attention. The overall quality of the series and its cast are also top-notch, making it a new hope for martial arts dramas. The TV drama "Mysterious Lotus Casebook" is adapted from Teng Ping's "Ji Xiang Wen Lian Hua Lou". It tells the story of three male leads growing up together and venturing through the martial arts world. The plot is filled with both love and hate, with heroes caring for each other, and multiple identities adding to the excitement. The drama incorporates many elements such as investigation, martial arts, revenge, and justice, making…

In the thousands of years of Chinese civilization, there were not only the conquests and games between emperors and generals, but also the brilliant and practical institutions and mechanisms created by professionals and low-level clerks. The author Ma Boyong has distilled six wonderful stories from local histories and ancient texts to form the book "The Great Ming Dynasty Under the Microscope". The storyline is full of reversals, the number of characters and relationships, as well as the richness of the detailed descriptions, while adding to the difficulty of the drama adaptation. Because the historical evolution is completely different from the concentrated competition in the drama. In the original, Shuai Jiamo (帅嘉谟) in the silk tax case is considered the male lead, but he just appears occasionally. He is more like Ye Wenjie in "Three-Body", who ignited the fuse for this whole affair.   01 Smart Adaptation of the Original In the drama, the silk tax case was preserved, but the main characters have richer personalities. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, a citizen of Renhua County, Jin'an Prefecture, Shuai Jia Mo (帅家默, played by Zhang Ruoyun. In the drama, the names of the characters are replaced, but the…

Costume dramas have portrayed countless heart-wrenching love stories on the television screen, with an exhilarating and splendid plot. The highly anticipated new drama "Wonderland of Love" has recently premiered. Led by Xu Kai and Jing Tian, this costume drama brings audiences a whole new experience. Unlike traditional costume dramas filled with love and hatred, the biggest highlight of this drama lies in the protagonists' contrasting identities and how they join forces to strive for the well-being of the people in turbulent times. Through the intricate relationships between the main characters, a remarkably captivating plot unfolds, deserving the anticipation of every period drama lover. What fascinating and moving story does "Wonderland of Love" tell? Is it truly worth investing time in? Today, let us delve into a comprehensive interpretation.   The intertwining of palace intrigue and martial world grudges "Wonderland of Love" is set against the backdrop of a turmoil-ridden court, where imperial power is on the verge of collapse. The male protagonist, Li Ni, is a prince with a cold and stern demeanor, yet he fails to gain the affection of his royal father. The female protagonist, Cui Lin, is a princess of the Cui family army, appearing gentle on…

Dylan Wang, Tian Xiwei, and others star in the highly anticipated drama "Guardians of the Dafeng", which is currently being filmed. The original work is a popular online novel with a strong male protagonist, featuring numerous beautiful women. With the addition of the up-and-coming leading actor Dylan Wang, the drama has garnered much attention since its start of production. In June, a total of 28 actors were officially announced, ranging from popular young actors to seasoned veterans, covering the strengths of actors from different generations. It can be said that the drama possesses both good looks, acting skills, and popularity, indicating high expectations from the investors. In September, the official reservation channel was opened, and at the same time, the first set of character stills was released, providing a glimpse into the characters' personalities and relationships. The male lead is portrayed by Dylan Wang as Xu Qi An, the dominant presence in half of the stills. There is a striking solo shot of him wearing black attire, exuding a cool and stylish aura. There is also a kissing shot with Tian Xiwei, who plays Princess Lin An, dressed in red, displaying her charming and exquisite beauty. It is evident that…

In a digital era where entertainment often leans towards the flashy and transient, Tencent Video's latest offering, "Renewal Journey," emerges as a refreshing tribute to cultural depth and human connection. Premiering on July 10th, this spin-off from the beloved series "Empresses in the Palace" (also known as "甄嬛传") embarks on a quest to explore and celebrate the rich traditions of ethnic cultures across China. At its heart, "Renewal Journey" is not just a reality show; it's a poignant homage to heritage and a celebration of life's enduring journeys. The inaugural episode whisked viewers to the historic city of Hetur Ala in Fushun, Liaoning, where the cast, led by Cai Shaofen (蔡少芬), embarked on a profound exploration of Manchu culture. What began as a cultural exploration soon transformed into an emotional reenactment of a traditional Manchu wedding, a spectacle that left both participants and viewers alike awestruck. The marriage rituals, meticulously portrayed by Lan Xi (斓曦) as the bride and Zhang Xiaolong (张晓龙) as the groom, included rituals such as "Shooting the Magpie," "Phoenix Three Bows," and the symbolic act of crossing the saddle. These age-old customs not only brought the past to life but also resonated deeply with the cast, symbolizing a personal and collective…

In 2022, Chinese Xuanhuan dramas achieve great success, with the airing of "The Blue Whisper", "Immortal Samsara", and "Love Between Fairy and Devil", that have left countless netizens lingering in the fairyland. As with historical dramas, there are still some unaired dramas on the 2022 to-broadcast list, check them out here. In this article, we will recommend some of the Xuanhuan dramas that will be aired in 2023.   Lost You Forever · 长相思 (Aired) Aired: July 24, 2023 Also known as: Chang Xiang Si Period Background: Alternative Reality Genres: Romance, Fantasy Main Role: Yang Zi as Xiao Yao, Zhang Wan Yi as Qiang Xuan, Deng Wei as Tu Shan Jing Plot summary of Lost You Forever In the ancient times, humans, gods and demons lived together, and the three kingdoms of Shennong, Xuanyuan and Gao Xin were in power. However, after a hundred years of hardship, Ji Jiu Yao (姬玖瑶, played by Yang Zi), the queen of Gao Xin, had not only lost her identity but also her looks and she had to settle in Qing Shui Town as Wen Xiao Liu, who had nowhere to go, no one to rely on, and no way to protect herself. Ji Jiu…

In the realm of modern entertainment, where reality television often leans towards sensationalism and drama, Tencent Video's latest offering, "Refreshing Expedition," stands out as a refreshing breath of cultural exploration. Premiering on July 10th, this reality show has captured the hearts and minds of viewers by blending star power with an earnest quest to rediscover and celebrate China's rich ethnic heritage. At the forefront of "Refreshing Expedition" (焕新环游记) is its reunion of the cast from the iconic series "Empresses in the Palace," known to Chinese audiences as "Legend of Zhen Huan." (甄嬛传) The reunion of actresses like Cai Shaofen (蔡少芬), Tao Xinran (陶昕然), and Lan Xi (斓曦) after 14 years, set against the backdrop of the evocative Great View Garden, has sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans. This reunion is not just a gathering of celebrities but a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of cultural milestones in television and storytelling. However, what truly distinguishes "Refreshing Expedition" is its commitment to exploring and preserving ethnic cultures across China. Unlike typical reality shows that rely solely on celebrity antics, "Refreshing Expedition" integrates cultural education seamlessly into its format. Through thought-provoking questions about traditional practices and artifacts, such as the components of Shu-Han glue or the origins of floating light…

Recently, a Chinese animation has burst into the list of major platforms in China like an dark horse. It is Yao-Chinese Folktales, a collection of animated works jointly produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio and Bilibili. It consists of eight independent stories rooted in traditional Chinese culture. At present, it has been broadcast in 3 episodes with more than 45 million views. In the Chinese animation industry, it goes without saying that Shanghai Animation Film Studio has high artistic achievements and a unique style, but because of the changes of the times and talent faults, it has fallen into a dilemma. However, "Yao-Chinese Folktales" seems to indicate that this old brand of film studio is back. Monster story collection The theme of Yao-Chinese Folktales is monsters. Monster has a rich meaning in Chinese traditional culture. It is not necessarily just a fierce and grotesque image. It represents the abnormal and unknown, getting along with and fighting with human beings, and may also be another side of human beings. The eight stories vary in style and core. The title of the first episode is Nobody, which tells the story of ordinary little monsters in "Journey to the West", but there is…

In the realm of television drama, the wait for the second season of "Longing Heart" (长相思) has been a topic of anticipation among fans for nearly a year, following the resounding success of its first season. Recently, the official Weibo account of "Longing Heart" announced that Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on July 8th, featuring the original cast. According to a report from Cover News on July 3rd, the series will exclusively debut on Jiangsu TV on the same date. Let's rewind to July 2023 when the entire 39 episodes of "Longing Heart" Season 1 premiered on online streaming platforms. Shortly after its release, the series gained immense popularity, surpassing 33,000 in heat value due to its unique storyline, distinct characters, and high production standards. It became one of the hottest dramas of the summer of 2023. With the announcement of the premiere date for Season 2, glimpses of its standout scenes and climactic moments have already heightened audience expectations through teaser trailers. Particularly poignant scenes, evident from the trailers, showcase the emotional entanglements of the characters. Jiangsu TV has further indicated that they will innovate by airing both seasons consecutively: re-airing Season 1 during daytime slots and premiering…

After experiencing the oriental beauty of "The Island of Siliang" and the passionate combat in "Douluo Continent", what other expectations can we have for Chinese animation? The release of stylized martial arts animation "Blades of the Guardians" on June 1, 2023, surprises us with something new. Unlike the recent popular science fiction or immortality themes on various streaming platforms, Chinese martial arts finally becomes the theme again in the animated series "Blades of the Guardians (Biao Ren, 镖人)". A mysterious middle-aged martial artist, with a thin horse and a young child, walks in the desert outside of the country. He negotiates deals with bandits while making friends among commoners, he is both a armed escort and possesses an adventurer's courage. This character has rekindled memories of martial arts within society after only four episodes aired. Some see it as embodying Wuxia aesthetics; others use it to refute claims that martial arts are dead - even inspiring some to pick up original comic books once more. For a long time, whenever the content industry reached certain points, it was necessary to discuss the disappearance of martial arts theme. It is believed that lack of audience interest and reluctance from production teams…

"Gone with the Rain" is a female costume drama led by Zhang Nan, Wang Yuwen, Sun Yizhou, Zhao Yingbo and Liu Meitong. It was broadcasted on June 5th, 2023. The drama is adapted from the romantic novel "Feng Yu Nong, Yan Zhi Luan" by Ni Luo. It tells the story of two sisters Mo Xi and Bai Fengyao who grow up together through ups and downs while always sticking to their inner justice and working together to resolve various crises. On the day of its broadcast, it immediately sparked discussions among netizens on social networking websites with almost everyone focusing on the portrayal of female characters. By abandoning conventional character designs for costume dramas and creating bold and agile female images that viewers want to see in such dramas. "Gone with the Rain" portrays both personal loyalty as well as national patriotism, during times when the country faces danger, personal emotions are intertwined with patriotism throughout. The drama does not directly focus on struggles between various factions in court but instead focuses on how Mo Xi & Feng Yao support each other against difficulties they face; portraying deep sisterly love as well as women's growth provides new inspiration for creating…

Youku unveiled its 2024 "Spring Gathering" lineup, announcing 77 major dramas spanning five categories: historical, suspense, urban, legend, and Hong Kong dramas. However, one series stands out prominently, distinct from the five main categories, it is "Sea of Dreams," adapted from Liu Cixin's eponymous short science fiction story. The mention of "science fiction" stirs mixed feelings. Chinese sci-fi dramas have had a tumultuous track record, with audience expectations rising and falling over the years. There has always been hope that the rise of the Chinese film and TV industry would bring higher-quality local sci-fi productions. However, science fiction remains a "high-hanging fruit" in Chinese dramas, seldom attempted. Few dare to take on the challenge, and even fewer succeed. Thus, upon learning that "Sea of Dreams" is a sci-fi series, one can't help but feel a mix of curiosity and concern. Will this show manage to uphold the promise of Chinese sci-fi, a promise rekindled by "The Wandering Earth," or will it fall short and close the door on this genre once again? "Sea of Dreams" boasts significant pedigree. It is based on Liu Cixin's short story, published in 2002 in the "Science Fiction World" magazine, and tells a wildly imaginative…

Today marks the auspicious completion of filming for the historical romance drama "Phoenix on the Stage," starring Ren Jialun. The series, exclusively broadcast on Youku, boasts a stellar cast and promises a thrilling narrative that intertwines court politics with martial arts adventures. "Phoenix on the Stage" unfolds during the reign of Emperor Xiaohuan (played by Ren Jialun) in the Southern Qi Dynasty. Despite his earnest desire to govern for the people, the imperial court is manipulated by powerful ministers and influential figures from the martial world. To better understand the plight of the common people, Emperor Xiaohuan disguises himself as "Bai Chifan" and ventures incognito into the martial world. His aim is to unite various factions and protect the populace from oppression and calamity. Fate leads Emperor Xiaohuan to cross paths with Ling Cangcang (played by Peng Xiaoran), the righteous leader of the Fenglai Pavilion. United by their shared sense of justice, they embark on a journey together, wielding swords to eradicate evil and restore peace. As they spend more time together, a hidden affection blossoms between them. This setup introduces an engaging storyline filled with political intrigue, martial arts prowess, and blossoming romance. The Southern Qi Dynasty serves as…

In Jin Yong's world, the jianghu transcends its origins as a realm outside the law in traditional knight-errant novels, evolving into a timeless symbol of order and spirit. The role played by actual locations and scenery in live-action filming is not merely decorative - rather than being extravagant landscape promotion, it serves as a probing and revisiting of the order and chivalrous spirit of the jianghu. As a self-contained realm of power, the jianghu has dissipated after a long period of decline. In recent years, a wave of Jin Yong dramas and films born out of the overflow of the film and television industry has made it increasingly challenging to authentically capture even the superficial aspects of the martial arts jianghu. From 1957 to 1959, Jin Yong, after leaving the "Ta Kung Pao," joined the Great Wall Movie Enterprise as a screenwriter and director. His two years of foray into the film industry may be considered insignificant in his lifetime. However, in terms of the influence of Jin Yong's works in the Chinese-speaking world, the credit cannot be overlooked for the film and television adaptations based on his novels. Since the two-part film adaptation of "The Legend of the Condor…

Drinking a steaming bowl of beef soup in Luoyang, the ancient capital of the 13th dynasty, peeking at the aesthetic wisdom of Jingdezhen craftsmen in the kiln fires that have not been extinguished for a thousand years, shuttling through the mountains and streams of Wuyi Mountain to experience the unity of heaven and human. These exciting experiences come from the program "The Shape of Culture (万里走单骑)". As China's first World Heritage uncovering interactive documentary program, in the two seasons of the program, the team led by Shan Jixiang, visited more than twenty World Heritage sites in China. The Shape of Culture program showcases the unique value of heritage sites, tells the stories behind the sites from a variety of perspectives, and tears away the inherent "mysterious" label of cultural heritage in people's minds.   Exploring the ordinary life in the world heritage place The most important feature of "The Shape of Culture" is that by getting close to the daily lives of local people and experiencing the unique traditional skills, the cold cultural heritage comes to life and the heritage sites become full of human touch. In the first program of the first season, the "The Shape of Culture" guests…

Since its premiere in 2019, "Joy of Life" Season 1 has become a highly anticipated and popular TV drama. With its captivating storyline and outstanding cast, the show has attracted a large audience and sparked a nationwide craze for binge-watching. For many fans of this drama, the most anticipated thing is naturally the arrival of "Joy of Life" Season 2. After nearly four years, the filming of "Joy of Life Season 2" has finally begun. This news is undoubtedly good news for the eagerly awaiting audience. What's even more delightful is that the cast of the second season remains the same. In many TV dramas, it is common for the main cast to be replaced in the second season, which can easily affect the audience's perception and enthusiasm for the show. However, the fact that "Joy of Life 2" is able to reunite the original cast is not only a great fortune but also a testament to the production team's dedication and respect for the audience. Of course, in addition to the return of the original cast, the second season has also added some outstanding actors. The addition of these fresh talents will undoubtedly inject new vitality and tension into…