Top 20 Must-Watch Chinese Xianxia (Ancient Fantasy) Dramas of All Time

Discover the top 20 best Chinese xianxia historical dramas of all time, featuring captivating plots, stunning visuals, and a talented cast.

Chinese historical dramas captivate with their mystical settings, breathtaking battles, and heartfelt romances. This article introduces the 20 best xianxia dramas ever, offering both entertainment and profound human values.

Chinese xianxia dramas are fantasy series set in ancient times, following journeys of cultivation and survival in a world of gods, demons, and immortals, blending Taoist, Buddhist, and traditional cultural elements. With grand visuals and deep storytelling, these dramas consistently captivate audiences.

Chinese Xianxia Dramas

Below is a list of the top 20 Chinese xianxia dramas, beloved for their compelling narratives, stellar casts, and meaningful messages about love, friendship, and growth.

These works not only transport viewers to a majestic immortal realm but also leave a lasting impression, taking you on emotional adventures filled with immortals, demons, and mortals.

Top 20 Must-Watch Chinese Xianxia Dramas

The Immortal Ascension – Phàm Nhân Tu Tiên

The Immortal Ascension – Phàm Nhân Tu Tiên

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance

Episodes: 30

Country: China

Director: Guo Hu

Starring: Yang Yang, Jin Shijia

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: TV360

Phàm Nhân Tu Tiên follows Han Li, a poorly gifted cultivator who, through perseverance and intelligence, overcomes countless challenges on his path to immortality, from escaping his master’s plot to battling powerful forces.

This Chinese xianxia drama not only features spectacular battles but also imparts lessons on resilience and determination, inspiring viewers to achieve their goals despite humble beginnings.

Lin Jiang Xian – Lâm Giang Tiên

Lin Jiang Xian – Lâm Giang Tiên

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance

Episodes: Updating

Country: China

Director: Updating

Starring: Bai Lu, Zeng Shunxi

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: VieON

Lâm Giang Tiên tells the heart-wrenching love story of Hua Ruoyue, a powerful female immortal, and Bai Jiusi, a talented celestial being. Bound by a cruel curse, their love risks losing immortality and enduring mortal suffering.

Their struggle to balance love and duty deeply moves audiences, highlighting the sacrifices and choices between personal love and greater responsibilities.

Love of the Divine Tree – Tiên Đài Có Cây

Love of the Divine Tree – Tiên Đài Có Cây

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Release Date: 2025

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance

Episodes: 40

Country: China

Director: Yin Tao

Starring: Deng Wei, Xiang Ham Zhi

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: IQIYI

Tiên Đài Có Cây centers on Su Yichui, a demon guardian of the Lingquan, whose fate changes after meeting Mu Qingge, a compassionate woman. Their initial rivalry blossoms into love as they face dark forces together.

This drama celebrates the power of love and compassion, showing how these virtues can overcome hatred and adversity.

Moonlight Mystique – Bạch Nguyệt Phạn Tinh

Moonlight Mystique – Bạch Nguyệt Phạn Tinh

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Release Date: 7/1/2025

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance

Episodes: 40

Country: China

Director: Zhu Yuebin

Starring: Bai Lu, Ngao Ruiyang

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: iQIYI

Bạch Nguyệt Phạn Tinh follows Bai Zhuo, a general’s daughter, who pursues immortality to seek justice for her family. She meets Fan Viet, a misunderstood demon, and their relationship evolves from mutual exploitation to deep love.

Together, they fight dark forces, showcasing a love that transcends boundaries and the belief in goodness within everyone.

Thousand Peach Blossoms Bloom – Thiên Đóa Đào Hoa Nhất Thế Khai

Thousand Peach Blossoms Bloom – Thiên Đóa Đào Hoa Nhất Thế Khai

IMDb Rating: Updating

Release Date: 2/1/2025

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance, Drama

Episodes: 40

Country: China

Director: He Zhupei

Starring: Zhang Binbin, Sun Zhenni

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: Netflix

Thiên Đóa Đào Hoa Nhất Thế Khai depicts the tragic three-life love story of Ta Xue Shen and Mo Xuan Ling. Despite fate’s challenges and celestial duties, their love endures through sacrifices and rebirths.

This drama emphasizes eternal love and the selfless sacrifices made for those cherished.

The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus – Vĩnh Dạ Tinh Hà

The Guide to Capturing a Black Lotus – Vĩnh Dạ Tinh Hà

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Time Travel, Comedy

Episodes: 32

Country: China

Director: Updating

Starring: Ngu Shu Han, Ding Yu Xi

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: Netflix

Vĩnh Dạ Tinh Hà humorously follows Ling Miao Miao, a modern woman who accidentally enters a xianxia world, trapped in a quest system. Her adventures and romance with an immortal offer laughter and lessons on adaptability and courage.

Fangs of Fortune – Đại Mộng Quy Ly

Fangs of Fortune – Đại Mộng Quy Ly

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Release Date: 26/10/2024

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance, Adventure

Episodes: 34

Country: China

Director: Guo Jingming, Luo Luo, Wei Nan

Starring: Hou Minghao, Chen Duling, Cheng Xiao

Notable Awards: Best TV Series (iQIYI Scream Night 2024), Popular TV Series (Weibo TV Series Awards)

Watch Link: iQIYI

Đại Mộng Quy Ly follows a group of young cultivators uncovering ancient secrets, battling demons, and forging strong bonds. It celebrates friendship and loyalty, showcasing thrilling battles and camaraderie.

Love in Pavilion – Hoài Thủy Trúc Đình

Love in Pavilion – Hoài Thủy Trúc Đình

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Release Date: 28/4/2025

Genre: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Wuxia

Episodes: 36

Country: China

Director: Du Lin

Starring: Liu Shishi, Zhang Yunlong

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: iQIYI

Hoài Thủy Trúc Đình follows a young woman’s journey to uncover her mysterious past in a dangerous xianxia world. Facing demons and conspiracies, she discovers her inner strength and courage, offering a tale of self-discovery and resilience.

Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact – Hồ Yêu Tiểu Hồng Nương: Nguyệt Hồng Thiên

Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact – Hồ Yêu Tiểu Hồng Nương: Nguyệt Hồng Thiên

IMDb Rating: 4.4/10

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance

Episodes: 24

Country: China

Director: Updating

Starring: Yang Mi, Gong Jun

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: IQIYI

Hồ Yêu Tiểu Hồng Nương: Nguyệt Hồng Thiên tells the star-crossed love between a fox spirit and a human, overcoming racial barriers and a centuries-old curse. It highlights true love and the sacrifices made for loved ones.

The Legend of Shen Li – Dữ Phượng Hành

The Legend of Shen Li – Dữ Phượng Hành

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Release Date: 18/03/2024

Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance

Episodes: 39

Country: China

Director: Deng Ke

Starring: Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin

Notable Awards: Updating

Watch Link: TV360

Dữ Phượng Hành follows Shen Li, a powerful demon general, and Xing Yun, a reclusive immortal, whose unexpected meeting leads to love despite their worlds’ conflicts. Their journey seeks peace between realms, emphasizing harmony and love.

Word of Honor – Sơn Hà Lệnh (Thiên Nhai Khách)

Poster Word of Honor – Sơn Hà Lệnh (Thiên Nhai Khách)

IMDb Rating: 9.3/10

Release Date: 22/2/2021

Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy

Episodes: 36

Country: China

Director: Cheng Zhi Chao, Ma Hua Qian

Starring: Gong Jun, Zhang Zhehan

Sơn Hà Lệnh follows Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing, whose initial rivalry transforms into a deep bond through shared trials. The series highlights brotherhood and sacrifice, with a bittersweet ending.

Douluo Continent – Đấu La Đại Lục

Poster Douluo Continent – Đấu La Đại Lục

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10

Release Date: 5/2/2021

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure

Episodes: 40

Country: China

Director: Yang Zhenyu

Starring: Xiao Zhan, Wu Xuanyi

Đấu La Đại Lục follows Tang San’s journey through betrayal, reincarnation, and battles against evil. With stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, it captivates audiences with its epic tale.

The Untamed – Ma Đạo Tổ Sư: Trần Tình Lệnh

Poster The Untamed – Ma Đạo Tổ Sư: Trần Tình Lệnh

IMDb Rating: 9.0/10

Release Date: 27/6/2019

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy

Episodes: 50

Country: China

Director: Zheng Wei Wen, Chen Jia Lin

Starring: Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo

Awards: Most Popular Actor

Watch Link: Netflix

Trần Tình Lệnh follows Wei Wuxian’s resurrection and reunion with Lan Wangji, as they uncover a conspiracy. Celebrating brotherhood and justice, it features thrilling action and deep emotional moments.

Heavy Sweetness, Ash-like Frost – Hương Mật Tựa Khói Sương

Poster Heavy Sweetness, Ash-like Frost – Hương Mật Tựa Khói Sương

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Release Date: 2/8/2018

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Episodes: 63

Country: China

Director: Zhu Ruibin

Starring: Yang Zi, Deng Lun, Luo Yunxi

Hương Mật Tựa Khói Sương follows Jin Mi’s journey through love and betrayal, culminating in her romance with Xuan Yi. Blending humor, romance, and action, it’s a captivating watch.

Eternal Love – Tam Sinh Tam Thế: Thập Lý Đào Hoa

Eternal Love – Tam Sinh Tam Thế Thập Lý Đào Hoa

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Release Date: 30/1/2017

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Episodes: 58

Country: China

Director: Lin Yu Fen, Yu Cui Hua, Ren Hai Tao

Starring: Yang Mi, Mark Chao, Dilraba Dilmurat, Gao Weiguang

Tam Sinh Tam Thế: Thập Lý Đào Hoa depicts the three-life love story of Bai Qian and Ye Hua, filled with love, betrayal, and redemption. Its emotional depth and stunning visuals leave a lasting impact.

Three Lives, Three Worlds, The Pillow Book – Tam Sinh Tam Thế: Chẩm Thượng Thư

Poster Three Lives, Three Worlds, The Pillow Book – Tam Sinh Tam Thế Chẩm Thượng Thư

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Release Date: 22/1/2020

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Episodes: 56

Country: China

Director: Yang Xuan

Starring: Dilraba Dilmurat, Vengo Gao, Yang Mi

Tam Sinh Tam Thế: Chẩm Thượng Thư tells the love story of Bai Fengjiu and Donghua, overcoming celestial decrees. It blends romance, fantasy, and drama, offering a poignant narrative.

Lost Love In Times – Túy Linh Lung

Poster Lost Love In Times – Túy Linh Lung

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Release Date: 13/7/2017

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Episodes: 56

Country: China

Director: Lin Yu Fen, Liang Sheng Quan, Ren Hai Tao

Starring: Liu Shishi, Chen Wei Ting, Xu Hai Qiao

Watch Link: Netflix

Túy Linh Lung follows the tragic love between Feng Qingchen and Yuan Ling, entangled in royal conspiracies. It combines romance, fantasy, and drama, keeping viewers engaged.

The Legends – Chiêu Diêu

Poster The Legends – Chiêu Diêu

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Release Date: 28/1/2019

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Episodes: 55

Country: China

Director: Zheng Wei Wen

Starring: Bai Lu, Xu Kai

Chiêu Diêu follows Luo Zhao Yao’s journey of revenge and love after reincarnation. With stunning visuals and a compelling plot, it’s a must-watch for fantasy enthusiasts.

The Legend of White Snake – Tân Bạch Nương Tử Truyền Kỳ

Poster The Legend of White Snake – Tân Bạch Nương Tử Truyền Kỳ

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Release Date: 3/4/2019

Genre: Drama, Fantasy

Episodes: 36

Country: China

Director: Zhi Lei

Starring: Cúc Tịnh Y, Yan Xiao

Tân Bạch Nương Tử Truyền Kỳ retells the classic tale of Bai Su Zhen and Xu Xian, emphasizing love and sacrifice. Its blend of fantasy and drama captivates audiences.

The Flame’s Daughter – Liệt Hỏa Như Ca

Poster The Flame’s Daughter – Liệt Hỏa Như Ca