10 Best Xianxia Dramas You Must Watch in 2026
By CDramaPedia Editorial
Xianxia dramas — stories of immortal cultivation, celestial warfare, and love that spans lifetimes — have become one of the most popular Chinese drama genres worldwide. In 2026, the genre continues to evolve with bigger budgets, better CGI, and more emotionally complex storylines. Here are the 10 best xianxia dramas you need to watch this year.
1. Immortal Samsara (沉香如屑)
Starring Yang Zi and Cheng Yi, Immortal Samsara is a sweeping romance across multiple lifetimes. Yan Dan, a lowly spirit, falls for the cold and powerful Emperor Ying Yuan. Their love is tested across reincarnation cycles, each more heartbreaking than the last. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the final arc is devastating in the best way. Available on Netflix and Youku.
2. Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜)
The OG xianxia romance that set the standard. Yang Zi and Deng Lun star in this tale of a grape fairy and a fire immortal bound by a loveless pill. The "pill" trope became iconic after this drama, and the emotional payoff across 63 episodes remains unmatched. If you have not watched it yet, start here.
3. Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀)
Dylan Wang and Esther Yu surprised everyone with this xianxia rom-com that went viral in 2022. It blends humor, heartfelt romance, and genuinely creative world-building. The Moon Tribe, the Shuiyuntian heavens, and Dongfang Qingcang's transformation from villain to devoted lover make this a must-watch. Available on Netflix.
4. Till The End of The Moon (长月烬明)
Luo Yunxi and Bai Lu deliver career-defining performances in this time-travel xianxia epic. Li Susu journeys 500 years into the past to prevent demon god Tantai Jin from destroying the world — but falls in love with him instead. The moral complexity and stunning cinematography earned it a massive global fanbase.
5. The Legend of Shen Li (与凤行)
Zhao Liying returns to the xianxia genre alongside Lin Gengxin in this 2024 hit. Shen Li, a fallen phoenix god, meets the mortal Xing Zhi, and their banter-filled romance won over audiences. The drama balances comedy with genuinely touching emotional beats, and Zhao Liying proves once again why she is one of China's biggest stars.
6. Love and Redemption (琉璃)
Cheng Yi and Yuan Bingyan star in this cultivation drama about a woman born without the ability to feel emotions. As she trains alongside her sect, her connection to the demon lord deepens. Love and Redemption features some of the most inventive fight choreography in the xianxia genre.
7. Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花)
The drama that brought xianxia into the mainstream internationally. Yang Mi and Mark Chao star in a romance spanning three lifetimes across peach blossom-covered celestial realms. The "Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms" aesthetic became so iconic that it influenced an entire generation of xianxia dramas after it.
8. Ancient Love Poetry (千古玦尘)
Zhou Dongyu and Xu Kai headline this high-budget xianxia about the creation gods and their forbidden love. The world-building is ambitious, covering the creation of the universe and the wars between gods. While the pacing can be uneven, the visual spectacle and emotional climax make it worth watching.
9. The Blue Whisper (驭鲛记)
Ren Jialun and Dilraba bring a darker edge to the xianxia genre in this two-part drama. A mermaid master and her captive shark-man develop a complicated bond that evolves from control to genuine love. The power dynamics and moral ambiguity set it apart from lighter xianxia fare.
10. My Journey to You (云之羽)
Zhang Linghe and Yu Shuxin star in this wuxia-xianxia hybrid about rival clans sending spies into each other's households. The mystery elements, gorgeous set design, and slow-burn romance make it one of the most visually striking entries in the genre. Available on WeTV and Viki.
What Makes Xianxia Special?
Xianxia (仙侠) literally means "immortal hero." Unlike wuxia, which is grounded in martial arts reality, xianxia features cultivation systems where characters train to become immortals, celestial realms with their own politics, and reincarnation arcs that span thousands of years. The emotional stakes are higher because love literally transcends death.
Where to Watch Xianxia Dramas
Most major xianxia dramas are available on Netflix, Viki, WeTV, and iQIYI with English subtitles. Netflix has been aggressively licensing C-dramas since 2023, making it easier than ever for international viewers to access the genre.
Whether you are a seasoned xianxia fan or discovering the genre for the first time, 2026 is an incredible year for immortal cultivation dramas. Each title on this list offers something unique — from epic world-building to intimate character studies wrapped in fantasy.
Want to learn more about the actors behind these dramas? Explore C-idol profiles and artist spotlights on Idol Mandarin. The elaborate hanfu costumes and celestial fashion in xianxia dramas have inspired a global fashion movement — discover xianxia fashion trends on CDrama Style. And if you are looking for official merch from your favorite xianxia stars, shop authentic C-drama collectibles at Pandafame.
