Top 11 Trending Chinese Fantasy Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Release that Witch

   4.5

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Chen Yan travels between worlds, ending up becoming an honorable prince in a medieval fantasy world. Yet this world was not quite as simple as he thought.

   First Impressions

   "Release that Witch" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its high ratings and somewhat misleading title. What I found was a surprisingly engaging story, albeit one with some notable flaws. It's a unique blend of genres that, while not perfect, held my attention far more than I initially expected. Initially, the title and cover art gave me the impression that this would be another generic harem story. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The premise is intriguing: a modern-day mechanical engineer reincarnated as a disregarded prince in a medieval-esque ...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

   4.6

   (2.7K ratings)

   Genre: fantasy, historical, josei

   Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.

   First Impressions

   "The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   The Desolate Era

   4.2

   (2.1K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   Fate had never been kind to Ji Ning. Wracked by illnesses and infirm his entire life on Earth, Ji Ning knew early on that he would die as a teenager.

   First Impressions

   "The Desolate Era" is a xianxia novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, knowing IET's reputation. While it didn't completely blow me away, it definitely had its moments, and I can see why it's popular. The initial chapters grabbed me. Ji Ning's journey from a sickly Earthling to a cultivator in a mystical world is compelling. I appreciated the early focus on his family and clan, which gave the story a grounded feel. The world-building also felt richer than in some similar novels, drawing on Chinese mythology in a way that felt authentic....

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   The Legendary Master’s Wife

   4.3

   (1.9K ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, adventure

   After a sudden and unfortunate explosion, You Xiaomo wakes up in a body and a world that isn’t his own. With his name being the only remaining thing familiar to him, he has to adapt quickly, a task as incredulous as it is dire.

   First Impressions

   "The Legendary Master’s Wife" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan novel with a healthy dose of yaoi that seems to have divided readers. It definitely kept me hooked, but not without some reservations along the way. Jumping in, I was immediately drawn to the world-building. The author clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a detailed and immersive cultivation world, and I appreciated the gradual unfolding of its intricacies. It felt like I was learning alongside the MC, You XiaoMo, as he navigated this new reality. The initial focus on alchemy and adventure was also a plus....

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss

   4.4

   (1.4K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   She was a peerless genius in the 24th Century – all she needed was a silver needle and she could practically bring anyone back from the dead. After an explosion, she crossed over into a strange world; everyone calls her “Miss.

   First Impressions

   "Genius Doctor: Black Belly Miss" is quite the ride, a sprawling xuanhuan adventure that I found myself both captivated and occasionally frustrated by. With a strong female lead, plenty of scheming, and a slow-burn romance, it definitely has its hooks. But it's also a commitment, and not without its flaws. The initial chapters pulled me in with the promise of satisfying revenge and a protagonist who isn't afraid to play dirty. The setup is familiar – a reincarnation story with a genius MC – but the execution felt fresh enough to keep me engaged. I was eager to see how Jun Wu Xie would navigate...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   World of Cultivation

   4.3

   (1.5K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   An unknown disciple from a small sect battling against the strongest in the cultivation world! The long journey working at cultivation, the realization of destiny, and the chance to reach the apex of the world.

   First Impressions

   "World of Cultivation" is definitely a web novel that sticks with you. With a solid 4.3 rating, it's clear a lot of people have found something to love here, and I can see why. It’s a unique xuanhuan story that deviates from some of the genre's more tired tropes. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a less overpowered main character. Zuo Mo, our protagonist, starts out as a humble farmer, and his journey is about so much more than just brute strength. I found myself chuckling at his money-grubbing tendencies and his interactions with the quirky cast of characters surrounding him. Howeve...

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7. 

   7

   #7 PICK

   Against the Gods

   3.9

   (3.6K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, ecchi

   Mythical Abode Mountain, Cloud’s End Cliff, the most dangerous of Azure Cloud Continent’s four deadly areas. Cloud’s End Cliff’s base is known as the Grim Reaper’s Cemetery.

   First Impressions

   "Against the Gods" is a web novel that evokes strong reactions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a rollercoaster of power-ups, revenge, and a dash of romance that certainly kept me entertained, even if I occasionally rolled my eyes. Initially, I was hooked. The early chapters promised a compelling story of reincarnation and a protagonist with a hidden past. Yun Che, the MC, starts as an underdog, and I found myself rooting for him as he navigated his new life. The blend of martial arts and fantasy elements created an intriguing world that I was eager to explore....

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   True Martial World

   3.8

   (1.9K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   The Human Emperor and his opponents were embroiled in a 33 day long final battle involved the strongest experts. After destroying the Abyssal World and sealing the Abyssal demon king’s godly weapon‘ a mysterious purple card disappeared into the space-time vortex‘ and tunneled through infinite sp...

   First Impressions

   True Martial World is one of those web novels that I went into with high hopes, given its popularity. It definitely has some redeeming qualities, but I also found myself struggling with some recurring issues that ultimately impacted my overall enjoyment. Initially, I was hooked by the familiar reincarnation trope and the underdog story of Yi Yun. The early chapters, focused on his struggles in the desert tribe, were compelling. I appreciated the detailed setting and the seemingly intelligent protagonist navigating a harsh world. There was a lot of promise here, and I was eager to see where the...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Martial World

   4.1

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   In the Realm of the Gods, countless legends fought over a mysterious cube. After the battle, it disappeared into the void.

   First Impressions

   Martial World is a completed web novel that I found myself diving into with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It's a sprawling xuanhuan tale, and with that comes certain expectations, both good and bad. After consuming a good chunk of this story, I can say it delivers on some fronts but stumbles in others. The initial chapters drew me in with the classic underdog story: a determined young man, Lin Ming, finds a mysterious object (the Magic Cube) and sets out on a path of cultivation. What stood out to me early on was Lin Ming himself. He's portrayed as level-headed and focused, a refreshing...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Sovereign of the Three Realms

    3.8

    (1.5K ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

    Jiang Chen, son of the Celestial Emperor, unexpectedly reincarnated into the body of a despised young noble, thus embarking on the path of the underdog trouncing all commoners. No one has the right to call himself a genius in front of Jiang Chen, as no one has a better understanding of the heave...

    First Impressions

    "Sovereign of the Three Realms" is a web novel that I went into with high hopes, given its xuanhuan tag and intriguing premise of a reincarnated celestial being. However, my experience, like many others, has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Initially, I was hooked. The setup is compelling: Jiang Chen, the son of a Celestial Emperor, reborn into a weaker body, armed with knowledge from his past life. Seeing him use his vast understanding of alchemy and cultivation to overcome early obstacles was quite enjoyable. I felt like I was watching a genius at work, cleverly navigating a world that underes...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    Heavenly Jewel Change

    4.0

    (1.5K ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    Every human has their Personal Jewel of power, when awakened it can either be an Elemental Jewel or Physical Jewel. They circle the right and left wrists like bracelets of power.

    First Impressions

    "Heavenly Jewel Change" is quite the rollercoaster of a web novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a story that throws you headfirst into a world of cultivation, comedy, and a whole lot of action, leaving you breathless and often laughing along the way. Initially, the main character, Zhou Weiqing, comes across as a shameless scoundrel, and that's putting it mildly! He's definitely not your typical stoic protagonist, and that's part of what makes him so memorable. The comedic elements are strong right from the start, and the world-building, while perhaps not...

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