Top 17 Chinese Fantasy Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Chinese fantasy handles reincarnation differently than Japanese or Korean novels. There's usually more focus on the cultivation system mechanics and less on the emotional trauma of rebirth. The protagonist remembers their past life, knows where the treasures are buried, and spends several hundred chapters leveraging that knowledge. It's satisfying in a particular way.

I find these stories work best when the author commits to the power fantasy premise without getting too philosophical about it. The fun is watching someone who failed before succeed this time around, often humiliating the same people who wronged them. The formula can get repetitive across novels, but the best entries here keep things fresh with clever twists on the second-chance setup.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Eight Treasures Trousseau
4.5
(1.4K ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, historical
Everyone in the City of Jing thinks that bestowment of marriage between Xian Junwang and the daughter of the Yi’an Marquis House is to insert a fresh flower into manure. Xian Junwang was that fresh flower and the Di daughter of Yi’an Marquis House was that manure that was not liked.
First Impressions
"Eight Treasures Trousseau" has been quite the journey, and I've come away with some mixed, yet ultimately positive, feelings. This novel, set in a fascinating ancient China-esque backdrop, weaves a tale of political intrigue, arranged marriage, and a touch of the supernatural. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a modern-day actress reincarnated as a beautiful, but seemingly apathetic, noble wife. It's a familiar trope, but the promise of a lazy, yet secretly capable, protagonist was intriguing. I found myself curious to see how this character would navigate the complexities of court li...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei
This is a story that follows the courtship between a stone from Hell and a god from Heaven that begins in the underworld and spans for three lifetimes in the mortal realm.
First Impressions
This novel promised a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, and while it delivered on some fronts, it also left me with mixed feelings. Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang certainly has its strengths, but some elements gave me pause. The premise, involving three lifetimes of romance between a stone spirit and a god undergoing mortal trials, immediately grabbed my attention. The overwhelmingly positive reviews further piqued my interest, suggesting a deeply touching and memorable story. I dove in expecting a rollercoaster of emotions, and in some ways, that's exactly what I got....
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
My Husband With Scholar Syndrome
4.6
(886 ratings)
Genre: fantasy, romance
Mu Xiaoya lived for twenty-six years before she knew that she had a sudden genetic disease. There was no medicine for it, and there was only death waiting for her.
First Impressions
My Husband With Scholar Syndrome is a novel that definitely sparked a lot of feelings in its readers, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about second chances, learning to love, and navigating the complexities of a relationship with someone who experiences the world differently. While I found elements to enjoy, there were also aspects that gave me pause. The premise is undeniably sweet: a woman reborn who decides to marry a man with "scholar syndrome" (often used to describe high-functioning autism) who was devoted to her in her past life. The initial chapters drew me in with the ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Stone Age Husband Raising Journal
4.5
(814 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, historical
What should you do when the person you like is no longer loyal? Find another one!
First Impressions
"Stone Age Husband Raising Journal" was quite the journey, and while it wasn't perfect, I found myself charmed by its unique blend of prehistoric setting and fluffy romance. It's definitely a novel that sticks with you, even after turning the final page. Initially, the transmigration tag gave me pause, but I quickly found myself drawn into the story. The premise is simple: a modern individual ends up in a prehistoric world filled with beastkin and dinosaurs (sort of). It’s a feel-good slice of life with a unique twist. I was immediately invested in how the protagonist would adapt and thrive....
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
I Just Want to Freeload on Your Luck
4.5
(795 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
Despite having found Mingxi, the Zhao family continued to favor the fake daughter, saying that Mingxi was not as kind nor as graceful as Zhao Yuan. Mingxi didn’t mind.
First Impressions
"I Just Want to Freeload on Your Luck" promised a fluffy, comedic, and slightly dramatic ride through second chances and high school romance. After diving in, I found a story with a lot of heart, even if it stumbled a bit along the way. The premise immediately grabbed me: a reborn villainess trying to snag some luck by getting close to lucky individuals. It’s a fun twist on the typical revenge plot, and I was eager to see how Zhao Mingxi, our MC, would navigate her new life. The initial chapters set the stage well, introducing the key players and establishing the dynamics of her dysfunctional ...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband
4.4
(703 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, josei
Lin Wei Xi found out after she died that she was just a cannon fodder in a novel, used as contrast to the gentle and considerate and virtuous female lead. The male lead was her ex-husband, the dignified heir of Yan Wang, his family were superior and brilliant, but the female lead was not her.
First Impressions
This novel was quite the ride, a blend of second chances, family drama, and unexpected romance. I went in expecting a straightforward revenge story, but I found something much more nuanced, though not without its flaws. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a woman reborn into the body of another, only to find herself becoming the stepmother of her ex-husband. It's a recipe for some serious awkwardness, and the story definitely delivers on that front. I was immediately drawn in by the potential for complex relationships and the question of how the protagonist, Gao Xi/Lin Wei Xi, would navigate...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse
4.6
(768 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Xiao Xiang Zi, a cloud spirit in heaven, and Chu Kong mess up the red strings of fate by accident during their brawl. As a consequence, they are sentenced to be a fated couple in the mortal realm for 7 lifetimes as a punishment for not getting along with each other.
First Impressions
"Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse" promised a rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm happy to report that it delivered. This xianxia romance took me on a journey through love, loss, and reincarnation, leaving me with a satisfied, if slightly bittersweet, feeling. The premise alone hooked me: a fated couple entangled in seven lifetimes, each with its own unique challenges. I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring how their relationship would evolve across different circumstances and identities. The initial chapters were definitely a grab for my attention...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Home of the Zerg
4.5
(623 ratings)
Genre: adult, fantasy, mature
Huan Xiu transmigrated to the Zerg planet and decided to start his new life. He happened to hear that a cub near the college had been bullied.
First Impressions
"Home of the Zerg" promised a fluffy, sweet escape, and for the most part, it delivered. I went in expecting a lighthearted read, and I definitely got that, though with a few caveats that are worth mentioning. This isn't a story that's going to challenge you intellectually, but if you're looking for something warm and comforting, you might find it here. The initial setup is definitely unique. We have a transmigrated MC waking up in a Zerg society with a twist on gender roles. It's a world where "female" Zergs are the stronger ones, and "males" are rarer and considered more delicate. The MC fin...
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
Sharing Rain and Dew
4.5
(619 ratings)
Genre: comedy, fantasy, historical
Ever since I was reborn ah, I received affections from that scum* ~ This harem has three thousand beauties, but he only favors me! So I tried to persuade him ah, must ‘rain~ nectar~ evenly~ spread~ ‘** , but he just won’t listen!
First Impressions
"Sharing Rain and Dew" is a short and sweet historical fantasy romance that I found to be a charming, if somewhat initially confusing, read. It's a quick dip into a world of emperors, harems, and a whole lot of second chances, wrapped up in a comedic package. While it might not be the most in-depth story, it definitely has a certain heartwarming quality that kept me engaged. I'll admit, the beginning was a bit disorienting. The story jumps right into the present timeline without much backstory, leaving you to piece things together. I was definitely scratching my head trying to figure out the d...
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Conclusion

These 17 novels represent solid options if you enjoy the reincarnation premise in a Chinese fantasy context. Ratings help but they favor completed works, so some ongoing series that deserve attention might rank lower. Check the chapter counts before committing to anything too long.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Eight Treasures Trousseau

First Impressions

Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang

First Impressions

My Husband With Scholar Syndrome

First Impressions

Stone Age Husband Raising Journal

First Impressions

I Just Want to Freeload on Your Luck

First Impressions

I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband

First Impressions

Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse

First Impressions