Top 17 Chinese Transmigration + Villainess Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Transmigration into a villainess role has become its own established subgenre. The protagonist wakes up as a character who's destined to be the villain of the original story, usually with knowledge of how things are supposed to end. The fun comes from watching them try to change that fate.

Chinese villainess novels tend to be longer and more intricate than Korean or Japanese versions. There's often more focus on schemes, family politics, and gradual reputation rehabilitation. The romance elements vary, sometimes taking a back seat to the protagonist's survival plotting. I find these work best when the villainess actually has to work for her redemption rather than having everyone immediately love her.

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1
TOP PICK
Lord of the Mysteries
4.7
(2.1K ratings)
Genre: drama, horror, mature
With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?
First Impressions
"Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...
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2
RUNNER UP
My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness
4.6
(1.7K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, romance
Xie Yang struggled in the post-apocalyptic world for many years until he was too tired to go on. Then he transmigrated into a young adult entertainment circle novel where the protagonists have easy, sweet, and satisfying lives.
First Impressions
"My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness" is a wild ride, a blend of humor, face-slapping, and surprisingly sweet romance. I went in expecting one thing and came out pleasantly surprised, though not without a few reservations. The premise itself is intriguing: a transmigrator from an apocalyptic world ends up as a cannon fodder married to a terminally ill, tsundere CEO. It’s a recipe for chaos, and the initial chapters definitely deliver on that promise. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between Xie Yang, the MC, and Qiu Xing, the ML. Their early interactions are gold, filled with...
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Mistakenly Saving the Villain
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, psychological
Professor System has issued a mission: to rescue the gentle, kind and tragic protagonist shou of the novel “The Exceptional Furnace”. Song ‘Scholar-Tyrant’ Qingshi: “Don’t worry, Professor!
First Impressions
"Mistakenly Saving the Villain" is quite the rollercoaster, and I’m honestly still processing everything. This novel dives deep into some heavy themes, and while it’s not always an easy read, it’s definitely a memorable one. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise – a transmigration story where the MC accidentally saves the villain instead of the intended target. This setup felt like a refreshing twist on familiar tropes. However, I also approached it with caution, given the mature themes and potential for triggering content....
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin
4.7
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Chi Xiaochi: fourth-rate citizen at birth, three-time award-winning film emperor, second-rate temper, first-class looks. He crawled his way out of hell on hard mode to become a winner at life.
First Impressions
"Don't Pick Up Boyfriends From the Tash Bin" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise and overwhelmingly positive reviews. I dove in, ready for a unique ride through multiple worlds, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. The initial hook of a 'sum gong reconditioning' system is what drew me in, and the first few chapters definitely set the stage for a darkly comedic adventure. I was immediately impressed by the writing style, which felt both grounded and subtly lyrical, creating a captivating atmosphere...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Married Thrice to Salted Fish
4.7
(882 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
At eighteen years old, Lin Qingyu was married as part of a Chong Xi into the Nan’an Hou Mansion, becoming the ill Lu Wancheng’s male wife. On the eve of their wedding, Young Master Hou lay lazily on the bed and said, “Beauty, to be honest, I really don’t want to engage in domestic struggles.
First Impressions
"Married Thrice to Salted Fish" had me hooked from the start with its intriguing premise: a transmigration story where the male lead (ML) is the one hopping bodies, and the male lead (MC) is the original resident. The novel promised a unique take on the genre, and for the most part, it delivered. The initial setup is compelling. We have Lin Qingyu, a cold and calculating doctor, forced into a marriage with the sickly Lu Wancheng, who is secretly the transmigrated Jiang Xing. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between these two vastly different personalities, and I couldn’t wait to see how ...
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#6 PICK
Guide To Raising the Sick Villain
4.6
(878 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological
Qiao Lan transmigrated into a novel. She became a cannon-fodder who was rescued by the heroine after being bullied but was jealous of the heroine because of her love for the hero and ultimately ended up miserable.
First Impressions
"Guide To Raising the Sick Villain" promised a unique take on the transmigration trope, and after diving in, I can see why so many readers are captivated. This isn't your typical face-slapping revenge fantasy; it's a character-driven story focusing on the delicate relationship between Qiao Lan and Tan Mo. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of the female lead trying to save the male lead from a tragic fate. The idea of a "sick villain" also intrigued me. I went in expecting some over-the-top drama and typical transmigration tropes but was pleasantly surprised....
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#7 PICK
Death Progress Bar
4.6
(804 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, drama
Shi Jin once read a book. It was supposed to be about satisfying the desire for vengeance.
First Impressions
"Death Progress Bar" hooked me from the start with its intriguing premise: a former policeman transmigrated into a novel with a system and two rapidly filling death progress bars. What I found was far more than just another transmigration story. This novel is a surprisingly emotional rollercoaster, blending action, comedy, drama, and romance in a way that kept me constantly engaged. Initially, I went in expecting a typical system-driven novel. I was quickly proven wrong. The story dives deep into complex family relationships, particularly the MC's interactions with his brothers. This isn't a s...
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#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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9
#9 PICK
Mr. Melancholy Wants to Live a Peaceful Life
4.6
(685 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Yu Hua loses his job, and the weight of the household falls on the shoulders of his partner, You Zhengping. His husband is a temporary employee at the subdistrict office, with a monthly salary of only 2500; this troubles Yu Hua exceedingly.
First Impressions
This novel has been quite the ride! "Mr. Melancholy Wants to Live a Peaceful Life" is a blend of action, comedy, fantasy, and romance, and it definitely delivers on its promise of a unique story. I went in expecting a fluffy read, but I found a surprisingly intricate plot with some dark undertones. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a powerful transmigrator just wants a normal, peaceful life. The idea of a "saboteur" trying to blend in, only to be constantly pulled back into the chaos, was instantly appealing. The early chapters set a good pace, introducing the main characters and hinti...
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Conclusion

These 17 transmigration villainess novels earned their spots through consistent reader engagement. The subgenre has a lot of variety in tone and focus, from comedy to serious drama. Some prioritize romance while others focus on political maneuvering. Check the tags and early chapters to find your preferred style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

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

Lord of the Mysteries

First Impressions

My Husband is Suffering from a Terminal Illness

First Impressions

Mistakenly Saving the Villain

First Impressions

Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin

First Impressions

Married Thrice to Salted Fish

First Impressions

Guide To Raising the Sick Villain

First Impressions

Death Progress Bar

First Impressions

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

First Impressions