Top 19 Underrated Chinese Fantasy Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. 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....

   Read More
2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Ascending, Do Not Disturb

   4.7

   (1.1K ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy

   You think too much, cultivation is not like this… When Kong Hou steps on the path to cultivation, she learns that all xianxia stories are full of lies. A relaxed cultivation story.

   First Impressions

   "Ascending, Do Not Disturb" is a breath of fresh air in the Xianxia genre, and I found myself utterly charmed by its unique blend of adventure, comedy, and heartwarming slice-of-life elements. It's a story that left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, even if it wasn't perfect. Right from the start, I was drawn in by the protagonist, Kong Hou. She's a delightful character – a former princess with a sunny disposition and a love for cultivation novels. Her carefree attitude is infectious, and I immediately wanted to root for her as she embarked on her journey. The initial chapters are well-translated...

   Read More
3. 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....

   Read More
4. Completed

   4

   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 ...

   Read More
5. Completed

   5

   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 ...

   Read More
6. Completed

   6

   #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....

   Read More
7. Completed

   7

   #7 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...

   Read More
8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   Worship Me, I Can Make You Rich

   4.6

   (706 ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, fantasy

   On the first day of work for the little intern God of Wealth, Zhuang Zhou was filled with confidence and complacency. He looked at the man collecting junk from a pile of garbage and said: “Worship me, I can make you rich.

   First Impressions

   "Worship Me, I Can Make You Rich" had me hooked from the quirky premise. It's a blend of interstellar adventure and sweet romance that proved to be a delightful surprise. I went in expecting lighthearted fun, and while it delivered on that, it also offered unexpected depth and emotional resonance. The initial chapters are undeniably cute. The dynamic between Zhuang Zhou, the little god of wealth, and Wen Xiaoyun, the admiral, is instantly endearing. I chuckled at the absurdity of their first meeting and how the ML patiently helps the MC learn the language. The comedy is well-timed and never fe...

   Read More
9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Copper Coins

   4.6

   (567 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   It was the twenty-third year of Tianxi. Rumours traversed the streets that the all-knowing Imperial Advisor suffered a great calamity and could not help but enter seclusion to focus on cultivation.

   First Impressions

   I dove into "Copper Coins" with high expectations, given its solid rating and intriguing synopsis of a dragon, a monk, and a supernatural mystery. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable read, though not without its quirks. The initial chapters immediately pulled me in with a blend of xuanhuan elements, mystery, and a dash of humor. The spunky, somewhat dramatic MC, a dragon in human form, paired with the stoic, amnesiac monk ML created an interesting dynamic that I was eager to explore. I appreciated how quickly the story jumped into action, setting the stage for the supernatural adventures to...

   Read More

10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Villainess Wants To Turn Over A New Leaf

    4.6

    (604 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, fantasy, josei

    Lin Feilu, or better known by her nickname—Green Tea Princess, was the best of all the scheming b*tches that the world had ever seen. She was the Oscar-winning actress among the masses with real life as her stage.

    First Impressions

    I recently finished reading Villainess Wants To Turn Over A New Leaf, and I have to say, it was quite the enjoyable ride. This novel blends comedy, fantasy, and romance into a surprisingly heartwarming story. It's a tale of second chances, familial love, and a protagonist who knows exactly how to work her "green tea" charm. The premise is simple: our MC is reborn as a five-year-old princess in ancient China, armed with the memories of her past life and a determination to live a better life. Initially, she's focused on surviving the treacherous palace politics, but she soon finds herself genuin...

    Read More
11. 

    11

    #11 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...

    Read More
12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    The Job of an Imperial Concubine

    4.6

    (664 ratings)

    Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

    To pass as an imperial concubine, one must be professional. Actually, the profession of an imperial concubine is pretty good.

    First Impressions

    "The Job of an Imperial Concubine" had me intrigued from the start with its premise: treating life in the harem as a career. I dove in expecting a compelling story of palace intrigue, and while I found a lot to enjoy, some aspects held it back from being a complete knockout. The concept is undeniably clever. Zhuang Laoyan, our protagonist, approaches her role with a calculating mind, prioritizing power and luxury within the system. She's intelligent, perhaps even overly so, and this initially drew me in. I was eager to see how she navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial court....

    Read More
13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    The Legend of Sun Knight

    4.7

    (642 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    I am a knight. To be precise, I am the Church of the God of Light’s Sun Knight.

    First Impressions

    "The Legend of Sun Knight" is a wild ride, a series I initially avoided but quickly fell in love with. It's a story that expertly blends humor and heart, and I found myself completely swept up in the adventures of Grisia Sun and his band of quirky knights. At first glance, I'll admit, the title and cover art didn't exactly scream "must-read." I braced myself for something generic, maybe even a bit cheesy. What I found was anything but. The initial chapters grabbed me with their unique brand of humor, and I was soon hooked. The premise, while seemingly unbelievable, quickly becomes endearing as...

    Read More
14. Completed

    14

    #14 PICK

    Thriller Trainee

    4.6

    (696 ratings)

    Genre: action, fantasy, horror

    The washed-up magician Zong Jiu transmigrated into a horror, infinite flow novel about a survival show, taking the place of the cannon fodder who died tragically in the first evaluation round. This show was very interesting.

    First Impressions

    "Thriller Trainee" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world of transmigration, infinite loops, and deadly games. I was intrigued by the premise – a blend of action, horror, and even a dash of romance (yaoi, to be specific). While the overall rating is quite high, my experience was a bit more nuanced than a simple thumbs-up. The initial chapters definitely grabbed my attention. The idea of a magician thrust into a series of increasingly dangerous "instances" was compelling. I was eager to see how the protagonist, with his supposed antisocial tendencies, would navigate this bizarre ...

    Read More
15. Completed

    15

    #15 PICK

    After Transmigrating into a Book, My Father Emperor Could Hear My Inner Voice

    4.7

    (506 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, fantasy, historical

    I am Zhao Tangtang, the sixth princess of the Zhao Kingdom. I thought I would always be an unpampered salted fish forever, but when I was six years old, my father emperor suddenly had the ability to read heart voices and I was pampered to the sky.

    First Impressions

    I recently dove into "After Transmigrating into a Book, My Father Emperor Could Hear My Inner Voice," and I have to say, it was quite the delightful little escape. As someone who enjoys a good dose of fluff and humor, this novel definitely hit the spot. It's a quick read, perfect for when you want something light and entertaining. The premise immediately grabbed my attention: a transmigrated protagonist whose inner thoughts are audible to her father, the Emperor. It's a recipe for comedic gold, and the novel largely delivers on that promise. The story plunges you right into the action, and the...

    Read More
16. Completed

    16

    #16 PICK

    Apocalypse Lord

    4.6

    (480 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

    Yun Ling was invited to attend the public beta test of “Apocalypse Calamity. ” In the end, she successfully survived a hundred days, and obtained the “Lord Token”, “Life Skill Level Retention” and “S Rank Skill” as rewards.

    First Impressions

    "Apocalypse Lord" is one of those web novels that really surprised me. I went in expecting a grim, action-packed story, but what I found was something far more unique and, dare I say, chill. It's a blend of apocalypse survival, city-building, and a healthy dose of comedic hoarding that kept me thoroughly entertained. The premise is simple enough: apocalypse hits, and our MC, Yun Ling, becomes the lord of a city in a game-like world. What sets it apart is Yun Ling's personality. She's calm, collected, and incredibly pragmatic, more focused on long-term survival than immediate glory. It's a refr...

    Read More
17. Completed

    17

    #17 PICK

    New Times, New Hell

    4.6

    (574 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, fantasy, romance

    Yu Zhengdu joined a small start-up company that claimed to offer “life management services”……as a programmer. On his first day in office, he received a phone call from a stranger: “Hello, I received a text message from your company that informed me of my reincarnation tomorrow……” Yu Zhengdu: “……??

    First Impressions

    "New Times, New Hell" immediately grabbed my attention with its quirky premise: a modern-day Hell operating as a company, desperately in need of a tech upgrade. The fusion of ancient beliefs and modern technology is a concept ripe with comedic potential, and from what I've read, this novel delivers on that promise. The initial chapters are a whirlwind of humor as Yu Zhengdu, our programmer MC, stumbles into this supernatural workplace. The world-building is surprisingly intricate, with a clear understanding of how a bureaucratic Hell would adapt to the 21st century. It's a refreshing take on t...

    Read More
18. 

    18

    #18 PICK

    This Is Ridiculous

    4.6

    (286 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy

    Wang Cuihua, an ordinary corporate s*ave, was on her way home when she suddenly transmigrated into a web novel. There, she became Yu Wanyin, a tyrant’s concubine.

    First Impressions

    "This Is Ridiculous" certainly lived up to its name, but not in the way I initially expected. Going in, I thought I was in for a light, comedic romp. What I found was a surprisingly intricate and emotionally resonant story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise is certainly unique: two transmigrators find themselves in a novel-within-a-novel scenario. It's a transmigration-ception, as some might say! This immediately grabbed my attention. The initial chapters felt a little rushed in setting up the world, but once the story found its footing, I was completely invested....

    Read More
19. Completed

    19

    #19 PICK

    Till Death Do Us Part

    4.6

    (335 ratings)

    Genre: drama, fantasy, historical

    Set in early-20th century China, this story takes off in the port city of Tientsin (Tianjin) that is divided into lands called concessions and owned by several foreign powers. Shen Liangsheng is a charismatic and cunning playboy, a son of a rich businessman, who has profits as his top priority.

    First Impressions

    "Till Death Do Us Part" is a novel that has clearly resonated deeply with many readers, and after diving in, I can understand why. It's an emotional rollercoaster set against a turbulent historical backdrop, and while it’s not without its darker moments, it ultimately delivers a powerful story of love and resilience. Initially, I was drawn in by the historical setting and the promise of a mature romance. The premise of two men from different social strata falling in love amidst societal upheaval felt both intriguing and potentially heartbreaking. I went in expecting a good story, but came out ...

    Read More