Top 21 Chinese Slice of life Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

21 Novels

Craving a web novel experience that foregoes grand battles and world-ending prophecies for something more grounded and heartwarming? Chinese slice-of-life novels offer a refreshing escape into daily routines, personal growth, and relatable human experiences, often infused with subtle cultural nuances and a touch of gentle humor. Forget the relentless face-slapping and cultivation grind; here, the focus is on character-driven narratives that celebrate the beauty in the ordinary.

These stories weave tales around everyday challenges, unexpected friendships, career aspirations, and the simple joys of life, all while providing a fascinating glimpse into contemporary Chinese society or even whimsical fantasy settings where the stakes are delightfully low. Whether it's running a quaint shop, navigating family dynamics, or simply enjoying good food, these novels provide a soothing balm for the soul, proving that compelling narratives don't always need universe-shattering power-ups.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Rebirth of a Movie Star
4.6
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, romance
In his previous life Bai Lang was a small star. He rejected his boss and foolishly engaged in a relationship which he thought was true love.
First Impressions
"Rebirth of a Movie Star" is a title I kept seeing pop up, and with its high rating, I had to dive in. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and surprisingly grounded take on the rebirth and entertainment industry tropes. It's not without its flaws, but the strengths definitely outweigh the weaknesses, making it a worthwhile read. The initial chapters immediately hooked me. The main character, Bai Lang, isn't your typical revenge-obsessed protagonist. He's more focused on living a better life this time around, learning from past mistakes. This refreshing approach made me eager to see how he'd...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau
4.7
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, josei
“Then why don’t I marry you! ” Yu Dong suddenly proposed.
First Impressions
This novel promised a fluffy and heartwarming story, and for the most part, it delivered. "Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau" offers a refreshing take on the rebirth trope, steering clear of the typical revenge plotlines and focusing instead on genuine connection and personal growth. I found myself charmed by the characters and invested in their journey. The premise is definitely unique: a woman reborn on the day of her failed wedding, impulsively deciding to marry a handsome stranger she recognizes as a future success. It's a bold move, and I was immediately curious to see how ...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
A Slight Smile is Very Charming
4.6
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, josei, romance
What is it that makes a man fall in love with a woman at first sight? Appearance?
First Impressions
"A Slight Smile is Very Charming" is a novel I finally decided to dive into, and I can definitely see why it's so popular. It's a light and fluffy romance that's perfect for when you need a break from heavier reads. The story centers around Bei Wei Wei and Xiao Nai, two ridiculously attractive and intelligent college students who find love through an online game. While the premise might sound a bit cliché, the execution is what makes this story stand out. I was immediately drawn in by the unique setting of an MMORPG. The blend of real-life and in-game interactions was cleverly done and added a...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating
4.7
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, school life
The cousin that Jing Huan has been closest to since he was a child was labelled as “the other woman” in a certain popular online game: only after devoting herself did she know that the other party was a jerk with a girlfriend. After several days of being bullied online by people in the game, his...
First Impressions
"Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating" had me hooked from the start with its quirky premise and blend of genres. As a sucker for a good rom-com with a gaming twist, I dove in with high expectations, and for the most part, it delivered a delightful experience. The initial chapters plunge you headfirst into the world of online gaming, complete with all the jargon and chaotic energy you'd expect. Our MC, fueled by a desire for revenge on behalf of his sister, embarks on a catfishing scheme that quickly spirals into a hilarious mess. Honestly, the sheer audacity of his attempts to woo the ML whil...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
I Can Do It
4.7
(1.1K ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, slice of life
In a certain League of Legends (LOL) match, a streamer well-known for infuriating people, was providing commentary and live streaming. Streamer: This support, so tr*sh.
First Impressions
"I Can Do It" is a delightful dive into the world of e-sports, sprinkled with humor, a dash of romance, and a whole lot of heart. As someone who enjoys a good slice-of-life story, this one definitely hit the spot. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a streamer turned pro gamer. The main character, Jian Rong (Soft), is instantly likable – a feisty, trash-talking genius who's secretly a softie, especially around the ML, Lu Boyuan (Road). The slow-burn romance was also a big draw for me, and I was eager to see how it would unfold....
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Completed
7
#7 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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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Very Happy
4.6
(920 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, psychological
Li Zhao is a poor, 20-year-old actor who only thinks of where his next meal is coming from. After growing up in a child only facility, Li Zhao has taken on a very optimistic personality even while raising money for those he sees as family.
First Impressions
"Very Happy" is a completed web novel that I just finished reading and I'm ready to share my thoughts. This story blends comedy, drama, psychological elements, romance, and slice-of-life into a yaoi narrative. It's quite a mix, and while it generally delivers a feel-good experience, it definitely has some quirks that I want to dive into. Initially, I was drawn in by the overwhelmingly positive sentiment surrounding the novel. Many readers praised the heartwarming nature of the story and the adorable dynamic between the main characters. The synopsis and tags promised a journey filled with fluff...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Please Confess to Me
4.6
(845 ratings)
Genre: drama, romance, slice of life
Before getting married, Shen Xi knew that her fiance had a girl he was secretly in love with for years. After the divorce, she found out that the girl was her.
First Impressions
"Please Confess to Me" is a completed web novel that I dove into with high hopes, and while it wasn't a perfect experience, I found it to be a generally sweet and heartwarming read. It's a second-chance romance centered around a couple overcoming misunderstandings and learning to communicate. The premise immediately grabbed me: a female lead (FL) reborn into her past, determined to understand her stoic husband and rewrite their loveless marriage. The initial chapters were intriguing, setting up the central conflict of miscommunication and the male lead's (ML) hidden depths....
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Completed
10
#10 PICK
You Boys Play Games Very Well
4.6
(811 ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, slice of life
When he defeats them, he leaves hospice care: A father’s love is like a mountain! Are your shoulders heavy?
First Impressions
Okay, let me tell you, "You Boys Play Games Very Well" completely charmed me. I dove in expecting a lighthearted read, and it delivered in spades. This BL novel focuses on the lives of two gamer livestreamers, and it's just so darn cute. Right off the bat, I was hooked by the humor. The main character is known for his "poisonous tongue" – his sarcastic and witty remarks after gaming matches – and it's genuinely hilarious. The novel throws you right into their world, and it's easy to get invested in their lives as streamers. The story is pretty fast-paced, but I felt like it was a good way to g...
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Fake Slackers
4.6
(711 ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, school life
After class placements were decided, the school’s two infamous ‘problem youths’ not only shared the same class, but the same desk. They’re clearly good at studies, but pretend to be slackers.
First Impressions
"Fake Slackers" is a fun ride through high school life, complete with first loves, hilarious classmates, and just enough angst to keep things interesting. I went in expecting a lighthearted comedy, and while it definitely delivered on that front, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and growth of the characters. The premise is definitely what hooked me: two academic geniuses pretending to be slackers for their own reasons. The early chapters do a great job of setting up the dynamic between Xie Yu and He Zhao, the two leads. I immediately loved their contrasting personalities – the cold, see...
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Completed
12
#12 PICK
My Underachieving Seatmate Doesn’t Need Any Comforting
4.6
(621 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, romance
Qiao Shao, who worked hard to stay up all night and study, was first in class — if you count from the bottom. He Shen, who was able to get a perfect score even when he slept all day, in a rare display of kindness, bought a bottle of drink to comfort his s*upid seatmate.
First Impressions
This novel was such a pleasant surprise! I went in expecting a lighthearted school romance, and while it definitely delivers on the fluff, it also surprised me with its depth. "My Underachieving Seatmate Doesn’t Need Any Comforting" is a sweet story that also tackles some pretty serious themes. Initially, I was a little thrown off by the summary. It didn't quite capture the essence of the story, and honestly, almost deterred me from picking it up. I'm glad I didn't let that stop me, though! The beginning is filled with humor and misunderstandings, setting a light tone that quickly drew me in. ...
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Conclusion

I've selected these 21 Chinese slice-of-life novels, ensuring each entry delivers that comforting, character-focused charm you're seeking. The aim is to connect you with stories that genuinely resonate and offer a delightful pause from more intense reads.

Mark your favorites and explore our other specialized rankings for more discoveries. There's a whole world of gentle, engaging narratives out there, waiting to be cherished.

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

Rebirth of a Movie Star

First Impressions

Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau

First Impressions

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

A Slight Smile is Very Charming

First Impressions

Guide on How to Fail at Online Dating

First Impressions

I Can Do It

First Impressions

Guide To Raising the Sick Villain

First Impressions

Very Happy

First Impressions

Please Confess to Me

First Impressions

You Boys Play Games Very Well

First Impressions