Top 9 Chinese Fantasy Novels for Beginners in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

9 Novels

Chinese fantasy can feel intimidating for newcomers. The terminology alone, cultivation realms, dao comprehension, face-slapping, sect politics, requires a learning curve. But the core appeal is accessible: protagonists growing stronger through effort and ingenuity, overcoming challenges, and eventually reaching heights that seemed impossible at the start.

These nine ease you into the genre. They explain concepts as they become relevant rather than assuming prior knowledge. The pacing gives you time to absorb world-building. They're quality stories on their own merits that also serve as introductions to xianxia and xuanhuan conventions. Start here, and the more complex recommendations will make sense.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
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
2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
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...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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...
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6
#6 PICK
Industrial Cultivation
4.7
(251 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, fantasy
Due to a small accident, the young streamer, Zhu Changyang, traveled to the world of cultivation. Bad news: He had no money, no sect, no cultivation, and was very poor.
First Impressions
"Industrial Cultivation" is a novel that grabbed my attention with its unique premise: a blogger with a science background transmigrating to a cultivation world and using modern technology to solve ancient problems. I found the blend of xianxia, comedy, and romance to be a refreshing take on the genre. Initially, I was drawn in by the humor. The idea of a protagonist creating bicycles, flashlights, and even mass production lines for down jackets in a world of dignified martial artists is inherently funny. I was quickly invested in the main character, Zhu Changyang, and his journey. The chemist...
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Conclusion

Beginner-friendly picks lower the barrier to exploring Chinese fantasy. These nine teach genre conventions while telling good stories. They provide foundations for understanding what makes the genre work before you tackle more demanding recommendations.

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

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang

First Impressions

Married Thrice to Salted Fish

First Impressions

The Legend of Sun Knight

First Impressions