Top 9 Chinese Fantasy Novels for Newcomers in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

9 Novels

Dive headfirst into the mesmerizing world of Chinese fantasy, where heroes rise, destinies intertwine, and the very fabric of reality bends to the will of powerful cultivators. For newcomers, the sheer scale of xianxia and xuanhuan can seem daunting, but these carefully selected novels offer the perfect gateway, introducing you to intricate power systems, awe-inspiring martial arts, and profound philosophies without overwhelming you. These stories are not just about epic battles; they're about the relentless pursuit of strength, the complex dance of face-slapping antagonists, and the journey to comprehend the very 'Dao' of existence. Prepare to be captivated by protagonists who defy heavens, uncover ancient secrets, and forge their own legends across vast, imaginative realms. This curated list focuses on accessibility and pure entertainment, ensuring your first foray into Chinese fantasy is unforgettable.

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TOP PICK
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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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...
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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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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 PICK
The Dragon
4.7
(240 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, romance
Everyone says “like father, like son”, but Gu Fuyou has mediocre talent. So mediocre that when people see her, they mock her, wondering how Gu Wanpeng could have such a daughter.
First Impressions
"The Dragon" is a web novel that truly took me on a journey. Blending adventure, fantasy, romance, and xianxia elements with a touch of tragedy, it's a story that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While it has some minor flaws, the overall experience left me deeply impressed. Initially, I was a little thrown by the world-building. It throws you right into the action, and it took me a little bit to get my bearings. However, the compelling characters and intriguing premise quickly pulled me in. I found myself drawn to the spunky MC and the initially cold FL, eager to see how their relations...
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Conclusion

Ratings and accessibility shaped this list. Chinese fantasy has specific terminology and cultural references that take getting used to. Starting with titles that have strong translations and built-in glossaries helps. We update the list periodically.

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

Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang

First Impressions

Ascending, Do Not Disturb

First Impressions

Married Thrice to Salted Fish

First Impressions

The Legend of Sun Knight

First Impressions