My Top 3 Xianxia Classics You Absolutely Need to Watch

I’ve watched a lot of xianxia dramas over the years, but there are a few dramas that have truly stayed with me long after I finished them. These shows have everything that makes the genre special: breathtaking worlds, complicated relationships, and love stories that somehow feel both impossible and inevitable.

When I call something a “classic,” I don’t just mean it’s well-known. I mean, it’s the kind of drama you could revisit years later and still feel just as emotionally invested. I’ve ranked them in reverse order below so we can build up to my personal number one.

3. The Journey of Flower (花千骨)

Synopsis

Source: MDL

Hua Qian Gu’s life begins under the shadow of tragedy. On the day she’s born, the skies darken, flowers wilt, and her mother dies during childbirth. She grows up knowing she’s different—her scent draws demons and strange creatures, making her a danger magnet. When her father dies on her sixteenth birthday, his last wish is for her to learn skills to protect herself.

She sets out for Mount Shu, known for its demon-fighting experts, but fate has other plans. After the leader of Mount Shu is killed, Qian Gu heads instead to Chang Liu Sect, where she meets Bai Zi Hua, a man so revered that even the Jade Emperor fears to cross him. He becomes her teacher, mentor, and eventually the person she loves most. Their relationship is both sacred and dangerous—he is her only master, and their bond threatens to upend the peace of the six realms.

What follows is a story full of alliances, betrayals, romantic rivals, and a love that feels doomed from the very start. Qian Gu’s path intertwines with Dongfang Yuqing, a cunning man with his own agenda, and Sha Qianmo, the flamboyant yet fiercely loyal leader of the demon realm.

My Thoughts

This was one of the first Xianxia dramas I ever watched, and I’ll admit—it can be slow and even draggy in parts. There are stretches where I thought certain scenes could have been cut, especially since the original broadcast already trimmed out episodes that would have explained more. But despite that, it’s still a drama I recommend, especially if you’re new to the genre.

What really kept me watching was the emotional journey between Hua Qian Gu and Bai Zi Hua. Watching the cold, righteous master slowly soften under the weight of his feelings is so satisfying. Wallace Huo brings a quiet intensity to Bai Zi Hua that makes every rare smile feel like a reward. Zhao Liying’s Hua Qian Gu is innocent without being foolish, strong without losing her warmth.

The side characters add a lot, too. Dongfang Yuqing is the kind of “villain” you can’t quite hate, and Sha Qianmo is pure charisma with a heart of gold. The OST is memorable, especially the melodramatic end theme that perfectly matches the show’s bittersweet tone. Even knowing it wasn’t going to end in a perfect happily-ever-after, I rooted for them until the very last scene.

If you want a drama that captures the essence of tragic romance, with a mix of martial arts, supernatural politics, and emotional gut punches, The Journey of Flower is worth your time.

2. Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花 / Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms)

Source: MDL

Synopsis

Bai Qian, the youngest daughter of the Fox King, trains under the God of War, Mo Yuan, to learn the ways of the immortal realms. When war breaks out against a demon lord, Mo Yuan sacrifices himself to seal the enemy away. Seventy thousand years later, Bai Qian tries to do the same but instead finds herself in the mortal realm with no memories or powers.

Living in isolation, she saves Ye Hua, Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens. Unbeknownst to her, Ye Hua is not only her fiancé from the heavens but also the spitting image of Mo Yuan. The two fall in love without knowing their shared past, beginning a romance that spans three lifetimes and three worlds.

The drama also weaves in rich subplots, including the unforgettable love story of Dong Hua and Feng Jiu, which later inspired its own spin-off series.

My Thoughts

Where The Journey of Flower leans heavily into tragic tension, Eternal Love feels like an epic love poem come to life. Every visual element is breathtaking: the peach blossom forests, the elaborate costumes, the flowing fight choreography. Even the CGI, while sometimes obvious, adds to the fantasy charm. The OST is one of my all-time favorites, with haunting duets and emotional instrumentals that perfectly match each scene.

Yang Mi brings range to Bai Qian, portraying her different incarnations—playful Si Yin, naive Su Su, and aloof Bai Qian—with distinct personalities. Mark Chao is the real standout here. His dual roles as Mo Yuan and Ye Hua are so different in demeanor that it’s easy to forget it’s the same actor. His ability to express emotion with just a glance makes every romantic scene hit harder.

I also loved the political intrigue and the way the side stories were given proper attention. The schemes were devious without being overly convoluted, and the secondary romances added depth to the worldbuilding. Yes, there are misunderstandings that will frustrate you, but they make the resolutions even more satisfying.

This drama became a cultural phenomenon for a reason. It’s one of the few long dramas I’ve rewatched multiple times, and I still find myself drawn back to the world built.

1. Love and Destiny (宸汐缘)

Source: Wikipedia

Synopsis

Fifty thousand years ago, God of War Jiu Chen sealed away the demon lord at great personal cost, falling into a deep slumber. When the young fairy Ling Xi accidentally awakens him, she has no idea she carries an evil miasma capable of freeing the very demon lord he sealed.

At first, Jiu Chen is suspicious of her, knowing his duty might require him to kill her. But as he observes her kindness, determination, and courage, he begins to believe her fate can be changed. Their relationship develops slowly, with moments of gentle care—Ling Xi fanning him when he’s unwell, preparing medicine when others refuse to help, or simply making him smile.

As Ling Xi grows from a naive maiden into a powerful goddess, she and Jiu Chen face enemies together, balancing their love against the safety of the world.

My Thoughts

This drama feels different from most Xianxia romances I’ve seen. It’s quieter, more mature, and more focused on the relationship itself rather than endless side plots. That doesn’t mean it lacks stakes—there are plenty—but the heart of the show is watching two people fall in love in a way that feels deliberate and earned.

Chang Chen as Jiu Chen is unforgettable. He has the commanding presence you’d expect from a God of War, but his subtle expressions when it comes to Ling Xi are what really make the role shine. Ni Ni is equally captivating, bringing warmth and playfulness to Ling Xi without ever making her feel one-dimensional. Their chemistry is natural, and every shared look or small gesture feels loaded with meaning.

The production values are high, with gorgeous sets and costumes that rival Eternal Love. The OST is beautiful, and certain scenes are so well-shot they feel almost cinematic. While some arcs move slowly and a few mortal-realm episodes could have been tighter, the emotional payoff is worth it.

What I love most about Love and Destiny is how balanced the romance feels. Both leads protect each other, support each other, and grow together. It’s a love story that feels mutual in every way, which is something more dramas should aim for.

Final Thoughts

All three of these dramas represent different sides of why I love Xianxia:

• The Journey of Flower is for when you want intense, bittersweet romance with a mix of martial arts and myth.

• Eternal Love is a sweeping epic with breathtaking visuals and unforgettable chemistry.

• Love and Destiny is a slower, richer story about a love that feels as steady as it is deep.

If you’ve never tried Xianxia before, these are the ones I’d start with. And if you’ve already seen them, maybe it’s time for a rewatch—you might find yourself falling in love with them all over again.

Which theme in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings resonates with you the most?

• Overcoming adversity
• The power of finding your voice
• Racism and injustice
• The search for identity

About the Author:

I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!