Wuxia
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1. Demi Gods & Semi Devils
Chinese Drama - 2003, 40 episodes
Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (2003) was adapted from its source novel, and it's also a classic by Jin Yong.
Why I recommend it: Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (2003) is a complex production that features 3 MLs - Qiao Feng (the leader of Beggars' Gang), Duan Yu (a prince from Da Li) and Xu Zhu (a monk). The story begins with Qiao Feng getting framed for a murder, and we follow his journey as he learns about his true identity and seeks to reconcile his feelings of being an outsider in both Qi Dan and Song. I recommend this version because I thought it was very well casted, and as it's also produced by Zhang Ji Zhong, the show has a sense of grandeur due to the cinematography and the locations it was shot at.
There is an earlier version of this that's also well-received. - u/saynotopudding -
2. Laughing in the Wind
Chinese Drama - 2001, 40 episodes
Laughing in the Wind (2001) It is a richer wuxia world with many sects and interaction.. As well as the inner sect environment of the MC. Most wuxia MC has not much connection with his sect or other sect but just a few selected characters) - u/BestSun4804
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3. Legend of the Condor Heroes
Chinese Drama - 2003, 42 episodes
Legend of the Condor Heroes (2003) was adapted from its source novel, which is a classic by Jin Yong.
Why I recommend it: Legend of the Condor Heroes is the first of the Condor trilogy. It's set during the Jin-Song wars, and follows the journey of Guo Jing as he grows into a true 'xia'. I consider this version to be relatively loyal to the novel, and imo the writing did justice to the bigger themes in the original novel. As it's produced by Zhang Ji Zhong, there're many scenes that are shot outside of set, in the fields of Inner Mongolia, Tao Hua Island etc. and fit the vibe. There are other versions of this story that are more popular, but this is the one that I've finished and enjoyed. - u/saynotopuddingThe Legend of the Condor Heroes (2003) Packed with the vibe of chivalry. Explore the responsibilities and role of martial master for their country - u/BestSun4804
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4. Return of the Condor Heroes
Chinese Drama - 2006, 41 episodes
The Return of the Condor Heroes(2006) Has the same vibe with The Legend of the Condor Heroes, but the MC here take his love romance more importantly, as well as fighting the ancient custom. MC grew matured, and take up the chivalry too beside of just circling around his love. - u/BestSun4804
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5. Royal Tramp
Chinese Drama - 2008, 50 episodes
Royal Tramp (2008) A playful kid go through the journey of maturity, adulthood, friendship, chivalry. Stuck in the middle of chivalry and friend. And he go through all this without knowing how to really fight...- u/BestSun4804
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6. The Gate of Renewal
Chinese Drama - 2023, 36 episodes
The Ingenious One: focuses on Yun Xiang’s journey to find the mastermind behind his village’s massacre. He uses his wits and strategies to uncover the truth, that keep you at the edge of your seat. Each obstacle faced makes you wonder how can they ever get out of that situation?! This show has amazing wuxia choreographed fight scenes, a badass Jianghu FL who protects the ML, and multiple friends who have interesting back stories, making them all very real and likeable. - u/SwimmingMessage6655
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7. The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber
Chinese Drama - 2009, 40 episodes
The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (2009) An orphan that suffer from tragedy due to his parent. Grew up and make a come back, rise to be a leader of sect, united sects from both side, to fight for a bigger cause.) - u/BestSun4804
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8. The Peacock Feather
Chinese Drama - 2011, 21 episodes
Kong Que Ling was adapted from Gu Long's novel, 7 Weapons, and is part of Gu Long's universe. The show is named after 1 of the weapons in his 7 weapon series. There were supposed to be 7 shows (for all weapons), but the company that produced this closed down :')
Why I recommend it: Kong Que Ling follows the story of FL Liu Xing and her journey in Qing Long sect as she looks for her dad. The show features a memorable main CP and a fast-paced storyline. It's a short watch with just 21 episodes. If you like main leads who are smart, have multiple identities and a really unique/villainous FL, this show is for you. I find the 1st half to be more interesting than the 2nd half (2nd half veers into Xuan Huan territory - the ending itself is ok tho), but it's still a show I really like. - u/saynotopudding -
9. The Proud Twins
Hong Kong Drama - 2005, 40 episodes
The Proud Twins (2005) is a creative adaptation from Gu Long's novel, Jue Dai Shuang Jiao, and is part of the Gu Long universe.
Why I recommend it: The Proud Twins details the tale of a pair of twins that were separated at birth, Xiao Yu Er and Hua Wu Que. Even though they grew up in extremely different environments and therefore have very different personalities (Xiao Yu Er is carefree and loyal whereas Hua Wu Que is emotionally repressed), against all odds, they developed a strong bond. While this version is not loyal to the original novel at all, it's charming in its own way. There are many charismatic cast members, and it has one of the most iconic villains (who happens to be a woman) in C-drama history. (Also the twins aren't proud, the English title is misleading lol.) - u/saynotopudding -
10. The Vigilantes in Masks
Chinese Drama - 2011, 30 episodes
The Vigilantes in Masks is an original wuxia script that follows the adventures of 4 friends with very different skillsets in chaotic times during Ming Dynasty. As the title suggests, this story is about the 4 friends seeking justice for those who need help, and that's the core idea of 'xia'.
Why I recommend it: It's not common to have a wuxia original script and something that isn't Gu Long and Jin Yong, and the dynamic between the 4 of them is fun as they complement each other. Li Ge Xiao has wits & is great at martial arts, Yan San Niang is great at Qing Gong & lockpicking, He Xiao Mei is great at disguises and has medical knowledge, Chai Hu is great at martial arts too! - u/saynotopudding -
11. Wind and Cloud
Taiwanese Drama - 2002, 44 episodes
And for high level wuxia, definitely Wind and Cloud 1(2002) and Wind and Cloud 2(2004). This is so classic, one of the best show with 2 male lead, having each of their romance and journey...And unlike most wuxia with the story of MC from nobody to somebody, 2 ML here start as big guy. - u/BestSun4804