This genre is inspired by Eastern cultural history - Chinese to be specific. Because of this, progression fantasy setting of these types will often take place in ancient China, center around historical characters/events, or even feature gods and demons from Chinese folklore. Writes in these subgenres are also heavily influenced by Taoism and Buddhism with cultivation levels sometimes based on real-world meditation and exercise like martial arts and qigong
Low Fantasy: Wuxia (武俠 wǔxiá) – literally means "Martial Heroes". Fictional stories about regular humans who can achieve supernatural fighting ability through Chinese martial arts training and internal energy cultivation. Themes of chivalry, tragedy, revenge & romance are common.
"天龙八部"Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils -Multiple adaptations (1997, 2003, 2013, 2021) One of Jin Yong's classic Wuxia sagas, exploring martial sect rivalries, identity, and personal tragedy.
"笑傲江湖"The Smiling, Proud Wanderer -Multiple versions (1996, 2001, 2013, 2018) Power struggles among martial arts sects, personal freedom vs orthodoxy.
"射雕英雄传"Legend of the Condor Heroes -Many adaptations (1983, 1994, 2003, 2008, 2017) Classic Wuxia story: loyalty, growth, patriotism, and martial virtue.
"多情剑客无情剑"Sentimental Swordsman, Ruthless Sword -Based on Gu Long's novel. Darker tone, famous for its emotional weight and strategic duels.
"侠客行"Ode to Gallantry -A case of mistaken identity and growth, exploring the values of a true hero.
"卧虎藏龙"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) — film
One of the most globally renowned Wuxia works. Romantic tragedy, philosophy, and graceful martial arts choreography.
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High Fantasy: Xianxia (仙侠 xiānxiá) – literally means "Immortal Heroes". Fictional stories featuring magic, demons, ghosts, immortals, and a great deal of Chinese folklore/mythology. Protagonists (usually) attempt to cultivate to Immortality, seeking eternal life and the pinnacle of strength. Heavily inspired by Daoism.
"香蜜沉沉烬如霜"Ashes of Love (2018)-Immortal realms, gods, reincarnation, and celestial wars. Romance-heavy xianxia with beautiful aesthetics.
"琉璃"Love and Redemption (2020)-Features spiritual roots, cultivation sects, heavenly trials, past-life entanglements.
"花千骨"The Journey of Flower (2015)-A mortal girl joins a cultivation sect and becomes involved in heavenly conflicts and forbidden love.
"三生三世十里桃花"Eternal Love (2017)-Spanning lifetimes across mortal and immortal realms, it's a romantic xianxia epic with gods and reincarnation.
"宸汐缘"Love and Destiny (2019)-Set in the same universe as Eternal Love, focusing on love between a war god and a mortal.
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Xuanhuan (玄幻 xuánhuàn) – literally means "Mysterious Fantasy". A broad genre of fictional stories which remixes Chinese folklore/mythology with foreign elements & settings.
Xuanhuan and Xianxia novels may sometimes seem similar on the surface. Look for the presence of Daoist elements (the Dao, Yin and Yang, Immortals, etc…) in the novel to easily distinguish the two – if they aren't present, then it's probably a Xuanhuan novel.
"斗破苍穹"Battle Through the Heavens (2018)-Adapted from the novel by Heavenly Silkworm PotatoSet in a fantasy world where people absorb energy from heaven and earth. Strong Xuanhuan vibe with tiers of power and clans.
"武动乾坤"Martial Universe (2018)-Based on the novel by Heavenly Silkworm PotatoFeatures spirit beasts, soul cultivation, and a protagonist rising from weakness to greatness.
"灵域"The World of Fantasy (2021)-A youth awakening mysterious powers in a fictional world. Includes soul techniques and spirit beasts.
"元龙"The King's Avatar (live-action: 2019)-Though technically modern, it blends fantasy and gaming systems, similar in tone to Xuanhuan.
"雪中悍刀行"The Snowy Path of the Heroic Blade (2021)-A rich hybrid: grounded like Wuxia, but with strong Xuanhuan tones, mysterious martial realms, and complex world-building.
"苍兰诀"Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022)-While it's visually xianxia, the worldbuilding is independent and creative, aligning it more with Xuanhuan.
All the examples are Dramas / Adaptations