Chinese historical dramas remain one of the most beloved genres among C-drama fans. In the first half of 2026, iQIYI is set to release six highly anticipated costume dramas, covering genres ranging from wuxia and political intrigue to fantasy romance and female-centric growth stories.
With well-known actors and diverse storylines, these productions are expected to spark fierce competition on the small screen.
1. The Ingenious One 2
- Cast: Chen Xiao, Mao Xiaotong
- Expected release: Mid-March
This drama continues the story of the popular wuxia series The Ingenious One, returning to the martial arts world filled with strategy, loyalty, and hidden conspiracies.
After spending three years living quietly in a coastal town, Yun Xiang—played by Chen Xiao—is drawn back into the martial arts world when a new conspiracy emerges. Together with familiar allies like Kou Lianyi (Mao Xiaotong) and Jin Shiliang, he must face a rising power threatening the balance of the jianghu.
The series has already surpassed 1.8 million reservations on the platform.
2. Rebirth of the Ice Lake
- Cast: Li Junrui, Huang Yang Tiantian
- Expected release: Early April
The drama is considered a direct continuation of the story from Princess Agents, focusing on the aftermath of the famous Ice Lake battle.
After surviving the deadly confrontation, Chu Qiao (Huang Yang Tiantian) is saved by Yan Xun. Believing that Yue Jian (played by Li Junrui) has died, she embarks on a dangerous path of revenge while secretly planning to assassinate Yan Xun.
The drama will reportedly air simultaneously on Tencent Video and iQIYI.
3. Jia Ou Tian Cheng
- Cast: Ren Jialun, Wang Herun
- Expected release: Late April
Adapted from the novel by Shi Si Lang, the drama explores a fated bond between a demon clan heir and a disciple from a celestial sect.
Lu Tianqiao (Ren Jialun) carries mixed blood between humans and the War Ghost clan and lives under the curse of “five deficiencies.” Meanwhile, Xin Mi (Wang Herun) is burdened with a destiny said to bring harm to her husband.
After accidentally forming a pact, the two enter a contractual marriage that gradually transforms into a relationship of mutual redemption as they face life-and-death trials together.
The drama has already surpassed 2 million reservations on the platform.
4. Yi Ou Chun
- Cast: Xu Kai, Zhou Ye, Jeremy Tsui
- Expected release: Late April
Adapted from the novel by You Si Jie, the story blends revenge, political intrigue, and family power struggles.
Xie Qingyuan (Zhou Ye) returns to the Xie family to investigate the wrongful death of her mother. At the same time, Shen Run (Xu Kai), once a troubled youth, has risen to become a powerful court official.
Initially wary of each other, the pair gradually form an alliance to uncover the truth and dismantle the conspiracies threatening them.
5. Feng Ying Ran Mei Xiang
- Cast: Wang Churan, Li Hongyi
- Director: Guo Jingming
- Expected release: Mid-May
Adapted from the novel Wei Song Assassin’s Diary, the drama combines political intrigue with the concept of dual personalities.
Mei Jiu (Wang Churan) is the daughter of a prestigious family but also harbors a second personality—a modern assassin named An Jiu. To uncover the truth about her mother’s past, she disguises herself as a man and infiltrates the Konghe army.
There she meets commander Chu Dingjiang (Li Hongyi), and their initially strategic partnership gradually evolves into a life-and-death alliance.
6. Zhen Niang Zhuan
- Cast: Yang Zi, Han Dongjun
- Expected release: Late May
This drama focuses on the preservation of Huizhou ink-making, a traditional intangible cultural heritage.
Set during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, the story follows Li Zhen (Yang Zi), the youngest daughter of a once-prestigious ink-making family. After the family business collapses, she defies the tradition of passing the craft only to sons and works to revive the legacy.
Along the way, she meets Luo Wenqian (Han Dongjun). What begins with suspicion eventually turns into partnership as they fight against industry monopolies and protect the traditional craft.
With genres ranging from wuxia adventures to political intrigue and female-driven narratives, these six historical dramas promise an exciting season for fans of Chinese costume series.
As the competition intensifies, viewers are eager to see which of these iQIYI productions will become the next breakout hit.
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