If you've ever binge-watched a Cheng Yi (成毅) drama, you know two things: he loves a good costume, and he'll make you cry—or cheer—without saying a word. From mystical immortals to scheming emperors, Cheng Yi has become the go-to actor for Chinese historical and fantasy dramas that hook viewers with their mix of heartbreak, sword fights, and intricate plots. Let's dive into his top period dramas—where every flick of his sleeve or subtle glance tells a story.
Love and Redemption 琉璃
- Aired: 2020
- Period Background: Set in a mythical ancient China
- Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Fantasy
- Main Roles:Cheng Yi as Yu Sifeng (禹司凤), Yuan Bingyan (袁冰妍) as Chu Xuanji (褚璇玑)
- Adapted From: The novel Liu Li Mei Ren Sha (琉璃美人煞) by Shi Si Lang (十四郎)
At its core, Love and Redemption is a saga of cosmic love and redemption spanning ten reincarnations. Yu Sifeng, a noble yet cursed disciple, falls for Chu Xuanji, whose fragmented soul lacks emotional awareness due to her divine origins. Each lifetime, Sifeng sacrifices himself to protect her—whether by taking lethal blows, enduring soul-crushing betrayal, or surrendering his spiritual essence—only to watch her forget him repeatedly.
Xuanji's journey to regain her "heart" mirrors her awakening as the War Goddess, a role that threatens both mortal and immortal realms. As she grapples with her identity, Sifeng's unwavering love becomes her anchor. However, their bond triggers celestial conspiracies, including a forbidden blood pact and the machinations of the Heavenly Realm's rulers.
Cheng Yi's portrayal of Sifeng is a masterclass in restrained emotion. His trembling lips, tear-filled gazes, and quiet resolve convey a love that transcends lifetimes, earning him the nickname "Crying God" among fans. Yuan Bingyan equally shines, transitioning seamlessly from Xuanji's childlike innocence to her goddess-era ferocity.
Xianxia Tropes: The drama epitomizes xianxia themes—immortal-mortal taboos, reincarnation cycles, and cultivation battles. Key terms like Tianjie (天劫, heavenly tribulation) and Xiulian (修炼, spiritual cultivation) deepen the lore.
The Bagua (八卦) array and celestial bureaucracy reflect Taoist cosmology, while Sifeng's golden mask symbolizes hidden suffering.
Xuanji's evolving wardrobe—from pastel mortal robes to goddess armor—visually maps her transformation.
The ten-lifetimes trope, popular in Chinese folklore, is portrayed with Shakespearean tragedy. Sifeng's vow, "If you forget me, I'll find you again in the next life," resonates universally. From floating palaces to demonic realms, the CGI-enhanced settings rival Western fantasy series.
Won Best Costume Drama at the 2021 Weibo TV Series Awards.Cemented Cheng Yi's reputation as the "King of Xianxia," leading to his casting in Immortal Samsara. Trended globally on Twitter during its airing, with fan-translated clips amassing 50M+ views.
Immortal Samsara 沉香如屑
- Aired: 2022
- Period Background: A breathtaking blend of celestial palaces and mortal landscapes
- Genres: Xianxia, Romance, Adventure
- Main Roles: Cheng Yi as Ying Yuan/Tang Zhou/Xuan Ye (应渊/唐周/玄夜), Yang Zi (杨紫) as Yan Dan (颜淡)
- Adapted From: The novel Immortal Samsara by Su Mo (苏寞)
Ying Yuan, a revered god bound by celestial rules, is trapped in a loveless existence until he crosses paths with Yan Dan, a spirited lotus fairy. Their connection sparks a forbidden romance that breaks heavenly laws, leading Ying Yuan to voluntarily strip his godhood and reincarnate as Tang Zhou, a mortal demon hunter. But the mortal world isn't simpler: Tang Zhou battles evil spirits while grappling with fragmented memories of his past life.
Yan Dan, refusing to abandon him, follows him to the mortal realm, disguising herself as his partner. Their journey unravels a web of secrets, including Ying Yuan's hidden third identity—Xuan Ye (玄夜), a cunning demon lord who manipulates events from the shadows. As past and present collide, the couple faces impossible choices: uphold duty or chase love, protect the realms or destroy them.
Cheng Yi tackles three wildly different personas:
Ying Yuan: Cold yet conflicted, his rigid posture and controlled voice reflect a god burdened by duty.
Tang Zhou: More grounded and impulsive, with warmer expressions and fluid swordplay.
Xuan Ye: Charismatic but sinister, oozing charm even as he schemes.
The "Blood Tears" scene, where Yan Dan realizes Tang Zhou's true identity, broke TikTok with 10M+ replays.
He makes you root for all three versions of his character—even the villain and he practiced sword fighting for 4 hours daily to nail Tang Zhou's combat scenes. The result? Some of the slickest demon-hunting sequences in C-drama history.
Stand By Me 与君歌
- Aired: 2021
- Period Background: Set in a fictional Tang Dynasty-inspired empire
- Genres: Historical, Political Intrigue, Romance
- Main Roles:Cheng Yi as Qi Yan (齐焱), Zhang Yuxi (张予曦) as Cheng Ruoyu (程若鱼)
- Adapted From: The novel Jian Qi Xing (剑器行) by Fei Hua (飞花)
Qi Yan, the young emperor, is a master of deception. Publicly, he appears weak and subservient to his tyrannical adoptive father, the eunuch Qiu Ziliang (仇子梁, He Shengming), who controls the throne. Privately, Qi Yan orchestrates a covert rebellion, using Cheng Ruoyu and her Purple Clothing Bureau—a secret agency—to dismantle Qiu's network. The duo's alliance is fraught with tension: Ruoyu initially distrusts Qi Yan, believing him complicit in her family's massacre, while Qi Yan hides his true intentions to protect her.
The story intensifies as Chou Yanzhi (仇烟织, Xuan Lu), Ruoyu's long-lost sister and Qiu's scheming protégé, emerges. Yanzhi, driven by childhood trauma, manipulates both sides of the conflict, blurring the lines between ally and enemy. Meanwhile, Guang Wang (珖王, Han Dong), Qi Yan's uncle and a former heir to the throne, adds another layer of intrigue with his quiet ambition.
- Cheng Yi's Nuanced Performance
Cheng Yi's portrayal of Qi Yan is a masterclass in subtlety. His character's "weak" demeanor—pale complexion, labored breathing, and deferential posture—cloaks a razor-sharp mind. Micro-expressions, like a fleeting smirk or a tightened jaw, reveal Qi Yan's hidden resolve. One standout scene shows him trembling while bowing to Qiu Ziliang, only to later coldly strategize Ruoyu's next move—a duality that earned praise as "textbook acting".
Zhang Yuxi's Ruoyu balances fiery determination with vulnerability. Her chemistry with Cheng Yi evolves from distrust to mutual reliance, culminating in quiet moments—like sharing a meal or shielding each other in battle—that underscore their slow-burn romance.
The plot thrives on double-crosses and hidden agendas. For example, Qi Yan fakes illness to mislead enemies, while Yanzhi secretly aids Ruoyu despite her villainous façade.
Ruoyu and Yanzhi defy traditional damsel tropes. Ruoyu wields a sword as deftly as her wit, while Yanzhi outsmarts male adversaries through psychological warfare.
Opulent Tang-style costumes and sets—like the emperor's gold-embroidered robes and the shadowy Purple Clothing Bureau headquarters—immerse viewers in the era.
Audience Reception
The drama sparked debates for its bold take on power dynamics. While some criticized Qi Yan's initial passivity, others praised his gradual transformation into a cunning leader. Xuan Lu's Yanzhi became a fan favorite for her morally grey complexity, trending on social media with the hashtag #QueenOfManipulation.
Mysterious Lotus Casebook 莲花楼
- Aired: 2023
- Period Background: Set in the turbulent Jianghu (江湖, martial world)
- Genres: Wuxia, Mystery, Adventure
- Main Roles: Cheng Yi as Li Lianhua (李莲花), Zeng Shunxi (曾舜晞) as Fang Duobing (方多病)
- Adapted From: The novel The Mystery of the Three Lotus by Teng Ping (藤萍)
Li Lianhua, formerly known as Li Xiangyi (李相夷), was the unparalleled leader of the Sigu Sect (四顾门) until a catastrophic battle with his rival Di Feisheng (笛飞声) left him poisoned and near death. To escape his past, he fakes his demise and reinvents himself as a humble, eccentric doctor roaming the countryside in a mobile clinic called the Lotus Tower. His quiet life unravels when he crosses paths with Fang Duobing, a persistent young nobleman who idolizes Li Xiangyi and suspects Li Lianhua's true identity.
Together, the duo investigates supernatural mysteries plaguing the martial world, including the "Spirit Mountain Child Selection Case" and the "Headless Corpse of Pu Chu Mountain". Their partnership evolves from reluctant allies to trusted friends, especially after Di Feisheng reemerges, forcing Li Lianhua to confront his past and the conspiracy that nearly destroyed him. The story delves into themes of redemption, identity, and the cost of heroism, as Li Lianhua balances his dwindling health (due to the incurable Bi Tea Poison) with his duty to protect the innocent.
Cheng Yi's portrayal of Li Lianhua redefines the "fallen hero" archetype. Unlike typical wuxia protagonists, Li Lianhua is physically frail, sarcastic, and intentionally unglamorous. Cheng Yi uses subtle gestures—like lazily leaning against doorframes or dryly mocking Fang Duobing—to convey the character's weariness and hidden brilliance. His performance contrasts sharply with flashbacks of Li Xiangyi's youthful arrogance, showcasing a man stripped of glory but not humanity.
Sherlock Meets Wuxia: The series blends martial arts with detective work, pairing Li Lianhua's deductive genius (often using medical knowledge) with Fang Duobing's enthusiasm. Their banter adds humor, while cases explore moral gray areas—like corrupt sects exploiting superstitions.
Character-Driven Redemption: Li Lianhua's journey isn't about reclaiming power but finding peace. His decision to abandon his past identity resonates with themes of letting go, a stark contrast to typical revenge-driven wuxia narratives. The bond between Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing evolves from comedic friction to heartfelt loyalty. One standout scene sees Li Lianhua kneeling to comfort a child—a small gesture highlighting his humility.
Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved 狐妖小红娘·王权篇
- Aired: 2025 (Expected)
- Period Background: A mythic ancient world
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Adventure
- Main Roles: Cheng Yi as Wangquan Fugui (王权富贵), Li Yitong (李一桐) as Qing Tong (清瞳)
- Adapted From: The beloved Chinese manga Hu Yao Xiao Hongniang (狐妖小红娘) by Tú Xiǎoxīn (庹小新)
Wangquan Fugui is no ordinary heir. Raised in isolation by his father, Wangquan Ba Ye (王权霸业), he's trained to wield the legendary Wangquan Sword—a symbol of his clan's mission to exterminate demons. His life revolves around brutal drills and obedience, until he rescues Qing Tong, a wounded spider spirit disguised as a human.
Qing Tong, initially a spy for the demon faction, uses her silk-weaving abilities to show Fugui the beauty of the world beyond his gilded cage. Through her tapestries—depicting mountains, rivers, and starry skies—Fugui begins questioning his purpose. Their bond deepens as they secretly meet, with Fugui defying clan rules to protect her. When his father orders him to kill Qing Tong as a test of loyalty, Fugui rebels, abandoning his sword and carrying her through a hail of arrows to escape.
The duo's journey exposes systemic corruption: the Wangquan clan's atrocities against innocent demons and a conspiracy involving Black Fox, a malevolent force threatening both realms. Fugui's awakening of his mother's Eastern Clan bloodline grants him immense power, but he chooses to wield it not for destruction, but to broker peace.
Cheng Yi portrays Fugui's evolution from a stoic weapon to a compassionate leader. His physicality shifts—rigid posture softens, eyes gain warmth—as he embraces empathy over blind duty. He trained for months to master the Wangquan Sword style, blending traditional wuxia with fluid, almost dance-like movements.
The drama contrasts Fugui's sterile, gold-and-white clan fortress with Qing Tong's vibrant scenes, visually underscoring their clash of worlds.
The "Reincarnation Pact" under the Bitter Love Tree—a central xianxia trope—ties into Chinese folklore about soulmates transcending lifetimes.
Fu Shan Hai 赴山海
- Aired: 2025 (Expected)
- Period Background: A Ming Dynasty-inspired martial world where power struggles between sects, corrupt officials, and mystical forces shape a volatile jianghu.
- Genres: Wuxia, Coming-of-Age, Fantasy
- Main Roles: Cheng Yi as Xiao Qiusheng/肖明明/李沉舟, Li Yitong as Tang Fang (唐方)
- Adapted From: Wen Rui'an's (温瑞安) Shen Zhou Qi Xia (神州奇侠), a seminal wuxia novel renowned for its intricate political intrigue and emotional depth.
The story begins with Xiao Mingming, a frustrated novelist disillusioned by corporate life, who accidentally enters the world of his unfinished martial arts novel. There, he becomes Xiao Qiusheng (萧秋水), the youngest son of the prestigious Huahua Sword Sect (浣花剑派). Tasked with navigating a treacherous jianghu, Xiao Qiusheng must evolve from a naive swordsman into a leader capable of uniting fractured sects against the tyrannical Power Gang, a faction infamous for massacring entire clans.
As Xiao Qiusheng uncovers his family's massacre by the Power Gang, he allies with Tang Fang and other rebels, including the enigmatic strategist Liu Suifeng (柳随风). However, the deeper he delves, the more he realizes his modern identity as Xiao Mingming is intertwined with the novel's plot—including a shocking third persona: Li Chenzhou, a ruthless Power Gang leader with a tragic past.
Cheng Yi's Triple Role
Xiao Mingming: A weary office worker with slumped shoulders and deadpan humor, reflecting modern disillusionment.
Xiao Qiusheng: A passionate yet impulsive swordsman whose wide-eyed idealism clashes with the jianghu's brutality. Cheng Yi's physicality shifts here—fluid swordplay, earnest gestures, and a voice brimming with youthful urgency.
Li Chenzhou: A tormented antihero marked by icy stoicism and explosive rage. Cheng Yi reportedly isolated himself for weeks to capture Li's "smoldering intensity," even adopting a lower vocal register.
A pivotal scene sees all three personas collide: Xiao Qiusheng confronts Li Chenzhou in a mirror-like duel, their contrasting fighting styles (Qiusheng's erratic slashes vs. Chenzhou's precise strikes) symbolizing internal conflict.
Narrative Innovation: Blending "isekai" (穿越) tropes with classic wuxia, the drama explores themes of authorship and destiny. Xiao Mingming's meta-commentary ("Why did I write such a cruel world?") adds layers to traditional hero journeys39.
Chang'an Twenty-Four Stratagems 长安二十四计
- Aired: 2025 (Expected)
- Period Background: Set in the twilight of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), the drama unfolds in the empire's opulent but declining capital, Chang'an.
- Genres: Historical, Political Thriller
- Main Roles: Cheng Yi as Hu Ying (胡濙), Ye Zheng (叶峥) played by rising actor Zhang Linghe 张凌赫)
- Adapted From: Original screenplay inspired by Tang-era political upheavals and the Twenty-Four Stratagems (二十四计)
Hu Ying, a minor bureaucrat in Lingnan Province (岭南), is thrust into the heart of danger when he uncovers evidence of a plot to overthrow Emperor Xianzong (宪宗). Dispatched to Chang'an undercover, he poses as a corrupt official to infiltrate the coup's ringleaders—a coalition of disgruntled generals and aristocrats led by the cunning Lord An Heng (安衡, played by Chen Daoming 陈道明).
Using the Twenty-Four Stratagems as his playbook, Hu Ying manipulates enemies against one another. Key tactics include:
"Kill With a Borrowed Knife" (借刀杀人): Framing An Heng's ally for treason to trigger infighting.
"Loot a Burning House" (趁火打劫): Exploiting a staged riot to steal incriminating documents.
His alliance with Ye Zheng, a swordsman seeking redemption for past crimes, adds muscle to his schemes. However, trust is fragile: Ye Zheng secretly reports to An Heng, believing Hu Ying's methods too ruthless.
The stakes skyrocket when Hu Ying discovers the coup's true mastermind—Empress Dowager Guo (郭太后, played by Liu Mintao 刘敏涛), who aims to replace Xianzong with her puppet grandson. In a climactic showdown, Hu Ying deploys the stratagem "Befriend the Distant, Attack the Near" (远交近攻), rallying rival factions to expose her plot.
Cheng Yi's Hu Ying is a departure from sword-wielding heroes. His genius lies in stillness: calculating glances, deliberate pauses, and the quiet confidence of a man always three steps ahead.
Action With Purpose: Fight scenes prioritize tension over spectacle. Example: Ye Zheng's duel with a traitorous general uses slow-motion close-ups of trembling swords to emphasize psychological stakes. Unlike typical wuxia, victory here comes from poisoned letters, forged alliances, and whispered rumors. Fans of Nirvana in Fire will appreciate the tactical depth.
Cheng Yi's period dramas aren't just shows; they're rabbit holes. Once you start, you'll find yourself Googling "How does he cry so beautifully?" or debating whether Li Lianhua (from Mysterious Lotus Casebook) or Yu Sifeng (from Love and Redemption) is his most tragic role. The best part? He's not done yet.
Related Article
