This April, three of China's hottest male stars—Cheng Yi (成毅), Xiao Zhan (肖战), and Yang Yang (杨洋)—are going head-to-head with their brand-new dramas: Fu Shan Hai, Legend of Canghai, and A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality. It's a fantasy face-off of epic proportions—so, which one are you betting on?
The Immortal Ascension 凡人修仙传
Starring Yang Yang, Jin Chen (金晨), Wang Duo, Zhao Xiaotang, Zhao Qing, Jiayue, and Rong Zixi, this 30-episode historical xianxia drama tells the legendary tale of an ordinary village boy who accidentally joins a minor martial arts sect. Though he's born with no exceptional talent, he relies on grit, smarts, and persistence to ultimately ascend to immortality.
Yang Yang, known for his classic "model face" and heartthrob status, shot to fame with the 2016 megahit Love O2O, which racked up over 10 billion views online. He returned to the top again in 2021 with You Are My Glory, proving he's still a fan favorite among the A-list.
Xianxia dramas like Swords of Legends, Immortal Samsara, Ashes of Love, and Eternal Love have long dominated Chinese streaming platforms. Judging from the trailer, A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality doesn't disappoint—Yang Yang's action scenes and emotional moments are gripping, and the production value gives off serious Hollywood vibes. Will he and Jin Chen spark some serious chemistry in this ancient fantasy romance? Time will tell.
Legend of Canghai 藏海传
Starring Xiao Zhan, Zhang Jingyi (张婧仪), Zhou Qi, and Huang Jue, this 40-episode historical political thriller follows the son of the Grand Astrologer of Dayong, who narrowly survives a devastating family massacre. Ten years later, he returns to the capital under the alias "Canghai." Armed with architectural skills and sharp political instincts, he outsmarts corrupt officials, exposes dark conspiracies, and joins forces with his true love to defend his homeland.
Though Xiao Zhan has long been one of the top names in the game, I haven't seen many of his works myself. When The Untamed came out, I was busy navigating office politics, so I missed it. But I did catch him as Yan Bingyun in Joy of Life and as Guo Jing in The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero—roles that really showcased the wild brilliance director Zheng Xiaolong once compared to "a young Chen Daoming."
From the mischievous Wei Wuxian in The Untamed to a cunning strategist in Legend of Canghai, Xiao Zhan reportedly went all in—shedding weight, training in guqin and Go, and even filming intense scenes until exhaustion. He's clearly moved beyond pretty-boy acting; he's living these roles. Zhang Jingyi also impressed in The Double, so here's hoping their pairing takes this drama's aesthetic and emotional depth to the next level.
Fu Shan Hai 赴山海
Starring Cheng Yi, Gülnezer Bextiyar, Li Kaixin, Xu Zhenxuan, Liu Mengrui, Ding Xiaoying, Zhang Junning, and Zhang Xiaocheng, with special appearances by Julian Cheung and Raymond Lam, this 40-episode historical wuxia series follows Xiaomingming, a jaded young man once obsessed with martial arts novels. One day, he finds himself seeing the world through the lens of a fictional hero and embarks on an epic journey across the martial realm—transforming from a low-level, impulsive swordsman into a loyal and selfless protector of his country.
Honestly, I can't quite remember whether I first saw Cheng Yi in Mysterious Lotus Casebook or Immortal Samsara. Either way, he left a strong impression. In Mysterious Lotus Casebook, he's the elegant master who hides his greatness behind a simple life. In Immortal Samsara, he delivers a heartbreaking performance as the stoic yet deeply passionate deity, Emperor Ying Yuan.
When it comes to acting chops among the new-gen stars, if Cheng Yi ranks second, I'd argue only Hu Ge from the post-'80s generation could top him. With his intense eyes and delicate emotional range—what fans call the "Cheng Yi-style broken beauty"—he brings a rare depth to every role. How can we not be hyped for Fu Shan Hai?
