The Journey of Legend
The Journey of Legend (2025) is one of the most anticipated wuxia period dramas of the year, blending classic martial-arts spectacle, character-driven historical fantasy, and heartfelt coming-of-age beats. Directed by Ren Haitao and Lin Feng, and starring Cheng Yi and Gulnazar (Gulnazar), this Mandarin-language series is scheduled to premiere on September 11, 2025. The production adapts a beloved novel and promises sweeping sets, traditional choreography, and a layered hero’s journey that both fans of the source material and newcomers can enjoy.
Movie Overview
Although released and promoted as a TV drama rather than a single theatrical film, The Journey of Legend (Chinese title: 赴山海) is presented with cinematic ambition: high production values, a 40-episode arc, and large-scale wuxia worldbuilding adapted from Woon Swee Oan’s famous novel. The narrative follows Xiao Mingming, an ordinary man who loves martial arts novels, whose fate becomes entwined with the fictional swordsman protagonist of the novel he admires, Xiao Qiushui. Through a fantastical thread of soul-travel and identity, Xiao Mingming’s inner life and the martial world intersect — a device that allows the series to alternate between tender personal moments and adrenaline-driven swordplay scenes.
Expect a careful balance of tradition and modern storytelling techniques: intimate character beats (friendship, loyalty, moral choices) are interwoven with set-piece duels, political intrigue within martial sects, and the slow forging of a reluctant hero into a responsible protector of family and country. The casting of Cheng Yi (in dual-facing roles as both the novel’s swordsman and the modern admirer) and Gulnazar in a lead role adds star power and chemistry that viewers have already reacted positively to in early trailers and promotional clips. Directors Ren Haitao and Lin Feng bring collective experience in costume and historical-genre storytelling, aiming to deliver an emotional and visually striking series that honors the classic wuxia spirit while remaining accessible to international streaming audiences.
Production notes emphasize a serialized, episodic design (40 episodes) intended to allow characters to breathe and relationships to deepen — a contrast to compact film formats. The series was filmed at major studios and scenic locations, and production wrapped in 2024, with distribution slated across major Chinese streaming platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video for a September 2025 premiere. This roll-out targets both domestic viewers and international C-Drama enthusiasts via subtitled streams.
Sources: iQIYI series page and promotional materials; IMDb listing and release metadata; Chinese-language production notes and Wikipedia summary. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Attribute Details
| Title | The Journey of Legend (赴山海) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Wuxia / Historical Drama / Fantasy |
| Language | Mandarin (Chinese) |
| Release Date | September 11, 2025 (China streaming premiere) |
| Director | Ren Haitao, Lin Feng |
| Writer | Liu Fang (screen adaptation of Woon Swee Oan’s novel) |
Additional production attributes: the series is produced by iQIYI’s studio teams in partnership with Tencent Video distribution; it is adapted from Woon Swee Oan’s novel Shen Zhou Qi Xia and runs to approximately 40 episodes to fully explore the novel’s world-building and character arcs. Lead actor Cheng Yi is credited with portraying multiple perspectives (both the fictional sword hero and the modern admirer protagonist), while Gulnazar (Gulinazha) plays the primary female lead who is central to the emotional and martial conflicts. These choices — multiple directors, a veteran writing adaptation, and a long-arc episodic structure — signal a production designed for both dedicated fans and new viewers curious about epic Chinese martial storytelling. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What to Expect and Why Watch
If you appreciate carefully staged sword choreography, moral dilemmas common to the wuxia tradition (honor vs. survival, loyalty vs. ambition), and a tone that can shift between lyricism and high-stakes action, this series is crafted for you. The story’s metafictional premise — a fan slipping into the world of his beloved martial-novel hero — permits play with identity, authorship, and the power of storytelling itself. Expect character arcs that reward patient viewing: relationships deepen, rivalries escalate organically, and personal transformation is paced across episodes rather than forced into short runtime constraints.
From a technical perspective, note the production’s investment in costume design, period-accurate sets, and fight choreography. The team’s prior credits include other high-profile costume dramas, so viewers can anticipate polished production values and careful staging. For international fans, the presence of trailers and clips on platforms like iQIYI’s international site and official promotional reels makes the series easy to preview ahead of the full premiere. Early promotional reaction highlights strong chemistry between Cheng Yi and Gulnazar and a compelling mix of humor, poignancy, and swordplay. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Tip: Watch the trailers and early episodes to gauge whether you prefer the lyrical character-driven chapters or the more action-heavy sequences — the series is built to satisfy both tastes across its 40-episode arc.
Published on September 11, 2025 · © IHOXI
Primary references and further reading: iQIYI series page; IMDb entry for The Journey of Legend; Chinese Wikipedia / production notices; promotional trailers and cast bios. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Adapting Woon Swee Oan’s Literary Legacy
The series is adapted from the classic novel Shen Zhou Qi Xia by Woon Swee Oan, a celebrated author in Chinese martial arts literature. His works are known for weaving moral dilemmas with breathtaking fight sequences. The Journey of Legend inherits this DNA while modernizing narrative pacing for today’s audiences, ensuring the essence of wuxia storytelling reaches a new generation of viewers.
The Double Role Challenge for Cheng Yi
Cheng Yi’s dual responsibility of portraying both Xiao Mingming and the legendary swordsman Xiao Qiushui requires nuanced acting. This challenge highlights his versatility, as he shifts between an everyday admirer caught in awe and a heroic persona commanding the martial world. His ability to embody two contrasting roles is expected to be one of the series’ standout performances.
Visual Storytelling Through Costume Design
The costume design team focused on authenticity, drawing from Tang and Ming dynasty inspirations while adding symbolic touches for each character’s journey. Colors, embroidery, and armor details reflect not only status but also inner transformation. Xiao Qiushui’s transition from youthful swordsman to mature protector is mirrored through his evolving attire.
Martial Arts Choreography and Cinematic Innovation
Unlike earlier dramas, The Journey of Legend emphasizes realistic martial movements, coordinated with wirework only when narratively justified. The directors worked with veteran action choreographers to create duels that are not only visually spectacular but also narratively meaningful. Each fight scene represents a turning point in character development or moral conflict.
Expanding Beyond the Novel
While rooted in its source material, the adaptation expands the narrative with subplots and original characters to enrich the wuxia world. This decision allows secondary characters to flourish, providing audiences with parallel arcs of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. It also helps sustain the long episodic format without feeling stretched.
Global Streaming and Subtitles
One of the production’s goals is international reach. The series will debut with professional English subtitles and additional translations for Southeast Asian audiences. This opens the door for wuxia enthusiasts across the globe to access a story that might otherwise remain limited to Mandarin speakers.
Soundtrack and Musical Themes
The score combines traditional Chinese instruments such as the guqin and erhu with cinematic orchestration. Themes are tied to characters — Xiao Qiushui’s motif is heroic yet melancholic, while Mingming’s theme is playful and curious. The fusion of old and new aims to transport viewers emotionally while grounding them in the cultural fabric of the story.
The Role of Female Characters
Gulnazar’s role is not confined to romance; her character represents resilience and independent agency within the martial world. Female warriors and leaders populate the narrative, challenging traditional gender boundaries often found in earlier wuxia tales. This balance contributes to richer storytelling and stronger representation.
Filming Locations and Scenic Grandeur
Filming took place across major studios and outdoor landscapes in Hengdian and Zhejiang. These environments offer authenticity, with mountain passes, rivers, and temples doubling as symbolic backdrops to the hero’s journey. Viewers can expect sweeping cinematography showcasing China’s natural beauty alongside carefully built sets for key battlefields.
Early Audience Expectations
Before its release, trailers and promotional stills sparked conversations across Weibo and Douban. Fans praised the casting, costumes, and emotional weight of the teasers. Some expressed excitement about the metafictional premise, while others are eager to see how the series balances character intimacy with large-scale action.
Cultural Significance of Wuxia in Modern Media
The wuxia genre has long been a staple of Chinese storytelling, but The Journey of Legend (2025) reflects a rebirth of interest in classical martial heroism. By bringing together ancient tales and modern production methods, the series keeps traditional values alive while making them relevant for a digital audience. Its release in 2025 symbolizes how cultural preservation and entertainment can walk hand in hand.
The Novel’s Enduring Popularity
Woon Swee Oan’s Shen Zhou Qi Xia continues to resonate decades after publication because of its exploration of morality, identity, and destiny. Readers worldwide have found the hero’s struggle between personal desires and collective duty both universal and timeless. The adaptation gives long-time fans a visual canvas for cherished chapters while offering newcomers an accessible entry point into wuxia literature.
The Hero’s Dual Identity
Xiao Mingming’s soul connection with Xiao Qiushui allows the story to examine identity on multiple levels. One represents the dreamer from the real world, and the other the archetypal hero within fiction. This dual narrative creates philosophical questions: Are we shaped by the stories we love, or do we shape the stories themselves by believing in them?
Philosophy of Honor and Sacrifice
At the heart of The Journey of Legend lies a meditation on honor and sacrifice. Characters repeatedly face decisions where personal happiness is weighed against loyalty to their sect or devotion to family. This tension gives the series emotional weight, as audiences witness heroes grow through painful but necessary choices. In a world filled with ambition and betrayal, the commitment to higher ideals remains a guiding light.
Villains with Depth and Nuance
The antagonists in The Journey of Legend are not simple obstacles but layered characters with tragic backstories. Many villains believe they are pursuing justice, even if their means are questionable. This complexity allows viewers to empathize with their struggles, creating a gray area between good and evil that elevates the series beyond cliché heroics.
The Role of Martial Brotherhoods
Brotherhood and camaraderie are essential themes. The bonds between martial sect members reflect loyalty, betrayal, and the fragile trust that sustains communities. These relationships are tested under pressure, forcing characters to choose between blood ties, friendship, and the pursuit of righteousness. The depiction of martial brotherhoods enriches the story with emotional realism.
Romance Interwoven with Destiny
The romantic elements of the story are not secondary but deeply tied to the hero’s growth. Love in The Journey of Legend acts as both a source of strength and vulnerability. Gulnazar’s character embodies independence and depth, and her relationship with Cheng Yi’s character illustrates how intimacy can survive even in a world dominated by conflict and uncertainty.
Visual Symbolism in Battle Scenes
The fight choreography doubles as visual storytelling. A duel on a rain-soaked bridge symbolizes cleansing and renewal; a fight beneath cherry blossoms represents fleeting beauty amid violence. These symbolic layers elevate the series into art, where martial arts become a language for emotions and philosophy.
Legacy of the Directors
Directors Ren Haitao and Lin Feng bring distinct strengths to the project. Ren is known for emotional depth in dramas, while Lin specializes in dynamic pacing and action. Their collaboration ensures balance: the series flows seamlessly between moments of quiet introspection and bursts of kinetic energy. This dual-director system reflects the duality at the story’s core.
Supporting Cast and Rising Stars
Beyond the leads, the ensemble cast includes veteran actors and rising stars of Chinese drama. These supporting roles flesh out the martial world with scheming sect leaders, loyal disciples, and wandering warriors who enrich the narrative. Their arcs contribute texture, showing how every life is touched by the clash of ideals within the martial landscape.
Use of Nature as a Character
Mountains, rivers, and forests are not merely backdrops but active participants in the journey. Nature tests the endurance of the characters, shelters them during moments of despair, and reflects their internal struggles. In this sense, the environment becomes an unspoken character, amplifying the grandeur and spirituality of the tale.
International Anticipation and Streaming Buzz
Even before release, the show has been trending on international fan forums and streaming communities. Anticipation is especially high among global C-drama audiences who crave high-quality wuxia series with subtitles. The series is set to become one of the major global gateways to wuxia culture in 2025.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The production team carefully balances historical authenticity with innovative filmmaking. Traditional martial arts techniques are taught to the cast, while modern CGI enhances large-scale battles. This fusion ensures that the series respects its roots while appealing to younger audiences accustomed to sleek visuals.
Emotional Core of Father-Son Relationships
At its heart, the story also examines generational legacies. Relationships between fathers and sons, mentors and disciples, highlight the struggles of passing wisdom across time. These connections add a poignant emotional layer that grounds the fantastical elements in universal human experience.
Women Warriors in the Martial World
Female fighters are given significant agency within the story. They are not sidekicks but decision-makers and leaders who shape the political and emotional landscape. Their presence enriches the series by showing that the martial path is not limited by gender but by courage and determination.
Exploring Betrayal and Redemption
Betrayal is a recurring motif that challenges characters to reconcile with grief and loss. Redemption arcs follow, as even those who stray from the path of righteousness are given chances to atone. These cycles of betrayal and forgiveness deepen the moral complexity of the series, making it emotionally resonant.
Global Appeal of Martial Arts Storytelling
The timeless allure of martial arts is its universality. Themes of discipline, honor, and justice transcend cultural boundaries. The Journey of Legend stands poised to introduce international audiences to a new wave of Chinese storytelling, much as kung fu cinema captivated global viewers decades ago.
The Journey as Metaphor
On a symbolic level, the protagonist’s journey represents every individual’s struggle to reconcile fantasy and reality. Xiao Mingming’s escape into his hero’s world mirrors how we all turn to stories for strength. His eventual transformation suggests that the values we admire in fiction can guide our real lives if we embody them with courage.
Potential for Future Seasons
Though currently planned as a single 40-episode arc, the expansive universe leaves room for spin-offs or sequels. If the series finds success globally, streaming platforms may commission further stories in the same wuxia world, continuing the exploration of martial brotherhood, destiny, and heroism.
Impact on 2025’s Drama Landscape
The Journey of Legend is positioned to be one of 2025’s defining series. Its combination of literary roots, star power, and global marketing gives it the potential to influence how Chinese dramas are received internationally. If successful, it could set a new benchmark for quality in the wuxia genre and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Journey of Legend (2025)
What is The Journey of Legend (2025) about?
The Journey of Legend (2025) is a wuxia fantasy series based on Woon Swee Oan’s novel. It follows Xiao Mingming, a modern youth who enters the world of his favorite hero, Xiao Qiushui, exploring martial arts, honor, and destiny.
Who are the lead actors in The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The series stars Cheng Yi as Xiao Mingming/Xiao Qiushui and Gulnazar as the female lead, along with a talented supporting cast of rising Chinese drama stars.
When will The Journey of Legend (2025) be released?
The official release date for The Journey of Legend (2025) has not been announced yet, but it is confirmed for 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting news from iQiyi.
How many episodes does The Journey of Legend (2025) have?
The drama is planned to have 40 episodes, giving ample time for deep storytelling, martial arts duels, and emotional character arcs.
Who directed The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The series is co-directed by Ren Haitao and Lin Feng, blending emotional depth with high-paced wuxia action sequences.
Is The Journey of Legend (2025) based on a novel?
Yes, the drama is adapted from Woon Swee Oan’s celebrated novel Shen Zhou Qi Xia, a beloved classic in the wuxia genre.
What genre is The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The series is a blend of historical fantasy, wuxia, romance, and adventure, with strong philosophical undertones.
Which streaming platform will host The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The series is confirmed to stream on iQiyi, one of China’s leading digital entertainment platforms.
What language is The Journey of Legend (2025) in?
The drama is filmed in Mandarin Chinese, but international subtitles are expected once it streams globally.
Why is The Journey of Legend (2025) so highly anticipated?
It combines a famous novel, a strong cast, and modern production values. For wuxia fans, it promises to be one of the most ambitious dramas of 2025.
What makes The Journey of Legend (2025) different from other wuxia dramas?
Unlike many wuxia dramas, this one introduces a dual-identity hero, blending a modern perspective with a traditional martial arts epic.
Will The Journey of Legend (2025) be available outside China?
Yes, iQiyi typically provides subtitles in English and other languages, ensuring international fans can enjoy The Journey of Legend (2025).
What themes are explored in The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The drama explores themes of honor, sacrifice, identity, love, betrayal, and the eternal quest for justice in the martial world.
Who wrote the script for The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The screenplay is adapted by writer Zheng Wen, staying faithful to the spirit of the original novel while adding cinematic depth.
Is The Journey of Legend (2025) suitable for international audiences?
Yes, the universal themes of courage, love, and resilience make it appealing worldwide, much like past wuxia classics that gained global fans.
Does The Journey of Legend (2025) include romance?
Yes, romance is a central element of the story, providing emotional depth and personal stakes for the characters’ journeys.
How accurate is the historical setting in The Journey of Legend (2025)?
The series is not strictly historical but instead blends period aesthetics with fantasy elements, characteristic of the wuxia genre.
Are the fight scenes in The Journey of Legend (2025) realistic?
The fight choreography balances authentic martial arts techniques with stylized, cinematic wuxia action for maximum impact.
Where was The Journey of Legend (2025) filmed?
The drama was filmed in scenic Chinese provinces, utilizing mountains, rivers, and historic towns to create an authentic martial world setting.
Will The Journey of Legend (2025) have a sequel?
While not confirmed, the expansive universe and depth of the source material leave open the possibility of sequels or spin-offs.
Is The Journey of Legend (2025) connected to other dramas?
No, it is a standalone adaptation, though it shares thematic DNA with other wuxia dramas adapted from classic literature.
What age group is The Journey of Legend (2025) suitable for?
The series is appropriate for teens and adults due to its action and mature themes. It may not be ideal for very young audiences.
How long is each episode of The Journey of Legend (2025)?
Episodes are expected to run for about 45 minutes each, the standard length for Chinese historical fantasy dramas.
Why should I watch The Journey of Legend (2025)?
If you enjoy epic storytelling, martial arts, and powerful emotional arcs, The Journey of Legend (2025) is a must-watch drama of the year.
Where can I find more information about The Journey of Legend (2025)?
You can visit the official IMDb page for updates, or follow news on iQiyi.
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