The World of Fantasy (2021): Exploring the Mystical Universe of Chinese Xianxia Drama
Quick Summary (for featured snippet):
The World of Fantasy (灵域 / Ling Yu) is a 2021 Chinese fantasy drama starring Fan Chengcheng and Cheng Xiao. Adapted from Ni Cang Tian’s popular web novel, this 36-episode xianxia series follows Qin Lie, a young man who embarks on a dangerous cultivation journey after discovering a mysterious artifact that holds the secret to his forgotten past. With its stunning visuals, complex worldbuilding, and idol-driven cast, the drama earned both praise and criticism for its ambitious execution.
Introduction: When Fantasy Meets Fate
There’s something uniquely captivating about Chinese fantasy dramas. They transport viewers to worlds filled with celestial beings, magical realms, and profound moral lessons about destiny, loyalty, and personal growth. Among these series, The World of Fantasy (2021) — known in Chinese as 灵域 (Ling Yu) — stands out for its dreamlike setting and emotionally charged story.
Released in early 2021, the show promised an epic blend of mysticism, romance, and martial arts, adapted from one of China’s most beloved online novels. While it didn’t escape criticism, it managed to leave an impression on fans of the xianxia genre — and even attracted international viewers through streaming platforms like iQIYI and Apple TV.
So, what makes The World of Fantasy worth watching? Let’s dive into its origins, characters, production details, fan reactions, and how it fits into the broader landscape of Chinese fantasy television.
What Is The World of Fantasy About?
At its core, The World of Fantasy tells the story of Qin Lie, a young man living in a world divided by realms, clans, and spiritual hierarchies. He possesses a mysterious item called the Soul Suppressing Orb, which ties directly to his fragmented memories and hidden identity.
As Qin Lie embarks on his cultivation journey, he becomes entangled in wars between spiritual domains and meets Ling Yushi, a strong-willed and compassionate woman who becomes his ally and love interest. Their fates intertwine through battles, betrayals, and discoveries that challenge everything they thought they knew.
The drama uses classic xianxia elements — mystical sects, ancient beasts, enchanted weapons, and spiritual ascension — but also layers in a personal story about rediscovering oneself and confronting destiny.
From Web Novel to Screen: The Journey of Adaptation
Like many Chinese fantasy dramas, The World of Fantasy started as a web novel by Ni Cang Tian. The novel was already a hit online, attracting millions of readers and building a loyal fanbase who loved its deep lore and character arcs.
However, translating such a sprawling universe into 36 TV episodes was no small task. Producers had to make tough decisions — compressing storylines, merging characters, and simplifying cultivation systems that were far more detailed in the book.
This led to a common challenge with adaptations: staying faithful to the source while keeping the pace suitable for television audiences. Fans of the original novel noticed that certain subplots were cut or altered, which caused some backlash. Yet, for newcomers to the story, the streamlined narrative made it easier to follow.
The adaptation retained the essence of the novel’s world but leaned heavily into visual storytelling and emotional drama, appealing to a broader, younger audience familiar with idol-driven shows.
Cast and Characters: A Star-Fueled Fantasy
One of the biggest draws of The World of Fantasy was its casting lineup — a mix of popular idols and rising actors that brought a modern energy to the traditional fantasy setting.
🔹 Fan Chengcheng as Qin Lie
Known as a member of the idol group NEXT and younger brother to actress Fan Bingbing, Fan Chengcheng took on his first major leading role here. His portrayal of Qin Lie — a character caught between confusion and destiny — showcased both his charisma and potential as an actor. While some critics noted that his performance felt “raw” in early episodes, others praised his emotional growth throughout the series.
🔹 Cheng Xiao as Ling Yushi
Cheng Xiao, a former member of the K-pop group WJSN (Cosmic Girls), brought grace and strength to her role as Ling Yushi. Her elegant martial arts choreography and expressive acting helped anchor the romantic and emotional core of the story.
🔹 Supporting Cast
The drama also features Liu Yitong, Nie Zihao, and several strong supporting actors who flesh out the intricate world of sect politics, rivalries, and mentorship. Together, the ensemble cast contributes to the layered storytelling that fans of the genre love.
Behind the Scenes: Direction, Cinematography, and Production
Directed by Liang Guoguan and Jones Ma (Wah-Kon Ma), the series aims for a cinematic experience — rich with sweeping landscapes, elaborate costumes, and supernatural battle sequences.
🎬 Visuals and Aesthetics
One of the show’s strengths lies in its visual composition. From shimmering palaces to floating islands, every frame feels like a painting. The color palette shifts with mood — from warm earthy tones during emotional scenes to glowing blues and silvers in high-cultivation battles.
🥋 Action and Martial Arts
The fight choreography blends traditional wire-work with modern visual effects, creating a dynamic viewing experience. Some scenes, especially Qin Lie’s energy cultivation battles, evoke comparisons to major hits like The Untamed or Ever Night.
🎧 Sound and Score
The background music amplifies the drama’s epic scale. Traditional instruments like guqin and erhu merge with modern orchestration, making the soundtrack emotionally resonant.
What Works: The Strengths That Fans Love
1. Breathtaking Visuals
Even critics who found fault with the story praised the production design. The elaborate costumes, magical landscapes, and glowing spiritual effects make The World of Fantasy a visual treat.
2. Dynamic Action
For fans of martial arts fantasy, the fight scenes deliver energy and creativity. Each battle has a distinct rhythm, balancing visual spectacle with emotional stakes.
3. Magnetic Chemistry
Fan Chengcheng and Cheng Xiao’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable. Their subtle emotional exchanges and growing bond make the romance subplot more engaging.
4. Modern Accessibility
Unlike older, slower-paced xianxia dramas, The World of Fantasy feels modern and fast-moving — ideal for younger viewers or those new to the genre.
What Doesn’t Work: The Weak Spots
1. Condensed Storytelling
To fit the novel into a TV format, major storylines were cut. As a result, the worldbuilding sometimes feels thin or confusing, especially in early episodes.
2. Uneven Pacing
Some episodes rush through key revelations, while others linger on side plots. This inconsistency occasionally breaks immersion.
3. Mixed Acting Quality
While the leads shine visually, some secondary performances feel underdeveloped. Idol casting brings star power but can sometimes sacrifice depth in emotional scenes.
4. Critic Reception
On Douban, China’s popular review site, the series holds mixed ratings (around 5.9–7.2). Many viewers praised its visuals but criticized its uneven script and editing.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The drama sparked vibrant discussions across Weibo, Douban, and international forums. Idol fans rallied behind Fan Chengcheng, celebrating his acting debut, while web-novel purists debated how faithfully the show captured Ni Cang Tian’s original vision.
On streaming platforms like iQIYI, The World of Fantasy attracted a large young audience, many of whom appreciated its accessible approach to the xianxia genre. International viewers, especially those following Chinese dramas via subtitles, praised the show for its aesthetics and fast-paced storytelling.
Despite divided opinions, the series undeniably expanded Fan Chengcheng’s career and showcased Cheng Xiao’s growing reputation as one of the most promising young actresses in the industry.
The Themes Beneath the Magic
What keeps The World of Fantasy interesting isn’t just the action — it’s the human story behind the cultivation journey.
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Identity & Memory: Qin Lie’s amnesia becomes a metaphor for self-discovery. As he regains his memories, he learns what it means to be human and powerful.
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Fate vs Free Will: The series questions whether destiny defines us or if we can shape it through our choices.
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Loyalty & Betrayal: The friendships and sect rivalries mirror real-life struggles — who to trust, when to forgive, and how to stay true to one’s path.
These universal themes are why xianxia dramas continue to resonate across cultures. They mix fantasy with philosophy, offering lessons hidden beneath dazzling visuals.
How It Fits into the Modern Xianxia Landscape
To understand The World of Fantasy’s place in Chinese television, it helps to compare it with other major xianxia hits:
| Drama | Year | Strengths | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Untamed | 2019 | Deep emotional storytelling, strong acting | Focus on brotherhood & cultivation |
| Eternal Love (Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms) | 2017 | Romance-centered mythology | Mythic romance like Ling Yushi’s arc |
| The World of Fantasy | 2021 | Visual spectacle, idol casting | Accessible modern xianxia |
| Immortal Samsara | 2022 | Rich worldbuilding, divine love | More refined pacing |
While The World of Fantasy may not reach the narrative depth of The Untamed, it stands out for being a gateway drama — easy to watch, visually satisfying, and appealing to newcomers discovering Chinese fantasy for the first time.
Where to Watch The World of Fantasy
As of now, the drama is available on major streaming platforms such as iQIYI, Apple TV, and several international sites that carry Chinese series. Availability may differ by region, so it’s best to check your local catalog or use official streaming apps.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re unfamiliar with the novel, try reading a short synopsis or fan wiki before watching. It helps you follow the story’s cultivation logic more easily.