The Legend of Liu Shan Men (2016)

The Legend of Liu Shan Men 六扇门传奇 is a detective wuxia focusing on an investigative bureau in the Ming Dynasty called Liu Shan Men. It follows the likes of The Four and Detective Dee, so if you like crime-solving dramas...

Raymond Lam 林峯 plays Shen Li Xing, a deputy of Liu Shan Men and the son of the head honcho. Dilraba Dilmurat 迪丽热巴 as Su Yi Qing breaks from her typical bright and sunny roles as she portrays a cool calm and highly-skilled martial artist who works for Qi Wang played by Alex Fong 方中信. The series premieres Jun 20 on QQ.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 cdrama listings.

Source: 21cn

The Three Heroes and Five Gallants (2016)

Set in the Song Dynasty, The Three Heroes and Five Gallants 五鼠闹东京 is a detective wuxia centering around one of the heroes Zhan Zhao against the Five Gallants aka five heroic mice. It is adapted from a Qing Dynasty novel written by Shi Yu Kun, which inspired a more well-known version titled Seven Heroes and Five Gallants, a novel that has been remade into film many times before.

I honestly don't know why I continue to drop pop cultural references but I can't help but see it a la Batman v Superman or even a metaphorical Tom and Jerry, wuxia style. Kevin Yan Kuan (New Xiao Shi Yi Lang) and Chen Xiao (Romance of the Condor Heroes) in the lead roles of Zhan Zhao vs Bai Yu Tang is to watch for because it's so rare for the viewers and the production team to unanimously agree on casting choices and in this instance, it was so on point. 

As an imperial guard, the righteous Zhan Zhao is somewhat of a straight arrow compared to the mischievous Bai Yu Tang. While both are polar opposites in every sense, they are undisputedly heroes in their own right. Yet the fangirl in me can't resist the deviant charms of the latter and with Chen Xiao as the actor (>.< happiness). 

The ending song is mildly reminiscent of a 90's theme song and it's called Bu Ru Huai Nian 不如怀念 by Chen Chu Sheng 陈楚生.

For synopsis, cast and other info, check out my 2016 Chinese historical dramas.

Source: Huaxunnsw

Braveness of the Ming

Braveness of the Ming 锦衣夜行 is yet another novel-turned-drama adaptation that also adds to the growing list of Korean-Chinese drama crossovers. It stars k-actress Park Min Young and c-actor Zhang Han in a 30-episode Chinese drama set during the Ming Dynasty. Coincidentally, Suzy from Miss A was initially offered the role but declined due to scheduling conflicts. Am I the only one making a connection to Lee Min Ho?

Zhang Han's character in the drama is a commoner who becomes a Jin Yi Wei 錦衣衛, often recognized in pop culture as blade-wielding secret assassins that take orders from the king. Park Min Young will play his lover and future wife and is looking stunningly awesome in ancient garb.

For synopsis, cast and other info, check out my 2016 Chinese wuxia recommendations.

Source: Shangc.net, BZ55, Yesky