Michelle Topham 
Chinese Title: 聊斋 (Liáo Zhāi)
English Title: Liao Zhai
Also Known As: Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio
Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance
Episodes: 40
Director: Sha Wei Qi (Twelve Letters)
Screenwriter: Peng Liang
Plot Synopsis
Liao Zhai is a modern TV adaptation inspired by the classic Qing-era anthology Liao Zhai Zhi Yi (Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio) by Pu Songling.
Rather than following a single continuous storyline, the series is structured as six stand-alone supernatural tales, each blending elements of myth, humanity, love, and otherworldly encounters.
Viewers can expect a world where fox spirits, the Judge of the Underworld, animated objects, and ghostly figures interact with humans, while weaving stories that explore desire, loyalty, tragedy, and the blurred boundary between life and the afterlife.
Main Cast & Characters
Lead Cast
- Zhang Miao Yi as Xi Yue
- Chang Hua Sen as Xia Fei Xue
Featured & Guest Cast (Across Stories)
(Each story features unique supporting casts and guest roles.)
- Ye Zu Xin as Pei Zhao Rong
- Jelly Lin as Princess Yao Hua / Chun Hua
- Sebrina Chen as Su Qiu
- Zhang Zhi Xi as Han Qing Yue
- Ma Wen Yuan as Yu Shen
- Li Jia Qi as Zhang Lan Yi
- Chen Ruo Xuan as Zhu Er Dan
- He Shi Yu as Nie Xiao Qian
- Gao Han as Ning Cai Chen
- Song Zu Er as Lao Lao
- Chen Xiao Yun as Xue Dao Wei
- Yang Xi Zi as Ruan Xiao Xie
- Wu Yu Heng as Tao Wang San
- Yang Yu Tong as Qiu Rong
(Additional guest and supporting cast appear across the six distinct story arcs.)
Production Details
Original Source: Liao Zhai Zhi Yi (Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio) by Pu Songling — a foundational collection of supernatural stories blending folklore with social commentary.
Production Companies: Tencent Video (lead producer) and affiliated studios.
Filming for Liao Zhai officially began on April 27, 2025 and wrapped on September 17, 2025.
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes: 40
- Episode Length: 45 minutes
- First Aired / Premiere: (To be announced — likely 2026)
- Original Network / Platform: Tencent Video
As of now, official broadcast dates have not been fully announced.
Where to Watch
China:
- Tencent Video — confirmed as the primary streaming platform for the domestic release.
International Platforms:
- WeTV — very likely, although not yet confirmed.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Anthology Format: Unlike traditional single-story dramas, Liao Zhai adapts multiple supernatural tales — each offering a unique tone and theme, from eerie mystery to bittersweet romance.
- Cultural Roots: Draws directly from one of China’s most enduring collections of ghost stories, beloved across centuries and media formats.
- Rich Cast Lineup: Features a rotating ensemble across story arcs, blending established talent with rising stars
- Blend of Genres: Supernatural, fantasy, mythology, and human emotion come together in ways that explore both the bizarre and the poignant. (
- Anticipation: The series has been listed among Tencent’s Most Anticipated Dramas of 2026.
Articles About Liao Zhai
Liao Zhai character visuals drop – Song Zu Er, He Shi Yu, and Gao Han plus C-drama poster
Liao Zhai grabs 500K reservations – vibrant poster of Chang Hua Sen and Zheng Miao Yi drops
About the Author
