This August, it looks like we’ll have 5 costume dramas going head-to-head. Some already announced and a couple still rumored for the last leg of summer dramas in China.
Legend of the Female General
Release Date: August 6, 2025 (Hunan TV, Tencent WeTV, Mango TV)
Legend of the Female General follows a female general with a gentle appearance but a strong inner spirit, and a male general with a cold exterior and internal but with stronger martial prowess. The two join forces to combat deceit, assist the weak, and eliminate external threats.
It is adapted from the web novel Rebirth of a Star General (重生之女将星) by Qian Shan Cha Ke (千山茶客), the author behind the hit drama The Double. The show starring Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei was reportedly scheduled to air earlier this year, but was postponed after supporting actor Li Mingde’s controversy, which has led to his role as Cheng Li Su being replaced by actor Li Qing. It also stars Zhang Kangle, Zhang Miaoyi, Bai Shu and Rao Jiadi.
Moonlit Reunion
Release Date: August 18, 2025 (Tencent)
Based on The Daily Life Of Mei Furen Doting On Her Husband (梅夫人宠夫日常) by Fu Hua (扶华), Moonlit Reunion brings a blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy. By day, the Tang Dynasty bustles with prosperity. By night, it transforms into a secretive demon world. Mei Zhuyu, a righteous court official, and Wu Zhen, a flirtatious county princess, are forced into marriage—only to discover they’re destined opponents in a supernatural realm.
Xu Kai takes on a dual identity as a demon-slaying master by night, while Tian Xiwei’s character hides her own a “catty” secret.
The Wanted Detective
Release Date: August 1, 2025 (iQIYI)
Set in the Northern Song era, this mystery-driven drama follows Xiao Beiming, a top detective framed for treason on his wedding day. Three years later, he returns—secretly ill but determined—to uncover the truth behind his betrayal.
It’s expected to feature seven cases with a main plot tying everything together. The detective ensemble cast is led by Wang Xingyue and Xiang Hanzhi.
When Destiny Brings the Demon
Release Date: August 16, 2025 (Youku)
Adapted from yet another novel by author Fu Yu, When Destiny Brings the Demon follows Liao Tingyan who accidentally enters the world of immortals and meets Sima Jiao, a powerful yet apathetic immortal sealed for 500 years. Though Sima Jiao wants nothing more than to live like a “salted fish” (someone who simply wants to do nothing), Liao Tingyan slowly inspires him to change. As they grow closer, they face a love-hate journey that spans across lifetimes. It stars Chen Feiyu and Wang Yinglu.
Shadow Love
Release Date: August 24, 2025 (iQIYI)
Adapted from a novel by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, Shadow Love follows Li Shuang, a female general, who takes in an amnesiac man she found by chance, and names him Jin An. However, he is actually the prince of an enemy state. It stars Song Yi and Cheng Lei.
Girl94
I like this dual identity story in Moonlit reunion. Waitinf for this one.