Exploring the Wuxia World of Listening Snow Tower: A Chinese Drama Review
Listening Snow Tower (听雪楼), a 2019 Chinese wuxia drama, is a captivating blend of martial arts, romance, and tragedy that has left an impression on fans of the genre. Adapted from Cang Yue’s novel of the same name, this 56-episode series, which aired on Tencent Video from May 6 to June 13, 2019, immerses viewers in the turbulent pugilistic world of jianghu. Starring Qin Junjie as Xiao Yiqing and Yuan Bingyan as Shu Jingrong, the drama weaves a tale of love, loyalty, and vengeance against the backdrop of stunning martial arts choreography and intricate storytelling. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this drama a must-watch for wuxia enthusiasts, along with some of its highs and lows.
A Tale of Love and Vengeance
Listening Snow Tower follows Xiao Yiqing, the young master of the titular Listening Snow Tower, a martial arts sect tasked with maintaining balance in the jianghu. Known as a “dragon among men” for his exceptional martial arts prowess, Xiao Yiqing (Qin Junjie) is a strategic yet chronically ill leader determined to restore his sect’s former glory. His journey intertwines with Shu Jingrong (Yuan Bingyan), the daughter of the infamous “Blood Demon” Shu Xuewei, who is orphaned after her father is manipulated by the sinister Moon Sect leader, Hua Lian (Jessica Hsuan), using a sacred bell to control his mind. This tragic event sets the stage for Shu Jingrong’s quest for vengeance as she wields her father’s Blood Rose Sword and joins forces with Xiao Yiqing to combat the Moon Sect’s poisonous influence.
The drama’s heart lies in the evolving relationship between Xiao Yiqing and Shu Jingrong. Their romance is a slow burn, fraught with misunderstandings, trust issues, and the weight of their respective burdens. Shu Jingrong, trained under the martial artist Bai Di alongside her martial brothers Qinglan and Qingyu, grapples with a cursed fate that brings misfortune to those she loves. This adds a layer of emotional depth to her character, though some viewers have criticized her portrayal as weaker than her novel counterpart, who was a formidable swordswoman. Xiao Yiqing, meanwhile, balances his leadership duties with his Jue Yin disease, which doesn’t hinder his breathtaking martial arts skills but adds a tragic edge to his character.
Strengths: Visuals and Martial Arts
One of the standout features of Listening Snow Tower is its martial arts choreography, which harkens back to the classic wuxia dramas of the 1980s and 1990s. Filmed at Hengdian World Studios over six months (January 28 to July 31, 2018), a quarter of the drama’s 1,142 scenes are dedicated to action sequences, showcasing traditional Chinese martial arts with influences from Chinese calligraphy. The cast underwent rigorous training in wushu, wirework, and horseback riding, resulting in fast-paced, beautifully executed fight scenes that feel both nostalgic and thrilling. Fans have praised sequences like the rain-soaked umbrella fight for their vibrant color contrasts and intensity, making them a visual feast.
The drama’s production quality is another highlight. The architecture of the Listening Snow Tower, with its elegant blend of Star Wars-esque imperial grandeur and Lord of the Rings-inspired elven aesthetics, creates a visually stunning backdrop. The cinematography captures sweeping landscapes and intricate set designs, while the soundtrack complements the drama’s emotional and action-packed moments. For viewers who enjoy the aesthetic allure of wuxia, Listening Snow Tower delivers in spades.
Mixed Reception: Plot and Character Challenges
Despite its strengths, Listening Snow Tower has faced criticism, particularly from fans of the novel. The drama deviates significantly from Cang Yue’s source material, which is known for its tragic ending where both Xiao Yiqing and Shu Jingrong die young after turning against each other due to misunderstandings. The drama, however, opts for a happier resolution, which some fans appreciated but others felt betrayed the novel’s emotional weight. Additionally, the plot has been criticized for its lack of clarity, ambiguous world-building, and weak subplots, with some viewers finding the pacing uneven—fast and engaging in the first half but dragging in the second.
Shu Jingrong’s character has been a particular point of contention. While the novel portrays her as a powerful fighter, the drama presents her as more dependent and less skilled, often losing fights and needing rescue. This shift frustrated some viewers who expected a stronger female lead. Similarly, Xiao Yiqing’s decision to push Shu Jingrong away—ostensibly to make her stronger—has been called manipulative, with some arguing it undermines their relationship. The lack of communication between the leads, coupled with persistent misunderstandings, can test viewers’ patience, though the drama’s final twist reveals some of these tensions as a ruse to deceive the Moon Sect.
Comparisons and Appeal
Fans of Legend of Fuyao may find Listening Snow Tower a natural follow-up due to similarities in tone and action, with some viewers likening Xiao Yiqing to Wuji and Shu Jingrong to Fuyao. However, the drama’s faster pace makes it less suited for those who prefer slower, more introspective stories. With a 7.7 rating on MyDramaList (based on 2,297 user scores), it ranks #4130 in popularity, reflecting a dedicated but niche audience. Its 56 episodes, each 45 minutes long, demand commitment but offer a rich wuxia experience for those willing to dive in.
Should You Watch It?
Listening Snow Tower is a visually spectacular wuxia drama with stellar martial arts and a compelling, if flawed, central romance. It’s ideal for viewers who love action-packed stories, intricate jianghu politics, and a touch of tragic romance, especially if you’re a fan of Crystal Yuan or Qin Junjie’s performances. However, those sensitive to plot inconsistencies, angst-heavy relationships, or deviations from source material may find it less satisfying. If you’re new to wuxia or enjoyed Legend of Fuyao, this drama is worth a try—perhaps followed by a binge of Fuyao itself.
