Introduction: A Mythical Romance Bridging Cultures
In an era where fantasy dramas dominate global streaming platforms, The Legend of Chasing Fish (追鱼传奇) stands as a 2013 Chinese gem that reimagines classical folklore with modern sensibilities. Starring Zhao Liying, Guan Zhijin, and Ding Zijun, this 38-episode series merges aquatic mythology, political intrigue, and cross-species romance into a visually stunning narrative. While Western audiences are familiar with mermaid tales like The Little Mermaid, this drama offers a uniquely Eastern perspective on love transcending biological boundaries—a theme amplified by Zhao Liying’s breakout performance that propelled her to superstardom in China .
Plot Overview: When Mortals Meet Mythology
Set in the Song Dynasty, the story revolves around Hongling (Zhao Liying), a mischievous carp spirit who takes human form to experience earthly life. Her fate intertwines with Zhang Zhen (Guan Zhijin), a scholar caught in a conspiracy involving his aristocratic fiancée Jin Mudan (Ding Zijun’s sister, played by Dai Jiaoqian). The drama escalates when Hongling impersonates Jin Mudan to protect Zhang Zhen, triggering a chain of events involving:
- A magical identity swap with cosmic consequences
- A vengeful dragon prince seeking retribution
- Court politics threatening the human-spirit truce
Unlike Western mermaid stories focused on self-sacrifice, The Legend of Chasing Fish explores mutual growth: Hongling learns humanity’s complexities, while Zhang Zhen challenges rigid social hierarchies through their bond .
3 Reasons This Drama Resonates Globally
- Zhao Liying’s Career-Defining Performance
As Hongling, Zhao balances childlike wonder and emotional depth—a role demanding:
- Physicality: Her aquatic movements (floating sleeves, fluid gestures) mimic carp swimming
- Emotional Range: From comedic fish-out-of-water moments to tearful sacrifices in later episodes
- Cultural Symbolism: Red costumes symbolizing both carp scales and bridal traditions
This role cemented Zhao’s reputation as China’s “Drama Queen,” foreshadowing her later hits like The Story of Ming Lan. International viewers will recognize her nuanced acting style, comparable to Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys in Game of Thrones but rooted in Chinese operatic traditions.
- Guan Zhijin and Ding Zijun’s Contrasting Masculinities
- Guan Zhijun as Zhang Zhen: A departure from toxic masculinity tropes, his scholar embodies Confucian ideals—compassionate yet principled. His chemistry with Zhao Liying drives the plot’s emotional core.
- Ding Zijun as Dragon Prince: A morally gray antagonist whose vendetta against humans mirrors Loki’s complexity. His icy demeanor and ornate silver armor create a visual counterpoint to Zhang Zhen’s earthy robes.
Their rivalry reflects Eastern philosophy’s yin-yang duality, offering international audiences fresh perspectives on heroism and villainy.
- Aesthetic Innovation in Costume and Set Design
The production team blended historical accuracy with fantasy elements:
- Underwater Palaces: CGI-enhanced sets inspired by Song Dynasty ceramics and Ming Dynasty lacquerware
- Spirit Realm Fashion: Translucent veils and hairpins shaped like waves for aquatic beings
- Mortals’ Attire: Jin Mudan’s gold-embroidered gowns contrast with Hongling’s simpler red dresses, visually tracking her transformation from spirit to “human.”
Cultural Deep Dive: How This Drama Reinvents Folklore
Adapted from the Yue Opera Chasing the Fish (追鱼), the series modernizes its source material through:
- Gender Role Subversion
Unlike passive Western mermaids, Hongling:
- Initiates romance by saving Zhang Zhen repeatedly
- Outsmarts male antagonists using spiritual powers
- Rejects the “tragic lover” trope by choosing self-discovery over mere matrimony
- Daoist-Buddhist Syncretism
Key themes reflect Eastern spiritual concepts:
- Karmic Debt: Hongling’s actions trigger karmic repercussions across human and spirit realms
- Non-Attachment: The dragon prince’s arc mirrors Buddhist teachings about releasing grudges
- Wu Xing (Five Elements): Battle scenes incorporate water vs. fire symbolism
- Musical Storytelling
The soundtrack integrates traditional instruments:
- Guzheng zither during romantic sequences
- Pipa lute for suspenseful moments
- Original ballad “Carp in the Lotus Pond” blending pop and opera styles
Why Global Audiences Should Watch in 2023
- Streaming Accessibility: Available with English subtitles on platforms like Viki and YouTube
- Short Episode Format: 38 episodes (45 mins each) vs. typical 70+ episode C-dramas
- Relevance to Modern Themes:
- Environmental allegory (human exploitation of water spirits ≈ pollution)
- Identity fluidity in the digital age
Conclusion: A Gateway to Chinese Mythological Storytelling
-The Legend of Chasing Fish* (2013) offers more than a love story—it’s a vibrant cultural tapestry weaving together Zhao Liying’s charm, Guan Zhijin’s idealism, and Ding Zijun’s intensity. For viewers seeking alternatives to Western fantasy tropes, this drama provides:
- A fresh take on interspecies romance
- Visually rich historical-fantasy worldbuilding
- Philosophical depth beneath its entertaining surface
As China’s soft power grows, understanding its narrative traditions through works like this becomes crucial. Hongling’s journey from a curious carp to a self-aware being mirrors the global viewer’s own voyage into Chinese storytelling—a transformation as rewarding as it is unforgettable.