- Drama Title: Love in Pavilion
- Also Known As: 淮水竹亭, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Love in Pavilion, Fox Spirit Matchmaker 2, Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Zhu Ye, Hu Yao Xiao Hong Niang: Zhu Ye Pian, Tu Shan Xiao Hong Niang, Hu Yao Xiao Hong Niang, Huai Shui Zhu Ting
- Director: Du Lin
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Liu Shi Shi, Zhang Yun Long, Wu Xuan Yi, Zhao Xiao Wen, Charles Lin, Peng Xiao Ran
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Date of Release: Apr 28, 2025
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi
- Adapted from the manhua “Hu Yao Xiao Hong Niang” by Tuo Xiao Xin
Dear readers… Ever watched a drama and thought, “Wait, what is that dish they’re eating?” That happened to me too many times, so I decided to do something about it. While watching my latest favorite series, Love in Pavilion and also wrote this drama review, I’ve also started learning how to cook a few classic Chinese dishes at home. Spoiler alert: it’s fun, messy, tasted bad sometimes, but totally worth it.
If you’ve ever wanted to taste what your favorite characters are having, maybe now’s your chance to bring the drama from the screen to the table. But food experiments aside, what really feeds my soul are these dramas. So, while waiting for the soup to boil, why don’t we start with my latest review of this Love in Pavilion? It is one of the Chinese dramas premiered in April 2025. Come on, it’s freshly made! 😉
Read Love in Pavilion drama review and ending explained here:
- Love in Pavilion Drama Review
- Love in Pavilion Ending Explained (will be uploaded soon)
Love in Pavilion Drama Synopsis
In a world where humans and demons coexisted, peace was always just beyond reach. Dongfang Huai Zhu, the eldest daughter of the prestigious Dongfang Clan, carried the heavy weight of her family’s legacy.
Wangquan Hong Ye, the acting leader of the Wangquan Clan, shouldered his own burdens. Yet the two shared the same dream which is a world where humans and demons could live together in harmony.
They first met while cooperating to eliminate a powerful demon lord. Impressed by each other’s composure and strength, they promised to meet again at a bamboo pavilion by the Huai River. That promise marked the beginning of their love story. But their bond would soon be tested.
A sudden surge in demonic unrest threatened to tear the world apart. As chaos spread, Dongfang Huai Zhu and Wangquan Hong Ye were drawn into the storm. Together they had to fight to restore order, defeat evil, and protect the ones they loved.
Love in Pavilion Drama Review
Never have I ever been so confused by a drama. Love in Pavilion is the first. And the problem lies with the cast. Love in Pavilion has a stellar lineup. If you think having Liu Shi Shi and Zhang Yun Long is impressive, just wait.
This drama also features Neo Hou, Ding Yu Xi, Zhai Xiao Wen, Wu Xuan Yi, Shen Yue, Zhang Ruo Nan, Meng Zi Yi, Peng Xiao Ran, Charles Lin, and Cristy Guo. Some appear in supporting roles while others pop up as guest stars.
It makes me feels like walking into an all-you-can-eat buffet and trying to taste everything at once. By the end, your senses are overwhelmed and all you want is a nap. 😁
Too many pretty faces can make you forget about the plot. That’s exactly how I felt while watching this drama. I had a similar experience with Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pact but the storyline there was so bad that I dropped it before episode six.
Love in Pavilion is different. Even though I was constantly distracted by the eye candy, I still managed to follow the plot. Well, maybe I did have to replay a few scenes because I zoned out. But the story is well written, the acting is remarkable, the visuals are stunning and the pacing is fast.
Suddenly you realize you have spent four hours in front of the screen, and you still want to hit next. And then you say to yourself “Just one more episode, I promise…”. That is the biggest lie every drama junkie tells. 🤣
I am sure some of you are curious about the connection between this drama and the first instalment. Love in Pavilion can be seen as a prequel or the Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pact. Dongfang Yuechu from first instalment is actually the son of Dongfang Qin Lan, who is Dongfang Huai Zhu’s sister.
But don’t worry! You don’t need to watch Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pact before diving into this one. Both dramas take place in the same universe, but each story stands strong on its own.
The Story – The Price of Peace
During my binge-watching session, I had to pause for a quick Google search. Can excessive crying actually make you dehydrated? Because honestly, I started this drama expecting light romance and comedy. What I got instead was swollen eyes and a heavy heart.
As I mentioned before, Love in Pavilion has a stellar cast. And the best part of having such a lineup is that no one gives a dissapointing performance. Every actor brings their character to life.
I could feel the joy, love, excitement, peace, and hope as clearly as I felt the heartache, frustration, grief, regret, and loneliness. I cried so hard when Yang Yan (played by the beautiful Zhang Ruo Nan) lost her husband Mu Xiao Wu (played by Chen Ruo Xuan). The helplessness in that moment hit deep and left a lingering ache.
The story of Love in Pavilion reflects what Wangquan Zui once said to Wangquan Hong Ye, “Love and life are alike. Neither is ever smooth sailing.” Some of the dialogue feels incredibly meaningful, like small life lessons wrapped in emotion, perfect for reflection or an Instagram caption.
The main plot focused on the relationship between Dongfang Huai Zhu and Wangquan Hong Ye. However, the story does not only revolve around them. There is also a power struggle and political intrigue within the Yiqi Alliance.
Several secondary couples face their own challenges as well. But the main theme remains the battle between good and evil. It might sound cliché, but what makes this drama different are the unique elements that build the plot.
First, we have equally strong hero and heroine. Wangquan Hong Ye is known as the number one swordsman wielding the strongest sword in the world.
Meanwhile, Dongfang Huai Zhu demonstrates her powerful Divine Fire from the very beginning. They stand side by side in battle because they both possess great power, cleverness, and courage. They are made for each other not only because they are equals in power but also because they share the same vision for the future.
Second, the story opens with a prophecy: “Forsaking emotions, pursuing hatred; eternal night befalls.” These words serve as a warning. It means that if the fight between humans and demons gets worse, there will be no peace.
The biggest villain, The Eternal Night, who feeds on hatred, will emerge. For several episodes, I had no idea who the Eternal Night was. It kept me curious, and as a viewer, that curiosity is a good thing.
Third, if the Yiqi Alliance is like the United Nations, consisting of prominent families working together to protect the world, then The Mask Group is the Chinese fantasy version of the Avengers. The Mask Group consists of younger members from prominent families, brimming with talent and courage.
Unlike the Yiqi Alliance, which is bound by rules and internal conflicts, The Mask Group has more freedom to act. However, their identities are sensitive, so they use masks as a solution. 🎭
The Mask Group has eight members: Wangquan Hong Ye and Wangquan Zui from the Wangquan Clan; Yang Yi Tan from the Yang Clan; Li Zi Zai and Li Qu Zhou from the Li Clan; Qing Mu Yuan from the Qing Clan; Deng Qi Yue from the Deng Clan; and the latest member, Zhang Zheng from the Zhang family. Each member has a unique power.
Their relationships are close and they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses well. The Mask Group does not care about fame or wealth. They genuinely want to make the world better for everyone, regardless of race. I love their scenes. They are like a bunch of mischievous friends who like to tease each other, but when on a mission, they become completely serious.
Dongfang Huai Zhu and Dongfang Qin Lan do not join this group, probably because their personalities and interests differ. Dongfang Huai Zhu is more serious compared to the playful members of The Mask Group, and the Dongfang family members seemed to prefer studying medicine rather than hanging out with friends. But this is just my wild speculation. 🤔
Fourth, just like there are lots of heroes, this drama also has plenty of villains. I divided the drama into several acts, each with its own villains connected to the main antagonist, The Eternal Night.
Not all the villains are demons, some of them are humans. This shows that what truly dangerous is not a scary appearance, but a corrupted heart. Such people can stab you in the back even though they call you friend or family.
There are a few couples in this drama that I think really deserved more screen time. One of them is the Hundred Eyed Demon Lord and Lady Poison, played by Neo Hou and Chen Yu Qi. Their story was intense. He might seem cold and ruthless, but he did everything out of love for her and even risked himself to protect innocent demons and keep peace in Nanchui. I honestly wish we got to see more of their relationship.
Then there’s Yang Yan and Mu Xiao Wu, played by Zhang Ruo Nan and Chen Ruo Xuan. Their love story broke me. They were betrayed by their own family and ended up being separated by death. They only appeared in a few episodes, but their scenes hit so hard. I cried until my eyes were completely swollen. If you’re into tragic love stories, their scenes is definitely worth rewatching.
Sixth, the story has a complex timeline and diverse backgrounds. There are time jumps where Dongfang Huai Zhu, Wangquan Hong Ye, and their friends are transported into the future. The settings shift from Nanchui to Sky City, to Beast Kingdom, to Tushan, and back to their hometown. Each location has its own distinct culture.
Seventh, even the villains have love stories worth remembering. Jia Hou and Jia Lan’s story spans years. After they were separated and Jia Lan lost her physical form, Jia Hou did everything he could to bring her back. When it comes to devotion, Jia Hou definitely takes the prize.
There were so many complicated things that build the story. Yet, I enjoy every single episode. the story also has elements of surprise. Of course I wont reveal the plot twist. Just be prepared for immense heartache. There are deaths in this drama, and the ending is sad. Even now, after writing this review, I still can’t shake the emotional impact.
The Story – Because Some Love Was Meant to Be Felt
If you’re wondering whether this drama has any happy or funny moments, the answer is a big yes!
The first time Dongfang Huai Zhu met Wangquan Hong Ye was so heartwarming. It felt sweet and funny all at once. Even though Dongfang Huai Zhu kept her usual cold and calm look, you could tell she was curious about him. And Wangquan Hong Ye, the guy who’s always so cool and composed, suddenly turned into this peacock trying to show off. It was honestly adorable.
And we can’t forget about the mask. Of all the things he could’ve wore, why did he choose that one? It looked so ridiculous and totally didn’t match his whole cool vibe. Even Dongfang Huai Zhu couldn’t bear to look at it. 🤦🏻♀️
Then we have Mu Mie. He’s super talented but has no sense of direction and a pretty bad memory. This poor boy was just trying to get to the Golden Dawn Inn. He did ask Cuiyu Ming Luan for directions, which was smart. The problem is, he didn’t remember any of it. She told him to walk 1.6 miles north, then 3.3 miles west, then go north past a village, and finally 3.3 miles east.
Sounds doable, right? But Mu Mie ended up walking 15 miles south, crossed three mountains to the west, somehow circled back to where he started, and then did another 15 miles west and three more mountains to the south. It was chaos.
And the funniest part? He has a clairvoyant eye. You’d think that would help him find the right direction. Nope. 🤣
My favorite love story in Love in Pavilion has to be Wangquan Zui and Yang Yi Tan’s. They start out as childhood sweethearts, betrothed from a young age, but find themselves stuck in an emotional stalemate. They clearly like each other.
You can see it in the lingering stares, the blushing, the thoughtful gestures that go way beyond normal friendship, and those distracted looks when they were lost in thoughts about the other. Everyone around them could tell how they felt (well, except for one person who was hilariously oblivious). It got to the point where you just wanted to scream, “Just tell them already!”
Their love story is so pure, so sweet, so genuine, and absolutely heartbreaking. Wangquan Zui and Yang Yi Tan truly love each other, but Yang Yi Tan knows that his situation was not ideal for a future together. And that’s what makes it even more touching.
All the emotion and heart in Love in Pavilion wouldn’t hit the same without the cast’s incredible performances. I have no complaints about it, only praise. The director, Du Lin, did a fantastic job guiding the actors. He also directed Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pact and Love You Seven Times.
And oh… one last thing.
“Those who worry too much are prone to premature aging.”
This quote from Dongfang Huai Zhu now lives rent-free in my brain. 😁😁
The Visual – A Feast for the Eyes
Visually enticing is the best way to describe this drama. The actors and actresses looked absolutely stunning in their costumes. Everything felt just right. You could see it from the flowing fabrics and detailed patterns to the elegant balance between ornate accessories and natural makeup.
The masks looked very intricate! But if I had to pick a favorite part? The hairpins. I’m obsessed with them. The accessories really stood out and added so much charm.
And all of the credit goes to Yi Xiao Ya, the costume designer behind some of the famous dramas, including Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red Moon Pact, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, Love You Seven Times, The Princess and the Werewolf, and Love Between Fairy and Devil (my favorite!).
Then there’s Liu Cheng Yi, the art director. He is the man behind those breathtaking visuals. While I wasn’t a big fan of how the swords looked (The Wangquan Sword seemed a bit too fake), everything else from the intricate set designs to the detailed props had me completely glued to the screen.
Liu Cheng Yi also worked on Melody of the Golden Age (those giant lanterns were unforgettable!), Destiny and Saving, Mysterious Lotus Casebook, The Blood of Youth, Immortal Samsara, and Love and Redemption.
And finally… I saved the best for last. The CGI and animation blew me away. The introduction scene for the Black Fox which delivered as an animation was such a refreshing surprise!
The visual of the Black Fox and its swirling black fog was done so well. Honestly, this is one of the rare dramas where the special effects didn’t disappoint. Huge shoutout to the entire production team. You nailed it! 👏🏻
Love in Pavilion Characters
Dongfang Huai Zhu (Played by Liu Shi Shi)
Dongfang Huai Zhu is the eldest daughter of the Dongfang Clan from the Divine Fire Villa. As a direct descendant, her greatest strength lies in the Divine Fire that runs through her spiritual blood. Her sister, Dongfang Qin Lan, also carries this power. But not as strongly as Dongfang Huai Zhu.
The Divine Fire can purify poison, slaying demons, and much more. It’s an incredibly versatile ability that useful in almost any situation. The mark on her forehead isn’t just for cosmetic purpose. It’s a real symbol of the Divine Fire. One unique trait among the women of the Dongfang Clan is the ability to pass down their spiritual power to their descendants.
Dongfang Huai Zhu is calm and composed by nature. She’s gentle when at peace, soft-hearted, yet quietly stubborn. When facing strangers or new situations, she often appears serious and distant.
But after meeting Wangquan Hong Ye, she gradually opens up and becomes more approachable. She always carries a green jade bamboo flute. She choose it as her weapon because she finds it beautiful.
Wangquan Hong Ye (Played by Zhang Yun Long)
Wangquan Hong Ye is the acting leader of the Wangquan Clan. This is the strongest clan, known for its powerful swordsmanship and the legendary Wangquan Sword which is the strongest weapon in the world.
The sword vanished along with his father’s disappearance. However, since Wangquan Hong Ye is recognized as the strongest swordsman alive, no one suspects that the sword he carries is just a replica.
Beneath his flawless appearance, Wangquan Hong Ye is intelligent, sharp, and highly strategic. Both he and his sister are considered the brightest talents of their generation within the clan. In public, he maintains a calm and composed demeanor, as expected from the leader of the Yiqi Alliance.
It is a position of immense power and responsibility. Many coveting this position and they would do anything to have it. Honestly, it’s a dangerous job if you ask me.
Only around his close friends and fellow members of the Mask Group does Wangquan Hong Ye allow his more playful side to show. Even then, he always be the one who took the biggest risks to protect his friends. The people who matter most to him are Dongfang Huai Zhu and his younger sister, Wangquan Zui.
Wangquan Zui (Played by Wu Xuan Yi)
Wangquan Zui is Wangquan Hong Ye’s younger sister. Cheerful, brave, and straightforward, she’s a firecracker of energy who brightens the atmosphere wherever she goes. As a member of the Mask Group, she brings joy and liveliness to the team.
Wangquan Zui has the power to control others’ minds through hypnosis and is also skilled with the sword. Her interactions with Yang Yi Tan reveal her deep affection for him, often more apparent to the people around them than to him.
Yang Yi Tan (Played by Zhao Xiao Wen)
Yang Yi Tan is the heir of the Yang Clan and possesses a unique ability called the clairvoyant eye, which allows him to sense his enemies’ movements and predict their next steps. He can also learn and imitate their skills.
Despite his cheerful and carefree facade, Yang Yi Tan hides a great deal of pain, particularly related to his declining family. Orphaned at a young age and raised by a grandfather who was obsessed with status and wealth, Yang Yi Tan bears a heavy emotional burden.
Lord Jiu Huo (Played by Charles Lin)
Jiu Huo is a celestial demon from the Netherworld Clan. Ruthless and powerful, he survives by consuming other demons’s power. Jiu Huo discovers Jia Lan when she is still young, after she has destroyed the elders of the Fox Clan, and takes her in as his disciple. As she grows, their relationship turns into love.
After Jia Lan vanished, Jiu Huo would do anything to bring her back. He is quite a love devotee. Jiu Huo’s only weakness is the blood of the Dragon Clan.
Jia Lan (Played by Peng Xiao Ran)
Jia Lan is the legendary evil fox who was born from the resentment of heaven and earth. Like other fox demons, she originated from the Grief Tree in Tushan. However, unlike the others, she was born with completely black fur and a strong demonic power.
The elders of Tushan were afraid of Jia Lan’s destructive potential. They confined her at Jiqing Cliff and surrounding it with barriers. They also gave her a Grief Tree seed. The elders told Jia Lan that once she could grow it, she would earn her freedom. The closest person to Jia Lan is her master, Jiu Huo. Just as Jiu Huo is devoted to her, she would also go to any lengths for him.
The Conclusion
I started watching in high spirits and ended in tears. That perfectly sums up my experience binge-watching this drama. Love in Pavilion is a beautifully crafted melodrama with a compelling story and a stellar cast.
But consider this as a friendly warning. If you’re not in the mood for tragedy, it might be best to skip this Love in Pavilion Drama Review. However, if you’re looking for something to stir your emotions and perhaps make you cry, you’ve come to the right place.
Love in Pavilion showed me just how heartbreaking love can be. If you decide to add this drama to your watch list, make sure you’re prepared. Tissues are a must, and the more, the better. Water is essential too, whether it’s juice, soda, coffee, or even plain tap water.
Maybe you could stack some snacks nearby, though you might not touch them once the tears start flowing. After all, it’s hard to enjoy popcorn when your face is a mess of tears and snot. 😁
Well, that’s all from me, dear readers… I hope this review helps you decide whether to dive into this emotional rollercoaster or wait until you’re ready. I’ll see you in another post of drama review. Until then, happy watching!
