For horror fans who also crave historical settings, Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty delivers the rare combination of Tang Dynasty atmosphere and supernatural investigations. Lu Lingfeng and Su Wuming hunt ghosts, solve curses, and confront dark immortals in Chang’an’s underground ghost palaces across 36 episodes.

Seasons Released: 2 · Premiere Year: 2022 · Genre: Horror Fantasy · Main Platform: iQIYI · Episodes: 36

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Season 3 release date
  • Season 4 plans
  • Total episode count across seasons
3Timeline signal
  • Season 1 premiered 2022 (iQIYI official page)
  • Season 2 “To the West” followed (iQIYI episode 8 page)
4What’s next
  • Fan speculation about season 3
  • Continued streaming on iQIYI

The key facts table below consolidates verified details from iQIYI and iQ.com official pages.

Label Value
Original Title Horror Stories of Tang Dynasty
Years Active 2022–present
Episodes 36 total (multiple per season)
Lead Investigators Lu Lingfeng, Su Wuming
Primary Streamer iQIYI
Director (Season 1) Bo Shan
Director (Season 2) Bai Shan
Rating TV-PG
Subtitles English
Season 2 Subtitle To the West

What are Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty about?

The series follows Commander Lu Lingfeng and detective Su Wuming as they investigate supernatural cases across Chang’an during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. Each episode presents a new mystery that blends historical Tang Dynasty settings with horror elements — from haunted artifacts to conspiracies involving dark immortals descending from heaven.

Plot Summary

The show functions as an episodic horror-detective hybrid. Investigators encounter cases involving missing brides, underground ghost palaces, and herb-based mysteries like the Black Tea case in season 2. The stories draw from Tang Dynasty strange tales, weaving fantasy horror into period crime drama.

Main Characters

  • Lu Lingfeng — Commander leading supernatural investigations
  • Su Wuming — Detective, disciple of the famed Detective Dee
  • William — Lead cast member
  • Yang Zhigang — Supporting cast, prominently listed
  • Additional cast: Gao Siwen, Chen Chuang, Anson, Sun Xuening, Zhang Zijian, Wang Jinsong, Gallenlaw, Yue Lina, and Prince

Setting in Tang Dynasty

The series is set during the Tang Dynasty, with Chang’an as its primary location. This historical backdrop allows the show to explore both governmental conspiracies and supernatural threats within the same narrative framework.

The implication: combining period accuracy with supernatural horror creates a distinct atmosphere not commonly found in mainstream C-drama, giving the series a niche appeal for horror fans who also enjoy historical settings.

Is Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty horror?

Yes, but it’s layered. The series combines mystery, detective work, horror, and fantasy genres, resulting in a suspense fantasy that features dark, gruesome scenes alongside investigative storytelling.

Genre Breakdown

The drama is officially categorized as a Chinese period mystery detective drama with horror and fantasy elements. It is part of the broader “Tang Dynasty Series” and carries a TV-PG rating, indicating content suitable for most audiences but with mature themes.

Horror Elements

The show does not shy away from unsettling imagery. Season 2 storylines include “Rainy Night Horror, Mud Figurine Seeks Life,” where investigators confront supernatural threats. The series introduction for season 2 states, “The road to the west is unpredictable,” hinting at the dangers ahead for the characters.

Comparisons to Other Series

Unlike pure romance or historical dramas, Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty leans into supernatural investigations. It shares DNA with other horror-detective hybrids but stands apart through its Tang Dynasty setting and episodic case structure.

The pattern: the series succeeds by treating supernatural horror as a mystery to solve rather than pure terror to endure, making it accessible to viewers who want investigation alongside their horror.

Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Season 2

Season 2, titled “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II: To the West,” continues the investigators’ work in Chang’an while introducing new supernatural cases. The season is directed by Bai Shan, who also worked on the first season.

Release Details

Season 2 episodes are available on iQIYI with English subtitles. Individual episodes such as Episode 1, 2, 3, and 8 have dedicated pages on the platform. Episodes are also promoted on YouTube by the iQIYI official channel.

Episode Highlights

The Black Tea herb mystery is a standout storyline in season 2. Episode titles like “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West Episode 8” indicate the episodic structure continues, with each installment featuring its own supernatural case.

Cast Returning

Season 2 features returning cast members including William and Yang Zhigang. The production maintains continuity in both cast and creative leadership, with Bai Shan directing the sequel.

The catch: while season 2 continues the investigation format, the “To the West” subtitle suggests a potential shift in geographical focus that may diverge from Chang’an’s streets.

Will there be Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty season 3?

No confirmed release date or official announcement exists for season 3 at this time. Fan discussions reference potential future seasons and online search trends indicate interest, but production status remains unconfirmed.

Announcements

No formal announcement from iQIYI or the production team confirms season 3 development. Viewers monitoring official channels for updates should check iQIYI’s series pages for the latest information.

Production Status

The confirmed seasons are listed as up to the current releases. With two seasons available, the door remains open for continuation, but concrete plans have not been publicly disclosed.

Fan Expectations

Online interest continues to drive search behavior around “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty season 3” and related queries. However, fan expectations remain speculative without official confirmation.

What this means: viewers eager for continuation should watch official iQIYI announcements rather than relying on unofficial sources, as production timelines remain uncertain.

The catch

Two seasons exist. Season 3 has no confirmed release date, so international viewers who want to stay current should bookmark iQIYI’s series page and enable notifications for new episode releases.

Where to watch Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty?

The primary streaming platform is iQIYI, which offers the series with English subtitles on its website iQ.com. Full episodes and short previews are available, with some content also promoted on the iQIYI YouTube channel.

Streaming Platforms

iQIYI serves as the primary platform, offering both full episodes and previews. The iQIYI TV app provides additional features including premium access for viewers who want early releases and extended content.

Season Availability

Both season 1 and season 2 are available on iQIYI with English subtitles. Individual episode pages exist for each installment, allowing viewers to watch specific cases without streaming entire seasons.

International Access

International viewers can access the series on iQ.com, which provides English subtitles for the global audience. Some episodes are also available on YouTube through iQIYI’s official channel.

The implication: for English-speaking audiences, iQIYI is currently the most accessible option, with no significant regional restrictions noted beyond standard platform availability.

The upshot

iQIYI offers free access with English subtitles, making this series one of the more accessible C-dramas for international horror-fantasy fans who want historical settings with supernatural investigations.

What viewers and sources say

Rainy Night Horror, Mud Figurine Seeks Life — dark scenes blend with investigative drama.

— iQIYI Official (Series Description)

The series combines mystery, detective, horror, and fantasy genres, creating a suspense fantasy that can be quite dark and gruesome.

— YouTube – Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II (Promotional Description)

Related reading: Watch Movies Online Free: Best Sites & Apps Guide

Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, iq.com, iq.com, iq.com, iq.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the plot of Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty season 1?

Season 1 follows Commander Lu Lingfeng and detective Su Wuming as they investigate supernatural cases in Chang’an during Emperor Xuanzong’s reign. Each episode presents a new mystery blending historical settings with horror elements, from haunted artifacts to ghostly conspiracies.

Who are the main actors in Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty?

The main cast includes William as a lead investigator, with supporting cast members Yang Zhigang, Gao Siwen, Chen Chuang, Anson, Sun Xuening, Zhang Zijian, Wang Jinsong, Gallenlaw, Yue Lina, and Prince. The series is directed by Bo Shan (season 1) and Bai Shan (season 2).

How many episodes in Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty season 2?

The total episode count across both seasons is 36 episodes. Season 2 features cases like the Black Tea mystery and continues the investigative format established in season 1, with episodes available individually on iQIYI.

Is Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty based on real Tang Dynasty events?

The series draws inspiration from Tang Dynasty strange tales and folklore rather than specific documented historical events. It blends historical fantasy with supernatural horror, using the Tang Dynasty setting to create atmosphere while presenting fictional supernatural mysteries.

What makes Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty scary?

The series features dark, gruesome scenes and supernatural threats including haunted artifacts, dark immortals, and unexplained phenomena. The horror elements are paired with detective investigation, creating suspense through mystery-solving rather than jump scares alone.

Can I watch Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty with English subtitles?

Yes. iQIYI provides English subtitles for both seasons on iQ.com. Some full episodes and previews are also available on the iQIYI YouTube channel with English subtitles for international viewers.

Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty ending explained?

Season 2 concludes with the case resolution of its current storyline, but the “To the West” subtitle hints at broader narrative potential. No season 3 has been officially announced, leaving the overall story open for continuation.

How horror is Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty compared to other C-dramas?

The series is notably darker than most C-dramas, with a TV-PG rating indicating mature themes and gruesome imagery. It occupies a unique position as a horror-detective hybrid within the Chinese drama landscape, appealing to viewers who want supernatural investigations rather than romance or pure comedy.

For international viewers seeking supernatural horror with historical flavor, the choice is straightforward: stream season 1 on iQIYI now, then decide whether season 2’s “To the West” storyline matches your taste. Those waiting for season 3 announcements should monitor iQIYI’s official channels rather than relying on unconfirmed speculation.