The Blue Whisper: Part 1 (2022) – A Magical Dive into Xianxia Romance
If you’re a fan of Chinese dramas that blend fantasy, romance, and breathtaking visuals, The Blue Whisper: Part 1 (Chinese: 与君初相识, Yu Jun Chu Xiang Shi) is a must-watch. Released on March 17, 2022, on Youku, this 22-episode installment marks the first half of an enthralling xianxia saga adapted from Jiu Lu Fei Xiang’s novel The Tale of the Merman. Starring the captivating Dilraba Dilmurat and the charismatic Ren Jialun, this drama whisks you away to a world where spiritual masters, demons, and mermen collide in a story of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of freedom. Let’s unpack what makes The Blue Whisper: Part 1 a standout in the crowded landscape of C-dramas.
A Spellbinding Premise
The Blue Whisper: Part 1 introduces us to Ji Yunhe (Dilraba Dilmurat), a talented and rebellious spiritual master residing in the Thousand Flower Valley. Her gift? Taming unruly Earth Immortals—magical beings like demons and sprites. But Ji Yunhe isn’t content with her life under the Valley Master’s strict control, bound by a poisonous Frost Spell that shackles her dreams of freedom. Enter Changyi (Ren Jialun), a merman captured by the cruel Princess Shunde and thrust into Ji Yunhe’s care. The princess demands that Ji Yunhe teach Changyi to speak human words, grow legs, and swear loyalty to her—a task that sets the stage for an unexpected bond.
What starts as a relationship of control transforms into something deeper as Ji Yunhe’s pity for Changyi blossoms into forbidden love. The premise isn’t entirely new—xianxia often thrives on star-crossed romances—but The Blue Whisper weaves in layers of betrayal, secrets, and moral dilemmas that keep you hooked. The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, balancing light-hearted moments with emotional heft, making it easy to follow even if you’re new to the genre.
Stellar Cast and Chemistry
Dilraba Dilmurat shines as Ji Yunhe, bringing nuance to a character who’s both fierce and vulnerable. Her micro-expressions—especially in scenes where she laughs and cries simultaneously—are a testament to her acting prowess. Ren Jialun’s Changyi is equally compelling, his innocence and devotion cutting through the drama’s darker tones. While some viewers note their chemistry lacks the fiery passion of other iconic pairings (like Dilraba’s rapport with Leo Wu in The Long Ballad), their tender, slow-burn connection fits the story’s emotional core.
The supporting cast adds depth, with Xiao Shun Yao’s conflicted Lin Haoqing and Cristy Guo’s venomous Shunde Fairy stealing scenes. Hu Yixuan’s adorable portrayal of Luo Jinsang, Ji Yunhe’s bubbly attendant, injects warmth and humor, making her a fan favorite.
Visual and Musical Mastery
Directed by Zhu Ruibin (Ashes of Love, The Long Ballad), The Blue Whisper: Part 1 is a visual feast. The vibrant color palette—unlike the muted tones of many historical dramas—complements the lush sets and intricate costumes. From Ji Yunhe’s flowing robes to Changyi’s shimmering scales, every detail screams quality. The CGI and special effects are top-notch, rendering mythical creatures and ethereal landscapes with stunning realism.
The soundtrack, helmed by Sa Dingding, elevates the experience further. Hauntingly beautiful OSTs and classical instrumentals amplify the drama’s emotional peaks, giving you goosebumps in all the right places. Each note feels like a brushstroke on this vivid canvas.
Why You Should Watch
The Blue Whisper: Part 1 isn’t just a romance—it’s a journey of self-discovery and resistance against oppression. Ji Yunhe’s fight for freedom, both for herself and Changyi, resonates deeply, while the world-building immerses you in a universe where every character has a stake in the game. Sure, it has its flaws—the pacing dips slightly mid-series, and some plot points lean on familiar tropes—but the execution is so polished that these feel minor.
As of March 1, 2025, revisiting this drama feels timely. Its themes of breaking free from constraints remain universal, and with English subtitles now widely available (try Viki or YouTube!), it’s more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a xianxia veteran or a curious newcomer, The Blue Whisper: Part 1 offers a magical escape worth taking.
Have you watched it yet? Let me know your thoughts—or if you’re diving into Part 2 next!