Sword Snow Stride: The epic Chinese drama of dynasty politics, Martial arts, and brotherhood, why we need Season 2

It’s the golden age of Chinese dramas, and riding the wave of ‘cold, snowstorm, frost’-themed titles that audiences can’t seem to get enough of comes another hotly debated series: Sword Snow Stride (yes, the snow trend continues).

So what’s it about?

In a land where the sword speaks louder than law and dynasties rise on the backs of warriors, Xu Feng Nian, the carefree, eldest son of the Prince of Northern Lian and is probably the least likely heir to a powerful kingdom. Soft-spoken, rather aimless, as he wanders around with a fan, he’s often mocked for lack of ambition.  Well that’s not all true, as he's actually a man, bound by legacy, haunted by bloodshed, and driven by something deeper than power — purpose.

When his father abdicates and hands over the reins to Feng Nian, he finds himself grappling in the violent, war-torn world of politics, martial sects, and ancient vendettas. But he doesn’t walk this path alone. It’s all about the people he meets; a range of eclectic personalities, including a fierce female bodyguard with unmatched sword skills, a monk, and a cold assassin with a hidden past, each carrying their own burdens, secrets, and loyalties.

Should you watch it?

As Feng Nian journeys across snowy mountains, crumbling temples, and enemy-filled territories, he begins shedding his façade. He encounters infinite battles, duels and betrayal, and he is turned from a reluctant heir to a swordsman. So, if you’re into martial arts epics that are filled with poetic fight choreography, profound loyalty, and the quiet tragedy of growing up in a world ruled by the blades, this might be the one for you.

Moreover, there isn’t a romance here, a slightly daring move for such shows, but it delivers. Reviewers have noted that it takes a while to kick off, but when it does, it doesn’t stop. The dialogues are crisp, witty and quite layered with wisdom: It takes a while to mull over the power behind words. Furthermore, the show leaves you asking for more as some have noted. And the plot wraps up well. However, some viewers did criticise the show for its fight choreography scenes, saying that it seemed rather shoddy, and ‘more tell than show’.

Nevertheless,  and there are those who are still hoping for a Season 2, to see more of these solid stars, but sigh, it has been four years so we might have to put that hope to rest.