The Return of the Condor Heroes (2006)
A sweeping Chinese wuxia epic adapted from Jin Yong's classic novel, starring Huang Xiaoming and Liu Yifei in an unforgettable tale of love and martial arts.
The Return of the Condor Heroes - Series Information
- Original Title: 神雕侠侣
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (40 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 41
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- First Air Date: March 17, 2006 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: CCTV
- Alternative Titles: The Return of the Condor Heroes (US), มังกรหยก ภาค 2 (TH), 신조협려 2006 (KR), Thần Điêu Đại Hiệp (VN), 神雕侠侣 (2006) (CN)
- Production Countries: China
The Return of the Condor Heroes - Plot
The Return of the Condor Heroes is a Chinese television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel of the same title. It is the second installment of a trilogy produced by Zhang Jizhong, preceded by The Legend of the Condor Heroes and followed by The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. It was first broadcast on 17 March 2006 in China and subsequently broadcast in other Asian countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.
Where to Watch The Return of the Condor Heroes
Looking for where to watch The Return of the Condor Heroes?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Return of the Condor Heroes - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Huang Xiaoming
- Liu Yifei
- Yang Mi
- Wang Luoyong
- Jessey Meng
- Kong Lin
- Chen Zihan
- Zhao Liang
- Yang Rui
- Kenny Bee
The Return of the Condor Heroes - FAQs
Is The Return of the Condor Heroes based on a novel?
The series is a faithful adaptation of Louis Cha's (Jin Yong's) beloved wuxia novel of the same name. One of the most celebrated works in Chinese literature, the novel follows the romance and martial arts journey of Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü across a richly imagined ancient China.
Who plays Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü in the 2006 series?
Huang Xiaoming portrays the charismatic and unconventional hero Yang Guo, while Liu Yifei — widely praised for her ethereal screen presence — plays the enigmatic Xiaolongnü. Their on-screen chemistry became one of the most talked-about aspects of the production and helped cement both actors as major stars.
Where can you stream The Return of the Condor Heroes?
The series is available to buy on Amazon Video. For the most up-to-date viewing options in your region, it's worth checking JustWatch, which tracks availability across multiple platforms and digital storefronts.
Is The Return of the Condor Heroes part of a trilogy?
It is the second installment in a trilogy produced by Zhang Jizhong. The Legend of the Condor Heroes precedes it, and The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber follows. All three are adaptations of Jin Yong's interconnected wuxia novels and share a consistent production style and visual ambition.
How was the 2006 series received by audiences?
The 2006 adaptation was warmly received across Asia, drawing large audiences in China and earning strong ratings when broadcast in South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Liu Yifei's portrayal of Xiaolongnü in particular attracted widespread praise and significantly boosted her international profile.
What genre is The Return of the Condor Heroes?
The series belongs to the wuxia genre — a distinctly Chinese storytelling tradition blending martial arts action, chivalric codes, romance, and fantasy. Beyond the sword fights and wire-work spectacle, it's fundamentally a sweeping love story set against the turbulent backdrop of Song Dynasty China.
How many episodes does The Return of the Condor Heroes have?
The series runs for 41 episodes across a single season, with each episode averaging around 40 minutes. The generous episode count allows the story to develop its characters and romantic tension at a leisurely, immersive pace faithful to the scope of Jin Yong's original novel.
What are similar shows to The Return of the Condor Heroes?
Fans of this series often enjoy other wuxia and historical Chinese dramas. The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1983) is the direct predecessor in the trilogy. For more recent viewing, The Blood of Youth (2022) and A Journey to Love (2023) offer comparable blends of martial arts, romance, and epic storytelling.
More About The Return of the Condor Heroes
Explore further details and databases for this series.