Welcome to China's very own CSI, new series 'Coroner's Diary' sees medical expertise and mystery-solving unite in ancient times

The Star

19-07-2025

C-dramas are flying high in iQIYI these days. And continuing their high-flying ways, the costume suspense drama "Coroner's Diary" premiered on iQIYI on July 13.
And thus far it has been winning fans in not only in South-East Asia but also the whole region. With the ever-elegant Li Landi leading the way together with Ao Ruipeng, the series that pits CSI skills and mystery-solving talent, the "Coroner's Diary" is indeed a new trail for costumed drama series in Asia.
The series tells the story of Shen Wan (played by Li Landi), the daughter of an official from an ancient Chinese judicial institution. Using her remarkable medical and forensic skills, Shen Wan teams up with Prince Yan Chi (played by Ao Ruipeng) to solve complex mysteries, catch criminals, and clear her father's unjust charges.
Produced by iQIYI, the drama is written by Zou Yue, Gao Shen, and Huang Zien, and directed by Li Huizhu, Deng Weien, Huang Bin, and Chen Ziqiang.
Starring Li Landi, Ao Ruipeng, Yu Cheng'en, and Shen Yujie, "Coroner's Diary" combines episodic mysteries with themes of revenge and character growth, creating an engaging storyline. Before its release, the series attracted over 2.5 million reservations on iQIYI.
A major attraction of "Coroner's Diary" is its presentation of eight intriguing cases, including "The Headless Bride" and "Corpse in the Well."
Each case contains hidden clues linked to a broader revenge plot, gradually building tension as viewers uncover the truth. The series also features strong character development and emotional depth.
Li Landi plays two roles: Shen Wan and Qin Wan, who uses a hidden identity as a gentle doctor while secretly mastering forensic skills. Ao Ruipeng portrays Yan Chi, a young general whose tough exterior hides a warm heart, bravely investigating crimes. Unlike traditional romances, their relationship develops naturally as they solve cases together.
The series pays careful attention to investigative techniques, forensic props, and visual style, significantly enhancing its suspenseful atmosphere.
Realistic sets such as autopsy rooms and hidden passageways, detailed props like a six-fingered skeleton and poisoned needles, and a cold-colored visual style featuring rainy nights and ancient houses, all contribute to an immersive viewing experience.
About Li Landi
Chinese rising star Li Landi is considered one of the brightest stars to arrive in the scene over the last five years. Li Landi, also known as Landy Li, is a Chinese actress, singer, and model of Hui ethnicity.
She also starred in the 2019 Chinese film "Adoring". She is best known for her roles in the dramas "My Huckleberry Friends (2017), Wu Xin: The Monster Killer 2 (2017), and The Starry Love (2023)". She is now winning accolades in "Coroner's Diary", already one of the top series seen in iQIYI.
The young star has been acting since she was 10 and has a host of projects already lined up after "Coroner's Diary".
About Ao Ruipeng
At the age of 29, Ao Ruipeng is already a veteran of many TV series. The Chinese actor who was born in Chongqing and graduated from Chengdu College of Arts and Science.
He officially entered the entertainment industry in January 2019 with his participation in the blind date TV show "Dream Space".
His screen debut attracted the attention of many viewers as soon as he appeared on stage. In 2022, he played the role of Lei Wujie in The Blood of Youth and rose to fame and is now among the most sought-after leading men in the industry.