Xianxia
Immortal cultivation fantasy. Expect sects, qi, realms, heavenly tribulations, Dao comprehension, pills, artifacts, and a path toward immortality.
Beginner guide
Xianxia vs Wuxia vs Xuanhuan
Wuxia
Martial hero fiction. Expect jianghu, sword schools, revenge, honor, masters, secret manuals, and human martial arts rather than cosmic immortality.
Xuanhuan
Broad Chinese fantasy. It may borrow cultivation ideas but often adds original magic systems, bloodlines, empires, monsters, or game-like progression.