In the world of animation, 2026 marks the "Golden Era" of Donghua romance. Moving beyond simple subplots, Chinese animation has mastered the art of storytelling through the lens of devotion, sacrifice, and heartwarming chemistry. Whether you're craving the high-tension drama of modern urban love or the epic, soul-binding loyalty found in mystical cultivation worlds, the diversity of storytelling is now richer than ever. This guide is your curated roadmap to the most enchanting, loyal, and visually stunning 1v1 relationships in Donghua today.
Top 35 Romance Donghua to Watch in 2026
To help you find your perfect match, we have divided our top 35 picks into two distinct categories: Core Romance and Action-Romance.
Part 1: Core Romance & Rom-Com — Where Love Drives the Plot
If you are looking for stories where the emotional journey of the couple is the star of the show, these 20 titles offer the highest density of Heart-fluttering moments. From Enemies-to-Lovers tension to Childhood Sweethearts, these are the masters of the "feels."
| Title |
Type |
Romance Focus |
Where to Watch |
Why Watch it? |
| Heaven Official's Blessing | Xianxia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crunchyroll & Netflix & Bilibili.tv |
A masterpiece of Predestined Love and absolute devotion. |
| The Girl Downstairs | Modern | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bilibili.tv |
Realistic modern tension with Wholesome 2D aesthetics. |
| Fox Spirit Matchmaker | Fantasy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WeTV |
The ultimate exploration of love across Multiple Reincarnations. |
| The Master of Diabolism | Xianxia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crunchyroll & WeTV |
A world-class Angst story featuring Star-crossed lovers. |
| No Doubt in Us | Historical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Netflix & Bilibili.tv |
A Wholesome and hilarious body-swap tale of mutual trust. |
| Psychic Princess | Historical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crunchyroll |
Addictive Enemies-to-Lovers energy with a Capable FL. |
| Spiritpact | Supernatural | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Crunchyroll |
A Soul-deep connection formed through a mystical contract. |
| You're My Glory | Modern | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | WeTV |
2026’s peak of Mature, grounded, and pure 1v1 Bliss. |
| Thousand Autumns | Wuxia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | WeTV | Masterclass in Intellectual Slow-burn and elite tension. |
| White Snake (Origins) | Movie | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv |
Cinematic Fluff that redefines classical Chinese romance. |
| Love Between Fairy and Devil | Xianxia | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | iQIYI & Netflix |
Intense Power-dynamic romance with a redemption arc. |
| Cinderella Chef | Isekai | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Crunchyroll |
A perfect blend of Time-travel romance and culinary charm. |
| Memory of Chang’an | Historical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv |
Gentle and domestic romance set in a royal backdrop. |
| Sweet Bite Marks | Vampire | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | WeTV | Passionate and visually striking forbidden love dynamics. |
| Crystal Sky of Yesterday | School | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv | A Nostalgic tribute to the bittersweetness of first love. |
| Cupid’s Chocolates | School | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv | High-energy rom-com with Explicit romantic progression. |
| Spicy Girl | Drama | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | WeTV | Fast-paced "Sweet & Spicy" urban romance drama. |
| Be My Wife | System | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv | Unique Shoujo-style isekai focusing on beauty and charm. |
| Scum Villain's Self-Redemption | Isekai | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv | Hilarious meta-comedy with an unbreakable emotional bond. |
Part 2: Action-Romance — Epic Battles with Unwavering Loyalty
For fans of epic battles, these 20 masterpieces prove that true strength comes from the desire to protect a soulmate. These stories feature the Power Couple Trope, where a Capable Heroine and a Devoted Lead form an unbreakable bond.
| Title |
Type |
Romance Focus |
Where to Watch |
Why Watch it? |
| Great Doctor Miss Nine | Strong FL | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bilibili.tv | Capable and Fierce Heroine supported by a Doting ML. |
| Throne of Seal | Fantasy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Crunchyroll & WeTV | Features a Doting and Pure-hearted Knight as the lead. |
| The Island of Siliang | Mythology | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | WeTV | Aesthetic Perfection with deep, Predestined Love vibes. |
| The Demon Hunter | Action | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Youku | A rare, Steadfast Portrayal of a Power Couple marriage. |
| Soul Land 2 | Fantasy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | WeTV | A Fated Encounter between Childhood Sweethearts. |
| The Mirror: Twin Cities | Epic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | WeTV | An Epic and Tragic saga of love across warring nations. |
| Fairies Album | Healing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv | Heart-wrenching and warm tales of human-spirit connections. |
| My Heroic Husband | Tactical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Bilibili.tv | Clever Fluff and a highly supportive Two-way Romance. |
| Soul Land | Cultivation | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | WeTV | The Gold Standard for 1v1 Loyalty and lifelong commitment. |
| Renegade Immortal | Dark | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Crunchyroll & WeTV | Driven by a Singular Angst-filled obsession to save his love. |
| Jade Dynasty | Tragedy | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | WeTV | A Classic Tragic Romance fueled by sacrifice and regret. |
| The Great Ruler | Action | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | iQIYI | A Healthy and stable partnership between two elite leads. |
| Sword of Coming | Wuxia | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Bilibili.tv | A Sincere and principled love built on shared values. |
| Great Journey of Teenagers | Wuxia | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Youku | Refreshing romantic sparks in a vibrant wuxia world. |
| Forty Millenniums of Cultivation | Sci-Fi | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Bilibili | Sci-fi romance built on Unshakable trust and teamwork. |
| The Land of Miracles | Fantasy | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | IQIYI | A unique 1v1 Bond that evolves through shared destiny. |
Quick Navigator: Find Your Match
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If you crave Realism & Modern Tension: Go for The Girl Downstairs or Crystal Sky of Yesterday. These series capture the bittersweet nature of love perfectly.
-
If you want an OP Male Lead who is a "Doting King" : Check out Great Doctor Miss Nine or Throne of Seal. These leads define Absolute Loyalty.
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If you want "Love vs. The World" intensity: Don't miss Renegade Immortal. It’s the peak of Angst and dark devotion.
-
For High-End Aesthetics: The Island of Siliang or Heaven Official's Blessing are the gold standards of Donghua beauty.
- For Epic Angst & Unshakable Bonds: The Master of Diabolism is the ultimate choice for those who love deep, Sacrificial Love and mysteries.
-
For Action-Packed "Power Couple" Dynamics : Soul Land 2 or The Demon Hunter. are the top picks for Protective Partners.
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For a Soul-Stirring Predestined Romance: Fox Spirit Matchmaker is the legendary choice for Reincarnation lovers.
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For Wholesome Comedy & Heartwarming Vibes: No Doubt in Us is a masterclass in Mutual Devotion and domestic bliss.
Elite 12 Spotlight: Deep Dives
The Quick Navigator is just your entry point. To truly master the Donghua romance scene, you must experience the Elite 12—the masterpieces that define the genre's soul.
1. Heaven Official's Blessing
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll & Netflix & Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Iconic Danmei (BL) Romance / Predestined Love / Absolute Loyalty / Exquisite 2D Aesthetics / Slow-burn Devotion
Why It's Great: It is a global emotional phenomenon that redefines the concept of "waiting for someone." The series excels in creating a soul-deep connection that feels both ancient and eternal.
The Premise: Eight hundred years ago, Xie Lian was the beloved Crown Prince of a powerful kingdom, ascending to heaven as a martial god at a young age. However, his desire to save his people led to his downfall, resulting in him being cast down and stripped of his divinity three times. Now a wandering "laughing stock" scrap collector, he ascends once more to find himself assigned to solve a series of eerie mysteries. During a moonlit stroll, he is greeted by a mysterious youth in red who leads him through a silver-butterfly-filled forest, protecting him with a silk umbrella from a rain of blood. Unbeknownst to Xie Lian, this youth is a supreme Ghost King who has spent eight centuries searching for him, transforming his silent agony into an unbreakable shield for the man he loves. This is a masterclass in Absolute Loyalty and Wholesome devotion.
2. The Girl Downstairs
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Modern Campus Romance / Emotional Realism / Intense Character Chemistry / Grounded Storytelling
Why It's Great: It captures the subtle, awkward, and heart-fluttering moments of young love without unnecessary melodrama, making every interaction feel authentic and relatable.
The Premise: Yuan Juntang is an ordinary college freshman who chose his university specifically to be near a girl he has loved from afar for years. His carefully planned life is disrupted when he meets his downstairs neighbor, Li Shiya—a girl with breathtaking beauty who happens to be a retired superstar idol hiding from the public eye. While Juntang is initially intimidated, Shiya begins to break his defenses with her unpredictable and playful nature. As they share late-night convenience store meals and navigate the pressures of campus life, Juntang finds himself caught in an Exquisite Chemistry between his long-standing crush and the enigmatic woman downstairs. It’s a beautifully directed journey of Heart-fluttering moments and Realistic Tension.
3. Fox Spirit Matchmaker
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：Reincarnation Romance / Star-crossed Lovers / High-density Angst / Mythological World-building
Why It's Great: This legendary series masterfully explores the idea that love can transcend death and time, offering a diverse collection of emotional arcs that are both tragic and beautiful.
The Premise: In a world where spirits live for thousands of years while humans die and lose their memories in reincarnation, a unique profession exists. The Fox Spirit Matchmakers help spirits find the reincarnated souls of their human lovers to fulfill ancient promises. The story follows Tushan Susu, a clumsy fox spirit, and Bai Yuechu, a greedy but powerful young man, as they work together to "fix" broken fates. Each arc delves into a different Heart-wrenching past—from an emperor who waited centuries for his queen to a soldier who sacrificed everything for a spirit's smile. Together, they use the power of the "Pledge Tree" to awaken memories of Past Lives, proving that true love never fades, even after Reincarnation.
4. The Master of Diabolism / Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll & WeTV
Core Highlights：Iconic Danmei (BL) Romance / Mutual Devotion / Soul-deep Connection / Dark Fantasy Mystery / Sacrificial Love
Why It's Great: It is a masterpiece of storytelling that balances a grand, dark conspiracy with an intimate 1v1 romance that remains unshakable despite death and societal condemnation.
The Premise: Wei Wuxian was once a brilliant, free-spirited cultivator whose revolutionary path of "Demonic Cultivation" earned him the hatred of the prestigious clans, eventually leading to his betrayal and gruesome death. Thirteen years later, he is summoned back into a new body. While trying to remain anonymous, he encounters Lan Wangji, a stoic and noble figure from his past who was once his rival. To his surprise, Lan Wangji immediately recognizes him and refuses to let him out of his sight. As they solve a gruesome mystery together, Wei Wuxian gradually uncovers the heartbreaking truth: during his absence, the cold and distant Lan Wangji had been secretly protecting his legacy and mourning his loss for over a decade. It is a legendary saga of Star-crossed lovers and Mutual Devotion.
5. No Doubt in Us
Where to Watch：Netflix & Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：Wholesome Comedy / Body-swap Dynamic / Two-way Romance / Empathetic Partnership
Why It's Great: By flipping the typical palace drama tropes, this show focuses on how true love is built on mutual understanding and literally walking in your partner's shoes.
The Premise: Emperor Xiao Jinyun and Empress Xu Yu are the definition of an incompatible couple. He is a weak-bodied scholar, while she is a fierce general's daughter possessing immense martial skill. Their mutual resentment reaches a breaking point until a sudden accident causes them to swap bodies. Now, the Emperor must navigate the treacherous harem in the Empress's body, while the Empress must lead the imperial court as the Emperor. Forced into this absurd situation, they begin to witness the burdens each has carried, transforming their "arranged" coldness into a fierce, supportive Power Couple partnership. This is the gold standard for Wholesome and Fluffy romance.
6. Psychic Princess
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll
Core Highlights：Enemies-to-Lovers / Capable Sassy Heroine / Addictive Banter / Fast-paced Progression
Why It's Great: It is a high-energy, unapologetically fun series with a strong female lead who refuses to be a damsel in distress, making the romantic tension incredibly satisfying.
The Premise: Qian Yunxi, a princess with the "unlucky" gift of seeing spirits, is sent to marry the notoriously cold Lord Ye. Lord Ye, hating her family, treats her with immediate hostility and banishes her to a haunted building. However, Yunxi is a fiercely Capable and Sassy heroine. She treats the ghosts as friends and the Prince's hostility as a joke. As she repeatedly outsmarts the Prince and defies his orders, his burning hatred slowly morphs into an obsessive curiosity. The Addictive Banter and Enemies-to-Lovers dynamic make this a wildly entertaining watch.
7. Great Doctor Miss Nine
Where to Watch：Bilibili.tv
Core Highlights：OP Heroine / Doting Male Lead / 1v1 Romance Focus / Power Couple Fantasy
Why It's Great: This is the ultimate "Power Couple" fantasy that satisfies the craving for a fierce, non-submissive heroine who is unconditionally cherished by an equally powerful partner.
The Premise: A legendary 24th-century doctor and master of eye techniques is reincarnated into the body of a "waste" young lady in a cultivation world who had been blinded and humiliated. With her Capable skills and superior vision restored, she begins a ruthless journey of revenge. Her fierce nature catches the eye of a mysterious, god-like Supreme Lord. Intrigued by the only woman who dares to defy him, he becomes the ultimate Doting ML, showering her with unconditional support as they conquer the realms together. It is the peak of Power Couple dynamics and high-density Fluff.
8. Throne of Seal
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll & WeTV
Core Highlights：Pure-hearted Knight / Protective Partner / Absolute Loyalty / Stable Relationship
Why It's Great: In a genre often filled with misunderstandings, this series shines by providing a rock-solid relationship where the leads are each other's only emotional anchors.
The Premise: In a world besieged by demons, young Long Haochen aspires to become a knight to protect his mother. He saves a mysterious mute girl named Cai'er, who is actually the chosen successor of the Assassin Temple, carrying a heavy and painful destiny. As Haochen rises through the ranks, his singular motivation is never fame—it is to be the Protective Partner for Cai'er. He is a Pure-hearted Knight who maintains an Absolute Loyalty, vowing that as long as he lives, no harm shall ever reach her. Their bond is a beautiful portrayal of Wholesome and stable love.
9. Renegade Immortal
Where to Watch：Crunchyroll & WeTV
Core Highlights：Dark Devotion / High-stakes Angst / Anti-hero Lead / Love vs. The World
Why It's Great: It portrays the raw and terrifying power of romantic obsession, showing how a hero's singular love can transform him into a force that shakes the foundations of heaven.
The Premise: Wang Lin is a youth of average talent who enters the cruel world of cultivation to survive. After surviving countless betrayals, he meets Li Muwan, the only person who offers him genuine warmth. However, tragedy strikes when Li Muwan dies, leaving Wang Lin in absolute despair. Refusing to accept her death, his path turns into one of dark, Singular Angst-filled obsession. He discards his humanity and slaughters anyone who stands in his way, driven by one goal: to become strong enough to defy the Heavens and pull her soul back from the cycle of reincarnation. It is the most intense Angst story in Donghua history.
10. The Island of Siliang
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：Aesthetic Perfection / Intellectual Slow-burn / Atmospheric Romance / Mysterious Premise
Why It's Great: The series offers a breathtaking visual experience where the romance is felt in every subtle glance and unspoken word, creating a deeply immersive and mature emotional experience.
The Premise: Siliang Island is a prison for fallen gods stripped of their divinity. Tu Li, a human girl raised on the island, and Jing Xuan, a mysterious youth hiding his identity, are both entangled in the island's dark secrets. Their relationship is a high-stakes secret, built on years of shared history and silent protection. As they uncover the dark truth about the island, their Predestined Love becomes their only hope for freedom, expressed through a mature, Intellectual Slow-burn that makes every rare moment of closeness feel incredibly earned.
11. The Demon Hunter
Where to Watch：Youku
Core Highlights：Steadfast Marriage / Power Couple / Capable Partner / Loyal 1v1 Bond
Why It's Great: It is a rare and refreshing portrayal of a battle-tested partnership, where the romantic bond is strengthened by mutual combat and shared responsibilities.
The Premise: As demons threaten to annihilate humanity, Meng Chuan and Liu Qiyue grow up as talented warriors. Unlike most shows where romance is a subplot, their relationship is a central Steadfast Portrayal of a marriage built on the front lines. They are a true Power Couple, supporting each other through grueling battles and personal sacrifices. This series is highly recommended for fans of Capable partners who share a Loyal 1v1 bond without any unnecessary drama.
12. Soul Land 2
Where to Watch：WeTV
Core Highlights：Fated Encounter / Childhood Sweethearts / Mutual Growth / Heart-fluttering Moments
Why It's Great: It perfectly blends high-stakes spirit-master combat with a charming and innocent romance that evolves into a deep, unshakable bond through shared destiny.
The Premise: Ten thousand years after Tang San, Huo Yuhao enters Shrek Academy with a "weak" soul, driven by a desire to change his fate. He meets Wang Dong, a talented student with whom he shares a legendary "Martial Soul Harmony." Their bond is Predestined, blossoming from a youthful rivalry into a profound Two-way Romance. Their journey is filled with Heart-fluttering moments and life-and-death trials, proving that their love was truly written in the stars.
Conclusion: Your Journey into the Heart of Romance Donghua
These 12 titles represent the pinnacle of Donghua romance in 2026, but the beauty of this genre lies in its diversity. While these are our "Masterpieces," the remaining 28 titles in the table above offer incredible hidden gems waiting to be discovered based on your personal taste. Whether you are looking for a niche urban drama or an experimental cultivation saga, the full Top 40 list ensures that no romance fan is left behind.
Donghua storytelling is unique because it celebrates Absolute Loyalty as the ultimate power and portrays Predestined Love as a force that can reshape destiny. From the high-stakes Action-Romance to the Exquisite Chemistry of modern life, these stories prove that the best relationships are built on Mutual Support and Unwavering Devotion.Your next favorite romance story is just a play button away.