[Video] Boys’ Love in China: From fan fiction to cultural soft power

Love stories between men have captivated millions of young women in China. Known as danmei (耽美), or Boys’ Love fiction, these tales of emotional intensity and idealised romance grew from underground fan circles in the 1990s into a mainstream phenomenon spanning novels, comics and hit dramas. The genre has also achieved remarkable success overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia.

For readers and writers, danmei is more than entertainment. It provides a space to explore identities beyond the heterosexual framework and to challenge rigid gender expectations. One writer explained, “I want my story to envision a world of complete equality — one where readers can move beyond gender stereotypes and simply appreciate the emotional connection between two autonomous souls.” The characters in danmei are far from real gay men. They are idealised figures imagined by female authors — but just happen to be male.

As a niche interest, danmei mostly flew under the radar. However, when it began attracting huge audiences, the Chinese government started to see it as an issue. Since last year, dozens of Chinese danmei writers have been arrested for publishing on Haitang Literature City, a Taiwan-based site banned on the mainland, under charges of “distributing obscene material”. 

Beyond explicit content, the genre’s sensitive themes also raised concerns. To the authorities, danmei represents more than risqué fiction — it glorifies “effeminate men”, promotes “unhealthy aesthetics” and challenges the state’s vision of family life.

Despite this scrutiny, there is no outright ban. Officials frame the restrictions as efforts to “protect minors” and uphold social morals. Crackdowns also tend to occur in waves, tightening when the genre becomes highly visible. Associate Professor Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt from ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute explains, “It’s about the state reasserting ideological control over a creative space that became too independent.”

Writers have adapted and continue to create. Legal platforms with clear content rules allow them to publish while adjusting language and storytelling to stay within limits. Looking ahead, Kornphanat notes, “Inside China, danmei will probably stay in the grey zone, tolerated but heavily monitored.”

Abroad, Chinese Boys’ Love fiction continues to thrive. Collaborations with international studios have expanded its reach, strengthening the genre as a growing form of cultural soft power even as it faces limits at home.

This video was produced with assistance from Ngian Xuan Rong, Lianhe Zaobao video team.

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