Introduction to Romance Donghua and Psychic Princess
The world of animation has seen a massive shift in recent years, with Chinese animation, or Donghua, taking center stage alongside traditional Japanese anime. Among the most beloved titles to emerge from this movement is Psychic Princess (Tong Ling Fei). This series captivated audiences with its blend of historical drama, supernatural elements, and a feisty protagonist who refuses to be a victim of her circumstances.
For many fans, Psychic Princess served as a gateway into the rich world of Chinese storytelling. It follows the story of Qian Yunxi, a young woman with the ability to see spirits who is forced into an arranged marriage with a cold, distant prince. The "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic, paired with vibrant 2D animation and a hilarious opening theme, created a formula that fans are desperate to replicate. If you are searching for animes like psychic princess, you are in luck, as the industry has produced several high-quality romantic series with similar vibes.
As we move into 2026, the demand for high-stakes historical romance with strong female leads has never been higher. Whether you are a veteran Donghua viewer or a newcomer looking for romance anime for psychic princess fans, the following list explores the best titles that capture that same magical energy of mystery, comedy, and slow-burn romance.
What Makes an Anime Like Psychic Princess?
Before diving into the recommendations, it is essential to understand what exactly made Psychic Princess so special. Identifying these core tropes helps in finding anime similar to tong ling fei that will satisfy your specific cravings. Most fans are looking for a combination of the following elements:
- A Strong-Willed Protagonist: Qian Yunxi is not a pushover. Fans love a female lead who can stand up for herself, even when facing powerful princes or supernatural threats.
- Historical or Palace Setting: The aesthetic of ancient China, complete with intricate hanfu, sprawling imperial palaces, and strict social hierarchies, provides a lush backdrop for drama.
- Supernatural Elements: Whether it is ghosts, cultivation, or ancient magic, a touch of the mystical adds stakes and mystery to the romantic plot.
- The "Cold Prince" Trope: A male lead who starts off arrogant or indifferent but slowly melts as he realizes the worth of the female lead is a staple of shojo donghua like psychic princess.
- Humor and Wit: Despite the drama, Psychic Princess is known for its comedic timing and expressive character reactions.
Criteria for Ranking the Best Romance Donghua
To provide you with the most valuable historical romance donghua recommendations, we have ranked these series based on several key factors. We want to ensure that each recommendation offers more than just a passing resemblance to the source material.
Our ranking criteria include:
- Character Chemistry: How engaging is the relationship between the main leads? We look for that palpable tension and gradual development.
- Production Quality: In 2026, animation standards are high. We prioritize shows with beautiful art styles and fluid animation.
- Narrative Depth: While romance is the focus, a strong supporting plot involving palace intrigue or supernatural mysteries is vital.
- Similarity Score: How closely does the show align with the specific "vibe" of Psychic Princess?
10 Best Romance Donghua Like Psychic Princess, Ranked
1. Cinderella Chef (Meng Qi Shi Shen)
Often cited as the closest match for animes like psychic princess, Cinderella Chef follows a modern-day chef who is transported back in time to ancient China. She is kidnapped by bandits and forced into a "marriage" with a spy working undercover. Like Yunxi, the protagonist is resourceful, funny, and uses her unique skills (cooking) to survive and win over those around her.
2. The Demonic King Who Chases His Wife (Xie Wang Zhui Qi)
This series features a legendary female assassin reincarnated into the body of a "useless" young miss in a cultivation world. She catches the eye of the powerful and overbearing Prince Jin. The dynamic of a powerful man relentlessly pursuing a woman who is just as capable as him makes this one of the best donghua like psychic princess for fans of high-stakes romance.
3. The Beauty Blogger (Sheng Shi Zhuang Niang)
In this unique twist on the genre, a beauty blogger is sent into a VR game set in ancient China. To survive and progress, she must use her makeup skills to navigate the dangerous waters of the imperial harem. It captures the palace intrigue and "outsider" perspective that made Psychic Princess so engaging.
4. Memory of Chang'an (Shi Yi Chang'an: Ming Yue Ji Shi)
If you loved the arranged marriage aspect of Tong Ling Fei, this is a must-watch. An outsourced princess is sent to marry the 9th Prince of the Tang Dynasty. Both characters start with deep mistrust, but the slow realization of their feelings amidst political conspiracies makes for a gripping watch.
5. Love Between Fairy and Devil (Cang Lan Jue)
While this is a Xianxia (fantasy) series, the dynamic between the low-ranking fairy Xiao Lanhua and the terrifying Moon Supreme, Dongfang Qingcang, perfectly mirrors the "scary prince and quirky girl" vibe. The character growth and emotional stakes are top-tier, earning it a spot among top chinese romance anime series.
6. Raven of the Inner Palace (Kouyu no Karasu)
While technically a Japanese production, this anime is set in a fictionalized ancient China and follows a "Raven Consort" who uses magic to solve mysteries. The relationship between the solitary consort and the young Emperor is filled with the same quiet tension and supernatural intrigue fans adore.
7. No Doubt In Us (Liang Bu Yi)
This series explores a body-swap trope between a martial-arts-loving Empress and a scholarly Emperor. Forced to live each other's lives, they finally begin to understand and fall in love with one another. It is hilarious, heartwarming, and features a very strong female lead.
8. The Story of Saiunkoku (Saiunkoku Monogatari)
A classic in the genre, this series follows Shuurei, a young woman from a noble but poor family who is hired to be the consort of the lazy Emperor to whip him into shape. Her dedication to her career and her evolving relationship with the Emperor set the standard for shojo donghua like psychic princess.
9. Fairies Album (Bai Yao Pu)
While more episodic, this Donghua follows a mysterious doctor who travels with a young monk and a spirit, solving supernatural problems for "demons." It captures the mystical atmosphere and the "unfolding mystery" feel that Psychic Princess fans often enjoy.
10. Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
While focusing more on mystery and medical deduction, the interaction between Maomao and the beautiful eunuch Jinshi is legendary. Maomao’s dry wit and refusal to be charmed by the powerful men around her will instantly remind fans of Qian Yunxi’s personality.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Historical Romance Donghua
Beyond the mainstream hits, there are several hidden gems that deserve your attention if you are a fan of historical romance donghua recommendations. One such title is Adoring Food Goddess, which, like Cinderella Chef, blends culinary arts with romantic tension.
Another underrated series is Tales of Exorcism (Xiang Ling Ji), which leans more into the supernatural action but maintains a strong romantic subplot. These series often have smaller budgets but make up for it with heart, unique character designs, and a deep respect for the cultural history they are portraying. You can often find more niche recommendations on community-driven sites like Fandom.
The Rise of Shoujo-Style Chinese Animation
Historically, Donghua was dominated by 3D action series focused on cultivation (Xianxia) and battle. However, the success of Psychic Princess and Cinderella Chef signaled a shift. Studios realized there was a massive global audience for "Shoujo-style" content—stories focusing on interpersonal relationships, female empowerment, and romantic aesthetics.
This "shoujo-style" Donghua often utilizes beautiful 2D art that feels nostalgic yet modern. It allows for more expressive character work, which is crucial for romance. As we see more manhua (Chinese comics) being adapted, the variety of romance sub-genres—from time travel to medical dramas—continues to expand, offering endless options for fans of animes like psychic princess.
Where to Watch the Best Romance Donghua
Finding Donghua used to be a challenge, but in 2026, accessibility has improved significantly. Most major titles are now available on global platforms with professional subtitles and, occasionally, dubs.
- Bilibili: The original home of Psychic Princess, Bilibili has a YouTube channel and a dedicated app that hosts a massive library of romance Donghua.
- Tencent Video (WeTV): A powerhouse in the industry, WeTV offers many of the top-ranked series on our list with high-quality translations.
- Crunchyroll: The platform has been steadily increasing its Donghua catalog. You can check their current offerings on the official Crunchyroll website.
- iQIYI: Known for both live-action dramas and animation, iQIYI is a great source for palace-themed romances.
Conclusion: The Growing Popularity of the Genre
The craving for animes like psychic princess is a testament to how much audiences value stories that combine humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural. These series offer an escape into a beautifully rendered past where destiny can be challenged by a sharp wit and a brave heart.
As the Donghua industry continues to grow, we can expect even more sophisticated stories that push the boundaries of the romance genre. Whether you are looking for the laugh-out-loud comedy of Cinderella Chef or the epic emotional journey of Love Between Fairy and Devil, the world of Chinese animation has something perfect for you. Happy watching!
