 |
| Chinese Dramas: Top 10 Ideal Boyfriend Characters Netizens Love Most (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese modern romance dramas didn’t just deliver sweet storylines and emotional plot twists — they also gave audiences a fresh batch of male leads who redefined what “ideal boyfriend material” really looks like. From gentle listeners and emotionally mature partners to fiercely protective figures with a rough edge, this year’s characters covered every fantasy and relationship standard viewers love to debate online.
Across social media platforms and drama forums, netizens spent months discussing which characters felt the most realistic, comforting, exciting, or simply unforgettable.
Based on overall buzz, audience consensus, and long-term impact rather than pure ratings, here’s a complete roundup of the Top 10 Most Popular Ideal Boyfriends in Chinese Dramas — with Song Weilong securing third place, Zhang Linghe coming in second, and He Yu reigning at number one.
10 Chinese Drama Male Leads Fans Call the Ultimate Ideal Boyfriends in 2026
10. Huang Junjie as Jiang Ling – Fell Upon Me (你的降臨)
 |
Fell Upon Me turned heads as an unexpectedly moving school romance despite its modest production scale.
Jiang Ling starts off as a distant transfer student with a rebellious aura, but beneath the silence is someone deeply sincere and emotionally grounded.
เจียงหลิง นักเลงแห่งภาคพื้นดินคนใหม่รายงานตัว
— เฟย | ☆ (@Remeoxrome) August 7, 2025
✷ [#เจียงหลิง #江陵 #Jiangling #拯救我的世界末日 #FellUponMe#Huangjunjie #หวงจวิ้นเจี๋ย #黄俊捷 #黄俊捷H ] ✷ pic.twitter.com/kPkNH4RRKX
What makes Jiang Ling boyfriend material is his quiet reliability. He doesn’t rely on grand speeches or dramatic promises. Instead, he chooses trust, protection, and steady presence — proving that love doesn’t always need to be loud to feel powerful.
9. Zhai Xiaowen as Jing Xichi – Always Home (树下有片红房子)
 |
Always Home won over viewers through its relatable tone and everyday warmth. Jing Qichi quickly earned the nickname “happy puppy boyfriend” thanks to his bright personality, athletic charm, and natural optimism.
More importantly, Jing Qichi listens. He notices emotional shifts, respects boundaries, and never overshadows his partner. For many viewers, he represents a boyfriend who brings joy without pressure — easy to be with, easy to trust.
8. Zhou Yiran as Ming Sheng – Reborn (焕羽)
 |
Ming Sheng’s appeal lies in his emotional steadiness. Forced to grow up early due to family circumstances, he becomes a calm anchor for Qiao Qingyu amid gossip, isolation, and social pressure.
His simple promise — “As long as you turn around, I’ll be there” — resonated strongly with audiences. Ming Sheng embodies the kind of partner who stays consistent, doesn’t demand attention, and never disappears when things get difficult.
7. Bi Wenjun as Li Jinyu – Deep Affection Eyes (深情眼)
 |
Li Jinyu is shaped by loss, hardship, and emotional scars, making him withdrawn yet deeply perceptive. Rather than flashy romance, his love language is patience, understanding, and quiet companionship.
Viewers connected strongly with his healing relationship with Ye Meng. Li Jinyu represents a boyfriend who doesn’t rush love but grows alongside it — loving softly, but with genuine depth.
6. Bai Jingting as Sang Yan – The First Frost (难哄)
 |
Sang Yan remains a fan favourite whenever ideal boyfriend discussions appear. Beneath his aloof exterior and slightly awkward behaviour lies a man who pays attention to the smallest details.
No matter how many times I watch, this is the older Sang Yan, not the same-age Sang Yan
— qwerty(slowly..maybe? until Dec..) (@sunnnn38336184) September 11, 2025
the way he looks at Yifan, his actions, and his playful slyness#thefirstfrost #zhangruonan #baijingting pic.twitter.com/ujLWsl6zrV
His love for Wen Yifan is shown through consistency rather than intensity. Many viewers describe Sang Yan as the kind of long-term partner you’d want beside you in everyday life — dependable, caring, and emotionally present.
5. Daniel Zhou Keyu as Li Wu – Sniper Butterfly (狙击蝴蝶)
 |
Li Wu’s vulnerability is central to his charm. Coming from poverty and carrying deep insecurity, he approaches love cautiously, but once committed, he gives everything without holding back.
His sincerity and loyalty struck a chord with audiences. Li Wu is often described as the boyfriend who loves with his whole heart, even if it costs him something in return.
4. Chen Zheyuan as Li Zan – The White Olive Tree (白色橄榄树)
 |
While The White Olive Tree faced mixed opinions overall, Li Zan stood out as a compelling male lead. As a bomb disposal technician, he projects authority and strength, but in relationships, he is gentle and emotionally open.
His struggle with trauma after an accident added emotional layers that made him feel real. Many viewers see Li Zan as a mature partner — strong enough to protect others, yet brave enough to face his own fears.
3. He Yu as Jin Chao – Speed and Love (双轨)
 |
Taking the 3rd spot is Jin Chao, a character who combines danger, vulnerability, and fierce devotion. Shaped by a harsh upbringing and life on the fringes through underground racing and boxing, he carries emotional wounds that make him both distant and deeply protective.
It’s this contrast that made Jin Chao unforgettable. His quiet intensity, combined with raw emotional moments, turned him into the most captivating ideal boyfriend of Chinese dramas. He Yu’s performance elevated the role, leaving a lasting impression that viewers still talk about long after the drama ended.
2. Song Weilong as Lin Yusen – Shine On Me (骄阳似我)
 |
Lin Yusen is often praised as the most realistic ideal boyfriend of 2026. Calm, emotionally stable, and thoughtful, he understands when to step forward and when to give space.
rich x rich couples FINALLY#ZhaoJinmai #SongWeilong #ShineOnMe pic.twitter.com/zaH2vAlKxZ
— lin (@leilinghe) January 1, 2026
His relationship with Nie Xiguang evolves naturally, built on growth and mutual understanding rather than dramatic misunderstandings. For many viewers, Lin Yusen represents what a healthy adult relationship should look like.
1. Zhang Linghe as He Suye – The Best Thing (爱你)
 |
He Suye perfectly fits the “gentle ideal boyfriend” label. As a doctor, his care extends beyond physical health to emotional well-being, offering reassurance rather than control.
His relationship with Shen Xifan is defined by respect, patience, and warmth. Netizens frequently describe him as a calming presence — the kind of boyfriend who makes life feel safer and more balanced.
These ten characters reflect how audiences’ expectations of romance continue to evolve — from emotional safety and mutual respect to passion, healing, and long-term stability.
Now it’s your turn: Which boyfriend stole your heart, and do you agree with this ranking?