Recs if you like Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 1...

All the volumes licensed in English that I could find on here. I've added ones I couldn't find whenever possible, and did my best to select the correct editions.

This list contains the first volume of several popular series from danmei subgenres such as: wuxia, xianxia, cultivation, omegaverse, infinite flow, e-sports, etc.

This list is just a point to start from if you want to dip your toes into Danmei 🥰

I’m an international fan, so this list prioritizes works that have been published in English and that are popular in international spaces. I’ve not read all these, but I’m certainly gonna try!!

I’m always open to feedback <33

Books set in an Asian or Asian-inspired setting or incorporates elements of an Asian culture or mythology. Only the first book in a series is listed.

a collection of men who pretend to be really innocent and weak to gain their lover’s favour. the title comes from the chinese slang term 绿茶 / green tea, which refers to someone who acts really pitiful and helpless, as if they’ve endured a lot of hardships, but in actual fact is very cunning and ambitious.

note: the origin of the term is quite misogynistic, hence why this list will not be including any women.

Unhinged and chaotic queer stories that are beyond entertaining (and in some ways, very disturbing as the best are haha!)

gay chinese novels

chinese webnovels (mostly danmei) with disabled main characters who don’t get a miracle cure. as always, recommendations are very welcome!

July is Disability Pride Month! Here's a big pile of books with disabled characters. All the books also have at least one queer character, and in most cases, the queer character and the disabled character are one and the same. (There are a few non-fiction titles in the mix as well; representation for queerness may be subtext/interpreted). (This list is presented by Duck Prints Press, the indie publisher focused on publishing queer art and stories by queer creators! A group of us collaborate to make these recommendations.)

All the volumes licensed in English that I could find on here. I've added ones I couldn't find whenever possible, and did my best to select the correct editions. This is a modified version of my existing Danmei Officially Published in English, but this one only includes the first volume of each series. (Someone asked I make this version, so here we are. :D )

For those who have wandered close but yet to sink into this rabbit hole:

"Danmei (耽美) is a Chinese literary genre that focuses on romantic relationships between male characters."

read a few, and keeping an eye on the rest 👀 I'll be editing the list as I go! please feel free to suggest any additions 🌸

Inexhaustive list of danmei novels 👑

Danmei is Chinese BL (boy's love), evolved from the japanese genre tanbi, which derived from an anti-naturalistic literary movement, with focus on beauty and aesthetic, which later on became the known genre of love between men (also known as yaoi). Danmei is a known genre mainly for women, also primarily written by women. It is an interesting genre to read into feminist studies, queer studies and probably also other literary studies. Other than that, it's great entertainment! Give it a shot :)

chinese BL novels with physical english releases

series only show first volume, i add books as i read them

novels in which a main character’s name is derived or gains greater meaning from poetry. as always, recommendations are very welcome, for books in any language!

酸涩文 (n.) danmei novels about aching hearts that have been put through the wringer and back.

— 富士山不远，月亮也真的可以私有。 / mount fuji isn’t far, and the moon really can be intimately held.

✧ [宫廷]: this genre sets its narrative in pseudo-historically accurate eras of Ancient China. The main plot of these novels is heavily focused on palace or imperial court intrigues, such as battles for the throne or political dominance, military strategies, and schemes, with little to no fantasy.

note: if there's any gongting title missing please do let me know!

Cultivation and historic danmei just hits different

It IS in fact gay to kiss the homies. (Danmei edition)