In the rapidly growing world of Chinese animation, or donghua, few titles have captured international attention as much as Love Between Fairy and Devil (Cang Lan Jue). Originally adapted from the novel by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, this enchanting story of unlikely love between two polar opposite beings—an immortal fairy and a ruthless demon lord—has received both critical acclaim and fan adoration worldwide. Produced by iQIYI and animated by Haoliners Animation League, Love Between Fairy and Devil redefines what Chinese fantasy romance can offer in terms of storytelling, visual art, and emotional resonance.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore the plot, characters, animation quality, music, and overall impact of this beloved donghua, offering both factual insights and personal reflections.
Origin of the Story
Love Between Fairy and Devil is based on the Chinese web novel 《苍兰诀》 by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang (九鹭非香), a well-known author famous for blending romance with xianxia (immortal heroes) elements. The novel gained a cult following for its unique portrayal of a gentle, kind-hearted fairy entangled with a cold-hearted yet tragic demon lord.
The donghua adaptation follows the novel quite faithfully, while enhancing character development and world-building to suit an animated format.
Source:
Read more about Jiu Lu Fei Xiang's works on BaiduPlot Overview
At its core, Love Between Fairy and Devil is a story about change, redemption, and love that transcends the boundary of light and darkness. It revolves around two main characters:
- Xiao Lanhua (Little Orchid): A low-ranking fairy of the Orchid Pavilion, innocent and cheerful.
- Dongfang Qingcang: The fearsome Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, known for his cruelty and destructive powers.
A bizarre twist of fate causes their lives to intertwine when Xiao Lanhua accidentally breaks the seal on Dongfang Qingcang’s spirit. What follows is a series of comedic, heartfelt, and often heartbreaking events that force both characters to confront their deepest fears and desires.
Personal Opinion
“Unlike many romance donghua where character development feels rushed, Love Between Fairy and Devil allows its leads to grow naturally, making their emotional journey both believable and deeply touching.”
Character Development
The strongest aspect of this donghua lies in its character arcs. Neither Xiao Lanhua nor Dongfang Qingcang remains stagnant.
- Xiao Lanhua transforms from a naive fairy into a resilient spirit willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves.
- Dongfang Qingcang slowly sheds his emotional armor, rediscovering his long-buried humanity.
Quote:
According to iQIYI’s official statement:
“The animation seeks to portray the redemption of the soul through love, a core theme driving the narrative.”
Animation Quality
Studio: Haoliners Animation League
Style:The art style leans heavily into soft pastel colors for the fairy world and darker, sharper tones for the Moon Tribe. Character designs are detailed, and backgrounds—particularly scenes in the Cloud Dream Garden—are breathtaking.
- Smooth Motion: Fluid action scenes, particularly during battle sequences.
- Lighting Effects: Excellent use of light and shadow, enhancing the magical elements.
Source:
Haoliners Animation League official websitePersonal Note
“As someone who’s watched dozens of donghua series, I can confidently say the animation quality of Love Between Fairy and Devil stands among the top-tier, comparable even to popular Japanese anime productions.”
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack deserves special mention. Composed by SOUNDWING, it masterfully captures the emotional highs and lows of the story.
- Opening Theme: “Parting Love” (诀爱) sung by Liu Yuning — a hauntingly beautiful ballad that sets the perfect tone.
- Ending Theme: “Moonlight” evokes the bittersweet feelings tied to the leads’ relationship.
The background score skillfully enhances both lighthearted moments and heart-wrenching confrontations without overwhelming the narrative.
Themes and Symbolism
Several deep themes are subtly woven throughout:
- Sacrifice: True love requires sacrifice.
- Redemption: No one is beyond salvation.
- Duality of Nature: Light and dark, fairy and demon, strength and vulnerability.
Symbolism:
The repeated imagery of orchids and moonflowers symbolizes growth and resilience in harsh conditions, perfectly mirroring the journey of Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang.
Popular Reception
Since its release, Love Between Fairy and Devil has become one of the highest-rated donghua of its genre.
- Douban Rating: 8.3/10
- iQIYI Views: Over 2 billion streams as of early 2025
Fan Reactions:
Global audiences praised it for refreshing the fantasy romance genre with depth, wit, and visual splendor.
Comparison with Other Donghua
Compared to other romantic fantasy donghua like Battle Through the Heavens or Soul Land, Love Between Fairy and Devil leans more heavily on emotional storytelling rather than pure action.
This makes it a perfect recommendation for viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives.
Why You Should Watch It
If you’re still on the fence about starting Love Between Fairy and Devil, here are five reasons you should:
- Stunning animation quality
- Heartfelt, natural romance
- Strong female lead evolution
- Complex, layered villain turned hero
- Thought-provoking themes about love and sacrifice
Final Verdict
In my personal view, Love Between Fairy and Devil is a masterpiece of modern donghua. It elegantly bridges the gap between fantasy spectacle and intimate emotional storytelling. Whether you are new to Chinese animation or a seasoned fan, this series is a must-watch.
⭐ Final Score: 9.5/10