Li Yunrui and Guan Xiaotong are quickly becoming one of the most talked about on-screen couples in Chinese drama this year.
Since The Shining premiered, the teen romance series has generated considerable interest on social media, with viewers particularly fascinated by the natural chemistry between its two leads. Even before the drama officially aired, behind-the-scenes clips featuring the couple amassed more than 3.4 million bookings and views, setting a new record for the production.
Adapted from Shi Jiuyuan’s popular novel of the same name, The Shining tells the story of rebellious island boy Xing Wu and fallen heiress Qing Ye, whose lives intertwine through healing, growth, and love.
One of the biggest talking points was Li Yunrui’s dramatic transformation for the role. The actor surprised the audience by sporting a striking blonde hairstyle, a look rarely seen in his previous projects.
Speaking about the character, Guan Xiaotong admitted that if she could change roles, she would like to experience Xing Wu’s iconic blonde hair era.
“It was then that Xing Wu looked more handsome and had more personality,” he shared.
Li Yunrui laughed in agreement, describing his character during that time as someone who “didn’t care about anyone and lived completely on his own terms”.
The couple’s dynamic extends beyond the script. In the drama, Guan Xiaotong plays a rich ex-girlfriend forced to adapt to a difficult reality, while Li Yunrui plays a free-spirited troublemaker. Their contrasting personalities resonated strongly with audiences.
Behind the camera, however, their interactions appear much more playful.
Due to Li Yunrui’s athletic background as a former basketball team captain and nationally certified basketball player, several scenes required the two stars to run together. Guan Xiaotong is said to have repeatedly reminded him before filming: “Remember to run slower! Slower!”
The hilarious exchange quickly became a favorite among fans.
What really fueled the discussion online were the drama’s behind-the-scenes romantic moments. Footage released by the production team shows the actors sharing intimate scenes including seaside hugs, horseback riding, motorcycle sequences and emotional confessions.
Fans were particularly fascinated by the moments when the two actors struggled to maintain composure during filming, often bursting into laughter whenever they looked into each other’s eyes.
Many viewers commented:
- “The chemistry is unreal.”
- “Their eye contact alone tells an entire love story.”
- “I feel like I’m falling in love just watching the trailer.”
The couple also revealed their favorite lines from the drama.
Li Yunrui chose, “Keep running forward. I will catch up with you.”
Meanwhile, Guan Xiaotong chose: “I will cover half the distance. The other half is yours to cross.”
The unexpectedly matching choices further convinced fans that the two actors perfectly understand the emotional core of their characters.
Adding to the excitement, Li Yunrui and Guan Xiaotong also performed the drama’s opening theme, One Hundred Stars, showing another side of their talent.
The soundtrack’s setlist also attracted considerable attention, featuring Liu Yuning, who performs the title track The Shining, while veteran singer Gigi Leung lends her voice to the ending theme Summer of Freedom.
With its blend of youthful romance, strong visuals and an increasingly beloved lead couple, The Shining is quickly establishing itself as one of the top Chinese dramas of 2026.
For many viewers, however, it is the natural chemistry between Li Yunrui and Guan Xiaotong that continues to steal the spotlight.
Sources: Yahoo News
