Syaoran Li, sometimes spelled as Shaoran Li or originally as Xiaolang Li (李小狼 Lǐ Xiǎoláng; リ・シャオラン Ri Shaoran, or Ri Syaoran (Kunrei); Cantonese Jyutping: lei5 siu2 long4), is one of the central characters in the Clamp manga Cardcaptor Sakura and its sequel Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card. In the English anime adaptation by Nelvana of the series, Cardcaptors, he was renamed Li Showron and in the American broadcast was rewritten to be the joint main protagonist alongside Sakura Kinomoto, despite Sakura's solo lead role in all other regional conversions. Syaoran is a young Chinese sorcerer from Hong Kong, descending from Clow Reed and appearing in Tokyo during his introduction in order to capture the missing cards released by Sakura. Although Syaoran is initially apprehensive towards the protagonist due to their shared goal, he, in time, finds himself falling in love with her as the series progresses. Syaoran's relationship with Sakura is further explored in the 2000 Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2: The Sealed Card film and the sequel.
Syaoran was created by Clamp as a common archetype of silent but caring male character often depicted in their works. However, Syaoran's traits and relationship with Sakura was noted to be positive within the demography of the manga's magazine.
Reception to the character was originally quite mixed with criticisms primarily directed at his initial role and alterations during the localization process. The further development of the character, however, was noted to make him more mature and appealing. The character's design was used for the two main characters of Clamp's manga Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle who share the same name: the dimension traveller Syaoran and the young sorcerer Syaoran who replaces him in the second half.
