Meilin Li is a character who appears exclusively in the anime adaptation of Cardcaptor Sakura. She is a young girl from Hong Kong and a first cousin of Syaoran Li, one of the main protagonists. Meilin was raised within the powerful Li Clan and, like Syaoran, trained in martial arts from a very young age. Unlike her cousin and many other members of her family, however, she possesses no magical abilities of her own.

Personality-wise, Meilin is initially presented as a spirited, hot-headed, and somewhat brash individual. She is fiercely devoted to Syaoran, having declared herself his fiancée after a childhood incident where he retrieved her lost pet bird, an act that revealed his hidden kindness. This devotion fuels her initial role in the story, as she travels to Tomoeda to assist Syaoran in his quest to capture the Clow Cards. Her strong-willed and sometimes possessive nature leads her to view Sakura Kinomoto, the primary card captor, as a rival for Syaoran's attention and affection.

Despite her lack of magic, Meilin is determined to be useful, relying on her considerable skill in martial arts. While her enthusiasm sometimes leads her to inadvertently interfere with card captures, there are notable instances where her physical prowess and sharp instincts prove invaluable. For example, her ability to analyze a combat situation allowed her to advise Sakura on which card to use against a magical threat, and her synchronized fighting skills with Syaoran, honed from years of training together, were crucial in capturing a particular card that required two people to attack in perfect unison.

Throughout the series, Meilin undergoes significant character development. Her initial rivalry with Sakura gradually softens as she comes to respect and genuinely like the other girl, making their eventual friendship all the more meaningful. The most pivotal moment in her personal journey occurs when she briefly returns to Tomoeda and comes to the full realization that Syaoran has fallen in love with Sakura. Honoring a childhood promise she had made, Meilin bravely and maturely releases Syaoran from their self-proclaimed engagement, choosing his happiness over her own heartbreak. She processes her sadness with the help of their mutual friend, Tomoyo Daidōji, demonstrating a depth of character and emotional strength not evident in her first appearance.

Her relationships are central to the narrative. Her dynamic with Syaoran evolves from that of a possessive, self-proclaimed bride to a supportive and caring cousin. Her friendship with Sakura transforms from jealous rivalry into a deep and loyal bond, to the point where she later becomes a secret ally, alongside Tomoyo, in helping Sakura confess her own feelings to Syaoran. Her bond with Tomoyo also strengthens, as Tomoyo provides a sympathetic and non-judgmental ear during Meilin's time of need.

In terms of abilities, Meilin is a highly accomplished martial artist, having trained extensively in hand-to-hand combat. She compensates for her inability to use magic with her physical strength, speed, and agility, allowing her to fight on equal footing with supernatural entities at times. She also possesses a sharp sense of perception in battle, often able to quickly assess a situation and formulate a practical, non-magical solution. By the time of the sequel series, Clear Card, Meilin has matured into a calmer, more perceptive young woman who remains a close and supportive friend to both Sakura and Syaoran, treasuring her place in their lives.