K-dramas are often people’s gateway into the fascinating world of Asian shows. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re ready to explore Chinese dramas, we’ve come up with a short list of some of the hottest Chinese actors and actresses these days to give you an idea of what you’ll encounter if you make the leap.
Yang Yang
Not everyone can claim to be featured in your home country’s postage stamp. Yang Yang earned the distinction of being his country’s first artist to do so. If you look at his face, you’ll know exactly why. Born in Shanghai in 1991, Yang Yang debuted in The Dream of Red Mansions in 2010. He followed this up with several patriotic dramas. It wasn’t until 2016 that he exploded into the scene with the international hit Love O2O. Since then, he’s been a top-tier actor in c-dramas with the first pick of big-budget high quality scripts. Our favorite of his is the 2021 romantic drama You Are My Glory.
Dilraba Dilmurat
Starring alongside Yang Yang in You Are My Glory is Dilraba Dilmurat whose strikingly beautiful features point to her Uyghur ethnicity. Dilraba’s first drama was Anarhan in 2013 when she was around 20 years old. When the k-drama hit She Was Pretty was remade for Chinese audiences, she played the lead. The show earned over seven billion online views and earned her even more popularity. She has performed in so many dramas with our favorites being Love Designer (2020) and You Are My Glory (2021). She is currently one of the highest paid brand ambassadors in China.
Zhao Lusi
Zhao Lusi (Rosy Zhao) is one of the young Chinese actresses whose impressive filmography shows just how hardworking Chinese artists are. She gained recognition in the historical romance drama The Romance of Tiger and Rose in 2020. Throughout the years, she’s won several awards for her performances. She’s also a singer and has released singles and theme songs for her dramas. We recommend her in Love Like the Galaxy (2022), Hidden Love (2023), and The Story of Pearl Girl (2024).
Huang Jingyu
Dubbed China’s “National Husband” for one his roles early in his career, Huang Jingyu (Johnny Huang) has since maintained his popularity as an actor, model, and producer. The Jiu-jitsu brown-belter brings a rugged charm in his performances that makes him equally attractive in both romance and action dramas. You can watch him in Love Designer (2020), Something Just Like this (2020), Chasing the Undercurrent (2022), and The First Shot (2024).
Wei Zheming
Wei Zheming (Miles Wei) is an actor and pop singer. He was a member of the band Fighter and debuted in 2012. He then ventured into acting by starring in the film Devastative Beauty: Snow Poison. Since then he has starred in several hit dramas including You Are My Secret (2024), I May Love You (2023), and Hello, I’m at Your Service (2023)
Chen Xingxu
Chen Xingxu (Oliver Chen) was only three years old when he was spotted by a scout while he was visiting the zoo. He shot a series of commercials and eventually played his first role as a child actor in Years of Burning Passion (2000). His breakout role came in 2017 when he starred in The Legend of the Condor Heroes. He’s had several hits since then including Goodbye My Princess (2019), Fall in Love (2021), and The Starry Love (2023).
Zhang Yuxi
Zhang Yuxi won the Rayli Cover Girl competition in 2009 and embarked on her modeling career. She ventured into acting in 2013 in the costume drama Man Comes to Tang Dynasty. While not as prolific as the rest of her peers, she’s slowly making her way to becoming one of China’s most popular actresses by starring in several variety shows. She is in Love at Night (2021), My Boss (2024), and A Beautiful Lie (2024).
Luo Yunxi
Luo Yunxi (Leo Luo) learned dance from his father, a dance teacher, at the tender age of five. Trained in ballet for 11 years, he had a choice to pursue either dance or theater. He chose the latter although he worked as a dance instructor after university. He joined an idol group in 2010 that disbanded in 2012. In the same year, he debuted in acting in the film The Spring of My Life. He gained popularity in 2018 with the romance drama Princess Silver. His filmography includes Love is Sweet (2020), Love is Panacea (2023), and Follow Your Heart (2024).
Comments