10 Popular Chinese Drama Actors To Watch In 2023
While Korean dramas have made a permanent place in the hearts of millions across the world, Chinese TV shows have also been gaining popularity slowly and steadily. C-Drama actors are gaining recognition, not only from fans of the shows but also, from luxury brands, like Gucci and Bulgari.
It’s evident with the number of globally hit C-Dramas that China is brimming with talent in the acting department and this is why we decided to round up some of our favourite C-Drama actors and actresses that everyone needs to watch (and love) in 2023…
Chinese Drama Actors To Know
Yang Yang at Bulgari Mediterranea High Jewelry Event
Yang Yang
Yang Yang made a splash with his role in The Dream of Red Mansions (2010), one of the most expensive C-Dramas to be ever made. He was chosen to be China’s first Olympic flame torch bearer for the Rio Olympics in 2016, the same year he became the first artist to be featured on the China Post postage stamp. In 2021, Bulgari appointed him as its newest spokesperson.
Xiao Zhan at the 'Gucci Cosmos' Exhibition In Shanghai
Xiao Zhan
The actor and singer first gained public recognition as a member of the boyband XNine. He began his acting career in 2016 and became a certified hit actor with The Untamed (2019). The actor went on to give memorable performances in dramas like The Wolf (2020) and The Oath of Love (2022). His 2020 single ‘Spotlight’ set the Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling digital track in China. The actor has also partnered with major luxury brands like Tod’s, Gucci, Audi, Ralph Lauren, and Yves Saint Laurent as their spokesperson.
Ren Jialun at Paul Smith AW20 50th Anniversary Show
Ren Jialun
After retiring from playing table tennis professionally till 16, Ren Jialun made his debut as an actor with the fantasy series Nobel Aspirations (2016). The actor became a household name after playing the role of Li Chu in the historical drama The Glory of the Tang Dynasty (2017).
13th Beijing International Film Festival - Red Carpet
Zhang Zifeng
Zhang Zhifeng is one of the most-loved actresses in the country. She won the Best Newcomer award in 2012 for her role in Aftershock at the Hundred Flower Awards, becoming the youngest celebrity ever to have won that award. She then went on to deliver great performances that led her to be known as one of the ‘New Four Dan Actresses’, a term used for most bankable stars in China.
Gong Jun at the "Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny" Red Carpet - The 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival
Gong Jun
The actor rose to popularity with the drama Lost Love In Times (2017) and went on to star in hits like Begin Again (2020) and the popular BL drama Word of Honor (2021). He made his Cannes Film Festival debut in 2023 in a stunning Jason Wu number. Italian fashion brand RA-RE announced his appointment as a global ambassador recently.
Wang Hedi at a Louis Vuitton Event In Shanghai
Wang Hedi
Also known as Dylan Wang, the actor is most known for his breakout role as Daoming Si in Meteor Garden (2018). More recently, he won hearts for his portrayal of the Devil in the fantasy drama Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022). The actor also launched his own clothing brand D.Desirable which became an instant hit with fashion critics in the country.
Esther Yu at Givenchy Spring 2024 Menswear Collection Runway Show
Yu Shuxin
Dylan Wang’s Love Between Fairy and Devil co-star Yu Shuxin, or Esther Yu, was a former member of the girl group THE9. She gained recognition as an actor after being part of the drama Find Yourself (2020).
Chinese Actor Zhang Zhehan
Zhang Zhehan
Chinese actor and singer Zang Zhehan gained popularity with his role as Wei Ying in the historical drama Legend of Ban Shu (2015). He went on to win hearts with his roles in Legend of Yunxi (2018) and Word of Honor (2021). He recently made waves when he opted for a stunning Rahul Mishra outfit for an onstage appearance.
Ju Jingyi Attends iQiyi Sharing Session In Shanghai
Ju Jingyi
The singer and actress was a part of the idol group SNH48 and has been a part of hits like Legend of Yunxi (2018) and the fantasy romance drama The Legend of the White Snake (2019). Chinese fans dubbed her a ‘Once in 4,000 years idol’, leading to a rise in her popularity.
Jackson Yee at the Tiffany & Co. NYC Flagship Store Reopening
Jackson Yee
Another C-Pop star who became an actor, Jackson Yee rose to fame in 2013 as a member of TFBOYS. His role in Better Days (2019) made people sit up and take notice of his acting chops and cemented his popularity as an actor in the country. The actor is also the global ambassador for Armani Beauty and Tiffany & Co.
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