Top 10 Popular Chinese Actors in 2025

How to learn Chinese fast? Are you a fan of Chinese movies and dramas? Many Chinese Actors and stars are now becoming very famous around the world. They are loved for their great acting, strong screen presence, and interesting roles. In this article, we will show you the Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Actors in 2025. These actors are some of the best in the Chinese acting industry today, and people from many countries enjoy watching their shows and movies.

1. Xiao Zhan 肖战

Born on October 5, 1991, in Chongqing, Xiao Zhan initially studied design before entering the entertainment industry as a Chinese actor and singer. He first debuted as a member of the idol group X NINE in 2016 but gained significant fame through his acting career. Xiao Zhan, also known as Sean Xiao, has consistently ranked in the top three of the Star Power List. His name frequently trends on Weibo (Chinese social media), and his face appears on posters in Chinese shopping malls and billboards in Chinatowns worldwide.

Xiao Zhan gained broader recognition for his co-starring role alongside Wang Yibo in The Untamed, which was also picked up by Netflix, further boosting his global fame as one of the most popular Chinese actor. Moreover, the boost in popularity of this movie managed to encourage a number of international fans to learn Chinese through this Chinese drama. In addition, as a singer, his single Spot Light, which was released in April 2020, achieved sales of 25.48 million copies and set a Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling digital album within 24 hours of its release.

2. Wang Yibo 王一博

Born on August 5, 1997, in Luoyang, Wang Yibo is a multi-talented Chinese actor known for his roles as an actor, singer, dancer, and professional motorcycle racer. He first debuted as a member of the K-pop group UNIQ before gaining prominence in China. Wang Yibo is characterized by his cold and mysterious aura, though he possesses a soft personality off-screen.

He is an exceptional dancer and served as a street dance mentor on the show Street Dance of China. In addition, with massive commercial endorsements, Wang Yibo stands as one of China’s most influential celebrities. In 2020, he was among the most popular Chinese actors in the country and was appointed by the Chinese government as the ambassador for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Another brownies point was his fluency in both Chinese and Korean, as Wang Yibo made his entertainment industry debut in 2014 as part of the South Korean boy band. Prior to his breakout role in the historical xianxia drama The Untamed in 2019 as Lan Wangji, he had been a TV host on the variety show Day Day Up since 2016. In 2018, he participated in the popular idol competition Produce 101 as a dance mentor and captained a team on Street Dance of China Season 3, impressing audiences with his unique dance style.

Wang Yibo received the “Hot Figure of the Year” award for two consecutive years at the latest Weibo Awards Ceremony and also won the titles of “Douyin God” and “All-Around Artist of the Year” at Douyin Night 2021. In 2023, Wang Yibo returned with a period spy thriller Chinese movie “Hidden Blade” with him acting as Secretary Ye.

3. Dylan Wang (Wang Hedi) 王鹤棣

Born on December 20, 1998, in Sichuan, Wang Hedi, also known as Dylan Wang, rose to fame after winning the reality talent show Super Idol in 2017. Known for his bad-boy charm and comedic timing, he adds a unique flair to his performances with his fluency in the Sichuan dialect and comedic response in several variety show, such as Running Man China.

Dylan initially studied to become a flight attendant and graduated from Sichuan Southwest College of Civil Aviation. His career began with success in the entertainment industry when he won the overall championship at the “Sichuan Campus Red Festival” in 2016. The following year, he participated in the survival reality show Hyper Dimensional Idol (超次元偶像) and emerged as the final winner.

In addition, he is best known for his role as Daoming Si in the popular remake of the TV series Meteor Garden (2018). In 2022, his popularity soared with his performance in the costume xianxia drama Love Between Fairy and Devil (Chinese: 苍兰诀; pinyin: Cāng Lán Jué), where he amassed an impressive 10,000 popularity points with his acting skill. Besides that, this Chinese actor also showcased his acting skills in the modern Chinese drama Only for Love (2023), where he acts as the mysterious CEO, Bai Yue.

Beyond acting, Dylan also endorses luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and regularly appears in Harper’s Bazaar China. In addition to his acting career, he released his first single, Don’t Even Have to Think about It, in 2019 and has served as a brand ambassador for several companies, often seen on billboards.

4. Yang Yang 杨洋

Yang Yang was born on September 9, 1991, in Shanghai. He trained in dance at the People’s Liberation Army Arts Academy. Not only is Yang Yang a talented actor, but he is also a sensation, adored by a large fan base for his striking looks and charismatic personality. Online, he received the nickname “National Boyfriend” due to his handsome appearance and sweet roles, such as in Love 020.

Yang Yang often portrays cool, composed characters with deep emotions. He earned the title of Chinese Heartthrob after impressing everyone with his performance during his graduation event, which ultimately led to his role in The Dream of Red Mansions (2010), where he co-star with Yang Mi. Even before making his big-screen debut, Yang Yang was already a household name, thanks to his appearances in commercials and on magazine covers.

One of his notable TV series is China Special Forces (特战荣耀, 2022), which focuses on a theme of soldiers and warfare and received a high rating of 7.4 on IMDb, due to Yang Yang’s impressive acting. His dedication to this role was evident as he performed intense scenes, including rolling in the mud, making him almost unrecognizable.

In addition to his iconic roles in TV Chinese dramas, Yang Yang has become the face of luxury brands, increasing his recognition across China. He also ranked 5th on the 2017 Forbes China Celebrity 100 list.

5. Jackson Yee (Yiyang Qianxi) 易烊千玺

Chinese actor Jackson Yee, also known as Yiyang Qianxi, made a remarkable transition from a teenage idol to a young adult model and a well-known actor. He was born in Hunan, China, in 2000, and started his career in entertainment as a member of the very popular boy group TFBoys. This young man has received a lot of attention because of their famous album Manual of Youth 青春修炼手册“and his rather mature look.

While his singing and dancing won him a youthful fanbase, it was his breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film Better Days (2019) that established him as a serious actor. He played the role of Xiao Bei, a troubled teenager who defends a bullied schoolgirl in the film. His raw and deeply emotional portrayal earned him nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Rooster Awards.

After Better Days, Jackson portrayed a valiant young soldier during the Korean War in the patriotic blockbuster The Battle at Lake Changjin (2021). His ability to exhibit both stoic courage and vulnerability impressed audiences, greatly expanding his acting repertoire. Known for his quiet intensity and immersive acting, Jackson Yee continues to take on challenging roles, including A Little Red Flower (2020), a heart-wrenching film about cancer patients. With his growing list of acclaimed performances, Jackson is now not just a teen idol but a rising force in the Chinese film industry with growing international recognition.

6. Zhao Lusi 赵露思

Because of her roles in romantic comedies and costume dramas, Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has become well-known among Chinese drama fans. She was born in Chengdu in 1998 and initially gained notoriety for her supporting parts in web series before becoming a household name with The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020). Zhao portrayed Chen Qianqian in this drama, a humorous and outspoken screenwriter who enters her own made-up universe. The series became an immediate hit due to her lively personality, comedic timing, and chemistry with co-star Ding Yuxi. Her ability to strike a balance between humor and emotion won over viewers, making the character lovable and memorable.

Zhao Lusi’s popularity grew again with Love Like the Galaxy (2022), in which she played Cheng Shaoshang, a young lady negotiating romance and familial loyalty in ancient China. Her development as an actress who can handle more complex, serious roles was demonstrated by her nuanced performance in this historical drama.

In addition, Dating in the Kitchen (2020) and Hidden Love (2023) are two more notable pieces that further cemented her position as a top star in the Chinese acting industry. Asian Gen Z audiences particularly adore her because of her expressive face and relatable charm.

7. Bai Lu 白鹿

Born in 1994, Bai Lu is a Chinese actress with extraordinary talent who gained her current famr by switching from modeling to acting career. She played Lu Zhaoyao, a fierce and unorthodox female lead in a wuxia fantasy world, in The Legends (2019), which was her breakthrough role. Her strong portrayal of a strong woman with a rebellious edge, which defied the traditional damsel archetype frequently seen in Chinese historical dramas, enthralled audiences. In addition, her strong on-screen persona and chemistry with co-star Xu Kai contributed to the drama’s enormous success.

With popular dramas like One and Only (2021), a heartbreaking love story that touched the hearts of millions, and Love is Sweet (2020), in which she portrayed a quirky but astute financial analyst, Bai Lu maintained her winning streak. She played Li Susu in the 2023 xianxia drama Till the End of the Moon, which had an intriguing plot and excellent production value.

Bai Lu is one of the most promising Chinese actors of her generation because of her ability to play both contemporary and historical roles. Additionally, her inclusion in the Keep Running lineup since 2022 has showcased her humorous and endearing side to audiences. Her steady ascent in the business is guaranteed by her capacity to give poignant performances while preserving a close relationship with co-stars.

8. Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin) 虞书欣

Yu Shuxin, also known as Esther Yu, is a Chinese actress who is well-known for her lively demeanor and distinctive style of acting. As a member of the girl group THE9, Esther, who was born in 1995, first came to the attention of the public when she competed on the idol survival show Youth With You 2. She immediately won over fans with her openness and funny antics.

However, it was her starring role in Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022) that truly pushed her acting career into the spotlight. Her portrayal of Xiao Lan Hua, a kind-hearted orchid spirit who falls in love with a demon lord, won the audience. In addition, her performance received praise for its charm, humor, and emotional sincerity.

Unlike many of her peers, Esther is able to give her characters a sense of warmth and eccentricity. Her popularity in romantic roles was further demonstrated when she starred in the youth romance Chinese drama Moonlight (2021). Furthermore, Esther Yu’s distinctive comedic rhythm and expressive facial expressions offer a novel perspective on traditional Chinese drama storytelling. She embodies a new generation of Chinese actors who aren’t scared to embrace their uniqueness while experimenting with a variety of genres, as evidenced by her growing popularity.

9. Dilraba Dilmurat 迪丽热巴

A stunning Chinese actress of Uyghur heritage, Dilraba Dilmurat, has enthralled audiences with her exotic beauty and strong acting abilities. She was born in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, in 1992. After graduating from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, she started out in popular dramas in supporting roles.

She played the intelligent and mischievous Bai Fengjiu in the romantic fantasy drama Eternal Love (2017), which marked her big break. She received a lot of love and attention from both the Chinese and international audiences for this role.

Her career as a Chinese actress continues as she plays the lead Chinese in dramas such as Pretty Li Huizhen (2017), a Chinese adaptation of She Was Pretty, and You Are My Glory (2021), in which she costarred with Yang Yang as a glamorous actress who rekindled her romance with a former classmate. Dilraba is one of the most followed Chinese celebrities on social media due to her stunning appearance, emotional delivery, and on-screen elegance.

Furthermore, she received recognition for combining femininity, strength, and intelligence in her role as a warrior princess in The Long Ballad (2021). She is now a global representative of Chinese entertainment due to her increasing global influence and brand endorsements.

10. Zhang Ruo Nan 章若楠

Chinese actress Zhang Ruo Nan is renowned for her emotionally charged performances and pure image. She is gentle yet powerful. She made her debut as Gu Senxiang in the coming-of-age movie Cry Me a Sad River (2018). Zhang Ruonan played a shy and kind girl, entangled in a web of friendship drama and school bullying. She was born in 1996. She became a breakout star to watch after her portrayal struck a deep chord with both young audiences and critics.

After making her film debut, Zhang Ruonan starred in the romantic television series Everyone Wants to Meet You (2020). Another role she portrayed was a reporter, Wei Yifan, and her love entanglement in The First Frost (2025). She then starred in Love Is Panacea in 2023, a Chinese drama, adapted from a web novel Zhi Yu Zhe (治愈者). The plot about the “enemies become lovers” trope intrigue the audience, and Zhang Ruo Nan received recognition for her authentic and organic acting style.

Her ability to subtly convey both strength and vulnerability while establishing an emotional bond with viewers is what makes her unique. Zhang Ruo Nan is becoming more and more well-known among contemporary Chinese actors as more directors look for genuine performances in dramas aimed at young people.

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