The Chinese television landscape remains a powerhouse of entertainment, with dramas across multiple genres consistently drawing large audiences. A recent analysis by ETToday Entertainment Star Cloud has revealed the ten most popular leading actors in Chinese dramas as of late 2025, based on online sentiment and mentions. Topping the list is Liu Yuning, narrowly edging out Zhao Lusi in a testament to the fierce competition within the industry, while actors like xiao Zhan and Bai Jingting also demonstrate extraordinary staying power with fans.
The Chinese drama landscape continues to thrive, with a diverse range of series captivating audiences. From fantasy epics to lighthearted romantic comedies, a multitude of genres are vying for attention. A recent analysis of online sentiment reveals the ten most popular leading actors in Chinese dramas, showcasing who is resonating most with viewers.
No.10 Li Yitong
▲Li Yitong. (Photo/Captured from Weibo/Tiandi Jinxin)
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Once dubbed the “ratings poison” by some online, Li Yitong has completely turned her image around with the success of Bookworm. Her quirky and unconventional performance quickly gained her a devoted following. In the series, her character, Song Yimeng, provides comedic relief through a series of outlandish deaths, coupled with a unique time-travel premise. More recently, her role in Love Between Fairy and Devil has further solidified her position in the industry. The drama continues the world-building of the Fox Volant of the Snowy Mountain series, weaving together themes of love between humans and demons, reincarnation, and fate. Li Yitong plays the spider spirit Qing Tong, and her forbidden romance with Wang Quanzhi, portrayed by Cheng Yi, has captivated fans and sparked discussion among original novel readers. While some initial controversy arose regarding her character deviating from the source material, later episodes brought the story back on track, allowing her performance to shine. Online, viewers commented, “Li Yitong’s smile is so sweet, she’s perfect for comedies,” “Li Yitong is so expressive and beautiful,” and “Li Yitong is a keeper, I didn’t expect her to deliver, but some of her actions are a bit clumsy.”
No.9 Bai Lu
▲Bai Lu. (Photo/Captured from Weibo/Bai Yue Fanxing)
Bai Lu first gained recognition with The Untamed, but her popularity soared this year with Love is Sweet. In an early 2025 survey of trending Chinese dramas, Love is Sweet ranked second with 20,185 mentions, demonstrating its significant buzz. The series is based on the novel White Moonlight by Xing Ling, and tells the story of two protagonists who initially dislike each other but gradually fall in love while working together to fight demons. The sweet and angsty romance is a major draw for viewers. Bai Lu’s performance is a key factor in the drama’s success, with her lively and charming portrayal reinforcing her reputation for strong chemistry with co-stars.
Another series starring Bai Lu, the fantasy drama The Story of Yanxi Palace, also generated considerable discussion. The show blends elements of fate, divine conflict, family intrigue, and redemption. While the initial reception was mixed, with some criticizing the plot as cliché and the special effects as subpar, the chemistry between Bai Lu and Zeng Shunxi captured audience attention, establishing her as a prominent figure in the 2025 fantasy drama scene.
No.8 Song Zuer
No.7 Chen Weiting
▲Chen Weiting. (Photo/Provided by LINE TV)
Ranking seventh, Chen Weiting initially debuted as a singer as part of the group Sun Boy’z, before gaining widespread recognition through the suspense drama Old Nine Gates. This year, he experienced a resurgence in popularity with Brightly Colored You, proving his versatility as a singer, dancer, and actor. The series is adapted from Zhang Yuetan’s novel Big Joe and Little Joe, and tells the story of a successful businessman, Shen Haoming (Chen Weiting), and a television anchor, Xu Yan (Zhao Lusi), and their complicated relationship built on lies and secrets. Within a week of its premiere, Brightly Colored You topped the charts, surpassing The Boss’s Chef and The Mysterious Mansion in popularity.
Chen Weiting’s portrayal of the aloof yet passionate Shen Haoming captivated audiences, seamlessly switching between coldness and tenderness. The drama not only reignited Chen Weiting’s career but also solidified his status as a leading man. According to data from the KEYPO Big Data Key Engine, the peak of online buzz occurred on October 5, 2025, when a netizen pointed out Chen Weiting’s resemblance to Hu Hanbiao, known as the “Crane King” of Zhubei, Taiwan, sharing a comparison photo that sparked a frenzy among fans and boosted online discussion to 1,534 mentions.
No.6 Xiao Zhan
▲Xiao Zhan. (Photo/Provided by Disney+)
Xiao Zhan made a strong return in 2025 with the historical drama Where the Lost Ones Go, which generated explosive buzz upon its release. His character, Canghai, is a cunning and strategic avenger, and Xiao Zhan brought depth and nuance to the role with a restrained yet expressive performance, immediately captivating viewers. Where the Lost Ones Go became the top-rated series on Disney+, with total online views exceeding 1.5 billion, and Xiao Zhan topped the Weibo list of most popular actors in May, demonstrating his soaring popularity and solidifying his position as one of the most talked-about male leads of 2025.
To fully embody the character of Canghai, Xiao Zhan underwent extensive training before filming began, meticulously practicing martial arts and refining his demeanor. He also lost 8 kilograms for the role, showcasing his lean and fit physique in several shirtless and bathing scenes that left viewers stunned. His chemistry with Xiang Yinuo also sparked intense discussion among fans, with one viewer commenting, “How did they suddenly kiss?!”, and another saying, “The kiss scene was shocking,” driving up viewership and engagement.
No.5 Zhang Ruonan
▲Zhang Ruonan. (Photo/Captured from Weibo/Nan Hong)
Zhang Ruonan is a standout among the most popular drama leads this year, achieving widespread recognition with the phenomenal success of Difficult to Love. Adapted from Zhu Yi’s novel of the same name, the series tells the story of Wen Yifan and Sang Yan as they reconnect after high school. The original novel already had a large fanbase, and the success of its sister series, Hidden Love, further heightened anticipation for Difficult to Love. Starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, the series benefited from the actors’ fresh “first love” appeal and strong on-screen chemistry. Zhang Ruonan’s portrayal of Wen Yifan, capturing the character’s vulnerability, resonated deeply with viewers, leading to widespread critical acclaim. The series consistently topped the charts from its premiere to its finale, and even three months after its conclusion, the buzz remained strong. A pop-up store in Taipei in June drew massive crowds, demonstrating the show’s significant cultural impact.
In addition to the immense popularity of Difficult to Love, Zhang Ruonan also showcased her versatility in Huai Shui Zhu Ting, where she delivered a memorable performance despite not being the lead. Her exquisite costumes and skillful acting captivated audiences and maintained her momentum.
No.4 Cheng Yi
▲Cheng Yi. (Photo/Captured from Weibo/Fu Shan Hai)
In a July 2025 survey of popular post-90s Chinese drama actors, Cheng Yi ranked fifth with 34,085 mentions. He secured fourth place in this popularity ranking thanks to his starring roles in Loyal to the Pearl and Love Between Fairy and Devil. Loyal to the Pearl is adapted from Wen Rui’an’s novel The Heroic Legend of the Yang Family, and its innovative blend of time travel and martial arts attracted a large audience. Cheng Yi took on the challenge of playing three distinct characters in the series: the urban office worker Xiao Ming, the passionate hero Xiao Qiushui, and the cunning villain Li Chenzhou. He effortlessly switched between these contrasting personalities, demonstrating his mastery of character development. While Loyal to the Pearl’s reception wasn’t entirely positive, it consistently topped platform ratings and garnered over 1.3 billion total views, proving Cheng Yi’s continued star power.
The recently concluded Love Between Fairy and Devil also propelled Cheng Yi back into the spotlight. His portrayal of Wang Quanzhi, shielding Qing Tong with his body in a memorable scene, was praised by many viewers as “the pinnacle of tragic beauty in historical dramas.” The chemistry between him and Li Yitong, forming the “Quan Tong” couple, won over countless fans, and their sweet and angsty interactions drove viewers to rewatch the series. Online, fans commented, “Cheng Yi’s Wang Quanzhi is the best, I’ve never seen this character portrayed so well,” and “Wang Quanzhi’s scenes are so few, but the character’s completion is superb.”
No.3 Bai Jingting
▲Bai Jingting. (Photo/Captured from Weibo/Bai Jingting Studio)
Bai Jingting and fourth-ranked Cheng Yi share similar features—double eyelids, a high nose, and expressions—often leading to comparisons and discussions.
In recent years, Bai Jingting has built a strong portfolio with roles in Begin Again, Long Wind Song, and North and South, excelling in both modern and historical dramas. However, it was Difficult to Love that truly catapulted him to superstardom. The series sparked an incredible “Difficult to Love” phenomenon, with discussions surrounding the plot, characters, and soundtrack reaching fever pitch. Both leads benefited from the show’s success, with Bai Jingting securing third place in the popularity ranking with 22,060 mentions.
In Difficult to Love, Bai Jingting played the outwardly cold but inwardly warm Sang Yan, captivating audiences with his contrasting charm. His on-screen chemistry with Zhang Ruonan was undeniable, and fans were captivated by their interactions. According to analysis from the KEYPO Big Data Key Engine, the peak of online buzz occurred on April 22, 2025, when Bai Jingting appeared at a Mayday concert and performed their theme song, “Ren Xing,” sparking widespread praise and a “dream collaboration.”
No.2 Zhao Lusi
▲Zhao Lusi. (Photo/Provided by LINE TV)
Zhao Lusi, often referred to as the “male god harvester,” has collaborated with a string of popular actors throughout her career, including Song Weilong, Xiao Zhan, Ding Yuxi, Yang Yang, and Wu Lei, consistently delivering successful pairings. She initially gained popularity with sweet romance dramas, and her charming appearance, natural acting style, and relatable personality have resonated with younger audiences. After a period of uncertainty with her agency, she made a surprising comeback with Brightly Colored You in September 2025, taking on a more complex and calculating role. The series tells the story of Shen Haoming (Chen Weiting) and Xu Yan (Zhao Lusi) and their relationship built on deception. Zhao Lusi and Chen Weiting’s dynamic, filled with suspicion and hidden motives, became a major highlight of the show.
As Brightly Colored You soared in ratings and generated significant buzz, Zhao Lusi’s role transformation was widely praised. She proved she was more than just a sweet romance actress, showcasing her ability to portray deeper emotions in complex roles. This breakthrough propelled her to second place in the popularity ranking. Online, viewers commented, “Zhao Lusi is great, she’s a talented actress,” and “Lusi is beautiful and delivers an excellent performance.”
No.1 Liu Yuning
▲Liu Yuning. (Photo/Captured from Weibo/Zhe Wo)
The most popular Chinese drama lead has been revealed! Liu Yuning topped the list with 29,306 mentions, narrowly beating out Zhao Lusi by just 2,521 mentions, highlighting the intense competition in the 2025 Chinese drama scene. Liu Yuning initially faced criticism for his appearance in historical dramas, but he turned the tide this year with the success of The Folding Mirror and Bookworm. The Folding Mirror is adapted from Penglai Ke’s novel of the same name, and tells the story of Xiao Qiao and Wei Shao as they navigate love and political intrigue. Liu Yuning’s portrayal of Wei Shao, balancing strength and tenderness, was widely praised, and his towering height and charismatic presence captivated audiences.
Shortly after, Liu Yuning’s performance in Bookworm further impressed viewers. The series combines time travel with comedic elements, adding humor and satire. According to analysis from the KEYPO Big Data Key Engine, the peak of online buzz occurred on June 12, 2025, when a netizen discovered Liu Yuning’s resemblance to Taiwanese actor Patrick, prompting a response from Patrick himself, who playfully acknowledged the comparison. The post went viral, boosting Liu Yuning’s visibility and solidifying his position as the most popular drama lead.
▲2025 Chinese Drama Lead Popularity TOP 10. (Image/ETToday Entertainment Star Cloud)
