The recent success of the republican era drama Exaggeratestarring Zhang Linghe, he reignited fans’ love for the most iconic aesthetic of Chinese dramas: the military uniforms and elegant style of the Republican era.
Set against the backdrop of old Shanghai, the drama captivated viewers with its emotional narrative and Zhang Linghe’s commanding performance as a young military commander. His striking look in uniform has also sparked discussion online, with fans revisiting other actors who made unforgettable images of the Republican era.
Here’s a look at 10 Chinese actors whose military uniform looks became fan favorites in Republican-era dramas.
1.William Chan
At the top of the list is William Chan, often hailed by fans as the ultimate ‘heartthrob in military uniform.’ His performance as Zhang Qishan in The Nine Mystics it remains one of the most iconic performances of the Republican era on Chinese television. Wearing a long military coat with a cool, commanding presence, William Chan perfectly embodied a powerful commander whose charisma and aura of command left a lasting impression on the audience.
2. Wallace Chung
Few Republican-era roles have stood the test of time like Wallace Chung’s performance in Too late to say I love you. Even more than a decade after the drama’s release, its portrayal of the devoted but ruthless warlord Murong Feng continues to go viral online. Dressed in his signature blue military uniform, Wallace Chung combined elegance, emotional depth and quiet authority to create one of the genre’s defining characters.
3. Chen Xiao
In third place is Chen Xiao, whose refined and classic features make him look like he stepped straight out of a vintage photograph of Shanghai. In The little mistresshe balanced the stern image of a military officer with academic charm and gentlemanly elegance, offering a refreshing take on the Republican-era protagonist.
4. Zhang Linghe
Rising star Zhang Linghe takes fourth place with his performance as Murong Qingyi in Exaggerate. His tall frame and sharp features allow him to effortlessly wear everything from dark military uniforms to luxurious gold-embroidered formal wear. While comparisons to veteran actors are inevitable, Zhang Linghe’s screen presence has firmly established him as one of the leading faces of the new generation.
5. Ding Yuxi
Ding Yuxi earned widespread praise for his first venture into the Republican-era mystery genre Archives: The Nanyang Mystery. As secret agent Zhang Haixia, the actor impressed viewers with his slicked-back hairstyle, composed demeanor and tailored dark military uniform, which highlighted both his refined physique and quietly commanding presence.
6. Chen Xingxu
In Fall in loveChen Xingxu plays the intelligent and charismatic Tan Xuanlin. His broad shoulders, masculine good looks and confident aura have made him one of the most beloved Republican-era male protagonists of recent years.
7.Xu Kai
Seventh on the list is Xu Kai, who played the rebellious Gu Yanzhen Arsenal Military Academy. Unlike the disciplined officers often seen in the genre, Gu Yanzhen exudes a carefree and mischievous charm. Xu Kai’s modern low-cut hairstyle, paired with his tilted military cap, created one of the drama’s most memorable images.
8. Ren Jialun
Ren Jialun captivated audiences as intelligence officer Ye Chong Autumn cicada. His tight-fitting military uniforms, embellished with leather belts, perfectly complemented his sober, cool and disciplined image. Ren’s sharp gaze and understated performance brought depth to the role of a secret agent navigating his way through the tumult of wartime.
9. Zhang Ruoyun
Zhang Ruoyun left an indelible memory Wu Xin: The Monster Slayer as the obsessive antagonist Zhang Xiantong. His military cape, peaked cap and piercing gaze helped create one of the most iconic Republican-era villain looks on Chinese television.
10. Shawn Dou
Rounding out the list is Shawn Dou, who played Xiao Beichen in Love in the flames of war. Whenever he appeared in military uniform, Shawn Dou combined a flawless physique with an imposing yet deeply romantic presence. His performance balanced the arrogance of a wealthy young master with the calm determination of a capable military leader, making him an ideal hero of the Republican era.
Republican-era dramas continue to captivate audiences not only through stories of war, romance, and political intrigue, but also through their distinctive style. Tailored military uniforms, long overcoats, leather accessories, and vintage hairstyles became distinctive visual elements of the genre, allowing actors to display both elegance and authority.
With Exaggerate Fueling renewed interest in Republican-era dramas, fans are once again celebrating the actors whose unforgettable looks in military uniform have become iconic across Chinese television.
Sources: K14
