1. Liu Yuning
Liu Yuning took first place in 2025 with major roles The prisoner of beauty AND A dream within a dream. Once nicknamed a “bad fit” for historical dramas thanks to his appearance, he has turned public opinion with solid performances and commanding presence. His tall frame, emotional depth and charisma have earned him a huge fan base this year.
2. Zhao Lusi
Known as the “masculine god magnet”, Zhao Lusi has reinvented herself The ambition of lovemoving away from her usual sweet girl roles to play a cunning and layered character. This role marked her turn towards more mature storytelling, earning her critical acclaim and securing her place as the female lead.
3.Bai Jingting
Bai Jingting won wide acclaim with the hit drama The first frostwhere he played a cold but passionate male protagonist. His chemistry with the female protagonist, combined with the faithful adaptation of a beloved novel, cemented his appeal and sparked intense discussion among fans.
4.Cheng Yi
Cheng Yi impressed the audience with two hits: Tian Di Jian Xin AND Fu Shan Hai. His ability to portray both heroic and villainous characters across genres showcased his range. Even in series with less favorable reviews, his personal performance has consistently stood out.
5. Zhang Ruonan
Zhang Ruonan rose to prominence with her touching performance The first frost. Playing a vulnerable yet resilient character, she struck an emotional chord with viewers. He followed that up with another strong performance in Huai Shui Zhu Tingreinforcing his growing star power.
6. Xiao Zhan
Xiao Zhan made a strong comeback with The Legend of Zang Haia revenge fantasy epic. The emotional complexity of his character, combined with rigorous training for action scenes and a chiseled physique, brought fans back in droves. His loyal fan base has helped him dominate the streaming charts.
7.William Chan
Former idol group member Chen Weiting is back in top form The ambition of love. His portrayal of a calculating yet romantic CEO attracted viewers. The drama’s popularity, along with viral comparisons to a local personality, fueled excitement around his performance.
8. Song Zu’er
Song Zu’er made a comeback with The novel of the demon hunter AND The prisoner of beauty. Despite past controversies, his acting, especially in highly stylized period roles, has captivated audiences. Its fashion and stage designs also attracted significant attention.
9.Bai Lu
Bai Lu remained relevant Mystique in the moonlighta fantasy-romantic series. Her charm and chemistry with co-stars have kept audiences engaged, even as some series have been criticized. Her constant presence in big-budget productions has helped her maintain visibility.
10. Li Yitong
Once labeled a “assassin of ratings”, Li Yitong turned his career around in 2025. With outstanding performances A dream within a dream AND Sword and Belovedhe showed a talent for comedic timing and emotional depth. His role in a fantasy comedy particularly impressed viewers, earning his newfound respect.
Sources: ETtoday Starlight Cloud
