The year 2025 produced clear and decisive results in two of the most talked about rivalries among Chinese actresses: Yang Zi vs. Dilraba Dilmurat among the post-1990 generation, and Zhao Lusi vs. Esther Yu among the post-1995 rising stars. After a period full of controversies, unexpected turns and public reassessments, the balance of power between these “born rivals” has changed dramatically.
Yang Zi vs. Dilraba Dilmurat
Among actresses of the ’90s, Yang Zi and Dilraba have long dominated public discourse thanks to their star power, beauty and consistent production. Yet the past year has shown an unmistakable divergence in their trajectories.
Yang Zi experienced one of the strongest phases of his career with the immense success of Flourished Peony, a drama that strengthened his status as a reliable ratings guarantee. Her ability to handle complex, psychologically rich roles has earned her a place in high-investment productions, positioning her as a true actress with depth and versatility.
Dilraba Dilmurat, meanwhile, has had a tough year. Every project she has appeared in has underperformed, leading to criticism of her acting choices and stagnation. Although she continues to shine at public events and remains a favorite among advertisers, the industry increasingly sees her more as an entertainment celebrity than an artist known for her acting skills. Without a leading role or well-received drama, concerns are growing that Dilraba’s longtime popularity may begin to wane.
Zhao Lusi vs. Esther Yu
A similar pattern occurred among the stars of the ’95 line.
Zhao Lusi, who started the year with difficulty after being hospitalized for exhaustion and accused of exaggerating her condition, has made an unexpected and impressive turnaround. Her latest drama became a major hit and her style and fashion choices within the series triggered widespread trends. By the end of the year, Zhao Lusi had reclaimed and strengthened her position as one of the most influential young actresses in the industry.
Esther Yu, in contrast, has faced a series of damaging controversies. Accusations of bullying colleagues, disrespectful behavior and exaggerating his wealthy family background have severely tarnished his public image. The backlash has become so intense that his new drama is now in danger of being shelved indefinitely, marking a sharp decline from the promising momentum it once enjoyed.
By the end of 2025, the results were unequivocal. Yang Zi emerged as the strongest of the post-1990 stars, confidently surpassing Dilraba in both public approval and industry opportunities. Zhao Lusi emerged as the clear winner among post-1995 actresses, while Esther Yu entered a period of professional uncertainty.
In a year full of upheaval, these rivalries have defined new hierarchies in Chinese entertainment, revealing who continues to ascend and who must rebuild their path forward.
Sources: HHT
