Meet the rising Chinese actors everyone’s raving about

Wang Anyu

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Wang Anyu, a Chinese actor and singer from Yuyao, Zhejiang, is best known for his roles in Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty (2019), Twenty Your Life On (2020), The Heiress (2020), The Last Immortal (2023), and Romance in the Alley (2024). He is set to star in the upcoming 2025 romance drama Be Passionately in Love (also known as Such a Good Love) alongside Liu Haocun.

In September 2025, Wang appeared in the music video for “Gone,” a B-side track from K-pop star Yuqi’s upcoming solo single Motivation, showcasing his chemistry and emotive acting as a couple with the Beijing-born singer.

Deng Wei

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Deng Wei is a Chinese actor from Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. Embarking on his acting career in 2020, Deng quickly gained recognition for his versatility and screen presence. He is best known for his roles in Till the End of the Moon (2023), Lost You Forever (2023–2024), and The Journey of Chong Zi (2023), which earned him a growing fanbase across China and beyond.

In 2025, Deng continues to make waves with his latest projects, including Love of the Divine Tree, showcasing his range in both historical and modern drama settings. Fans can also look forward to his upcoming series Take Me Where the Clouds Rise, which promises to further cement his reputation as one of the most exciting rising stars in Chinese entertainment.

Chen Zheyuan

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Chen Zheyuan is a Chinese actor from Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. He began his career in 2017 and quickly rose to fame with his role in the wuxia drama Handsome Siblings (2020), where he portrayed Jiang Xiaoyu. His performance garnered widespread recognition, establishing him as a rising star in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Chen continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performances in both current and upcoming projects. He stars in the 2025 release The First Frost, the sequel to the acclaimed romantic drama Hidden Love (2023), reprising his role as Duan Jiaxu. Fans can also look forward to his newly released historical drama The White Olive Tree (2025) and the fantasy romance Chasing Dreams, which began production in November 2024.

Chen Xingxu

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Chen Xingxu, also known as Oliver Chen, is a Chinese actor from Shenyang, Liaoning Province. He began his acting career at the age of three and has since built a reputation for his versatility and strong screen presence. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in historical dramas such as Goodbye My Princess (2019) and The Starry Love (2023), earning a dedicated fanbase along the way.

His most recent work includes the business romance drama Our Interpreter (2024), in which he starred alongside Victoria Song, playing a CTO navigating love and professional challenges with a former girlfriend. Fans can also look forward to his upcoming projects, including the modern investigative drama Love on the Turquoise Land (2025) with actress Dilraba Dilmurat.

Leo Wu

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Leo Wu, also known as Wu Lei, is a Chinese actor born in Shanghai and later raised in Chengdu, Sichuan. He began his acting career at the age of three in commercials and gained widespread recognition for his roles in historical dramas such as The Legend and the Hero (2007) and Nirvana in Fire (2015). Over the years, he has showcased his versatility in various genres, starring in popular series like Love Like the Galaxy (2022) and Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (2024).

Most recently, Wu stars in historical war-action film Dongji Rescue, released August 8, 2025. The film, based on a true story, depicts Chinese fishermen rescuing British prisoners of war during World War II.

Zhang Linghe

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Zhang Linghe is a Chinese actor from Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. He made his acting debut in 2020 with leading roles in the period drama Maiden Holmes and the romantic series Sparkle Love. Zhang gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lord Changheng in the fantasy drama Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022), a role that solidified his status as a rising star in Chinese television.

His most recent release is the romantic drama The Best Thing (2025), in which he stars alongside Xu Ruohan. The series follows the heartfelt and sometimes complicated journey of young love, with Zhang portraying a dedicated and compassionate protagonist whose relationship with Xu Ruohan’s character forms the emotional core of the story. The show has been praised for the chemistry between the leads and its relatable depiction of modern romance.

Tan Jianci

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Tan Jianci, also known by his stage name JC-T, is a Chinese actor, singer, and dancer from Beihai, Guangxi. He is best known as the youngest member of the Chinese idol group M.I.C. Tan began his acting career at the age of 16 and gained recognition for his roles in historical dramas such as The Advisors Alliance (2017) and Secret of the Three Kingdoms (2018). Over the years, he has showcased his versatility in various genres, starring in popular series like Under the Skin (2022), Lost You Forever (2023), and Go East (2024).

His most recent release, the contemporary fantasy drama Filter (2025), sees Tan portraying Tang Qi, a young man navigating the complexities of modern relationships while uncovering supernatural elements that challenge his worldview. The series has been praised for its unique storyline and for showcasing Tan’s emotional range and charisma.

Bi Wenjun

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Bi Wenjun is a Chinese singer and actor from Fushun, Liaoning. He rose to prominence as a member of the boy group NEXT, formed through the 2018 survival show Idol Producer. Bi made his acting debut in 2019 with a leading role in the youth sports drama Sweet Tai Chi, where he also contributed to the original soundtrack.

In 2019, Forbes China recognized Bi as one of their 30 Under 30 honorees, highlighting his influence in the entertainment industry.

Recent releases include romantic drama Deep Affection Eyes (2025), with Bi starring as Li Jin Yu, a kind-hearted man whose relationship becomes complicated by his family’s past. He also appears in the upcoming period romance Shadow Love (2025), playing a supporting role in a story of secrets and intrigue between a female general and an amnesiac man.

Hou Minghao

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Hou Minghao is a Chinese actor and singer from Beijing. began his career as a member of the boy group Fresh Teenager Geek in 2014, but left in 2016 to pursue a solo career in acting and music.

He is best known for his roles in dramas When We Were Young (2018), The Lost Tomb 2: Explore with the Note (2019), A Girl Like Me (2021), Our Times (2021) , Dashing Youth (2024), and Fangs of Fortune (2024).

His newest project is the 2025 drama Love in Pavilion, in which Hou stars as Baimu Yao Jun, navigating romance and palace intrigue in a story of love and ambition.

Hou is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has donated 1,083 seedlings to the China Green Foundation to support environmental protection in 2017, contributed 200,000 yuan to medical staff in Wuhan and surrounding areas during the COVID-19 pandemic, and supported the Chinese Relief and Welfare Development Foundation in 2025 to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Tibet.

Zhang Xincheng

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Zhang Xincheng, also known as Steven Zhang, is a Chinese actor who gained widespread recognition with his role in the 2020 drama Go Ahead. Known for his natural acting style and emotional depth, he has become a popular figure among younger audiences.

His most recent projects include the 2025 business drama Created in China, in which he plays a young professional navigating love, friendship, and personal growth.

Liu Yuning

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Liu Yuning is a Chinese singer and actor who first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Modern Brothers. Known for his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence, he has expanded into acting, appearing in dramas and web series that showcase his versatility.

His recent projects include the 2025 historical romance dramas The Prisoner of Beauty, and A Dream Within a Dream.

Yang Yang

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Yang Yang is a Chinese actor who gained widespread recognition with his role in the 2014 drama The Lost Tomb and later solidified his star status with Love O2O (2016). Known for his versatility and strong on-screen charisma, he has become one of the most enduring leading actors in Chinese television.

In recent years, Yang Yang has continued to take on high-profile projects, including the 2025 drama The Immortal Ascension.

Xu Kai

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Xu Kai is a Chinese actor and model who rose to prominence with his roles in popular dramas such as Story of Yanxi Palace (2018) and The Legends (2019). Known for his commanding presence and versatility, Xu Kai has become one of the leading faces in contemporary Chinese television.

His most recent work includes the romantic-fantasy drama Moonlit Reunion, released August 2025, where he portrays a half-demon navigating love and destiny across different realms.

Xu Kai continues to balance high-profile acting projects with brand endorsements, maintaining his status as both a fan favorite and a commercial draw in China and beyond.

Dylan Wang

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Dylan Wang is a Chinese actor and model who rose to fame for his role as Daoming Si in the 2018 hit drama Meteor Garden. Since then, he has appeared in a mix of romantic dramas and variety shows, building a strong fanbase both in China and internationally.

Known for his charismatic screen presence, Dylan continues to take on new projects while maintaining a high profile in fashion and media, including crime drama Light to the Night, slated for late-2025 release.

Wang Yibo

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Born in 1997, Wang Yibo has already established himself as a multi-talented performer, earning awards such as Best Newcomer at the 2015 K Music Asia Awards and earning the nickname “born king of the stage.” He rose to widespread fame for his breakout role as Lan Wangji in the 2019 hit drama The Untamed, which solidified his status as a leading actor in Chinese television.

His most recent drama, War of Faith (2024), is a historical suspense series in which Wang Yibo portrays a financial prodigy working for the Kuomintang Central Bank who gradually develops communist beliefs, navigating political intrigue and personal conviction.

Though he continues to act, Wang has increasingly focused on his pursuits in fashion, motorsports, and outdoor activities, maintaining a strong presence both on screen and in public life as a style icon and multi-faceted entertainer.

Xiao Zhan

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Xiao Zhan is a Chinese actor and singer who has become one of the most enduring figures in Chinese entertainment since his breakout role in The Untamed (2019). Though no longer considered quite an emergent star, he continues to captivate audiences with his performances and maintain a strong presence both onscreen and in the music industry.

In 2025, Xiao Zhan starred in the drama The Legend of Zang Hai, portraying Zang Hai, a strategist driven by revenge and caught in a national conspiracy. He also leads the espionage thriller SpyING as Ren Shaobai, navigating the morally complex world of intelligence operations – it is yet to have a confirmed release date.