Chinese dramas are taking over with their stylish storytelling, epic historical romances, and heartwarming melodramas, and the rising C-drama male stars leading the charge are gaining popularity globally, as well. As they break records, achieve industry firsts, and paradoxically become symbols of China’s commercial prowess, these actors are here to stay.
From their amazing performances in all kinds of films and shows, from tear-jerkers to action-packed adventures, these stars are wowing audiences and changing the game. Some of these actors are entertainment world veterans despite their young age, while others are just starting to shine. Below, we’ve rounded up 7 leading men who are making waves.
Song Weilong
Standing 185 cm tall with a presence that commands the screen, Song Weilong made his acting debut in 2015 but it was his performance as Prince Jiang Xu alongside his flirtatious chemistry with rising actress Bao Shangen in the period drama “Youthful Glory” last year that gained attention, leaving viewers swooning. Recently, he returned to the spotlight with “Shine on Me”, a gentle, healing romance co-starring Zhao Jin Mai. He is best known for his roles in “Find Yourself”, “Go Ahead”, “A League of Nobleman”, and “The Seven Relics of Ill Omen”.
Wang Anyu
Wang Anyu, an actor and singer, is best known for his roles in “Go Go Squid 2”, “To Fly With You”, “Falling Into You”, “Romance in the Alley”, “Such a Good Love”, and “Be Passionately in Love”. Last year, Anyu 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 singer. He was officially announced to star as the male lead in an upcoming historical romance drama, “A Journey To Glow”.
Wu Lei
Wu Lei 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” and “Nirvana in Fire”. Over the years, he has showcased his versatility in various genres, starring in popular series like “The Long Ballad”, “Love Like the Galaxy”, and “Amidst a Snowstorm of Love”. Most recently, he starred in a historical war-action film, “Dongji Island”, alongside popular names such as Ni Ni and Zhu Yi Long.
Bai Jingting
In 2014, Bai Jingting ventured into acting and hosting, leaving a lasting impression with works like “Back in Time”, “The Ordinary Glory”, “You Are My Hero”, “Reset”, “New Life Begins”, and “Destined”, accumulating considerable popularity over the years. However, the highly popular 2025 romance drama “The First Frost”, adapted from the novel of the same name has captivated fans with Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan. His presence extended to the sci-fi thriller show “Mobius”, contributing to the sustained popularity he enjoys.
Zhang Linghe
Debuting in 2020, with leading roles in the period drama “Maiden Holmes” and the romantic series “Sparkle Love”, Zhang Linghe gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lord Changheng in “Love Between Fairy and Devil”, a role that solidified his status as a rising star in Chinese entertainment. He is best known for his roles in “My Journey to You”, “Story of Kunning Place”, “The Princess Royal”, “The Best Thing”, and his recent project, “Our Generation”, co-starring Zhao Jin Mai.
Liu Yuning
Liu Yuning, a singer and actor who first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Modern Brothers, is known for his distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. He lent his voice to numerous popular C-dramas, singing OSTs including the theme song “Word of Honor”, “Chang Ge Xing”, and “You Are My City”. He has been expanding 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”.
Ding Yuxi
What truly garnered public acclaim for Ding Yuxi was his role as Han Shuo in the 2020 drama “The Romance of Tiger and Rose” co-starring Zhao Lusi. He quickly gained recognition for his versatility and screen presence, best known for his roles in “Moonlight”, “Love You Seven Times”, “White Cat Legend”, and “Love Game in Eastern Fantasy” which earned him a growing fanbase across China and beyond. Fans can also look forward to his upcoming series “Escape to Your Heart”, which he will be co-starring with actress Ancy Deng whom he has worked with in the period drama “Melody of Golden Age”.
Hou Minghao
An actor and singer from Beijing, Hou Minghao 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 “When We Were Young”, “The Lost Tomb 2”, “Back from the Brink”, “I Am Nobody”, “Dashing Youth”, “Fangs of Fortune”, and last year’s period-fantasy drama “Love in the Clouds” alongside co-star Lu Yu Xiao. His newest project is the period drama “Glory”, in which he starred with actress Gulnezer Bextiyar.
