The Reigning Queens Of C-Drama: 6 Most Famous Chinese Actresses Dominating 2025

The landscape of Chinese entertainment is currently being reshaped by a powerful cohort of actresses, each commanding immense influence in film, television, and high fashion. As of December 2025, the industry is buzzing with new projects, major awards, and unprecedented brand endorsements, confirming a shift in power towards a generation of stars who are both critically acclaimed and commercially dominant. This article delves into the careers and latest, most impactful moves of the six most famous Chinese actresses who are defining the cultural zeitgeist in 2025, from record-breaking C-dramas to global luxury ambassadorships.

The competition for the title of "China's Most Powerful Actress" has never been fiercer, with veterans solidifying their status and new-generation stars achieving global visibility. The following list details the current queens of the Chinese screen, highlighting the fresh projects and career milestones that prove their dominance in the current year.

The New Guard: Rising Stars and Record-Breaking Actresses of 2025

The younger generation of actresses is not just popular; they are setting new records in streaming, social media engagement, and commercial value. These stars are the face of modern Chinese youth culture and the future of the C-drama industry.

1. Zhao Lu Si (Rosy Zhao) - The Endorsement Queen

• Born: November 9, 1998 (Chengdu, Sichuan)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer
• Known For: Roles in romantic comedy and historical C-dramas, including *The Romance of Tiger and Rose* and *Hidden Love*.
• 2025 Status: One of the highest-paid endorsement stars in China, dominating social media and commercial brand value.

Zhao Lu Si, often referred to as Rosy Zhao, has cemented her position as a commercial powerhouse in 2025. Her popularity is undeniable, evidenced by a staggering 41 billion TikTok hashtag views, an all-time record for a modern C-drama actress. Her ability to connect with a young audience has made her a favorite for major brands, positioning her as one of the highest-paid endorsement stars in the country. In terms of new projects, Zhao Lu Si is confirmed for the highly anticipated drama *Love's Ambition*, a project expected to continue her streak of breaking streaming records.

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Her filmography, which includes hits like *Love Like the Galaxy*, demonstrates her versatility across historical and modern romance genres. Zhao Lu Si's continued success is a clear indicator of the enormous commercial power held by the new generation of Chinese actresses.

2. Bai Lu - The Award-Sweeper

• Born: September 23, 1994 (Changzhou, Jiangsu)
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Known For: Lead roles in fantasy and historical dramas like *Till the End of the Moon* and *One and Only*.
• 2025 Status: Named one of China's most powerful actresses, sweeping major awards and securing prestige nominations.

Bai Lu’s 2025 has been marked by significant critical acclaim, signaling her transition from a popular idol actress to a serious contender for major acting honors. She was nominated for the Best Lead Actress at the Global OTT Awards 2025 for her compelling role in the drama *Northward*. Furthermore, she secured the Best Actress (Web series) award at the 7th The Actors of China Award Ceremony, recognizing her consistent high-quality performances.

This year, Bai Lu is also starring in the highly anticipated C-drama *Moonlight Mystique*, a fantasy series expected to be a major ratings driver. Her recent success in both commercial hits and critically recognized projects like *The Feud* has led many in the industry to declare 2025 as officially Bai Lu's year.

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3. Dilraba Dilmurat - The Global Fashion Icon

• Born: June 3, 1992 (Ürümqi, Xinjiang)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Model
• Known For: Her stunning visuals and roles in major fantasy dramas, notably *Eternal Love* and *The Long Ballad*.
• 2025 Status: Topping the list of Chinese celebrities with the most commercial endorsements, with a major drama comeback planned.

Dilraba Dilmurat continues to be one of the most influential and recognizable faces in Chinese entertainment. Her unique beauty and high-profile image have made her a favorite of international luxury houses, leading her to top the list of Chinese celebrities with the most commercial endorsements in 2025. She frequently appears as a luxury jewelry brand ambassador, often making headlines for her stunning appearances at global fashion events.

Fans are eagerly awaiting her 2025 comeback, which is expected to include two new dramas that could potentially shock the industry. One of her most-anticipated projects is *Roses and Guns*, a drama expected to air on CCTV during the competitive summer slot. Dilraba Dilmurat’s consistent popularity and modeling prowess symbolize the new generation of Chinese stars who effortlessly bridge the gap between acting and high fashion.

The Pillars of the Industry: Veterans with Unwavering Influence

The following actresses are seasoned veterans who have successfully navigated the industry's evolution, maintaining their relevance by choosing high-quality, prestige projects that continually redefine their careers.

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4. Zhao Liying (Zanilia Zhao) - The Comeback Queen

• Born: October 16, 1987 (Langfang, Hebei)
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Known For: Record-breaking dramas like *The Journey of Flower*, *Princess Agents*, and her successful transition to serious roles.
• 2025 Status: Highly successful career comeback with critical and commercial hits, winning major awards.

Zhao Liying’s career trajectory in 2025 is a masterclass in strategic role selection and a successful comeback narrative. She won the prestigious Best Actress award at the 2024 Feitian Awards for her C-drama work, confirming her successful transition to more serious, high-quality fare. Her iQIYI series *This Thriving Land* was a major commercial hit, topping the platform's ratings and online engagement charts, which highlighted her impressive comeback momentum.

Director Wong Jing praised her unique appeal, noting that her approachable and relatable persona, which carries "no sense of intimidation," makes her beloved by a wide audience, especially female viewers. Her upcoming project, *The City Maker*, is being eyed by fans and critics alike as a potential career-defining work, solidifying her status as a top-tier actress who balances commercial appeal with artistic integrity.

5. Liu Yifei (Crystal Liu) - The Global Muse

• Born: August 25, 1987 (Wuhan, Hubei)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Model
• Known For: Her classic beauty, roles in Wuxia dramas like *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, and her Hollywood debut in Disney’s *Mulan*.
• 2025 Status: A major figure in global high fashion, selected as a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton and featuring in haute couture collections.

Liu Yifei, also known as Crystal Liu, is the definitive global face of Chinese acting, effortlessly blending her mainland success with international luxury endorsements. In a major fashion coup in 2025, she became the first China-based actress to wear a dress from luxury brand Elie Saab's Spring/Summer haute couture collection. This highly-anticipated appearance showcased a gown adorned with 3,000 hand-embroidered floral details.

Furthermore, Liu Yifei was chosen by Louis Vuitton as a brand ambassador, solidifying her powerful status in the fashion world. Her stunning presence at the Vogue Force of Fashion Gala 2025, alongside other major stars, reaffirmed her position as a celebrity whose influence transcends the screen.

6. Yang Zi - The Ratings Guarantee

• Born: November 6, 1992 (Beijing)
• Occupation: Actress, Singer
• Known For: Her emotional depth in hit dramas like *Ashes of Love* and *Go Go Squid!*.
• 2025 Status: Starring in multiple highly-anticipated C-dramas, including historical and prestige productions.

Yang Zi remains one of the most reliable and beloved actresses in the Chinese drama industry, with a reputation for turning every project into a major hit. Her 2025 slate is packed with highly anticipated dramas that span different genres, showcasing her acting range and commercial power.

She is set to star in *Flourished Peony*, a 2025 historical-business-romance drama set in the Tang Dynasty, co-starring with Li Xian. Additionally, Yang Zi has been announced as the female lead for the prestige C-drama *The Way You Come Back* (Tencent), a biography-focused project that is expected to be a major career milestone. Her continued dominance in securing lead roles in major productions proves her status as a ratings guarantee and a pillar of the contemporary C-drama ecosystem.

The Topical Authority of Chinese Actresses in Global Media

The influence of these famous Chinese actresses extends far beyond domestic television ratings; their careers are now global entities. The collective success of stars like Zhao Lu Si, Bai Lu, and Dilraba Dilmurat is driving the international popularity of C-dramas, making them a significant cultural export. This global reach is amplified by their massive social media followings and their roles as ambassadors for international luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab, and various high-end jewelry companies. Their power is measured not just in box office numbers but in their ability to shape global fashion trends and drive consumer spending in the lucrative Chinese market.

The industry continues to evolve, with actresses like Zhao Liying successfully transitioning from 'traffic stars' to respected dramatic performers, while younger talents like Zhao Jin Mai and Li Gengxi are quickly being signed as brand ambassadors for labels like Miu Miu, indicating a continuous cycle of fresh talent rising to prominence. The focus on high-quality, prestige dramas, alongside commercial hits, ensures that the careers of these top Chinese actresses are not only long-lasting but also increasingly impactful on the world stage.