Watch Out, Zhang Linghe — These Handsome Chinese Actors Are Also Taking Over C-Dramas

We’ve all had those nights where we told ourselves “just one more episode,” but somehow ended up bingeing till 3am, be it romantic K-dramas or a gripping series you can’t pause. Lately, though, C-dramas have been stealing the spotlight. From wuxia dramas set in ancient dynasties to modern love stories that make you go weak in the knees, they’re definitely having their moment.

And let’s be honest, we came for the plot and stayed for the male leads. With sharp visuals that are almost unreal, it’s no surprise that conversations online have turned to how these stars maintain their looks — sparking curiosity, speculation, and plastic surgery rumours among fans. Fans can’t help but wonder if anyone can be that good-looking.

Many of these actors also have new projects lined up for the rest of the year, so your watchlist is about to get even longer. But before that, get ready to feast your eyes, because here’s a roundup of some of the most popular C-drama actors turning heads with their looks and screen presence.

Zhang Linghe, 29

One of the most talked-about actors in China’s entertainment scene now is Zhang Linghe. And it’s not hard to see why. His meteoric rise has been fuelled by the massive success of the 2026 period drama Pursuit of Jade, which reportedly topped charts on Netflix and IqQyi. He also bagged “Most Popular Actor of the Year” at the 2026 Weibo Night, further solidifying his status as one of the industry’s hottest stars.

At 190 cm tall, Zhang Linghe’s striking and picture-perfect visuals have earned him the label of being the “It Boy”, with some even saying he is the new face of Chinese costume dramas.

Looks aside, his background might surprise you. Zhang Linghe was born on Dec 30, 1997, in Wuxi, Jiangsu. In 2016, he was admitted to Nanjing Normal University, where he majored in electrical engineering. During his time there, he also joined the Aerospace Society because of his interest in physics. Due to his involvement and interest in STEM, he is often described as a “physics geek” and a math prodigy by fans and media.

Shows he’s known for

His acting career began after being scouted by a talent agency in 2019. He made his debut in 2020 in historical drama Maiden Holmes and gained recognition from shows like My Journey to You and Story of Kunning Palace. Upcoming dramas he will star in include Overdo and Road to Glory, both slated for 2026.

Zhang Linghe’s relationship status

Despite rumours about him dating his co-stars, such as Tian Xiwei and Bai Lu, there has been no confirmation of these reports.

Did Zhang Linghe have plastic surgery?

With his intensely polished and flawless look in Pursuit of Jade, his visual appeal has even earned him the label “foundation general”. It also begs the question: has the actor undergone plastic surgery? Pictures of him pre-showbiz have been circulating online and have sparked mixed reactions. While some netizens argue that he has more refined features and a thinner face, others attribute his current look to his weight loss (he lost over 20kg!), as well as styling and skincare. The actor has not confirmed any rumours about undergoing cosmetic surgeries.

Deng Kai, 31

If you’ve seen clips of Deng Kai being mobbed at the airport by aggressive fans, you’ll know just how chaotic it got. The Pursuit of Jade actor was swarmed by fans at Hangzhou Airport while travelling to film the variety programme Hello Saturday. Chaotic scenes that went viral across social media showed him being pushed and looking visibly overwhelmed as he tried to move through the crowd. At one point, he even struggled to use the restroom as fans continued to chase after him for photos.

The surge in attention came in the wake of Pursuit of Jade’s massive success, with his role as the villain Qimin rapidly catapulting him into the spotlight.

Born on Feb 8, 1995, in Dalian, Liaoning, Deng Kai had a passion for arts since a young age. He eventually pursued his interest more seriously and trained at the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, a prestigious top-tier art institution in China, before entering the entertainment industry.

Shows he’s known for

He made his acting debut in 2018 with the drama Secret of the Three Kingdoms and went on to take on a series of supporting roles in both modern and historical productions. In 2022, he got his breakthrough with the fictional Wuxia drama, The Blood of Youth. He rose to even more prominence after playing the villain role in Pursuit of Jade, where he starred as Qi Min / Prince Sui Yuanhai at the last moment after replacing another actor. Currently, the actor is shooting the romantic drama Jiang Men Du Hou.

Deng Kai’s relationship status

He was reportedly in a past relationship with actress Zhu Shengyi, with rumours resurfacing again amid his rising popularity. Although many fans are speculating reconciliation, as of March 2026, it was officially stated by his agency that this rumour isn’t true.

Did Deng Kai have plastic surgery?

Surprisingly, compared to many other actors, he received relatively fewer comments about plastic surgery, as most fans were more focused on discussing his unhinged and toxic character in Pursuit of Jade instead. There is no evidence confirming that he did plastic surgery.

Hou Minghao, also known as Neo Hou, 29

When you thought Hou Minghao couldn’t get any sweeter or more romantic, this detail proves otherwise. He has reportedly kept every fan letter he has received over the past nine years, carefully storing them in large boxes as a personal collection.

Before the spotlight, Hou Minghao was born on Aug 3, 1997, in Beijing, China, as an only child in a three-generation military family. He studied at the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy during his school years and trained in accordion for eight years. He is also musically skilled, with the ability to play several instruments, including the drums, guitar, and piano. He kickstarted his career as a K-pop trainee for SM Entertainment in 2012 before debuting in 2014 in the Chinese boy group Fresh Teenager Geek.

Shows he’s known for

Around 2015 to 2016, he left the group to focus more on acting. He gained attention starring in films such as Funny Soccer. The turning point of his career was in 2017 when he starred in the TV series Cambrian Period. This drama served as his first leading role and acted as a catalyst for his popularity. 

In May 2026, he is set to embark on his concert tour named “Belongs To Us”, starting in Nanjing on May 16, with stops planned across several cities in China. Additionally, he’ll be starring in an upcoming drama, Key to the Phoenix Heart, as General Xiao Wuyi.

Hou Minghao’s relationship status

In February 2026, rumours suggested that he had a three-year relationship with Chinese actress and singer Kong Xueer. However, his agency rejected all the allegations, insisting that he is currently single.

Did Hou Minghao have plastic surgery?

He has faced rumours of having undergone plastic surgery, with netizens pointing out differences between photos from his younger days and his current appearance. His present features — such as a higher nose bridge and more defined eyes — are often compared to older pictures, where his eyes appeared less symmetrical and his nose less prominent. The noticeable change in appearance has led to online debates about his transformation, though these remain unverified.

Song Weilong, 27

Growing up with two older sisters, Song Weilong was born on Mar 25, 1999, in Dalian, Liaoning. After watching the movie The New Legend of Shaolin, he was inspired by Jet Li and was interested in pursuing martial arts. He later trained at the renowned Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School. The rigorous training developed him physically and was helpful in preparing him for action-oriented roles. 

Shows he’s known for

He stepped into the limelight at 16 as an Internet influencer and model before signing with Huanyu Entertainment in 2015. In 2016, he debuted in Demon Girl II, with his career quickly picking momentum through his appearances in the 2017 drama series, Long For You, and the 2018 romance series, Untouchable Lovers.

His next roles will include starring in The Eternal Fragrance and Love For You, both expected to premiere in 2026.

Song Weilong’s relationship status

As of now, he is not publicly confirmed to be dating anyone, although there have been dating rumours linking him to Zhao Jinmai, his co-star in the 2025 series, Shine On Me. These speculations remain unverified. 

Did Song Weilong have plastic surgery?

He is often grouped with Chinese actors believed to have maintained their natural features. While there has been speculation about changes to his nose, it has been attributed to the healing process of an injury. He reportedly fractured his nasal bridge twice during a fight scene while filming Beautiful Reborn Flower in 2018, which resulted in a visible bump after healing. There is no confirmed evidence that he has undergone plastic surgery.

Xu Kai, 31

Hailing from Shenzhen, Guangdong, Xu Kai was born on Mar 5, 1995. He grew up in a middle-class family but later experienced a sudden financial crisis, which led him to start working to support them. He initially enrolled in South China Agricultural University to study finance but dropped out during his freshman year due to family financial difficulties.

He later began modelling after winning first prize in the print ads/graphics category at the 2013 China International Model Competition. Before acting, he also worked extensively as a Taobao model, reportedly shooting up to 300 clothing items in a single day.

Shows he’s known for

He later transitioned into acting in 2016 after joining Huanyu Film, making his television debut in Zhao Ge. He gained recognition for his role in the 2018 drama Story of Yanxi Palace, followed by the 2019 dramas Arsenal Military Academy and The Legends, and the 2021 hit Falling Into Your Smile. His upcoming projects include Moonlit Reunion and 800 Meters.

Xu Kai’s relationship status

As of March 2026, he is officially single. His agency has denied recent allegations regarding his involvement with actress Xu Lisha, who had earlier accused him of cheating on her with actress Zhao Qing during their alleged past relationship.

Did Xu Kai have plastic surgery?

Some fans speculated that he had undergone double eyelid surgery, as they had noticed changes in the way his eyes look. However, Xu Kai has stated that his eyelids were natural and explained that his inner double eyelids developed gradually over time and are not due to any surgery. He has also mentioned that he is afraid of needles and would not willingly undergo any invasive treatments.

During one of his live streams in Mar 2026, he further revealed that he had undergone medical, non-cosmetic surgery to remove a sebaceous cyst from his left cheek.

Dylan Wang, 28

Originating from Leshan, Sichuan, China, Dylan Wang was born on December 20, 1998. He was an only child and grew up in an average family that ran a small fried skewer restaurant, often helping out during the holidays.

Before entering the entertainment industry, he trained to become a flight attendant at the Sichuan Southwest College of Civil Aviation. In 2016, he emerged as the winner at the inaugural Sichuan Campus Red Festival (also referred to as the Sichuan Campus Celebrity Gala), and the win became a stepping stone into the entertainment industry. He subsequently shot to stardom after winning the Super Idol talent show in 2017.

A basketball enthusiast, he has also gained attention for his performances in the 2024 and 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Games and has cited LeBron James as his idol.

Shows he’s known for

He officially started his acting career in 2018, playing Daoming Si in the 2018 remake of Meteor Garden. His popularity grew further with the 2022 hit Love Between Fairy and Devil. In 2026, his upcoming projects include crime thriller Light to the Night and wuxia fantasy Live Long and Prosper, both of which have completed filming and are scheduled for release.

Dylan Wang’s relationship status

He has faced speculations about having a long-term girlfriend whom he met while in college, but these claims remain unverified, and he has not confirmed any relationship.

Did Dylan Wang have plastic surgery?

He has not publicly confirmed any plastic surgery, and many fans consider his features, such as his strong jawline and eyes, to be natural. While some social media rumours have suggested that he may have had minor enhancements, many fans and fan accounts strongly insist that his features are natural.

Cheng Lei, 33

From architectural design student to actor, Cheng Lei’s journey into the entertainment industry began unexpectedly. Born on Dec 18, 1993, in Dongguan, Guangdong, China, he had an early interest in drawing and art. This led him to major in architectural design during university.

Initially, acting wasn’t part of his plan, as he often struggled with concentration while studying and has mentioned frequently falling asleep while reading. While still in university, he worked as an extra to support friends in the industry. That experience eventually led to a turning point when he was noticed by a director and signed as a contract actor in 2017.

Shows he’s known for

He started his career playing minor roles in dramas such as the 2019 coming-of-age drama Rules of Zoovenia and 2021 romantic comedy My Husky Boyfriend. His breakthrough role came in 2022, when he starred in the romance series A Familiar Stranger. His upcoming projects include How Dare You!?, where he acts as a villain, and Mo Li, where he will be playing the main lead alongside Bai Lu.

Cheng Lei’s relationship status

Around the end of 2025, photos and videos of Cheng Lei and his Shadow Love co-star Song Yi went viral online. In the clips, the pair were seen playfully wiping cake on each other’s noses. Their close interaction sparked speculation about whether they are more than just co-stars.

The Shadow Love production team quickly addressed the rumours, clarifying that the dinner was a group gathering with the crew and had taken place after filming for the variety show Hello Saturday.

Did Cheng Lei have plastic surgery?

Cheng Lei is generally considered by fans to have natural features and is often praised for his looks. Though there is some speculation about him undergoing plastic surgery, most of his changes are attributed to fitness routines, weight loss and natural maturity.

Ironically, his manager has also been stealing attention for his own good looks. In Dec 2024, photos of him went viral online, with netizens pointing out how he looks stylish and suave effortlessly. Many even joked that he looked more like a celebrity than the actor himself. The unexpected buzz led Cheng Lei to jokingly say he might have to “fire” his manager for stealing his spotlight.

Chen Zheyuan, 30

“Devours the character, leaving no crumbs behind” — that’s how fans often describe Chen Zheyuan’s performances. Before stepping into the entertainment industry, he studied performing arts at Shenzhen University, driven by a clear interest in the craft and developing himself as a performer.

Born on Oct 29, 1996, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, he was raised by his grandparents after his parents divorced when he was young. He made his first move into showbiz in 2015 through the variety show King of Pop before debuting as part of the boy group Mr. Bio.

Shows he’s known for

He made his acting debut in 2017 with the youth drama, All About Secrets. He gained recognition through the 2020 wuxia drama Handsome Siblings and further rose to popularity with the 2023 romance hit Hidden Love.

He is set to return for Hidden Love Season 2 and is currently filming Jiang Shan Wei Pin.

Chen Zheyuan’s relationship status

He is not publicly confirmed to be dating anyone. Most romance rumours come from on-screen chemistry with co-stars, particularly speculation linking him to Zhao Lusi after Hidden Love, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

Did Chen Zheyuan have plastic surgery?

While there are speculations at times, he is still widely regarded by fans as one of the Chinese actors with naturally unchanged features since his debut and school photos. At one point, he also faced online attacks on Weibo, with some users trying to discredit him by claiming he had undergone plastic surgery. He later addressed the discussion in a 2022 interview, explaining that any changes in his facial appearance were simply due to weight loss of around 9kg rather than any cosmetic procedures.

Bai Jingting, 33

Born and raised in Beijing, China, Bai Jingting was born on Oct 15, 1993, in Huairou District, Beijing, China. He grew up in a modest family, with a taxi driver father and a homemaker mother, who nonetheless prioritised his education and supported his early passion for music, even buying him a piano. A dedicated pianist, he eventually achieved a Grade 10 certificate.

During his time at university studying recording arts, he began to realise that his major, recording arts, was not what he envisioned. He found that the curriculum heavily emphasised on classical music, which differed from his personal interest in popular music and recording.

Around the same time, he wanted to improve his family’s financial situation. Hence, he started actively looking for acting jobs online and auditioning for various roles, despite having no experience. This marked the beginning of his shift into entertainment in 2014.

Shows he’s known for

He gained recognition in 2015 for his role as Yu Chuyuan in The Whirlwind Girl, as well as through his appearances on the variety show Who’s the Murderer. He went on to build his fan base with more projects, making him one of the recognisable names in the current Chinese drama industry.

Upcoming projects in which he is set to star include Criminal Police Moments: In the Prime of Youth and War and People.

Bai Jingting’s relationship status

He was widely speculated to be dating actress Song Yi after working together in Destined, though the relationship was never officially confirmed. However, there were rumours in February 2026 suggesting a possible breakup after Song Yi unfollowed him on social media.

Did Bai Jingting have plastic surgery?

He has addressed plastic surgery rumours publicly, shutting down speculations about rhinoplasty during a livestream he did.

Yang Yang, 35

Are you Team Zhang Linghe or Team Yang Yang? It’s one of the hottest debates on social media right now, with fans divided over who truly holds the title of China’s top “visual”.

As one of the long-standing faces in the industry, Yang Yang was born on Sep 9, 1991, in Shanghai, China. He was introduced to dancing at a very young age and was admitted to the PLA Academy of Arts in Beijing at the tender age of 12 to further pursue dance. A top-performing student with exceptional dance skills, he later took part in numerous international dance competitions.

Shows he’s known for

He was later selected in 2007, prestigiously, for the lead role of Jia Baoyu in the television drama adaptation of The Dream of Red Mansions. This marked the beginning of his career, and he subsequently became popular after appearing in films and shows like The Left Ear and The Lost Tomb. 

As of 2026, he is currently filming the historical political drama Bu Rang Jiang Shan, where he is playing the lead role of Li Chi.

Yang Yang’s relationship status

He has been widely rumoured to be dating actress Wang Churan following their collaboration in Fireworks of My Heart, with speculation based on shared items and similar locations, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

Did Yang Yang have plastic surgery?

Many netizens have commented how he looks almost exactly the same as he did in his childhood pictures, pointing to his consistent features throughout the years. He has never confirmed any plastic surgery rumours.