Among the countless costume drama beauties gracing Chinese screens, only a select few leave a truly unforgettable mark. Over the past five years, audiences have witnessed a new wave of actresses dominate the historical drama genre with breathtaking visuals and memorable performances. From Liu Yifei in A Dream of Splendor to Gulnezer Bextiyar in Glory, these five stars became synonymous with some of the biggest costume dramas released between 2022 and 2026. Their striking appearances have also reignited a long-running debate: Has anyone truly matched or even surpassed Liu Yifei’s legendary beauty?

2022: Liu Yifei – A Dream of Splendor

Liu Yifei has long been regarded as one of the definitive faces of Chinese costume dramas. From Wang Yuyan in Demi Gods & Semi Devils to Zhao Ling’er in Chinese Paladin and Xiaolongnü in Return of the Condor Heroes, her iconic roles shaped an entire generation’s memories.

After a 16-year absence from historical dramas, Liu Yifei returned in A Dream of Splendor, proving she still possesses the ethereal charm that earned her the nickname “Fairy Sister.” While her beauty in her twenties radiated innocence and softness, her mature visuals in her thirties carried a more refined and captivating elegance. Combined with graceful acting and emotional depth, her portrayal of Zhao Pan’er once again solidified her untouchable status in the historical drama world.

2023: Chen Duling – Till The End of the Moon

Chen Duling made waves through her portrayal of Tian Huan and Ye Bingchang in Till The End of the Moon. Despite playing a supporting role, online discussions surrounding her performance at one point surpassed even those of leads Bai Lu and Luo Yunxi.

Even before the drama premiered, Chen Duling’s regal styling and cold yet magnetic aura drew major attention. Some viewers even speculated that her styling had been toned down because her visuals stood out too strongly beside the female lead, though production staff later denied the rumors.

Once the drama aired, everything from her character styling to emotional crying scenes and acting became trending topics online. Her performance quickly earned her a surge of new fans and cemented her as one of the standout faces of 2023 historical dramas.

2024: Wang Churan – Are You the One

Since entering the historical drama genre, Wang Churan has frequently been praised as one of the actresses most naturally suited for period styling. Beyond her striking visuals, she has also built a reputation for emotionally grounded performances.

Born in 1999 and standing at 172 cm tall, Wang Churan is often nicknamed the “Little Liu Yifei” or “Liu Yifei’s lookalike” because of her elegant appearance and fairy-like aura.

In Are You the One, her beauty once again became a hot topic. Playing a character described as breathtakingly beautiful, Wang Churan effortlessly embodied elegance through delicate costumes, intricate hairstyles, and captivating close-up shots. Many viewers felt she seemed born to portray historical beauties, thanks to her graceful yet commanding screen presence.

2025: Song Zu’er – The Prisoner of Beauty

Song Zu’er has long been considered one of the leading visual stars of China’s younger generation. With delicate facial features reminiscent of Hong Kong cinema icons from the 1990s, she immediately captures viewers’ attention.

In The Prisoner of Beauty, Song Zu’er transformed into Xiao Qiao, a stunning woman whose intelligence and resilience matched her extraordinary appearance. Whether dressed in lavish royal attire or simple elegant robes, the actress projected sophistication, softness, and quiet strength.

Her performance also brought emotional depth to the character. From portraying political tensions in marriage to expressing vulnerability and emotional conflict, Song Zu’er delivered a layered portrayal that elevated the drama. Combined with her visual appeal, many viewers considered Xiao Qiao one of the brightest highlights of her acting career.

2026: Gulnezer Bextiyar – Glory

As Rong Shanbao in Glory, Gulnezer Bextiyar captivated audiences with her sharp features and aristocratic aura. From the drama’s earliest episodes, she became a viral talking point thanks to visuals that many compared to “a noblewoman stepping out of a painting.”

Her striking Xinjiang beauty defined by sharp facial features, a high nose bridge, and expressive eyes made even the most elaborate historical costumes look effortless. Whether handling family affairs, quietly drinking tea, or simply standing before the camera, Gulnezer Bextiyar radiated both elegance and distance.

What especially stood out about her character was the unattainable, high-class aura she portrayed. Her subtle expressions and calm yet authoritative presence repeatedly sparked online discussions. Many viewers praised her as perfectly suited for noblewoman roles, with some even calling this one of the most beautiful historical looks of her career.

Sources: K14