1. Peng Xiaoran — Goodbye My Princess
Peng Xiaoran tops the list for her breathtaking “Western Regions” styling in Goodbye My Princess. In flowing red silk, she looked so resplendent that viewers were left breathless, and her name is still the first cited for this crown. Although Peng is not of Xinjiang heritage, her defined features perfectly suit roles inspired by the ancient Western Regions. On screen, many felt as if Xiao Feng had leapt straight out of the pages. Before this drama, Peng’s visuals were often dismissed online as merely “internet-pretty,” but the series’ success changed minds and won over audiences, cementing her status as a beloved goddess of period costume drama.
2. Liu Shishi — Sound of the Desert
Liu Shishi’s portrayal of Xin Yue ranks second. This look has been widely voted by netizens as a timeless classic. Playing a girl raised in the desert, Xin Yue’s braids and distinctive headpieces capture the unique allure of “Western Regions” styling. More importantly, this role marked a breakthrough for Liu Shishi: a wolf-raised heroine who survives upheaval, meets Jiuye and Wei Wuji, and embraces a freer, bolder approach to love and hate—unlike any character she had played before.
3. Dilraba Dilmurat — The Long Ballad
No list of “Western Regions” beauties is complete without Dilraba. Though she spends much of The Long Ballad in men’s attire, every time she dons women’s clothing she steals the scene. One standout moment sees Li Changge in a blue, Western-inspired ensemble with a veil—mysterious, seductive, and utterly mesmerizing.
4. Liu Dan — My Fair Princess
Han Xiang in My Fair Princess is an indisputable, era-defining “Western Regions” beauty, inspired by the historical figure Consort Rong. This archetype paved the way for later characters such as Han Xiangjian in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace and Consort Shun in Story of Yanxi Palace. Tragically, actress Liu Dan passed away in a car accident on January 30, 2000, at just 25, on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen Expressway. My Fair Princess became her final and signature work.
5. Angelababy — Everlasting Longing
While the acting of leads Angelababy and Song Weilong drew mixed reactions, their visuals were undeniable—and Angelababy’s “Western Regions” styling was jaw-dropping. The series follows Jun Qi Luo, the capable eldest daughter of the Jun family, who is captured by Beixuan royal general Xuan Lie (Song Weilong). Initially at odds, the pair slowly fall in love after many trials. As a result, Angelababy cycles through numerous stunning, region-inspired looks—each outfit lavish and eye-catching.
6. Dai Wenwen — The Legend of the Condor Heroes
In this classic, Hua Zheng is the daughter of Genghis Khan and a famed beauty of the Mongolian steppe. Her love for Guo Jing began in childhood when he saved her from a leopard at age four. Devoted and steadfast, she vowed to marry no one else. Yet after meeting Huang Rong, Guo Jing realizes he sees Hua Zheng as a sister. Among the many portrayals, Dai Wenwen is widely regarded as the most beautiful Hua Zheng—imbuing the role with a gentle grace that makes her tearful moments especially poignant.
7. Li Qin — Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace
The ever-popular Han Xiangjian also belongs on this list. Unlike the gentle Han Xiang of My Fair Princess, Han Xiangjian is cool and proud. The instant she removes her veil, everyone is stunned—and Emperor Qianlong is utterly bewitched. She is also fiercely candid, the only consort who dares tell Qianlong hard truths. When conflict flares between Qianlong and Ruyi, she rebukes him without regard for favor. A breath of fresh air in the harem—unambitious and uninterested in rank—she remains pitiably confined within the palace walls.
8. Zhao Lusi — Love of Thousand Years
Qin Chuan (Zhao Lusi) makes a lasting impression with her “Western Regions” disguise. To assassinate the Crown Prince, she masquerades as a desert beauty and performs a mesmerizing dance before him. Though the plot fails when she’s discovered, the hypnotic performance went viral and trended online. The blue, veil-draped costume—baring a slim waist—transforms Qin Chuan from sweet ingénue to irresistible enchantress. Many viewers consider it Zhao Lusi’s best look in the entire drama.
9. Yang Mi — Wang Zhaojun
Although Wang Zhaojun, played by Yang Mi, does not originate from the Western Regions, her frontier-inspired styling after marrying beyond the borders earns her a place here. Airing in 2007, the series also showcases Yang Mi’s ageless beauty—virtually unchanged more than a decade on. As one of China’s famed Four Beauties, Zhaojun volunteers to marry Huhanye, chanyu of the Xiongnu, and with her beauty and wisdom helps maintain peace between Han and Xiongnu for over half a century.
10. Zhao Liying — Legend of Zu Mountain
Zhao Liying’s “Western Regions”-tinged styling in Legend of Zu Mountain is another classic. Though her character is not a desert beauty, the Western-inspired touches enliven and elevate the role. This aesthetic gives Yu Wuxin a vibrant, individualistic edge and marks a bold departure from Zhao Liying’s earlier roles. Viewers especially praised the striking scarlet wedding attire—regarded as the drama’s standout look—radiating grandeur and an arresting, powerful aura.
Sources: kenh14
You must be logged in to post a comment.