C-Dramas (Chinese shows) are now super popular all over the world! People love not just the cool stories but also the talented main actors and actresses. Their fame has really exploded.
The famous website V-Pulse just released its big 2025 list of the most popular Chinese celebrities outside of China. Everyone is talking about it!
The list shows big stars like Liu Yuning and Wang Yibo are doing really well, Xiao Zhan is still a strong favorite, and Zhao Lusi, the "Queen of Big Hits," has come out on top as the number one star globally!
Check to see if your favorite Chinese actor or actress made this major list!
Zhao Lusi: Champion of the New Mega-Hit Generation
Claiming the championship as the most popular Chinese celebrity globally is Zhao Lusi. The immense buzz around her starring drama, Shining For One Thing (許我耀眼), continues to heat up worldwide. As the series streamed on overseas platforms, Zhao Lusi, who possesses excellent audience appeal, received high praise for both her acting and her keen makeup and fashion sense. The series garnered excellent viewership and critical acclaim, with discussion volume and keyword search traffic continuing to soar. Shining For One Thing successfully topped hot-broadcast charts in multiple countries, cementing Zhao Lusi's status as the well-deserved queen of the new generation of mega-hits!
Xiao Zhan: Unrivaled International Influence
The costume drama The Legend of Zang Hai (藏海傳) generated immense buzz with its overseas run, and Xiao Zhan once again captivated global audiences. His stable, subtle acting and highly engaging character portrayal successfully secured the second spot on the V-Pulse Global Chinese Celebrity Popularity Ranking. Recently spotted by fans shooting a global advertising campaign for Gucci in Paris, Xiao Zhan continues to demonstrate an irreplaceable international influence and top-tier popularity, whether through his drama works or his fashion presence.
Wang Yibo: Dancer, Racer, and Commercial King
Wang Yibo, who first shot to global fame as a top idol with the mega-hit Chinese drama The Untamed (陳情令), remains one of the male celebrities with the highest commercial value in the entertainment industry, consistently receiving high-profile script invitations and luxury brand collaborations. Showcasing his versatile talent, Wang Yibo also excels as a street dancer and a professional race car driver. His impressive recent performance at the China GT Supercar Championship finale in Shanghai sparked massive global discussion, highlighting his cool racing style and magnetic appeal.
Liu Yuning: The OST Hit Song Machine
Starting his career as an internet celebrity singer, Liu Yuning continues to shine in the music industry while successfully transitioning into a skilled and subtle actor. His global visibility skyrocketed this year thanks to the success of two major dramas: A Tale of the Woven Gold (折腰) and A Dream With A View (書卷一夢). Known as the "OST Hit Song Machine," Liu Yuning has accumulated over 140 Original Soundtrack (OST) songs since his debut, perfectly handling any music style and repeatedly proving his strength in both acting and singing.
Dilraba Dilmurat: The Global Brand Ambassador
Hailed as the "Ceiling of Beauty," the post-90s top-tier actress Dilraba Dilmurat saw her global popularity surge again this year. Her crime drama The Rose and the Sword (利劍玫瑰) earned high praise for her realistic and nuanced acting as a female police officer, performed with minimal makeup.
Beyond her powerful performance in recent C-Dramas, Dilraba has consistently been a fashion darling. As a Global Brand Ambassador for Dior and holding multiple other luxury brand collaborations, Dilraba firmly establishes herself as a top-tier actress in terms of global buzz and commercial influence.
Did your favorite Chinese drama actor or actress make the V-Pulse 2025 list? Share your thoughts on which star had the biggest impact overseas this year!