2024 brought a dazzling array of performances from China’s leading actresses, who continue to dominate screens with their exceptional talent. From fantasy romances (Esther Yu in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy), to historical dramas (Wu Jinyan in The Double) and stories set in modern workplaces (Zhang Ruonan in My Boss), these stars have aptly demonstrated why they’re household names. While these actresses’ main projects this year were domestic productions, some of the Chinese dramas they starred in even made a splash overseas. Let’s take a closer look at the actresses who left a mark on the Chinese entertainment industry in 2024:
Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin)
Esther Yu returns to our list after making an appearance last year, but she’s definitely earned it with her stellar performance in hit drama Love Game in Eastern Fantasy. This fantasy romance, which premiered in November but has already made a major impact, follows a mortal woman entangled in a divine game of love and fate with a deity. Esther’s portrayal of the tenacious and kind-hearted protagonist earned critical acclaim, with Chinese netizens lauding her nuanced expressions and emotional depth. The drama, which trended on Weibo for weeks after its release, has a respectable rating of 7.4 on Douban.
Born to a wealthy family in Shanghai, Yu first gained public attention as a participant on Chinese idol competition show Youth With You in 2020, which gained her a spot in girl group THE9. With her continued success in 2024, she has cemented her status as one of China’s most beloved actresses.
Liu Yifei
Referred to as “Fairy Sister” in China thanks to her ethereal beauty, this year Liu Yifei dazzled audiences with her impressive performance in The Tale of Rose, a poignant romantic drama. Based on a 1981 novel by Hong Kong writer Yi Shu, the series delves into themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery, with Liu portraying a complex character navigating the challenges of modern relationships. Audiences were particularly moved by her ability to convey vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Best known internationally for her role in Disney’s Mulan (2020), Liu’s ability to transition seamlessly between Hollywood and domestic productions — and from film to TV — remains unparalleled.
Zhang Ruonan
Zhang Ruonan brought charm and relatability to the screen in My Boss, a workplace romance that premiered back in January. She stars as Cheng Yao, a bright but inexperienced lawyer striving to prove herself under the mentorship of her sharp-tongued boss, Qian Heng, played by Chen Xingxu. The show became a streaming hit on Tencent Video, earning an IMDb rating of 7.4 and sparking widespread discussions online about workplace dynamics and dating. One Chinese netizen praised Zhang for her “…pure, sweet, and unforgettable image. Her clear and bright eyes seem to see through people’s hearts, and her sweet, lovely smile can warm the whole world.” Zhang, who first gained recognition for her role in the 2018 film Cry Me a Sad River, continues to impress with her versatility and strong screen presence.
Wu Jinyan
Wu Jinyan captivated audiences with her role in The Double, a historical romance drama that premiered in June. The series follows a young woman who assumes the identity of a minister’s daughter to seek vengeance and unravel a conspiracy within the imperial court. Wu’s meticulous performance added depth to this complex role, earning her accolades from fans and critics alike. The drama, one of the year’s most successful Chinese TV shows overseas, achieved a IMDb score of 8.2, with viewers praising its engaging plot and Wu’s ability to carry the narrative. Known for her breakout role in Story of Yanxi Palace (2018), Wu continues to shine in period dramas, demonstrating her unmatched ability to bring historical characters to life.
Tan Songyun
Tan Songyun has been active in the Chinese entertainment industry for more than a decade, but she had a breakout year in 2024 thanks to her heartfelt performance in As Beautiful as You, a modern romance drama that premiered over the summer. The series, which explores themes of self-love and healing after heartbreak, struck a chord with audiences, in large part thanks to Tan’s acting skills. On Weibo, TV review blogger 小姑娘鱼鱼 praised Tan’s acting skills, writing, “Her strength, optimism and kindness are impressive… She plays the role of Ji Xing vividly, which makes it feel like the character is your friend.”
Tan has been a fan favorite since her days in dramas The Whirlwind Girl (2015) and Go Ahead (2020), and her warm and relatable performances continue to endear her to audiences, making her one of this year’s most remarkable actresses.
Banner image by Haedi Yue.
