In 2024, Chinese film and television played host to a wealth of talent. Following up on our list of five standout actresses of the year a few weeks ago, here are five male actors who enjoyed success in 2024. While young actors like Xu Kai, Li Xian, Ding Xi, and Lin Yi got hearts throbbing for their roles in romance and costume dramas, the slightly more experienced Lei Jiayin also had a great year in film, playing the male leads in critical and commercial hits YOLO and Article 20.

Xu Kai

Xu Kai continued to shine as one of China’s most versatile actors in 2024, delivering standout performances in the dramas As Beautiful As You, Best Choice Ever, and Sword and Fairy. Known for his striking looks and ability to convey deep emotional range, Xu excelled in portraying complex characters. In As Beautiful As You, he brought to life a sensitive yet resilient protagonist navigating love and loss, earning him critical acclaim. While fans were initially worried that Xu’s roles this year would be repetitive — he played CEO characters in both Best Choice Ever and As Beautiful As You — they were pleased with how he differentiated between the two characters. This versatility extended to Sword and Fairy, where he returned to the fantasy genre, proving once again his mastery of action-packed, visually stunning epics.

Li Xian

Li Xian charmed viewers with his performances in Shooting Stars and Will Love in Spring. Renowned for his relatable boy-next-door persona, Li brought warmth and authenticity to both roles. In Shooting Stars, set during the Republican Era, Li played the scion of a wealthy family who puts aside his plans to become a navy officer and instead joins the police to fight injustice. Meanwhile, the Quanzhou-set Will Love in Spring explored themes of romance and ambition, with the twist of being set in a smaller city. Li’s portrayal of a reformed bad boy helped fuel the show’s popularity, which led to a wave of tourism in Quanzhou. Finally, Li capped off the year by being recognized with a nomination for best actor at the Golden Eagle Awards (China’s TV awards) for his role in Meet Yourself, which premiered in 2023.

Lei Jiayin

Although Lei Jiayin might not qualify as “little fresh meat” in the same way as other actors on this list, he nevertheless had a very successful year thanks to lead performances in two films that balanced box office receipts with positive critical notices. Lei’s performances in YOLO and Article 20 showcased his incredible range and mastery of complex roles. In boxing dramedy YOLO, Lei brought humor and introspection to the role of Hao Kun, a boxing coach and the romantic interest of protagonist Du Leying, played by the film’s director, Jia Ling. His portrayal of the morally conflicted prosecutor Han Ming in legendary director Zhang Yimou’s Article 20 was equally compelling, with critics lauding his ability to bring authenticity and relatability to deeply flawed individuals. Lei’s expressive eyes and subtle acting style have made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike, with this year’s roles further cementing his reputation as one of China’s most skilled and versatile actors. Indeed, in October, he received the best actor award at the Golden Rooster Awards for his performance in Article 20.

Ding Yuxi

Ding Yuxi wowed audiences with his performance as Mu Sheng in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, a role that transformed perceptions of his suitability for period dramas. His undeniable good looks and captivating performance silenced critics who had previously questioned his ability to excel in historical roles.  Beyond his looks, Ding Yuxi’s exceptional acting skills further solidified his reputation. As noted by a university student fan of his on Xiaohongshu, “Before shooting, I really didn’t expect Ding Yuxi to be so handsome… He’s really a very sympathetic actor who can enter the role in a second.” Whether through his striking features or his nuanced expressions and movements, Ding Yuxi has proven himself a versatile and charismatic talent capable of captivating audiences across genres.

Lin Yi

Lin Yi delivered unforgettable performances in Everyone Loves Me, Angels Fall Sometimes, and Smile Code, showcasing his versatility and talent. In Angels Fall Sometimes, he took on the challenging role of a character with ALS, delivering a deeply moving and authentic portrayal that earned widespread acclaim. Fans praised his ability to convey the pain and helplessness of his character, with one MyDramaList user, ryoato, writing, “Lin Yi brilliantly plays these scenes in the dark so well, and it’s moving and heartbreaking to watch him realize that he can’t move even though he knows how to.” Xiaohongshu user Patrick Star派大星, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Lin Yi gave Lin Tuo life and soul, which made us truly feel the pain and helplessness of patients with ALS.”

In romantic comedy drama Smile Code, Lin explored themes of resilience and self-discovery, resonating with viewers, while his lighthearted portrayal of the protagonist in new-graduates romance Everyone Loves Me charmed viewers as he navigated the chaos of unexpected fame. Lin even had a guest role in hit drama The Tale of Rose, opposite one of RADII’s actresses of the year, Liu Yifei.

Banner image by Haedi Yue.