The Next Wave of Chinese Entertainment
Every year, a new crop of talent emerges from the vast Chinese entertainment machine — graduates from elite acting academies, idol program alumni, and self-made digital creators who have captured the attention of casting directors and audiences alike. 2026 promises an especially exciting cohort of rising stars.
These are the actors and actresses who may not yet be household names internationally but are poised to break through in a major way.
Rising Actors
1. Chen Zheyuan (陈哲远)
Age: 25 | Breakout: Hidden Love (supporting role)
Chen Zheyuan first caught attention as the charming second lead in Hidden Love, where he held his own alongside established stars Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan. His boy-next-door appeal and natural acting style have earned him leading roles in two upcoming 2026 dramas.
Why to Watch: He has an everyman quality that makes him relatable — a contrast to the chiseled, statuesque leading men who typically dominate Chinese drama. His upcoming modern romance is generating significant pre-release buzz.
2. Wang Xingyue (王星越)
Age: 26 | Breakout: The Story of Rose (2024)
Wang Xingyue made an immediate impression in the Liu Yifei-led drama The Story of Rose, playing a young romantic lead with a combination of intensity and tenderness. Since then, he has been cast in two major historical dramas.
Why to Watch: His acting style has a quiet intensity that feels cinematic rather than televisual. Industry insiders compare his trajectory to a young Huang Xiaoming — high praise in Chinese entertainment.
3. Liu Yaowen (刘耀文)
Age: 21 | Background: TNT (Teens in Times) member
The youngest entry on this list, Liu Yaowen is transitioning from idol group member to actor. His debut in a coming-of-age drama earned surprisingly strong reviews, with critics noting his emotional maturity and physical commitment to the role.
Why to Watch: If he can successfully make the idol-to-actor transition (as Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo did), his existing fan base of millions gives him an enormous head start.
4. Ao Ruipeng (敖瑞鹏)
Age: 27 | Breakout: Love You Seven Times (2025)
Ao Ruipeng's breakout in the time-loop romance Love You Seven Times showcased his comedic timing and emotional range within a single project. His ability to shift between humor and heartbreak in the same scene is rare among young Chinese actors.
Why to Watch: He has signed with one of China's top talent agencies and has three dramas in production for 2026 release.
5. Ding Zeren (丁泽仁)
Age: 24 | Background: Idol Producer alumnus
After years of post-idol show obscurity, Ding Zeren has reinvented himself as a serious actor. His supporting role in a critically acclaimed historical drama earned him nominations at two award shows and led to his first leading role.
Why to Watch: His journey from idol show contestant to respected actor mirrors the path that many Chinese performers aspire to, and his 2026 period drama is one of the most anticipated new shows of the year.
Rising Actresses
1. Tian Xiwei (田曦薇)
Age: 26 | Breakout: The Double (2024)
Tian Xiwei's dual performance in The Double — playing both a wronged noblewoman and her vengeful alter ego — demonstrated acting range that few young actresses can match. Her ability to physically and emotionally differentiate between two characters in the same scenes was masterful.
Why to Watch: She has three leading roles scheduled for 2026, spanning modern romance, historical intrigue, and fantasy. If even one lands, she will be a top-tier star.
2. Zhang Jingyi (张婧仪)
Age: 26 | Breakout: All These Years (2023)
Zhang Jingyi transitioned from supporting roles to leading lady status with the film All These Years, where her natural, understated performance struck a chord with audiences. She brings a cinematic quality to her television work that feels elevated.
Why to Watch: Her upcoming collaboration with a major director for a limited series has generated significant festival interest before a single episode has aired.
3. Zhou Yiran (周也)
Age: 27 | Breakout: My Huckleberry Friends (film)
Zhou Yiran's film career has been building steadily, and her recent pivot to television has brought her to a wider audience. Her portrayal of complex, modern women sets her apart from the "sweet girl" archetype that dominates Chinese drama.
Why to Watch: She represents a growing demand among Chinese audiences for more realistic, nuanced female characters. Her 2026 workplace drama is one of the most-discussed upcoming shows among industry critics.
4. Xu Ruohan (虞书欣)
Age: 27 | Background: Youth With You Season 2 winner
Already a star in the variety show and music spaces, Xu Ruohan (also known as Esther Yu) has been steadily building her acting credentials. Her role in My Journey to You opposite Zhang Linghe was a turning point, showing that she could hold her own in a demanding dramatic role.
Why to Watch: With her massive existing fanbase and improving acting skills, Xu Ruohan is on the verge of becoming a complete entertainment package — singer, actress, and variety star.
5. Li Landi (李兰迪)
Age: 26 | Background: Child actress turned leading lady
Li Landi has been in the industry since childhood, but her adult career is just now hitting its stride. Recent roles in complex dramas have shown an emotional depth that her earlier teen-focused work only hinted at.
Why to Watch: She brings a level of experience that few 26-year-olds can match, having spent over a decade on camera. Her 2026 thriller drama represents a bold departure that could redefine her public image.
What to Look For
When evaluating rising stars, pay attention to these indicators:
| Indicator | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Agency strength | Top agencies provide better resources and roles |
| Co-star quality | Being cast alongside established stars signals industry confidence |
| Genre diversity | Stars who cross genres tend to have longer careers |
| Fan growth rate | Rapid social media growth predicts commercial viability |
| Critical mentions | Industry press coverage before a show airs indicates insider buzz |
The Bigger Picture
The Chinese entertainment industry is remarkably efficient at producing new talent. Every year, thousands of acting graduates, idol program participants, and independent creators compete for a handful of breakthrough opportunities. The stars on this list have distinguished themselves through a combination of talent, timing, and the indefinable quality of screen magnetism that separates good actors from stars.
Some will fulfill their potential and join the A-list. Others will settle into reliable, respected careers without reaching the highest tier. A few may surprise everyone and become the next Xiao Zhan or Zhao Lusi — artists who redefine what Chinese entertainment can be.
The only certainty is that 2026 will be a pivotal year for all of them. Keep watching.
Continue Your Discovery
Want detailed guides to the dramas that launched these rising stars? Visit CDramaPedia for episode breakdowns, cast profiles, and reviews of Hidden Love, The Double, The Story of Rose, and more.
Track the fashion evolution of these emerging stars — from their first press appearances to luxury brand campaigns — at CDrama Style.
Support your new favorite stars early! Find photo cards, posters, and fan merchandise at Pandafame, or explore curated rising star collections at Fandom Collection.
