The year 2025 brings back a host of male gods to costume dramas! Among the most anticipated are Wang Hedi in Guardians of the Dafeng, Ao Ruipeng in Moonlight Mystique, and Li Xian in Flourished Peony, who rarely appears in costume dramas. Following his role in Blossom, Li Yunrui also stars in Princess Agents 2: Rebirth on Ice Lake, with his new look now revealed! Here are the top 9 male gods of costume dramas for 2025—Li Xian in Flourished Peony and Ao Ruipeng in Moonlight Mystique are striking, but the #9 spot is the ultimate peak of beauty!
1. Wang Hedi as Xu Qian in Guardians of the Dafeng
One of the major opening dramas of 2025, Guardians of the Dafeng, is being compared to Joy of Life for its grand scale and strong male lead. Wang Hedi plays Xu Qian, a modern police officer with sharp instincts who unexpectedly travels to the Dafeng Dynasty. There, he becomes a night watchman and solves a series of bizarre cases using his modern knowledge.
Xu Qian character image Source: Weibo
Wang Hedi’s portrayal in Guardians of the Dafeng differs from his style in Love Between Fairy and Devil—it’s sharper and more heroic. Which look do you prefer?
2. Ao Ruipeng as Fan Yue/Tianqi in Moonlight Mystique
Ao Ruipeng, like Wang Hedi, is a post-95 male star. Many fans find their appearances similar, likely because both belong to the “monkey-type” handsome category! The style of Moonlight Mystique is said to resemble Love Between Fairy and Devil. While Ao Ruipeng faced criticism for his look in Hua Jiao Xi Shi, his appearance in the fantasy costume drama Moonlight Mystique has been widely praised.
Fan Yue costume image Source: Weibo
In Moonlight Mystique, Ao Ruipeng plays Fan Yue, a reincarnation of the ancient god Tianqi. His past involves a tragic love story, making his character’s journey deeply emotional and visually stunning.
3. Li Xian as Jiang Changyang in Flourished Peony
Li Xian faced criticism for his costume look in Sword Dynasty, but his return to the genre in Flourished Peony has received much better reviews. Flourished Peony boasts excellent production quality, and Li Xian’s portrayal of Jiang Changyang—the “most corrupt official in the land”—is both fun and layered.
Jiang Changyang costume image Source: Weibo
Jiang Changyang is playful, often indulging in lavish lifestyles, but he harbors a kind heart beneath his corrupt facade. Li Xian’s chemistry with Yang Zi in this drama remains a major highlight!
4. Xiao Zhan as Zang Hai in Zang Hai Zhuan
Xiao Zhan’s Zang Hai Zhuan is one of the most anticipated costume dramas of 2025. He plays Zang Hai, the son of the imperial astronomer, who seeks revenge after his family is tragically destroyed.
Zang Hai costume image Source: Weibo
In addition to Zang Hai Zhuan, Xiao Zhan also stars in Tsui Hark’s The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero, portraying the legendary Guo Jing. His contrasting costumes in these two projects highlight his impressive versatility.
Guo Jing costume image Source: Weibo
5. Xu Kai as Mei Zhuyu in Moonlit Reunion
Moonlit Reunion, starring Xu Kai and Tian Xiwei, promises stunning visuals. Xu Kai’s character Mei Zhuyu is a proud and righteous young Taoist, while Tian Xiwei plays a mischievous cat demon. Their fresh and fun character dynamics make this drama a must-watch.
Mei Zhuyu costume image Source: Weibo
Adapted from the novel The Daily Life of Madame Mei Spoiling Her Husband, the drama blends romance and supernatural intrigue, showcasing Xu Kai’s charismatic presence.
Xu Kai and Tian Xiwei in Moonlit Reunion Source: Weibo
6. Li Yunrui as Zhuge Yue in Princess Agents 2: Rebirth on Ice Lake
Following his success in Blossom, Li Yunrui takes on the lead role in Princess Agents 2: Rebirth on Ice Lake, a sequel to Zhao Liying’s popular Princess Agents. The story picks up after Zhuge Yue and Chu Qiao fall into the icy lake, with new twists and character arcs.
Zhuge Yue costume image Source: Weibo
7. Gong Jun as Su Muyu in Tales of Dark River
Gong Jun’s role in Tales of Dark River brings fans back to his iconic style from Word of Honor. Adapted from a Zhou Munan novel, this series delves into the dark politics of a legendary assassin organization.
Su Muyu costume image Source: Weibo
8. Wang Xingyue as Xiao Huaijin in Tang Gong Qi An Zhi Qing Wu Feng Ming
Wang Xingyue continues to shine in costume dramas, now taking the lead in Tang Gong Qi An Zhi Qing Wu Feng Ming, a suspenseful mystery drama. He plays Xiao Huaijin, a Taishi Bureau officer unraveling a series of mysterious palace deaths.
Xiao Huaijin costume image Source: Weibo
9. Yang Yang as Zhan Zhao in Zhan Zhao Adventures
Yang Yang’s upcoming projects include The Immortal Ascension and Zhan Zhao Adventures, where he plays the iconic swordsman Zhan Zhao. Produced by Daylight Entertainment, this drama promises high-quality storytelling with a blend of mystery and action.
Zhan Zhao costume image Source: Weibo
