Last year saw the rise of many drama heartthrobs, such as Wang Xingyue from The Double and Li Yunrui from Blossom, who unexpectedly became popular new faces in the world of period dramas. As 2025 approaches, many male stars are being highly anticipated by netizens. For example, Quan Yilun, who starred in both Blossom and Moonlight Mystique, has gained attention for his high historical drama appeal, as well as Huang Junjie, a supporting actor from Eternal Love of Dream, who is also very handsome. Below are the top 7 rising male stars in 2025 Chinese dramas as selected by netizens! Do you think they can take over from the new generation of male gods like Wu Lei and Wang Hedi?
Top 7 Rising Male Stars in 2025 According to Netizens:
1. Quan Yilun
Quan Yilun is one of the most anticipated rising stars in Chinese dramas! Recently, he appeared in Blossom as Wu Shan and in Moonlight Mystique as Rong Xian. Although his roles were not major, they still managed to get him trending! In Blossom, he showcased his good physique, going viral for a shirtless healing scene, earning him the title of “Onion Handsome Guy” because, like peeling an onion, the more you see, the more impressive he gets!
He also made a guest appearance in Moonlight Mystique with a striking white-haired look that left viewers in awe. Currently, he has another upcoming drama, Splendid Like Brocade, starring Song Weilong and Bao Shang’en, where he will play the role of Shu Jingran.
2. Huang Junjie
Huang Junjie is not a newcomer. He gained some popularity when he played Bai Zhen in Eternal Love of Dream. However, after being involved in a scandal, he disappeared for a while and only recently made a comeback, mostly appearing in short dramas.
Last year, he starred in the BL short drama The Spirealm, which was taken down just two hours after its release. Despite this, Huang Junjie’s good looks left a lasting impression on viewers.
3. Xu Zhenxuan
Xu Zhenxuan is a post-00s Chinese drama actor. Last year, he appeared in Guo Jingming’s Fangs of Fortune, playing the role of Ying Lei, the grandson of a mountain god who joins a demon-hunting team. His lively and likable character, along with his golden-haired historical look, sparked some discussion online! He also has another upcoming drama, Go to the Mountains and Sea, starring Cheng Yi, which is worth looking forward to!
4. Zhang Kangle
When Zhang Kangle first debuted, he gained some attention for his role in the short drama See You Tomorrow. Over the years, he has accumulated quite a few works. Last year, he played the new generation Zhang Qiling in Adventure behind the Bronze Door, leaving a deep impression on viewers. After all, actors who have played Zhang Qiling in the past, such as Yang Yang and Cheng Yi, have all gained significant popularity.
Zhang Kangle has also recently starred in Under the Moonlight with Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei, which is expected to air this year, making him a potential breakout star!
5. Yan An
Yan An debuted as a member of a Korean boy band before transitioning into acting. Last year, he appeared in Guo Jingming’s Fangs of Fortune, playing the villain Li Lun. Despite being a antagonist, his refined historical look and good physique made his character just as discussed as the male lead, Hou Minghao. He has also announced that he will star in two new works by Guo Jingming: Hidden Shadow and Veil of Shadows.
6. Yan Yuchen
Although Yan Yuchen has not officially debuted, he gained significant attention last year for ranking first in the acting program at the Shanghai Theatre Academy entrance exams. With his high颜值 and youthful vibe, netizens are very optimistic about his future. He has already appeared in two works: Generation to Generation and The Princess’s Gambit.
7. Wang Hongyi
Wang Hongyi is no stranger to audiences. Although he has been in the industry for a while, it wasn’t until he played Chi Shui Fenglong in Lost You Forever that he gained some recognition.
His upright appearance and high historical drama appeal give him the aura of a young general, making him a solid historical drama heartthrob! He will soon appear in the fantasy drama A Moment but Forever starring Tang Yan and Liu Xueyi, as well as Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved and Serendipity, which should give him plenty of exposure!
