Zhang Jingyi and Tian Xiwai Lose! Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame Overnight from a Single Chinese Drama — The Champion Is Her: Fiery Temper, Not to Be Underestimated, the Ultimate Comeback Leading Lady

A single Chinese drama can instantly make a previously unknown actress unforgettable to audiences. Over the past decade, Wu Jinyan in 'Story of Yanxi Palace,' Peng Xiaoran in 'Tang Gong,' and Meng Ziyi in 'The Double Ninth' all reached peak popularity by embodying characters perfectly suited to their personalities. This article examines Chinese dramas aired between 2016 and 2026, analyzing Weibo and Douban short reviews, positive online forum discussions, character popularity, and shifts in fame before and after broadcast to compile a list of the top 10 actresses who rose to stardom through one breakout drama. We explore why they gained rapid fame and why audiences love them.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #10: Lu Yuxiao in 'Clouded Jade'

'Clouded Jade' tells the story of Gong Ziyu, who longs for freedom but suddenly becomes the sword-bearer of the Gong household, surrounded by women from the assassin organization 'Wu Feng.' Lu Yuxiao plays Shangguan Qian, who appears to be a gentle and fragile bride candidate but secretly carries out espionage to gather intelligence on the Gong household. She alternately feigns weakness and probes for information in front of Gong Shangjiao, her eyes and tone concealing calculation, turning this complex supporting character into a central topic of discussion throughout the series.

After 'Clouded Jade' aired, Lu Yuxiao's portrayal of Shangguan Qian unexpectedly captured significant attention. She appears gentle and harmless, yet her eyes always seem to hide deeper intentions. Her scenes of mutual probing with Gong Shangjiao captivated viewers. Netizens praised: 'Shangguan Qian is truly beautiful,' 'She exudes a sense of story the moment she appears,' 'Lu Yuxiao perfectly portrays both fragility and ambition.' Many who didn't know her before now firmly remember the name Shangguan Qian and eagerly anticipate her future projects.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #9: Zhang Miaoyi in 'When I Run to You'

'When I Run to You' is set in a high school, following Su Zai Zai, an outgoing girl who transfers schools and instantly falls for the quiet and reserved Zhang Lu Ran. Zhang Miaoyi plays Su Zai Zai, who is brave and honest in love, yet retains the awkwardness and sincerity of youth. She grows alongside her classmates, navigating friendships, family, and academic pressure to find her own path.

The most endearing quality of Zhang Miaoyi's Su Zai Zai is her naturalness. She is open and direct about her feelings, laughs when happy, and doesn't pretend to be aloof when sad—just like a real girl one might meet in school. Netizens commented: 'Su Zai Zai is youth personified,' 'She's cute without trying too hard,' 'Her smile is genuinely infectious.' Many viewers said the drama reminded them of the pure feeling of liking someone in high school, making Zhang Miaoyi a representative campus drama heroine in the hearts of many.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #8: Tian Xiwai in 'Love Like the Galaxy'

'Love Like the Galaxy' is set in the fictional Jiuchuan world, where women from various regions gather in Xinchuan for selection. Li Wei initially hopes to fail and return home but accidentally becomes the concubine of the sixth young master, Yin Zheng. Tian Xiwai plays Li Wei, a gluttonous, optimistic, and emotionally loyal character. She gradually evolves from a stranger to Yin Zheng into a mutual support, forming bonds of solidarity with other women.

Tian Xiwai's Li Wei is instantly likable—her large, round eyes and cheerful, food-loving personality bring vitality to the role. She's not just cute; she stands up for friends when they're wronged. Her interactions with other girls are even more popular than the romantic plot. Viewers said: 'Tian Xiwai's eyes truly speak,' 'Li Wei is too adorable,' 'Watching her eat feels joyful.' After the drama, when people think of Tian Xiwai, Li Wei is often the first image that comes to mind.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #7: Zhang Jingyi in 'Lighting Up Me, Warming You'

'Lighting Up Me, Warming You' is adapted from the novel 'Lighter and Princess,' following programming genius Li Xun and the obedient, excellent Zhu Yun as they meet and fall in love in college, face betrayal and personal lows, then reunite. Zhang Jingyi plays Zhu Yun, who appears rule-abiding but has her own convictions in love and life. She supports Li Xun through his most triumphant times and later confronts the wounds between them.

Zhang Jingyi has a cool, refreshing aura perfect for youth romance dramas. Her Zhu Yun appears obedient but is internally strong-willed. With Li Xun, she feels love, pain, and stubbornly chooses to stay despite knowing she'll be hurt. Netizens praised: 'Zhang Jingyi is my ideal Zhu Yun,' 'Her face has that first-love vibe,' 'Her crying scenes are heartbreaking.' Many viewers came for the plot but were ultimately drawn to her quiet, stubborn charm.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #6:虞書欣 in 'Cang Lan Jue'

'Cang Lan Jue' follows Xiao Lan Hua, a low-powered fairy who accidentally awakens the sealed Moon Lord Dongfang Qingcang. Bound by a soul-sharing curse, they experience each other's feelings. Yu Shuxin plays Xiao Lan Hua, who starts naive and timid but gradually learns her origins and must choose between love and the fate of the world as tensions rise between the fairy and moon clans.

At first, some viewers were unaccustomed to Yu Shuxin's voice in 'Cang Lan Jue,' but as the story progressed, more felt she was the character. Her early innocence clearly evolves into maturity. Many said: 'Yu Shuxin is Xiao Lan Hua,' 'I didn't like her voice at first, but it grew on me,' 'She truly portrayed Xiao Lan Hua's growth.' This role helped her shed her variety-show image and finally gave her a defining work audiences instantly recognize.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #5: Zhao Jinmai in 'Reset'

'Reset' follows college student Li Shiqing, who repeatedly wakes up before a bus explosion, trapped in a time loop. With game designer Xiao Heyun, she tries to uncover the bomber and bomb while gradually understanding the lives of each passenger. Zhao Jinmai plays Li Shiqing, who evolves from fear and helplessness into the key figure saving everyone.

Zhao Jinmai doesn't force Li Shiqing to be brave. She's scared, breaks down, and questions her sanity when first facing the explosion—making her reactions relatable and drawing viewers in. Netizens said: 'Zhao Jinmai's crying scenes are immersive,' 'Li Shiqing's reactions feel real,' 'Her state changes meaningfully in each loop.' Many realized this former child actress could now carry a tightly paced suspense drama with confidence.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #4: Zhao Lusi in 'The Romance of Chong Er'

'The Romance of Chong Er' follows screenwriter Chen Xiaoqian, who accidentally enters her own script as Chen Qianqian, the third princess of Huayuan City, originally meant to die in episode three. To survive, she alters the plot but develops feelings for Han Shuo, her intended enemy. Zhao Lusi plays Chen Qianqian, quick-witted and fast-talking, creating hilarious yet tense situations in life-or-death crises.

Zhao Lusi had starred in many web dramas before, but Chen Qianqian was the role that truly made her memorable. Her rapid delivery and expressive face turn crises into comedic moments, perfectly matching the drama's rhythm. Netizens felt: 'Zhao Lusi is perfect for Chen Qianqian,' 'Her comedy timing is natural,' 'She has great chemistry with Ding Yuxi.' After the show, Zhao Lusi moved from being a familiar face in sweet romance dramas to capturing broader audience attention.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #3: Peng Xiaoran in 'Goodbye My Princess'

'Goodbye My Princess' adapts Fei Wo Si Cun's novel, depicting the tragic love between Princess Xiao Feng of Xizhou and Crown Prince Li Chengyun of Feng Dynasty, filled with deception and pain. Peng Xiaoran plays Xiao Feng, initially bright and sincere, but loses her family and homeland due to political schemes. She jumps into the Wangchuan River to forget everything, yet as crown princess, she falls into the same tragedy.

Peng Xiaoran's red gown in 'Goodbye My Princess' remains an unforgettable image for many historical drama fans. Early Xiao Feng is radiant and passionate; later, repeated betrayals break her spirit. This stark contrast deepens the tragedy. Netizens said: 'Peng Xiaoran is the character from the book,' 'Red-gowned Xiao Feng is breathtakingly beautiful,' 'I cried so hard in the final episodes I can't rewatch.' Many couldn't recover after 'Goodbye My Princess,' turning the previously low-profile Peng Xiaoran into a legendary beauty in viewers' hearts.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #2: Meng Ziyi in 'The Double Ninth'

'The Double Ninth' follows Dou Zhao, who, after betrayal and failed marriage in her past life, gets a second chance to control her destiny. Using past memories, she builds businesses, protects her family, and moves from mutual suspicion to partnership with Song Mo, who carries family secrets. Meng Ziyi plays Dou Zhao—graceful as a noble lady, yet calm and guarded from past wounds.

Meng Ziyi has been active for years, but past discussions focused on her looks or variety appearances. After 'The Double Ninth,' audiences finally took her acting seriously. Her Dou Zhao is calm and composed, rarely flustered by family schemes, and her elegant costumes highlight her noble aura. Netizens said: 'Meng Ziyi finally found her perfect role,' 'Her historical costumes exude nobility,' 'Dou Zhao should look exactly like this.' Many felt happy for her—after years of wandering, she finally found a leading role where she could shine.

Top 10 Actresses Who Rose to Fame from One Drama — #1: Wu Jinyan in 'Story of Yanxi Palace'

'Story of Yanxi Palace' follows palace maid Wei Yingluo, who enters the Forbidden City to investigate her sister's death. With sharp observation and bold action, she challenges the imperial power structure.