Wu Jinyan and Zhao Lusi Lose Out! Netizens' Verdict: Top 10 'Strongest Female Leads in Historical Dramas' – Champion Is Her, Who Rose from Humble Beginnings to Business Success, Truly the Pinnacle of Empowered Heroines

In recent years, Chinese dramas have surged in popularity with the 'strong female lead' trend, showcasing diverse themes from household conflicts and revenge to business and personal growth. This year, new series such as Yang Zi's 'The Family Trade' and Meng Ziyi's 'Hundred Flowers Kill' continue to generate buzz. Past hits like 'The Story of Minglan,' 'The Double,' and 'Pearls in the Crown' have also created unforgettable female characters.

Recently, a Weibo user poll titled 'The Strongest Female Leads in Historical Dramas' sparked widespread discussion. Who made the top 10?

TOP 10｜Liu Yifei as Zhao Pan'er in 'A Dream of Splendor' Zhao Pan'er, portrayed by Liu Yifei, stands as a quintessential strong female lead for many viewers. With her independent spirit and exceptional business acumen, she carves out a life despite adversity. Though her character arc sparked debate in later episodes, her courageous defense of women's dignity ultimately won audience approval, cementing Zhao Pan'er as one of the most iconic historical female characters in recent years.

TOP 9｜Liu Shishi as Ye Ping'an in 'The Heart of the Palm' Ye Ping'an carries the burden of her family's wrongful conviction and childhood trauma. To seek justice for the victims, she lives under a false identity for 18 years before returning to the capital to execute her revenge plan. A skilled physician and master strategist, she calmly unravels the truth step by step—embodying intelligence and resilience.

TOP 8｜Sun Li as Zhou Ying in 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' Zhou Ying's life is marked by hardship—losing her husband, family downfall, and miscarriage. Yet she shoulders the family business alone, repeatedly rising from personal and professional lows. She ultimately becomes a renowned female entrepreneur in late Qing Dynasty, making her a classic female figure in many hearts.

TOP 7｜Meng Ziyi as Dou Zhao in 'Deep Purple' After 'Deep Purple' aired, Dou Zhao's popularity surpassed Meng Ziyi's recent works. Born into hardship and neglected by her family, she refuses to surrender to fate. Using wisdom and courage, she protects her family's assets and builds her business. Even in love, she remains clear-headed, never sacrificing her ambitions—earning praise for her mature, independent character.

TOP 6｜Tan Songyun as Ji Yingying in 'The House of Shu Brocade' Ji Yingying rises to prominence in Shu through her exceptional dyeing and weaving skills. Facing family crises and external pressures, she bravely takes responsibility, protecting both her family's legacy and a group of artisans. Though 'The House of Shu Brocade' didn't dominate headlines, the protagonist's determined and courageous image won audience acclaim.

TOP 5｜Zhao Lusi as Duanwu in 'Pearls in the Crown' Duanwu starts as an oppressed pearl diver. After a grueling escape, she enters the jewelry business, transforming her fate through courage and intelligence. Her journey from the bottom up—unyielding and fearless—aligns perfectly with Zhao Lusi's strength in portraying inspirational characters.

TOP 4｜Wu Jinyan as Xue Fangfei in 'The Double' Xue Fangfei once lived a happy life, only to be betrayed by her husband and nearly killed. Surviving against the odds, she assumes another identity to seek revenge, gradually exposing the truth and reclaiming justice. Her calm, decisive nature and high-IQ strategies led many viewers to see her as Wu Jinyan's most iconic role since Wei Yingluo in 'Story of Yanxi Palace'.

TOP 3｜Ju Jingyi as Yang Caiwei in 'Flower Command' 'Flower Command' attracted attention with its 'face-swap' premise, but Yang Caiwei's unyielding spirit was a standout. Despite identity changes and relentless trials, she fights to uncover the truth and stay true to herself—described by netizens as a 'wild grass-like' resilient woman. Though the actress received mixed reviews, the character gained massive popularity.

TOP 2｜Zhao Liying as Sheng Minglan in 'The Story of Minglan' Sheng Minglan remains a defining strong female lead in historical dramas. Outwardly reserved and calm, she is inwardly perceptive and composed. She navigates family conflicts, marriage, and life decisions with wisdom, never weak despite her restraint. Zhao Liying's nuanced performance solidified Minglan as one of the most successful female leads ever.

TOP 1｜Yang Zi as He Weifang in 'A Touch of Green' The champion is Yang Zi's portrayal of He Weifang in 'A Touch of Green.' Born into a merchant family, He Weifang masters peony cultivation. Amid turbulent times, she endures countless trials, relying on her strong will and business talent to forge her own path. Never bowing to fate, she overcomes every obstacle to build her own empire—earning her the title of the most representative historical female lead in Weibo users' eyes.