‘The Mystic Nine’ and ‘Shining For One Thing’ Lost! William Chan’s Top 10 Chinese Dramas – The Champion Is This One: An Unforgettable Classic That Stands the Test of Time

William Chan reprises his role as Zhang Qishan in the new drama 'The Nine Gates,' reminding many viewers of his iconic roles such as Ling Yue in 'Swords of Legends,' Zhang Dafuye in 'The Mystic Nine,' and Shen Haoming in 'Shining For One Thing.' Which of his Chinese dramas has received the highest acclaim? This article compiles all of William Chan’s previously released and rated Chinese TV dramas, excluding films, Hong Kong productions, unreleased, and unrated works, then ranks them by score to present the 'Top 10 William Chan Chinese Dramas.' Surprisingly, 'The Mystic Nine' lands only in third place, while the champion is the classic that first catapulted him to fame in mainland China.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.10: Yuan Ling in 'Lost You Forever' | Douban Rating: 5.6 'Lost You Forever' is a historical fantasy romance starring Liu Shishi and William Chan. The story follows Feng Qingchen, a sacred witch of the Witch Clan, and Prince Yuan Ling. Chan’s Yuan Ling appears cold and decisive but remains devoted to love despite being caught in imperial power struggles. The couple experiences love, separation, and reunion across two parallel worlds. Audience reactions are polarized—some praise it as 'one of the better recent dramas' for its world-building, costumes, and romance, while others say it's only suitable as 'background music.' Chan’s handsome ancient costume look and Yuan Ling’s passionate character are praised, but the slow pacing and excessive subplots draw criticism.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.9: An Yichen / Wen Shiqing in 'Love in Color' | Douban Rating: 6.3 'Love in Color' centers on feuding perfume families during the Republican era, blending fragrance crafting, revenge, secret identities, and love triangles. Chan plays An Yichen, who infiltrates his family’s enemy under the alias Wen Shiqing. Outwardly gentle and scholarly, he internally bears the weight of ancestral hatred, torn between love and vengeance. Viewers praise the lavish costumes and star-studded cast, but some complain the plot is so convoluted they 'want to bang their heads.' With tangled family ties, fake identities, and romantic misunderstandings, the drama is highly melodramatic. Yet, An Yichen’s morally ambiguous nature gives Chan ample room to shine.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.8: He Han in 'Happiness Arises from Love' | Douban Rating: 6.4 'Happiness Arises from Love' is a modern romance about Su Xiaoxiao, who accidentally meets brothers He Mu and He Han, leading to a love triangle. Chan plays He Han, the mature and steady older brother, who actively pursues Su Xiaoxiao. He sheds his usual dominant ancient drama persona, portraying a gentle, considerate, and relatable modern man. Many viewers admit they 'only watched for William Chan’s parts' and describe him as 'so stunningly handsome, I couldn’t look away.' The plot, however, is seen as typical of conventional urban idol dramas, with excessive misunderstandings and emotional tension.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.7: Liu Ziguang in 'The Brightest Era' | Douban Rating: 6.4 'The Brightest Era' is an urban action drama centered on an ordinary hero. Chan plays Liu Ziguang, who returns to his hometown after eight years of disappearance, missing memories but possessing extraordinary combat skills. He gets entangled in child kidnappings, drug crimes, and undercover mysteries, gradually uncovering the truth behind his disappearance. Audiences appreciate Liu Ziguang’s journey from being doubted and rejected to becoming a hero, with one viewer calling him 'his own hero, the hero of the era.' Others say, 'It’s truly so good,' hoping Liu Ziguang and Hu Rong will get together soon. The strong sense of justice in the protagonist is the drama’s most beloved aspect.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.6: Shen Haoming in 'Shining For One Thing' | Douban Rating: 6.5 'Shining For One Thing,' starring Zhao Lusi and William Chan, follows Xu Yan and Shen Haoming’s marriage—from a carefully constructed facade to its collapse and eventual reconciliation. Chan plays Shen Haoming, a privileged, rational, and restrained man who controls his emotions and life—until his wife’s lies are exposed, revealing cracks in their seemingly perfect relationship. Some viewers admit they 'clicked because of Zhao Lusi and William Chan’s looks' but ended up 'hooked by the plot,' especially enjoying the tense power dynamics in the early episodes. Criticism focuses on the second half, with some saying the first half feels like a Korean drama, while the latter 'falls into clichés,' creating a disjointed tone.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.5: Jin Shichuan in 'Lighting You Up' | Douban Rating: 6.6 'Lighting You Up' blends firefighting rescue with urban romance, following journalist Xu Lai and fire station captain Jin Shichuan, who reunite after ten years. Chan plays the calm and reliable Jin Shichuan, brave in disaster zones but awkward in love, creating a 'cool vs. warm' dynamic with the proactive Xu Lai. The firefighting scenes and chemistry between the leads receive praise, with viewers saying it 'exceeded my expectations' and that the rescue scenes are intense and the couple 'very sweet with strong chemistry.' Some note unrealistic plot points and overly idealized romance, but overall, it’s seen as a comfortable, fast-paced watch.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.4: Su Kaiwen in 'Because Love Brings Happiness' | Douban Rating: 6.7 'Because Love Brings Happiness' begins with a newlywed couple navigating family integration, mother-in-law conflicts, and hidden identities. Chan plays Su Kaiwen, a university lecturer raised overseas—gentle, respectful of his partner, and willing to communicate and take responsibility when caught between his wife and family. Many viewers see Su Kaiwen as the ideal husband, calling him a 'perfect husband' and praising his natural,默契-filled interactions with Lu Xiaonan. Others commend the brisk pace and distinctive characters, especially Su Kaiwen’s patience and protection. Chan’s Hong Kong-accented Mandarin also adds charm.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.3: Zhang Qishan in 'The Mystic Nine' | Douban Rating: 7.2 Set in 1933 Changsha, 'The Mystic Nine' begins with a mysterious military train arriving at the station. Chan plays Zhang Qishan, leader of the Nine Gates and Changsha’s defense officer, known as 'Zhang the Buddha.' To uncover a mine conspiracy and Japanese plots, he teams up with Er Yuehong and Qi Tiezui to face danger. His military uniform, combat prowess, and leadership presence make Zhang Qishan one of Chan’s most recognizable roles. Viewers praise the Republican-era atmosphere, character designs, and charisma, with some saying it's 'better than 'The Lost Tomb.' Criticism focuses on slow pacing in the middle and too many subplots, but the romance between Zhang Dafuye and Yin Xinyue, and the brotherhood among the Nine Gates, leave lasting impressions.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.2: Ding Yin / Ding Dali / Blood Demon in 'Swords of Legends: The Legend of Chusen' | Douban Rating: 7.3 'Swords of Legends: The Legend of Chusen' is a xianxia drama centered on the battle for the Red Soul Stone. Chan plays Ding Yin, a young man infused with the stone, who joins Shushan Sect but struggles between identities—righteous disciple, Ding Dali, and Blood Demon. His character’s shifting loyalties and moral conflicts are central. Some viewers said the first four episodes 'far exceeded expectations,' praising the smooth storytelling and pacing. As the plot progresses, opinions split—some appreciate the inner conflict, while others call it 'mentally exhausting.' Yet, Chan’s performance across multiple personas remains a highlight.

William Chan’s Strongest Chinese Drama No.1: Ling Yue in 'Swords of Legends' | Douban Rating: 7.4 Adapted from the RPG of the same name, 'Swords of Legends' follows Bai Li Tu Su, who bears the cursed aura of Fenqi, on a journey to uncover his origins. Chan plays Ling Yue, the eldest disciple of Tianyong City—calm, disciplined, and deeply loyal, caring for his junior Bai Li Tu Su. He faces tough choices between rules, duty, and brotherhood. Though not the main lead, 'Senior Brother Ling' captured massive attention in China. Viewers say 'William Chan and Ling Yue elevated each other,' with many drawn to the disciplined, righteous character before becoming fans of the actor. Described as having a restrained, noble aura, the role’s appeal and Chan’s ancient costume image amplified each other, making this his highest-rated Chinese drama to date.