Hu Yitian's Top 10 Highest-Rated Chinese Dramas Revealed! 'The Legendary Siblings' and 'The Republic of China Detective' Lose to a 7.4-Point Period Masterpiece

With the premiere of Hu Yitian's new drama 'My Brilliant Girlfriend,' audiences are once again discussing his past representative works. From his breakout role in 'A Love So Beautiful,' his comedic turn in 'The Republic of China Detective,' to the critically acclaimed period drama 'Xi Hua Zhi,' which of these is his highest-rated Chinese drama? This article compiles Hu Yitian's past dramas that have received ratings on Douban, ranking them from highest to lowest by score. In cases of tied scores, the number of raters is used as a tiebreaker, resulting in the definitive Top 10 list of Hu Yitian's highest-rated dramas.

10th Place: Gao Shan in 'A Little Storm: The Rose of Time' | Douban Rating: 5.5 'A Little Storm: The Rose of Time' is an urban drama blending corporate warfare, revenge, and romance. Hu Yitian plays Gao Shan, a high-IQ financial expert who infiltrates an investment firm to uncover the truth behind his father's mysterious death. Calculating and concealing his true motives, he gradually develops feelings while getting close to headhunter Lin Wo. Gao Shan navigates between revenge and love, with emotional interactions laced with caution and testing.

Many viewers felt the romance followed typical idol drama tropes, while the real appeal lay in workplace power struggles and the protagonist's morally ambiguous character. Some praised Gao Shan's persona as 'incredibly compelling' and 'unpredictable,' hoping he would remain 'dark inside' throughout. Hu Yitian's aloof demeanor suited the role well, though some criticized the later episodes for slowing down due to misunderstandings and emotional entanglements.

9th Place: Wu Bai in 'My Era, Your Era' | Douban Rating: 5.6 'My Era, Your Era' is adapted from Mo Bao Fei Bao's novel 'Fish in a Locked Room,' set against the backdrop of robot fighting competitions. It follows Wu Bai's journey from a young admirer of professional player Ai Qing to becoming a champion. Hu Yitian reprises his role from 'Go Go Squid!' as Wu Bai, elevating the previously supporting character to the lead and exploring a decade-long unrequited love.

Audience reactions were polarized. Fans said, 'Hu Yitian's Wu Bai perfectly matched my imagination,' praising his quiet, devoted nature and the sweetness of the age-gap romance. Others criticized the drama as 'feeling like a music video' with too many slow-motion scenes, underdeveloped romantic progression, and diluted competitive intensity from the original novel.

8th Place: Ye Han in 'Please Fall in Love with Me Like This' | Douban Rating: 5.9 'Please Fall in Love with Me Like This' is an urban ensemble romance. Hu Yitian plays Ye Han, a disciplined and hardworking magazine editor. Mature and reliable at work, caring toward friends in life, he hesitates in love due to past trauma—until he meets Li Xiaoxiao, a straightforward but clumsy PE teacher, who gradually breaks down his walls.

Viewers described early Ye Han as 'clear-headed and emotionally intelligent,' appreciating how he restrained his feelings for Li Xiaoxiao while quietly supporting her. Hu Yitian and Liang Jie's natural chemistry was praised, and the contrast between a composed editor and a quirky teacher felt authentic. However, multiple intertwined love stories made the plot meandering, and later character developments sparked mixed reactions.

7th Place: Xiang Qinyu / Chi Yu in 'Romance Across Time' | Douban Rating: 5.9 'Romance Across Time' blends time travel, mystery, and sweet romance. Hu Yitian plays Xiang Qinyu, a 1930s Republican-era film star who, after being shot on set, time-travels to the modern era and enters the life of rookie screenwriter Jin Ayin. As they adapt to cohabiting across eras, they investigate the shooting incident and their intertwined fates. Hu Yitian also portrays Chi Yu in a parallel storyline.

Some viewers found the early episodes slow and the female lead's traits off-putting, but later plot twists and foreshadowing improved engagement. The story was considered more cohesive than typical time-travel romances. Hu Yitian and Chen Yuqi's chemistry was described as 'sweet but not cloying, highly addictive,' with Xiang Qinyu's old-fashioned gentlemanly manners creating comedic contrast with modern life.

6th Place: Hua Wuque in 'The Legendary Siblings' | Douban Rating: 6.0 The 2020 adaptation of Gu Long's wuxia novel 'The Legendary Siblings' stars Hu Yitian as Hua Wuque, heir to the Yihua Palace, and Chen Zheyuan as Xiao Yu’er, raised in the Valley of Evil. Long-lost twins manipulated by their master into becoming enemies, Hua Wuque struggles between duty, identity, and personal choice.

Viewers noted Hu Yitian's Hua Wuque was 'gentle and refined,' yet still 'commanded presence' against strong foes. His physique and noble aura suited the Yihua Palace prince. While some原著 fans praised faithful adaptation of novel scenes, others felt the script failed to fully explore Hua Wuque's complexity and emotional depth, limiting his charisma.

5th Place: Situ Yan in 'The Republic of China Detective' | Douban Rating: 6.3 'The Republic of China Detective' adapts Agatha Christie's Poirot series, set in 1930s Harbin. Hu Yitian plays Situ Yan, a principled young lawyer who, after questioning an unjust verdict in Beijing, moves to Harbin and becomes entangled in murder cases. Teaming up with Lu Shaochuan (Zhang Yunlong), a wealthy heir, they unravel conspiracies behind each case.

Fans enjoyed the reunion of Hu Yitian and Zhang Yunlong, whose banter and chemistry remained the drama's highlight. Situ Yan's calm, restrained nature suited Hu Yitian well. However,原著 purists criticized 'weak logic,' early reveals of suspense, and a slower pace than 'The Republic of China Detective,' making the duo's dynamic more compelling than the cases themselves.

4th Place: Wu Bai in 'Go Go Squid!' | Douban Rating: 6.7 'Go Go Squid!' stars Yang Zi and Li Xian, telling the story of a computer genius girl chasing the esports team captain. Hu Yitian plays Wu Bai, Han Shangyan's cousin and the silent, reliable captain of K&K team. Though not central to the romance, his composed, coolly humorous presence earned massive popularity.

Despite limited screen time, his presence was strong. Viewers called him 'the best man in the drama' and demanded a spin-off. His tall frame, youthful aura, and quiet demeanor matched the novel's description perfectly—sparking the sequel 'My Era, Your Era' to explore Wu Bai's love story.

3rd Place: Lu Yao in 'The Republic of China Detective' | Douban Rating: 7.0 Set in 1920s Shanghai, 'The Republic of China Detective' follows Hu Yitian as Lu Yao, a British-educated genius with expertise in medicine, chemistry, and criminal psychology. Highly observant and logical, he's also greedy, cowardly, and opportunistic. Hired by Inspector Qiao Chusheng, he partners with reporter Bai Youning to solve bizarre cases.

Lu Yao redefined Hu Yitian's image. Viewers described him as 'cheeky, cowardly, adorable,' a stark contrast to his usual cold-heartthrob roles. His comedic timing in bargaining and pleading felt natural. Cases resolved within 1-2 episodes kept pacing tight, and his chemistry with Zhang Yunlong became one of the show's most beloved elements.

2nd Place: Jiang Chen in 'A Love So Beautiful' | Douban Rating: 7.1 Adapted from Zhao Qiandian's novel, 'A Love So Beautiful' traces the romance between childhood friends Chen Xiao Xi and Jiang Chen, from school days to adulthood. Hu Yitian plays Jiang Chen, a top student with a proud, aloof personality. Cold to Chen Xiao Xi on the surface, he secretly depends on her presence, later becoming a doctor.

Though the 'cold genius falls for clumsy girl' trope isn't new, many found the school segments 'very sweet.' Hu Yitian and Shen Yue's height difference, awkward chemistry, and daily interactions drove viewer engagement. Some felt the adult romance felt forced, but Jiang Chen remains Hu Yitian's most iconic role—his cold exterior hiding deep care became a symbol of campus romance dramas.

1st Place: Gu Yanxi in 'Xi Hua Zhi' | Douban Rating: 7.4 'Xi Hua Zhi,' starring Zhang Jingyi and Hu Yitian, is a period family growth drama. After the Hua family's downfall, Hua Zhi shoulders the family burden. Hu Yitian plays Gu Yanxi, the imperial heir and head of the Qixiu Division, outwardly cold and powerful, inwardly weary of court intrigue. Approaching Hua Zhi under a false identity, he navigates protecting his family, confronting the emperor, and pursuing personal happiness.

Viewers praised Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi as 'growth-oriented and healing' protagonists, with their relationship built on honesty, understanding, and teamwork—free of repetitive misunderstandings. Hu Yitian's period drama presence, cold expression, and subtle emotional shifts captivated fans, solidifying this as his highest-rated work.