‘Story of Yanxi Palace’ Lost! Top 10 Highest-Rated Chinese and Hong Kong Dramas Starring Charmaine Sheh, with ‘War and Beauty’ at 9.0 Points Remains Unsurpassed After 20 Years

Charmaine Sheh recently regained popularity in mainland China through her role as the restrained and kind-hearted Consort Xian, who gradually turns dark in 'Story of Yanxi Palace.' This palace intrigue drama currently holds a Douban rating of 7.1. However, reviewing her career, several of her Hong Kong dramas have received even higher acclaim. From Man Wai-sam in 'News Queen,' Ting Siu-ka in 'Line Walker,' to Yuk-chun in 'War and Beauty,' each character has left a strong impression. This article compiles a 'Top 10 Strongest Mainland and Hong Kong Dramas by Charmaine Sheh' based on Douban ratings as of August 5, 2026, excluding films, variety shows, and brief cameos. We explore why 'Story of Yanxi Palace' didn’t make the list and which classic drama ultimately claimed the top spot.

No. 10: Man Wai-sam in 'News Queen' | Douban Rating: 7.9 Set in the newsroom of a Hong Kong television station, 'News Queen' features Charmaine Sheh as Man Wai-sam, the chief news anchor known as 'Man Jie.' With years of reporting experience and a commanding presence, she dominates the power structure of the news department. Amid factional struggles, ratings pressure, and executive politics, she maintains full control. Though outwardly tough and composed, Man Wai-sam retains her commitment to journalistic integrity, embodying ambition, skill, and idealism. Many netizens believe Man Wai-sam was tailor-made for Charmaine Sheh. Viewers exclaimed, 'The pacing is excellent, the plot is rich, and Charmaine Sheh’s aura is fully unleashed.' Her intense gaze and authoritative tone when suppressing rivals in meetings or handling breaking news on camera exude dominance, making 'Man Jie' one of the most iconic professional female characters in recent Hong Kong dramas.

No. 9: Man Wai-sam in 'News Queen 2' | Douban Rating: 8.0 'News Queen 2' continues the story after Man Wai-sam leaves the traditional TV station. She joins a new media platform and is once again drawn into conflicts between journalistic ideals, commercial interests, and power struggles. The battlefield expands from the anchor desk to the entire media industry, and Man Wai-sam transitions from a department-leading anchor to a media professional rebuilding her influence. Some viewers described the series as a 'high-quality binge-worthy drama,' praising its brisk pacing and the continued appeal of Man Wai-sam’s confrontations with various forces. The most anticipated aspect remains how 'Man Jie' will turn the tables from a disadvantaged position. Charmaine Sheh maintains the character’s decisive and assertive style while adding layers of frustration and introspection after leaving the center of power.

No. 8: Fan Xiang’er in 'No Regrets' | Douban Rating: 8.0 Set in the Peking opera world of Republican-era Beijing, 'No Regrets' tells the story of renowned opera singer Shang Xirui and businessman Cheng Fengtai, who bond over theater. Charmaine Sheh plays Fan Xiang’er, Cheng’s wife—outspoken, spirited, and direct. She carries the dignity of a wealthy household’s matriarch while showing tenderness in the face of marital and societal challenges. Audiences remarked, 'This drama is truly outstanding!' Though not the most screen-time-heavy character, Fan Xiang’er leaves a deep impression due to her vivid personality and relatability. Netizens praised Charmaine Sheh for naturally portraying jealousy, strength, and empathy, preventing Fan Xiang’er from becoming a clichéd wife obstructing the protagonists’ bond, instead making her one of the drama’s most human and heartfelt figures.

No. 7: Man Yun-lam in 'Detective Investigation Files IV' | Douban Rating: 8.4 'Detective Investigation Files IV' weaves together multiple bizarre cases with the professional and romantic lives of detectives Xu Fei and Kong Tse-san. Charmaine Sheh plays Man Yun-lam, Kong’s long-term girlfriend—gentle and considerate, hoping to marry him, but drawn into a tense love triangle with the arrival of Tong Sum-yan. Both the criminal investigations and romantic subplots sparked heated discussions, with some calling it a 'romance film with detective elements.' Man Yun-lam’s emotional journey left many viewers heartbroken. Though Charmaine Sheh’s acting was still somewhat raw at the time, she effectively portrayed the character’s shift from trust to suspicion and heartbreak, making this love triangle one of the most controversial arcs in the series.

No. 6: Ma Kwok-ying in 'Forensic Heroes II' | Douban Rating: 8.4 'Forensic Heroes II' continues the collaboration between forensic experts, medical examiners, and police to solve cases. Charmaine Sheh plays Senior Inspector Ma Kwok-ying (Bell), who is calm and decisive, unafraid to lead in dangerous situations. She develops a romantic relationship with Yeung Yat-sing, played by Raymond Wong, during joint investigations. Ma Kwok-ying’s arrival altered the existing character dynamics, leading to polarized audience reactions. Supporters declared, 'This is exactly what I like,' appreciating her efficiency and composure. Others felt her presence limited the original cast’s screen time. Regardless, Bell’s strong debut became one of the most discussed elements of the sequel.

No. 5: Jia Chunfen in 'Burning Flame' | Douban Rating: 8.5 Set in a feudal village on the Loess Plateau, 'Burning Flame' depicts the conflicts between the Yan and Sung clans over tradition, interests, and hatred. Charmaine Sheh plays Jia Chunfen, ostracized since birth for having a 'broken palm'—believed to 'bring misfortune to her husband.' Initially submissive, she gradually learns to resist and fight for control over her destiny after enduring hardships. Netizens praised, 'Chunfen is purely kind yet refuses to surrender—Charmaine Sheh portrayed her brilliantly.' She layered Chunfen’s fear, kindness, and resilience, making her eventual awakening all the more powerful due to her earlier passivity. Her scenes opposite actresses like Ada Choi and Gigi Lai were considered among the most intense in the drama.

No. 4: Ting Siu-ka in 'Line Walker' | Douban Rating: 8.5 'Line Walker' centers on police uncovering undercover agents within the force and triads. Charmaine Sheh plays Ting Siu-ka ('Ding Jie'), who runs a foot massage parlor, appears greedy and cunning, but is actually a police mole navigating between law and crime. She forms a complex, ambiguous relationship with Bak Seed, played by Raymond Lam. Many viewers said, 'I watched for Charmaine Sheh, and she was amazing! The plot is also tightly paced.' Ding Jie can be funny and flirtatious, yet instantly switches to high alert when her identity is threatened or comrades are in danger. Charmaine Sheh seamlessly blended street-smart charm with undercover stress, elevating her career to new heights.

No. 3: Chu Kwan-ho in 'The Gem of Life' | Douban Rating: 8.7 Also known as 'The Moonlight of the Tenth of October' or 'Macau Street,' the drama follows Chu Kwan-ho and Man Chu, who grew up together in Macau. Charmaine Sheh plays Chu Kwan-ho, who has lived with mute Man Chu since childhood. Though technically siblings, their bond transcends family. With the arrival of Szeto Lai-shan, their relationship heads toward an inevitable, bittersweet end. Viewers described it as 'leaving us with the sorrow of never being together.' Kwan-ho is lively and kind, yet dependent and protective toward Man Chu. Charmaine Sheh delicately portrayed her hesitation between familial love, romance, and reality. Years later, audiences still mourn their missed connection, cementing Kwan-ho as one of Charmaine Sheh’s most iconic early roles.

No. 2: Chow Chi-yuk in 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber' | Douban Rating: 8.7 The 2001 version of 'The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber,' starring Felix Wong, Gigi Lai, and Charmaine Sheh, features Sheh as Zhou Zhiruo, a disciple of the Emei Sect. She begins as gentle and fragile, deeply in love with Zhang Wuji, but gradually becomes obsessive due to her master’s orders, power, and emotional betrayal—transforming from a kind girl into a ruthless sect leader. This version is often called 'the favorite adaptation of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber,' with the cast praised for 'flawless acting.' Though Gigi Lai’s Zhao Min is immensely popular, many netizens argue 'Charmaine Sheh’s Zhou Zhiruo is equally impressive,' especially her portrayal of resentment and regret after her character’s dark turn—evoking both anger and sympathy.

No. 1: Yuk-chun in 'War and Beauty' | Douban Rating: 9.0 'War and Beauty' is regarded as a classic of palace intrigue dramas, depicting秀女 Yu-ying, Yuk-chun, and On-sai entering the Forbidden City and engaging in schemes, alliances, and betrayals within the imperial harem. Charmaine Sheh plays Tung Ka Yuk-chun, trained from childhood to compete for the emperor’s favor. Outwardly gentle and quiet, she is in fact highly calculating and cautious—every move a survival strategy in a dangerous environment. Netizens summarized Yuk-chun in one sentence: 'Emotionless means unharmed; everything