Li Qin Not First in 'Joy of Life'! Top 10 Most Beautiful 'White Moonlight' Female Characters in Chinese Dramas: Who Took the Crown? Over 20 Years Since Broadcast, Still Unsurpassed – The Pinnacle of Early Xianxia Dramas

Some Chinese drama characters, though their stories have long concluded, can instantly transport audiences back to the days of binge-watching with just a single still image or a piece of background music. From Sheng Minglan in 'The Story of Minglan,' Qu Xiaofeng in 'Till the End of the Moon,' to Zhao Ling'er from 'Chinese Paladin,' a drama aired over 20 years ago yet still fondly remembered by fans, these characters are regarded by many netizens as irreplaceable 'white moonlights.' Which female characters in Chinese dramas evoke the strongest 'white moonlight' feeling? This article compiles the 'Top 10 White Moonlight Icons in Chinese Dramas' by analyzing public discussions and user reviews from platforms like Weibo and Douban, evaluating characters based on long-term discussion热度, classic status, and audience memorability. Let’s see which iconic roles portrayed by Zhao Liying, Yang Zi, Qin Lan, Peng Xiaoran, and Liu Yifei claim the top spot.

10th Place: Zhao Liying in 'The Story of Minglan'

Zhao Liying plays Sheng Minglan, the sixth young lady of the Sheng family. Orphaned at a young age, she learns to conceal her sharpness while navigating the complexities of a large, intricate family. Outwardly quiet and obedient, she is in fact intelligent and perceptive, standing firm on her principles when it truly matters. Her journey from cautious survival to gradually taking control of her own life forms one of the most captivating storylines in the series.

Even years after the drama aired, Sheng Minglan continues to be a frequent topic in discussions about classic Chinese drama heroines. Netizens have commented, 'Sheng Minglan has become the white moonlight in so many people’s hearts.' Her 'white moonlight' quality doesn’t stem from a tragic ending, but from her gentle, clear-headed, and resilient nature—someone who, despite life’s hardships, still knows exactly how she wants to live. As a result, she’s a character that audiences grow to appreciate more with age.

9th Place: Tan Songyun in 'Under the Power'

Tan Songyun portrays Yuan Jinxia, a lively and sharp-witted female constable from the Six Ministries. She’s brave and quick-thinking, unafraid to charge into danger. Her relationship with Lu Yi, played by Ren Jialun, starts with mutual annoyance but gradually builds into trust through solving cases together. Their playful, enemies-to-lovers dynamic became one of the most popular highlights of the drama. Unlike traditional ancient-costume heroines, Yuan Jinxia feels refreshingly down-to-earth.

Years later, fans still rewatch 'Under the Power,' with comments like, 'Tan Songyun’s Yuan Jinxia is forever my white moonlight!' She’s adorable without being artificially silly, makes her own judgments, and approaches love with genuine sincerity and directness. This vibrant, natural charm makes Yuan Jinxia one of Tan Songyun’s most iconic period roles.

8th Place: Li Qin in 'Joy of Life'

Li Qin plays Lin Wan’er, daughter of Prime Minister Lin Ruofu and Princess Li Yunrui, and the beloved 'chicken leg girl' in Fan Xian’s heart. When Fan Xian first meets her at Qing Temple, Lin Wan’er is secretly eating a chicken leg under a table—devoid of the usual noble airs, instead radiating a playful, lively charm. In the scheming world of 'Joy of Life,' she stands out as pure and gentle.

Netizens have noted, 'The chicken leg girl was already a “white moonlight” in Season 1.' She doesn’t captivate through intense conflict, but through her soft, serene presence, creating a stark contrast. While Fan Xian is surrounded by manipulation, interests, and life-or-death crises, Lin Wan’er represents a purer side of life, making the 'chicken leg girl' one of the most memorable images from 'Joy of Life' for many viewers.

7th Place: Xuan Lu in 'The Untamed'

Xuan Lu plays Jiang Yanli, sister of Jiang Cheng and a deeply important family figure in Wei Wuxian’s life. She lacks supreme cultivation skills and rarely appears in the most intense battles, yet she’s always there to support Wei Wuxian when he needs it most. A bowl of lotus root and pork rib soup, a gentle call of 'Ah Xian,' makes Jiang Yanli the most comforting presence in the entire drama.

In discussions about 'white moonlight' characters in Chinese dramas, netizens have nominated, 'It’s Xuan Lu’s Senior Sister Jiang Yanli in The Untamed.' Her kindness is never passive—when someone she cares about is in danger, she’s willing to step forward. The lingering regret from her fate ensures she remains forever etched in viewers’ memories as the gentlest soul.

6th Place: Liu Shishi in 'Scarlet Heart'

Liu Shishi plays Ma’er Tai Ruoxi, a modern woman named Zhang Xiao who time-travels to the Qing Dynasty during Emperor Kangxi’s reign, becoming entangled in the power struggle among nine princes and their complex romantic entanglements. Early Ruoxi is lively and sincere, but as she witnesses the cruelty of political power within the palace, her emotions and fate spiral toward an irreversible conclusion. Iconic scenes like red plum blossoms in the snow and a poignant palace glance have become classics in Liu Shishi’s repertoire of ancient roles.

In recent years, Ruoxi’s romantic choices and personality have sparked renewed debate, yet many viewers still regard her as a classic character from their youth. One netizen described her as, 'Liu Shishi’s Ma’er Tai Ruoxi—the ultimate white moonlight.' The contrast between her youthful brightness and the gradual loss of her smile due to palace life creates a profound sense of regret, ensuring 'Scarlet Heart' remains a drama many revisit again and again.

5th Place: Yang Zi in 'Ashes of Love'

Yang Zi plays Jin Mi, daughter of the Flower Goddess, who took a pill in childhood that made her initially unaware of romantic love. Early on, she’s like a playful, mischievous little grape. As her feelings deepen with Xu Feng and Run Yu, she begins to understand love, loss, and sacrifice. Her transformation from carefree innocence to enduring heartbreaking separation forms one of the most emotionally devastating arcs in the drama.

Years after 'Ashes of Love' aired, netizens still comment, 'My Jin Mi is forever my white moonlight—unmatched.' What makes Jin Mi unforgettable is the stark contrast between her early brightness and the deep pain she later endures. Her journey from ignorance of love to truly understanding its cost is intertwined with viewers’ tears, ensuring the 'little grape' remains highly recognizable years later.

4th Place: Zhao Liying in 'The Legend of Chusen'

Zhao Liying plays Bi Yao, daughter of the Demon Lord—lively, spirited, and unapologetically passionate. As she grows closer to Zhang Xiao Fan, played by Li Yifeng, their love faces insurmountable obstacles due to their opposing factions. In the end, Bi Yao sacrifices herself with the 'Love Curse' to save Zhang Xiao Fan from the Zhu Xian Sword, freezing their love in its most tragic moment.

Years later, fans still describe her as 'a white moonlight who transcends pages and screens.' Bi Yao’s strongest impression lies in her vibrant, fearless spirit—she loves openly and is willing to pay the ultimate price for the one she loves. The brighter the character, the deeper the regret left behind, making Bi Yao a name many xianxia fans can never let go of.

3rd Place: Qin Lan in 'Story of Yanxi Palace'

Qin Lan plays Empress Fu Cha Rongyin, a noble-born, graceful, and gentle empress who is one of the few in the palace to genuinely care for Wei Yingluo. As empress, she must constantly adhere to rituals and rules, but the real Fu Cha was once lively and longed for freedom. After repeatedly losing her children and being constrained by her role and palace norms for years, she ultimately meets a tragic end.

Netizens have said, 'Qin Lan’s Fu Cha Rongyin is truly a white moonlight—I cried so hard when she died.' What viewers truly can’t let go of isn’t the distant empress, but the woman beneath the phoenix crown who wanted to be herself. She remained kind, yet was slowly drained by her duties, leaving behind a regret that keeps Fu Cha Rongyin a frequently discussed character in 'Story of Yanxi Palace' to this day.

2nd Place: Peng Xiaoran in 'Till the End of the Moon'

Peng Xiaoran plays Qu Xiaofeng, the ninth princess of Western Zhou, dressed in red, radiant and bold—a girl who grew up freely in the west. Initially innocent and passionate, she loses her grandfather and mother after Li Chengyan uses her to obtain intelligence about Dan Chi, completely destroying her happy family. Later, the two jump into the Wangchuan River, lose their memories, and fall in love again in the Eastern Palace. When Xiaofeng regains her memories, she realizes the man she deeply loves is the one responsible for Dan Chi’s destruction and her family’s tragedy, and she ends her life by drawing her sword.

Qu Xiaofeng has become the quintessential 'tragic beauty white moonlight' in recent Chinese dramas. Netizens insist, 'It has to be Peng Xiaoran’s Qu Xiaofeng—she’s the true white moonlight.' Her red dress, exotic look, bright smile, and utterly tragic ending create a powerful contrast. The more viewers recall the free-spirited princess of Western Zhou, the harder it is to accept her fate. Even years later, many fans say they 'can’t move on from Till the End of the Moon.'

1st Place: Liu Yifei in 'Chinese Paladin'

Liu Yifei played Zhao Ling'er in the 2005 series 'Chinese Paladin.' Her first appearance is as a girl living on Fairy Island—clear, innocent, and radiating a pure, otherworldly aura. As her heritage is revealed, she must shoulder the destiny of being a descendant of Nüwa, evolving from a protected girl into someone willing to protect all living beings. She deeply loves Li Xiaoyao, yet ultimately chooses to fulfill her duty, leaving a tragic ending that remains a shared regret for a generation of xianxia drama fans.

Over 20 years later, Zhao Ling'er still frequently appears in discussions about classic xianxia heroines. Netizens write, 'The eternal white moonlight—Zhao Ling'er.' From the youthful innocence of her first meeting on Fairy Island, her clear eyes, to her later willingness to sacrifice for the world, her presence is deeply etched in the hearts of countless viewers.