Not Xiao Zhan or Zhang Ruoyu! The Top 10 Male Actors with the Most Powerful Crying Scenes in Chinese Dramas—Who Took the Crown? His Red Eyes Broke the Internet, Emotionally Infectious Acting at Its Peak

Whether a single crying scene can break the audience’s heart often tests an actor’s skill more than dialogue—especially in historical dramas, where characters frequently face separation, unrequited love, and tragic farewells, creating iconic tearful moments. In 2024, a ranking titled 'Top 10 Male Actors with the Most Moving Crying Scenes in Costume Dramas,' released by a Chinese media outlet and based on netizen voting, revealed the actors viewers believe deliver the most powerful emotional performances. Tan Jianci, Xiao Zhan, Zhang Wanyi, and Wu Lei all made the list. Zhu Yilong and Zhang Ruoyu tied for 4th place, while 'tragedy role specialist' Cheng Yi secured 2nd. Luo Yunxi, known for his heartbreaking roles in 'Ashes of Love' and 'Till the End of the Moon,' emerged victorious. This article compiles the top 10 actors based on the 2024 netizen rankings, incorporating audience feedback from public social platforms to highlight their most representative crying scenes and roles.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #10: Tan Jianci in 'Lost You Forever'

Tan Jianci played Xiangliu, a nine-headed demon in 'Lost You Forever,' with white hair, a cold demeanor, and immense combat power. Yet, he deeply conceals his feelings for Xiao Yao. Though Xiangliu silently protects Xiao Yao time and again, he never openly confesses. Tan Jianci rarely uses intense sobbing to express sorrow; instead, he relies on reddened eyes and hesitant expressions to gradually build Xiangliu’s loneliness and regret.

Viewers often describe Tan Jianci’s crying scenes as having a 'pain of holding back tears.' After watching his performance, netizens exclaimed, 'It made me so heartbroken,' and praised, 'He portrayed utter despair so realistically.' The more Xiangliu suppresses his emotions, the more viewers feel the tragedy of someone who, knowing the outcome is hopeless, still chooses to protect silently.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #9: Liu Xueyi in 'Long River'

Liu Xueyi portrayed Luo Zishang in 'Long River,' a character who appears ruthless and calculating but carries deep emotional trauma. When Luo Zishang mistakenly believes Liu Yuru has died, the man who always controls everything suddenly loses composure. Shock, pain, resentment, and fury surge at once, revealing the villain’s first truly vulnerable moment.

Liu Xueyi’s crying scenes in recent historical dramas have sparked widespread discussion. After watching emotional scenes, viewers commented, 'Liu Xueyi’s crying broke my heart—I cried with him.' His performances often begin with subtle eye changes, gradually spreading emotion to his voice and facial expressions. Even without loud sobbing, the weight of his character’s sorrow feels profound.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #8: Xiao Zhan in 'Jade Bone Divine Shadow'

Xiao Zhan played Shi Ying, the Grand Divine Official of Jiuyi Mountain, in 'Jade Bone Divine Shadow.' Usually calm and reserved, Shi Ying suppresses his true emotions. When he learns of his mother’s death, he nearly collapses. The composed Grand Divine Official suddenly loses his foundation, his eyes reddening with tears—revealing Shi Ying’s hidden fragility beneath his cold exterior for the first time.

After this scene aired, many viewers were emotionally overwhelmed. Comments included, 'How can someone cry so deeply and still look this beautiful?' and 'It hurt so much, I cried too.' The greater Shi Ying’s usual emotional restraint, the stronger the contrast when he finally breaks down. The shift in his eyes—from blankness to agony—became a key reason this scene was widely discussed.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #7: Deng Wei in 'Lost You Forever'

Deng Wei played Tu Shan Jing, the young master of Qingqiu, in 'Lost You Forever.' Initially introduced as Ye Shiqi, a severely abused and wounded man saved by Xiao Yao, he comes to see her as the most important person in his life. Gentle and sensitive, Tu Shan Jing is often constrained by family and reality in love, resulting in numerous scenes of委屈, helplessness, and despair.

Deng Wei’s crying scenes have drawn significant attention, with viewers saying, 'Deng Wei’s crying scenes truly break my heart.' His strength lies in his soft aura; when his eyes well up with tears and his expression shows委屈, it perfectly matches Tu Shan Jing’s reserved and easily wounded nature, making the character’s fragility even more evident.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #6: Zhang Wanyi in 'Lost You Forever'

Zhang Wanyi played Chang Heng in 'Lost You Forever,' a man who lost his loved ones young and must enter the center of power to protect himself and Xiao Yao. Chang Heng harbors deep feelings for Xiao Yao but can never confess. Watching her fall for another, he hides jealousy, sorrow, and pain. Zhang Wanyi revealed that 'Lost You Forever' had the most crying scenes he’d ever performed in a single drama.

Many viewers find Zhang Wanyi’s eyes his most powerful tool. One netizen described his acting as 'an emotional poem without words.' Chang Heng must usually maintain composure and authority, but when emotions finally overwhelm him, the long-suppressed pain bursts forth—making every moment his eyes redden especially heartbreaking.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #5: Wu Lei in 'Brightly Shining'

Wu Lei played Ling Buyi in 'Brightly Shining,' a young general with great military achievements. Outwardly calm and stern, he carries the trauma of his entire Huo family being slaughtered. As the revenge plot unfolds, Ling Buyi’s long-suppressed hatred erupts. The once unbreakable man begins to lose control, get hurt, and shed tears—revealing a completely different side.

Viewers especially love the contrast of a 'tough man suddenly breaking,' with comments like 'His sense of fragility is overwhelming.' Some recalled his crying scene in 'The Long Ballad,' saying, 'He acted so well—I cried back then too.' The more cold and strong a character usually is, the more impactful it is when their eyes finally redden, revealing long-buried pain.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #4: Zhang Ruoyu in 'Joy of Life 2'

Zhang Ruoyu reprises Fan Xian in 'Joy of Life 2.' Though usually witty and carefree, Fan Xian has a strong sense of justice when witnessing the powerful trampling lives. The tragedy of Old Jin and his daughter makes Fan Xian realize, for the first time, that even with power, he may not save those in front of him. Zhang Ruoyu portrays Fan Xian’s journey from shock and guilt to anger, ending with red eyes holding back tears—revealing a rare, nearly broken side.

After the scene aired, netizens said, 'Little Fan大人 is quietly broken again,' and 'Our Little Fan大人’s fragility is maxed out.' Zhang Ruoyu didn’t have Fan Xian sob openly but kept tears in his eyes, matching the character’s attempt to suppress emotion—making the sense of helplessness even stronger.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #4: Zhu Yilong in 'The Story of Ming Lan'

Zhu Yilong played Qi Heng, a nobleman from the Qi Marquis household, in 'The Story of Ming Lan.' Born into privilege and gentle in nature, he truly loves Sheng Minglan but is bound by family status. When he learns Gu Tingye will marry Minglan, he stands alone in a corridor, crying and laughing. Though still in love, he knows he has lost her forever—one of the most heartbreaking moments for the young noble.

When 'The Story of Ming Lan' aired, viewers praised Qi Heng as 'pure and vivid,' and after seeing his tragic scenes, some said, 'I never want to see this young noble like this again.' Zhu Yilong didn’t play Qi Heng as merely heartbroken but mixed委屈, regret, helplessness, and unwillingness to let go. That bittersweet state—smiling yet more painful than crying—has kept this scene memorable for years.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #2: Cheng Yi in 'Love and Redemption'

Cheng Yi played Yu Sifeng in 'Love and Redemption,' a quintessential 'beautiful, strong, yet tragic' character in historical dramas. Sifeng and Chu Xuanji endure ten lifetimes of romantic trials, and in the tenth, still face misunderstanding, betrayal, severe injury, and the death of loved ones. The entire drama is relentlessly tragic. Cheng Yi delivers countless scenes of red eyes, tears, coughing up blood, and emotional collapse, making Yu Sifeng one of his most iconic roles.

Even years after 'Love and Redemption' aired, Sifeng’s heartbreaking moments are still discussed. Fans say, 'He truly is the most tragic male lead,' and 'He brought Yu Sifeng to life.' Cheng Yi often lets Sifeng’s eyes slowly redden, holding tears back until emotion finally overflows—maximizing the character’s sense of委屈.

Top 10 Male Actors in Chinese Drama Crying Scenes – #1: Luo Yunxi in 'Till the End of the Moon'

The champion is Luo Yunxi. From Runyu in 'Ashes of Love' to Tan Taijin in 'Till the End of the Moon,' he has created numerous iconic crying scenes through tragic historical roles. In 'Till the End of the Moon,' Tan Taijin begins as an emotionless demon embryo. As he learns love and loss, he repeatedly faces betrayal, misunderstanding, and separation. Luo Yunxi portrays layered emotions—holding back tears, single-tear falls, breakdowns, and even crying while coughing up blood.

Viewers often describe Luo Yunxi’s crying scenes as full of 'fragility.' After watching 'Till the End of the Moon,' fans said, 'Every time, I’m wounded by Luo Yunxi’s tears.' Back during 'Ashes of Love,' viewers said, 'That single tear Runyu shed as he left Yunmeng Marsh reached my heart.' From holding back sorrow to complete collapse, Luo Yunxi can make tears appear differently in each context—earning him the top spot in this netizen-voted ranking.