Tomb-raiding Chinese dramas have been produced for years, from 'The Lost Tomb,' 'Ultimate Note,' 'Reboot: Listening to Thunder at the Edge of the Sea,' to 'Old Nine Gates' and 'Nu Qing Xiangxi.' Iconic characters like Wu Xie, Zhang Qiling, Zhang Qishan, and Jue Gou Shao have been portrayed by numerous actors, including Yang Yang, Zhu Yilong, Chen Wei'an, and Gao Weiguang, leaving behind classic interpretations. But who truly stands as the most handsome 'tomb-raiding god' in viewers' hearts? This article compiles the 'Top 10 Handsomest Male Gods in Tomb-Raiding C-Dramas' by analyzing open discussions on Weibo and Douban, referencing character popularity, appearance ratings, role suitability, and representative fan comments. Surprisingly, even Yang Yang and Gao Weiguang didn't claim first place. The champion earned the top spot for his all-black outfit, sharp fight scenes, and exceptional faithfulness to Zhang Qiling, with many drama fans hailing him as 'the real Xiao Ge.'
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 10: Hou Minghao in 'The Lost Tomb: The Sea of Darkness & The Sacred Tree of Qinling'
Hou Minghao played Wu Xie in 'The Lost Tomb: The Sea of Darkness & The Sacred Tree of Qinling.' This version of Wu Xie still carries strong curiosity and youthful energy, often afraid yet irresistibly drawn to uncover the truth amid the dangers and mysteries within ancient tombs. Hou Minghao has delicate features and bright eyes, giving this Wu Xie a stronger sense of 'innocence.'
Many viewers praised Hou Minghao's appearance and role fit, with some calling this 'Wu Xie casting more successful' and others stating 'Hou Minghao's looks and acting are solid.' Some even said they could see Wu Xie's 'innocence and kindness' in his eyes. Compared to later, more weathered versions of Wu Xie, Hou Minghao's portrayal stands out for its cleanliness, liveliness, and youthful charm.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 9: Huang Junjie in 'Reboot: Listening to Thunder at the Edge of the Sea'
Huang Junjie played Zhang Qiling in 'Reboot: Listening to Thunder at the Edge of the Sea,' forming the 'Iron Triangle' with Zhu Yilong and Chen Minghao. This version of Xiao Ge remains silent and physically powerful, yet shares deep camaraderie with Wu Xie and Wang Paozi. Huang Junjie has a slender build, and his frequent all-black costumes, cold expressions, and crisp action sequences created a more aloof and icy interpretation of Zhang Qiling.
Some viewers frankly said Huang Junjie was 'the Xiao Ge who matches my imagination the most,' especially loving his fight scenes, describing them as 'incredibly smooth' and 'hitting with real impact.' Others sighed 'so handsome' when watching his close-up scenes with Zhu Yilong. Amid fierce competition among past portrayals of Zhang Qiling, Huang Junjie secured his own fanbase through his looks and action performance.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 8: Zhang Kangle in 'Zang Hai Hua'
Zhang Kangle took on the highly popular role of Zhang Qiling in 'Zang Hai Hua.' 'Zang Hai Hua' focuses more on Zhang Qiling's past, allowing viewers to see not only the omnipotent, mysterious Xiao Ge but also his long-lasting loneliness and youth. Zhang Kangle was young during filming, and his slim build, black attire, and silent expression gave this version of Zhang Qiling a touch of youthful detachment.
Although this portrayal sparked mixed reactions, fans' opinions were clear-cut. Some netizens called Zhang Kangle 'the version of Xiao Ge who feels most like Zhang Qiling to me,' praising his 'pure handsomeness and excellent fight scenes' and believing he captured Zhang Qiling's 'powerful yet lonely' state. For supporters, his cool aura perfectly matched the character's inherent sense of distance.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 7: Zhang Yixing in 'Old Nine Gates'
Zhang Yixing played Er Yuehong in 'Old Nine Gates,' the second-in-command of the Changsha Nine Gates and a renowned opera star. Er Yuehong appears gentle and refined on the surface but is actually highly skilled in combat and deeply devoted to his wife, Ya Tou. Traditional opera costumes, long robes, and Republican-era styling, combined with Zhang Yixing's delicate features, created a completely different type of heartthrob compared to Chen Wei'an's Zhang Qishan.
Years later, many viewers still mention Er Yuehong when rewatching 'Old Nine Gates,' describing the character as 'handsome and deeply affectionate.' Unlike Zhang Qishan's dominant and imposing aura, Er Yuehong's appeal lies in his gentleness, restraint, and deep love, enhanced by his opera star's elegance, giving Zhang Yixing a highly distinctive Republican-era look.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 6: Zeng Shunxi in 'Ultimate Note'
Zeng Shunxi played Wu Xie in 'Ultimate Note,' covering key story arcs like Snake Swamp Ghost City and Yinshan Ancient Tower. This Wu Xie is gradually approaching the core of the mystery but still retains his early kindness and youthful spirit. Zeng Shunxi's large eyes unexpectedly became an asset, allowing Wu Xie to exhibit a very distinct 'Wu puppy' charm in the trio's daily interactions.
Viewers particularly embraced this 'puppy-like' quality, describing him as having round eyes and a clueless expression, 'like a cute little puppy.' Others exclaimed, 'The crying puppy is too adorable! Zeng Shunxi is so handsome!' Some even declared him 'the reincarnation of Wu Xie.' His beautiful features paired with slightly silly expressions, quickly turning serious when danger arises—this contrast became a major charm of Zeng Shunxi's Wu Xie.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 5: Zhu Yilong in 'Reboot: Listening to Thunder at the Edge of the Sea'
Zhu Yilong played Wu Xie in 'Reboot: Listening to Thunder at the Edge of the Sea,' portraying him after years of adventure, the end of his ten-year promise, and his retreat to a rainy village. This Wu Xie has endured countless life-and-death situations, schemes, and farewells, understands human nature and calculation, and bears many physical injuries, yet still maintains trust and affection for his friends. Zhu Yilong thus portrayed a more mature, weary, and story-laden Wu Xie.
Many viewers were drawn to this time-worn Wu Xie, with some frankly saying, 'I fell in love with this wise, handsome Wu Xie,' and others simply describing their impression as 'Wu Xie is so handsome.' Scenes like Wu Xie holding a slingshot were described by netizens as 'so handsome it touched my heart.' The charm of Zhu Yilong's version lies in showing the mature aura left behind after a once-innocent youth has weathered many storms.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 4: Chen Wei'an in 'Old Nine Gates'
Chen Wei'an played Zhang Qishan, the leader of the Nine Gates, known as 'Zhang Da Fo Ye,' in 'Old Nine Gates.' As a military man controlling Changsha's power, Zhang Qishan naturally exudes a strong aura of authority. His cape, military boots, and uniform almost became iconic symbols of the character. Chen Wei'an's sharp eyes and upright posture perfectly matched Zhang Da Fo Ye's dominant and forceful personality, making it one of the most representative looks in 'Old Nine Gates.'
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 3: Yang Yang in 'The Lost Tomb'
When 'The Lost Tomb' aired in 2015, Yang Yang played Zhang Qiling, dressed in black with a hood, silent, and nearly expressionless—his cool image became the first 'Xiao Ge' many viewers saw in a live-action adaptation. Despite the show's mixed reviews, Yang Yang's looks and portrayal of Zhang Qiling became inseparable, and this version is still brought up whenever past interpretations of Xiao Ge are discussed.
Yang Yang's biggest advantage was his looks. Some netizens said he perfectly matched their ideal Zhang Qiling in terms of 'handsomeness,' with others exclaiming, 'Yang Yang is just too good-looking.' Other viewers believed 'Yang Yang's Zhang Qiling is the most handsome.' Years later, people still remember that cool face, proving this version's strong visual presence.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 2: Gao Weiguang in 'Nu Qing Xiangxi'
Gao Weiguang played the mountain-moving Taoist priest Jue Gou Shao in 'Nu Qing Xiangxi,' who spends his life searching for the Ru Chen Pearl to lift a curse plaguing his clan for generations. Unlike clean-cut idol-type heartthrobs, Jue Gou Shao is usually covered in dust, with stubble, wearing rugged clothes as he traverses wild mountains and ancient tombs—this fully highlighted Gao Weiguang's tall frame and sharp features.
Jue Gou Shao is one of the rare characters viewers find more attractive the more weathered he appears. One netizen frankly said, 'I finally got Jue Gou Shao—I'm obsessed, he's too handsome,' a comment that received 148 likes. In another discussion, someone sighed, 'I'm smitten again,' even calling him 'Jue Gou Shao himself.' Unlike refined beauty, Gao Weiguang's appeal lies in his ruggedness, intensity, and mature masculinity.
Top 10 Handsomest Tomb-Raiding C-Drama God No. 1: Xiao Yuliang in 'Ultimate Note'
The champion is Xiao Yuliang. Xiao Yuliang briefly played Zhang Qiling in 'Sha Hai' before officially taking on the role in 'Ultimate Note.' The hardest part of playing Zhang Qiling is his minimal dialogue, extremely restrained emotions, and the need for audiences to believe he is a man with an extremely long life, top-tier combat skills, and immense loneliness. Xiao Yuliang, with his dance background, lean build, black attire, and cold expression, combined with numerous clean, crisp action scenes, made this version one of the most discussed in the series.
Some viewers exclaimed, 'So handsome, my heart is racing,' praising his fight scenes as 'flowing like clouds,' while others said, 'After seeing him, I finally believe Zhang Qiling truly exists.' Even in recent years, some say, 'After Xiao Yuliang, there is no Zhang Qiling,' describing the lasting impression of this portrayal. For many book fans, the real challenge has never been finding a handsome face, but finding someone who, the moment he stands in an ancient tomb, instantly makes the audience recognize: this is Xiao Ge.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: News