Bai Lu and Wang Churan Lost! The Top 10 Most Beautiful Costumed Actresses in Chinese Dramas Over the Past 5 Years: She Dominates with Ethereal Elegance and Classic Beauty

Bai Lu and Wang Churan Lost! Over the past five years, the beauty of actresses in Chinese period dramas has been unparalleled, from Song Zu'er as Xiao Qiao in 'The Vow of Punishment' and Chen Duling as Zhuang Hanyan in 'Return of the Swallow,' to Wang Churan in 'The Legend of Anle' and Liu Shishi in 'A Dream of Splendor.' Their period costumes have sparked much discussion, but ultimately, it was Liu Yifei who once again dazzled audiences with her role as Zhao Pan'er in 'Dream of the Red Chamber' that secured her the title of 'The Most Beautiful Costumed Actress in Chinese Dramas Over the Past 5 Years.' This article compiles a top 10 list based on comprehensive evaluations from Weibo, Douban, and public forums, considering factors such as period beauty, makeup, and character representation.

5th Place: Tian Xixi in 'Coastal City in the Mist' In 2022, Tian Xixi played Li Wei, a girl from Xichuan, in 'Coastal City in the Mist.' Initially, she wanted to fail the selection in Xinchuan and return home, but fate led her to a 'marriage first, love later' story with Yi Zhan, the Sixth Young Master, played by Bai Jingting. Li Wei is cheerful, kind, and full of life. Tian Xixi's round eyes, dimples, and lively expressions perfectly capture the girlish charm of the character. Her early period costume with bangs also left a strong impression on many viewers.

Audiences love Tian Xixi's period costumes, largely due to her natural sweet girlish charm. One viewer exclaimed after watching 'Coastal City in the Mist' that Tian Xixi with her dimples is 'really super cute,' while another certified her as a 'divine sweet girl,' particularly liking Li Wei's early costume that showcased her girlish charm. Even in 'Pursuit of the Jade,' some viewers were drawn back to her by the character Fan Changyu. They described her as 'truly sweet and beautiful,' and her face fits perfectly into the image of a light and lively period character.

4th Place: Li Qin in 'Seven Nights of Snow' In 2024, Li Qin played Xue Ziye, the master of the Medicine Valley, in 'Seven Nights of Snow.' She is a skilled physician with a cold exterior but a heart full of unresolved past. The drama features many scenes of snowfields, medicine valleys, and low-saturation visuals. Xue Ziye often appears in white robes, cloaks, and simple hairstyles, which perfectly highlight Li Qin's cold eyes. When the character walks into the snow, it easily reminds viewers of the cold beauties in traditional wuxia stories.

Li Qin's appearance in this role also received praise from different viewers. One thought after a few episodes that 'Li Qin's face is really good,' while another exclaimed 'Li Qin is so beautiful.' Some even believed that both the male and female leads were 'shot to be super beautiful.' These reactions highlight Li Qin's strength in period costumes: she suits light makeup, plain clothes, and cold scenes. The more restrained the makeup, the more her features and temperament stand out, making Xue Ziye one of her most memorable period roles in recent years.

3rd Place: Bai Lu in 'White Moon and Vanxing' In 2025, Bai Lu played Bai Shuo, a girl who embarks on a journey to become an immortal to repay a debt, in 'White Moon and Vanxing.' From a mortal, she gradually gets entangled in the world of immortals and demons, experiencing multiple costume changes in the same drama. Early on, her hairstyle and clothing retain a strong girlish charm, but as her status and the plot develop, her makeup becomes more luxurious. Bai Lu transitions from a lively girl to a more ethereal and martial arts-like appearance.

Bai Lu's period makeup in this drama received praise from many viewers. One netizen felt she 'really suits this kind of period or martial arts costume,' whether luxurious or simple. Another was impressed by her simple makeup, saying 'Lu Lu's Bai Shuo is beautiful even in a simple state.' There were also comments like 'Lu Lu is so beautiful, I really like the makeup in this drama.' In subsequent discussions, some believed that 'all the makeup in this drama is beautiful and ethereal,' with different costumes each leaving a strong impression.

2nd Place: Zhou Ye in 'Brocade Moon in Full Bloom' In 2025, Zhou Ye played He Yan in 'Brocade Moon in Full Bloom.' The character goes through cross-dressing, military life, and battles, making her period style more rugged than typical period romance heroines. Her tied-up hair, military uniforms, and armor highlight her delicate features with a boyish charm. When she changes back into women's clothing, she immediately returns to her elegant girlish appearance. Her small oval face and sharp eyebrows create a striking contrast between the two looks.

Many viewers noticed Zhou Ye's ability to switch between softness and ruggedness. One viewer, after watching the entire drama, felt 'Zhou Ye is still too sweet and beautiful, her oval face is perfect,' expressing their love for her face. Another viewer, watching her for the first time, was captivated by her eyes when she removed her mask, exclaiming 'Wow, so cool,' and believing that military uniforms, men's clothing, and armor suit her even more than women's clothing. There were also comments that Zhou Ye 'stands out in both men's and women's clothing,' and some admitted that while they had different opinions about her acting, 'her looks are unbeatable.'

1st Place: Liu Yifei in 'Dream of the Red Chamber' Liu Yifei, who took the top spot, played Zhao Pan'er in 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' The role is known for its beauty, and Liu Yifei's delicate features, long eyebrows, and bright eyes perfectly embody the character. Her period costumes, from elegant robes to simple outfits, highlight her natural beauty and acting skills. The drama's intricate makeup and hairstyles further enhance her ethereal and classic beauty, making her a standout in the period drama world.

The announcement of this top 10 list has sparked discussions among fans and critics, with many praising the actresses' ability to bring historical characters to life through their costumes and performances. The list not only highlights the beauty of these actresses but also showcases the rich diversity of period dramas in Chinese television.