Zhang Linghe and Ding Yuxi Lose Out! Top 10 Ancient Costume Male Leads in Chinese Dramas Crowned: His Intense Yet Gentle Gaze and Stunning Look Amaze All

Historical dramas have always been the ultimate litmus test for a male actor's looks and charisma. Long robes and flowing hair can elevate some into 'heaven-sent ancients,' while others severely challenge their styling team's taste. Recently, Weibo users launched a poll titled 'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead,' sparking heated discussions around popular actors from trending Chinese dramas such as Zhang Linghe in 'Chasing Jade,' Ding Yuxi in 'Flowers Bloom in Brocade,' Hou Minghao in 'Quell the Bone,' and Wang Hedi in 'The Watchman of Dafeng.' The full TOP 10 list has now been officially revealed.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 10: Luo Yunxi

(Image/From Weibo)

Luo Yunxi has a slender, tall build that appears understated in modern attire, but transforms completely in ancient costumes—radiating elegance, ethereality, handsomeness, and beauty. From his flowing white robes in 'Ashes of Love,' where he portrayed the heartbreaking 'Runyu,' to mastering elaborate, luxurious costumes in 'Till the End of the Moon' and 'The Lord of the Water Dragon,' he showcased the obsessive intensity of 'Tan Taijin' and the morally ambiguous 'Tang Lici.' His long, flowing hairstyles have especially left a lasting impression.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 9: Wang Hedi

(Image/From Weibo)

Wang Hedi once faced criticism for his unsuitable makeup and styling in 'Tempted by a Dragon,' but in 'Cang Lan Jue,' under a high-aesthetic styling team, his bold, defined features were fully highlighted. From every angle, he was flawless, successfully reversing public opinion to become a widely recognized ancient-costume heartthrob—proving that with the right styling, his strong facial features shine in historical dramas.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 8: Zhang Linghe

(Image/From Weibo)

Zhang Linghe is a prime example of an actor who effortlessly fits both modern and classical styles. After gaining attention for his divine looks as 'Immortal Lord Chang Heng' in 'Cang Lan Jue,' he consistently delivered strong performances in 'Yunzhiyu,' 'Ning'an as Dreamed,' 'Du Hua Nian,' and 'Chasing Jade.' Whether playing a cunning minister or a cold immortal, under high-quality production and refined cinematography, he elevates the image of the classical handsome man to new heights.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 7: Cheng Yi

(Image/From IMDb)

Cheng Yi rose to fame with 'Love and Redemption,' known for his delicate, soft features that exude an ethereal aura in xianxia dramas. From 'Love and Redemption,' 'Fragrance of Seduction,' 'The Lotus Lantern,' to '24 Strategies of Chang'an' and 'To the Mountains and Seas,' his costumes have consistently maintained a high standard. In 'The Lotus Lantern,' he perfectly portrayed the open-minded, transparent Li Lianhua, seamlessly switching between xianxia and wuxia styles.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 6: Deng Wei

(Image/Screenshot from 'Lost You Forever' Weibo)

After skyrocketing to fame in 'Lost You Forever,' Deng Wei, with his tall frame and refined facial structure, has become a new favorite in ancient costume dramas. His lead xianxia drama 'A Tree on Immortal Mountain' received a strong 7.1 rating on Douban, with consistently striking looks. In 'Yun Xiu Hang,' he tried a special wavy long hairstyle, further demonstrating his strong adaptability to diverse styling.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 5: Gong Jun

(Image/From Weibo)

Gong Jun's portrayal of 'Wen Kexing' in 'Word of Honor' remains a fan-favorite. His white robes were pure and otherworldly, his red robes darkly seductive—the domineering yet deeply layered 'Mad Valley Master' left a lasting impression. After 'The Long Ballad' and 'Fox Spirit Matchmaker,' he regained acclaim in 'The Dark River' with a sharp, stylish ancient costume look, maintaining a powerful screen presence.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 4: Liu Yuning

(Image/From Weibo)

Liu Yuning has seen soaring popularity in the ancient drama scene in recent years, showcasing unique charm in 'The Long Ballad,' 'A Dream Within a Scroll,' and 'Bowed Waist.' In 'Bowed Waist,' he played Wei Shao, a man burdened by family bloodshed who grows into a legendary warlord. His multiple sets of solemn, heroic general armor and domineering character perfectly matched, exuding strong masculine energy.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 3: Hou Minghao

(Image/From Weibo)

Hou Minghao, who previously focused on modern dramas, fully unleashed his ancient costume potential in 'Guardian' and 'Into the Azure Clouds.' With sharp, striking features that blend heroism and delicacy, he received praise for both 'Quell the Bone' and 'Jade Tea Bone' this year, flawlessly embodying roles ranging from a carefree demon to a cold immortal and a spirited young general.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 2: Ding Yuxi

(Image/From Weibo)

Though not conventionally handsome at first glance, Ding Yuxi becomes highly attractive once in ancient costume and immersed in character. From 'The Romance of Tiger and Rose,' 'Eternal Night Star River,' to 'Flowers Bloom in Brocade,' he brought to life the twisted, obsessive Mu Sheng, as well as the loyal, emotional rogue. With solid acting and a unique aura, he has won over countless drama fans.

'Favorite Ancient Costume Male Lead' Ranking TOP 1: Ren Jialun

(Image/From Weibo)

Ren Jialun has claimed the crown in this poll. Compared to modern attire, his ancient costumes instantly captivate the entire audience. Netizens widely regard him as 'born for ancient costumes.' From the domineering yet tender Lu Yi in 'Under the Power,' to the gentle, reserved Zhou Shengchen in 'Ever and Ever,' and in 'Wu You Du' and 'Perfect Couple,' he has brought to life multiple emotionally intense characters through his expressive 'eye acting,' firmly securing his throne as the king of ancient costume male leads.