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| Top 5 Chinese Dramas That Made Chen Zheyuan a Rising Star (Weibo) |
Chen Zheyuan, our fave boy-next-door-turned-screen-sensation, has been on a serious glow-up journey. From cheeky wuxia warriors to emotionally tormented soldiers, this lad’s got range — and viewers are finally starting to clock it.
With his charm dialled up to eleven and acting that just keeps getting sharper, Chen’s been stealing scenes (and hearts) across a string of dramas. If you've ever wondered why everyone's suddenly obsessed with this gent — or if you're already a fan looking to rewatch his finest moments — here's the ultimate roundup of Chinese dramas that properly put him on the map.
1. HANDSOME SIBLINGS (2020)
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| Tencent Video |
📺 Where to watch: Netflix, WeTV
Before all the modern heartthrob roles, Chen Zheyuan flexed his action chops in this glossy wuxia remake. He plays Jiang Xiaoyu, a cheeky and clever young swordsman raised in the martial world. His high-energy performance and lovable rogue vibes gave the classic story new life, and his bromantic chemistry with co-star Hu Yitian was straight-up electric. This was the drama that told the world: yep, this lad’s got main character energy.
2. OUR SECRET (2021)
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| iQIYI |
📺 Where to watch: iQIYI
Let’s be real — Our Secret didn’t just make viewers swoon, it practically caused a nationwide case of “Zhou Siyue syndrome.” As the cold, brainy boy who secretly watches over his crush, Chen Zheyuan nailed the ‘dream high school boyfriend’ trope without making it cliché. Sweet, subtle, and soft in all the right ways, his chemistry with co-star Xu Mengjie melted hearts across China — and racked up over 1.3 billion views. This was a career-defining hit and the moment fans started calling him their "first love fantasy."
3. MR. BAD (2022)
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| WeTV |
Genre: Fantasy / Romantic Comedy
📺 Where to watch: iQIYI, WeTV
Time for a plot twist! In Mr. Bad, Chen goes full meta as Xiao Wudi — a villain from a novel who literally escapes the pages into real life. It’s quirky, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional. His comedic timing? On point. His smirk? Deadly. His ability to balance ridiculous plotlines with genuine emotion? Kinda brilliant, actually. This drama wasn’t just a domestic hit — it blew up globally, introducing Chen to international fans who were not ready for that level of chaotic charm.
4. HIDDEN LOVE (2023)
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| Youku |
📺 Where to watch: Netflix, Youku
Here’s the one that had Netflix fans clutching their pillows. Hidden Love features Chen as Duan Jiaxu, the kind, protective older guy who turns out to be the main girl’s first love. He’s calm. He’s patient. He’s got that quiet emotional depth that makes you cry without realising it. Paired with Zhao Lusi, the duo’s on-screen chemistry was a hot topic across TikTok, Weibo, and drama forums alike. This one made Chen an international heartthrob, not just a local fave.
5. THE WHITE OLIVE TREE (2025)
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| iQIYI |
Genre: Military Romance / Melodrama
📺 Where to watch: iQIYI
And now for the heavy hitter. In this 2025 military romance, Chen plays Li Zan — a bomb disposal expert with scars deeper than the battlefield. His journey intersects with a brave female journalist, and what follows is a raw, emotional rollercoaster. It’s easily his most intense role to date, with scenes that hit like a gut punch. Critics and fans alike agree: this is the performance that shows just how far he’s come as an actor. It’s tragic, touching, and quietly heroic — and people are still crying about that ending.
🌟 Final Thoughts
From sword-slinging adventurer to emotionally layered soldier, Chen Zheyuan’s drama résumé proves he’s more than just a pretty face. Each role shows off a different side of his talent — whether it’s action, romance, comedy, or straight-up heartbreak. So if you're looking to dive into the Chen Zheyuan multiverse, this list is your essential starter pack.
Stay tuned — because if his current trajectory's anything to go by, the best might still be yet to come. 🧡