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| Xu Kai and Yang Mi Rule August 2025 Popularity Rankings: Full List of China’s Hottest Drama Characters |
The Chinese drama scene never slows down, and August 2025 was proof of it. With multiple big-budget series airing, fans online have been busy voting, ranking, and debating their favourite characters.
The latest popularity chart has finally landed — and it’s a mix of familiar megastars and rising talents.
Male Characters: Xu Kai Tops, Yang Yang Closes In
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Kicking things off, Xu Kai bagged the No.1 male character spot thanks to his role as Mei Zhuyu in Moonlit Reunion. His ranking is particularly eye-catching, given the noise around him earlier this summer.
Despite the chatter, Xu Kai’s charisma on screen kept him unshaken at the top.
Right behind him is Yang Yang, who proved once again that his name carries serious weight in the industry.
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Playing Han Li in The Immortal Ascension, Yang Yang only needed a handful of episodes in August to cement his place at No.2. Fans have praised his steady performance and the drama’s ambitious storytelling.
Ou Hao rounds out the top three with his fiery character Feng Dajiao, bringing intensity and grit that clearly resonated with audiences.
Female Characters: Yang Mi Unstoppable, Dilraba Not Far Behind
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On the women’s side, no surprises here — Yang Mi once again secured her crown. Her portrayal of Ning Xiuxiu in This Thriving Land struck a chord with both younger and older viewers, proving why she’s still one of the most bankable actresses in the business.
Dilraba Dilmurat, of course, isn’t letting the spotlight slip away.
Her turn as Deng Yan in Sword Rose carried her to the No.2 position, underlining her steady popularity and ability to anchor big productions.
The pleasant surprise comes at No.3 with Tian Xiwei. Her role as Wu Zhen has been called “natural and refreshing” by many fans, marking her as a name to watch.
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Unsurprisingly, the rankings sparked buzz across Weibo and drama forums.
Fans of Xu Kai and Yang Mi flooded comment sections with celebratory posts, while others noted how the list reflects the blend of seasoned veterans and promising new stars.
Interestingly, some of the most popular characters don’t come from the same drama pairings, proving that strong individual character work can still break through in an era often dominated by CP marketing. (Read: What is CP Marketing)
With several high-profile dramas lined up for September and beyond, speculation is already rife: will Xu Kai and Yang Mi hold on to their crowns, or will fresh faces break through?