 |
| The 1997 Generation: 11 Fast-Rising Chinese Actors Dominating C-Drama and Film (Photo: Weibo) |
The class of 1997 is genuinely one of the most stacked generations the Chinese entertainment industry has seen in years. This group of actors, all born in the same year, are now headlining big-budget dramas, trending across social platforms, and carrying some of the most talked-about projects of 2025.
What makes the 1997 batch interesting is how they sit in between two eras — they grew up before social media took over, yet entered the industry when online fandom culture exploded. Not quite Gen Z, not fully Millennial, but absolutely central to the current C-ent scene.
From historical epics to modern romance hits, here are 11 Chinese actors born in 1997 whose careers are on a serious upward climb.
1. Wang Yibo (5 August 1997)
.webp "Why China’s 1997-Born Actors Are the Industry’s Strongest Batch") |
A name impossible to ignore.
Wang Yibo rose to international stardom through The Untamed (2019) and further cemented his place with Legend of Fei (2020).
Known for his versatility across acting, dance, and music, Yibo continues to be one of the most influential performers of his generation.
His presence alone guarantees attention, and his upcoming film and drama projects keep him firmly in the spotlight.
2. Joseph Zeng (Zeng Shunxi) (9 October 1997)
 |
Starting as an idol, Joseph Zeng carved his path through acting with his standout role as Tang 36 in Fighter of the Destiny (2017).
His big break came when he played Zhang Wuji in Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber (2019), a role that pushed him into mainstream popularity.
Known for his energetic performances, Joseph Zeng continues to balance fantasy, action, and youth dramas with ease.
3. Zhang Linghe (30 December 1997)
 |
Zhang Linghe’s career has only gone upwards.
He gained massive recognition for portraying the god Chang Heng in the 2022 mega-hit Love Between Fairy and Devil.
This was followed by his acclaimed lead role as Gong Ziyu in My Journey To You (2023), one of the most stylish wuxia dramas in recent years.
In 2025, Zhang Linghe achieves another milestone with The Best Thing, where he plays Dr He Suye — a modern role that propelled him to international popularity thanks to its warm storyline and strong global streaming numbers.
4. Neo Hou (Hou Minghao) (3 August 1997)
 |
Neo Hou Minghao first charmed audiences through the youth drama When We Were Young (2018).
With a clean, youthful visual and steadily improving acting, he has become a reliable lead for modern and fantasy titles.
In 2025, he reached another career peak with the action-fantasy Love In The Clouds, where his portrayal of Ji Bozai earned positive reviews and helped position him as a rising action star within the new generation.
5. Guo Junchen (1 October 1997)
 |
Guo Junchen became a familiar name after starring in the viral campus romance Accidentally in Love (2018).
Known for his charming, soft-boy roles, he later expanded his range through Mysterious Lotus Casebook and Beauty of Resilience.
Most recently, Guo joined Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Sword and Beloved, taking on the role of Quan Wumu in the ever-growing Fox Spirit Matchmaker universe — a move that boosts his presence in fantasy epics.
6. Liu Haoran (Turbo Liu) (10 October 1997)
 |
Liu Haoran is easily one of the strongest all-rounders on this list.
He shot to fame through the hit film Detective Chinatown (2015) and has since become one of China’s most dependable young film stars.
Despite a film-heavy career, he still shines on television, previously winning hearts in With You (2016).
Known for his grounded acting and clean public image, Liu Haoran consistently challenges himself with diverse roles, making him a standout of his generation.
7. Xing Zhaolin (22 July 1997)
 |
After an eye-catching appearance in Princess Agents (2017), Xing Zhaolin skyrocketed in fame with The Eternal Love, which became a staple in Chinese romantic fantasy.
By 2025, he continues to hold his ground in rom-com land with The Quirky and the Charming, a historical comedy that premiered on 15 March 2025.
His playful, easygoing screen presence keeps him popular among international C-drama viewers.
8. Bi Wenjun (21 November 1997)
 |
Bi Wenjun transitioned smoothly from idol life into acting, making his official mark with Sweet Tai Chi (2019).
Fans grew especially fond of him as the warm, soft-spoken dentist in Sweet Teeth (2021).
Come 2025, Wenjun leads Deep Affection Eyes alongside Zhang Yuxi — a pairing that generated plenty of early buzz thanks to their on-screen chemistry and solid fanbases.
9. Chen Jingke (11 March 1997)
 |
Chen Jingke started with romantic webdramas like Hello Mr. Gu (2021) but quietly built a strong foundation with supporting roles, including in The Eternal Love 3.
2025 marks his real breakthrough.
With four dramas airing back-to-back, he’s moved from underrated talent to someone the industry genuinely keeps an eye on.
His range and updated portfolio are setting him up for leading-man status.
10. Chang Huasen (6 September 1997)
 |
Chang Huasen caught the public’s attention with his complex portrayal of Li Tongguang in the wuxia hit A Journey to Love (2023).
It was a strong showcase of depth, nuance, and screen impact.
His momentum continues into 2025 with the epic wuxia series Blood River (An He Zhuan).
Playing Su Changhe, a skilled swordsman, Chang stands alongside top names Gong Jun and Peng Xiaoran — a major career boost that signals his rising influence.
11. Chang Zhekuan (13 February 1997)
 |
A model-turned-actor, Chang Zhekuan first stepped into entertainment after winning the Asia-Pacific Super Model Contest in 2013.
He made his drama debut in Guardian (2018), slowly building a diverse acting catalogue.
His major rise came in 2025 through Whispers of Fate, one of the year’s sleeper hits. His performance drew praise for its maturity, proving he’s more than just a visual standout.
The 1997 generation of Chinese actors is genuinely shaping the landscape of C-dramas and films.
They’re versatile, hard-working, and collectively leading some of the most successful projects of recent years. With 2025 already giving most of them strong momentum, it’s clear this batch is nowhere near slowing down.