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| Weibo Reveals Most Popular Chinese Drama Characters of 2025 (Photo: Upmedia) |
China’s biggest social platform, Weibo, has officially dropped its list of the most popular Chinese drama characters of 2025, based on how often each character appeared on the platform’s hot search rankings throughout the year. Similar to trending topics on Twitter, Weibo’s hot search reflects what netizens are discussing in real time, making this list a strong indicator of genuine audience buzz rather than just ratings hype.
Unsurprisingly, Xiao Zhan stood firmly at the top, leaving a noticeable gap between himself and the rest of the list. The rankings highlight not only star power, but also how deeply written characters and memorable performances continue to drive online conversations in the Chinese drama space.
Zang Hai – The Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传) | 674x
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Xiao Zhan secured the number one position with Zang Hai, a character defined by intelligence, patience, and long-term planning.
After enduring a life-altering family tragedy in his youth, Zang Hai returns to the capital years later with sharpened strategic skills and deep architectural knowledge.
#ZangHai : Me and The Devil
— shaekiran (@littlefondness) May 27, 2025
❝I have long regarded you as my family. It's hard for me to trust someone. Don't let me down.❞
p.s. jokes on you pingjin huo, of course zanghai will let you down lmao#LegendofZangHai #藏海传 #XiaoZhan #肖战 #SeanXiao pic.twitter.com/VuEE9GL2T2
His journey through political intrigue and hidden power struggles kept audiences emotionally invested from start to finish. Xiao Zhan’s controlled yet layered performance ensured Zang Hai stayed on Weibo’s hot search almost constantly during the drama’s run.
ICYMI: Legend of Zang Hai Season 2 Possibility.
Wei Shao – The Prisoner of Beauty (折腰) | 229x
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Liu Yuning claimed second place with Wei Shao, a feared warlord known for his icy battlefield reputation but surprisingly soft emotional core.
His gradual transformation after meeting Xiao Qiao, played by Song Zuer, became a major talking point among viewers.
#WeiShao & #QiaoMan ― episode by episode in #ThePrisonerOfBeauty#折腰 #SongZuEr #宋祖儿 #LiuYuNing #刘宇宁 pic.twitter.com/VCXC11YjAn
— Ella⁷ ツ (@cumber_joonie) May 29, 2025
The sharp contrast between Wei Shao’s public persona and private vulnerability, paired with Liu Yuning’s commanding screen presence, made the character one of the year’s most discussed male leads.
He Weifang – In the Name of Blossom (国色芳华) | 216x
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Yang Zi landed third with He Weifang, a woman who rebuilds her life after escaping a deeply unfair marriage. Starting anew in Chang’an as a flower merchant, He Weifang faces family pressure, personal growth, and emotional challenges that resonated strongly with viewers.
Yang Zi’s nuanced portrayal gave the character lasting emotional impact, keeping her consistently trending throughout the series.
Ning Xiuxiu – This Thriving Land (生万物) | 162x
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Yang Mi ranked fourth with Ning Xiuxiu, a determined village woman who dares to challenge long-standing traditions. Her journey through hardship, family responsibility, and community leadership sparked widespread discussion online.
Many viewers praised the role as a significant turning point in Yang Mi’s acting career, noting the character’s grounded realism and emotional weight.
ICYMI: This Thriving Land Season 2 Rumours.
Bai Shuo & Xing Yue – Moonlight Mystique (白月梵星) | 155x
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Bai Lu entered the list with her dual role as Bai Shuo and Xing Yue. The character’s warm-hearted nature, paired with a fantasy world that bridges gods and humans, made her especially appealing to a broad audience.
Among Bai Lu’s projects in 2025, this role generated the strongest online response, proving its standout popularity.
No. 6: Jiang Changyang – In the Name of Blossom (国色芳华) | 140x
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Li Xian completes the list with Jiang Changyang, an official known for his carefree reputation while secretly working behind the scenes to safeguard the state.
His clever mind games and hidden motives added depth to the character, keeping discussions alive even after the drama wrapped up.
Your Thoughts?
This year’s list clearly shows that strong character writing and emotionally grounded performances remain the key drivers of popularity in Chinese dramas. Xiao Zhan’s overwhelming lead once again confirms his unmatched presence in 2025, while the rest of the list reflects a growing audience appetite for layered storytelling across genres.
Which character lived rent-free in your mind this year? Did your personal favourite make the list, or was someone unexpectedly missing?