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| Liu Yuning Tops February Popularity Ranking as Chinese Drama Stars Battle for Attention. (Credits: Tencent Video) |
The latest popularity index released by Huanwang Big Data has placed Liu Yuning at the top of its February 2026 ranking, highlighting the actors who generated the strongest audience attention across Chinese drama platforms during the month.
The list, widely used as a snapshot of public interest in the industry, reflects how star power, trending dramas, and social buzz continue to shape China’s highly competitive television landscape.
February’s ranking also shows a striking mix of established heavyweights and younger performers gaining ground. From veteran actresses with loyal fan bases to rising actors riding the momentum of new releases, the chart illustrates just how fluid popularity in the Chinese drama scene can be.
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| Huanwang Big Data (February 2026) |
Liu Yuning Takes the Top Spot
At number one, Liu Yuning emerged as February’s most talked-about actor thanks to his role as Xiao Bei in the romance drama About Love.
The character’s layered personality — balancing vulnerability, charm, and emotional depth — resonated strongly with viewers.
Audience response quickly translated into online buzz. Clips from the drama circulated widely on social media platforms, while fan discussions focused on Liu Yuning’s ability to portray a romantic lead who feels grounded rather than exaggerated. The performance pushed his name to the top of multiple trending lists throughout the month.
Yang Zi Holds Strong as a Leading Female Star
Landing in second place, Yang Zi maintained her reputation as one of the industry’s most reliable drama leads. Her portrayal of Bai Ju in Born to Be Alive drew attention for its emotional range and subtle character growth.
The drama’s pairing of Yang Zi with veteran actor Hu Ge proved particularly popular with audiences. Viewers frequently praised the pair’s natural chemistry, with many online comments noting that their scenes carried the emotional weight of the series.
The continued interest in Yang Zi’s projects reinforces her standing as one of the most influential actresses in Chinese television today.
Zhao Liying Delivers Another Powerful Performance
Third place goes to Zhao Liying, who impressed audiences through her role as Li Qiuping in The Dream Maker.
Known for her ability to bring emotional nuance to complex characters, Zhao Liying once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most respected actresses in the industry.
Fans praised the intensity of her performance, noting how she balanced strength and vulnerability throughout the storyline. Her presence on the list also highlights the enduring popularity of experienced stars who continue to attract strong viewership.
Bai Lu Continues Her Rise
In fourth place, Bai Lu strengthened her standing with her role as Li Peiyi in the historical mystery drama Unveil: Jadewind. The character blends resilience with quiet emotional depth, a combination that many viewers found compelling.
Bai Lu’s reputation for building convincing on-screen chemistry with co-stars has also played a role in her growing popularity. Over the past few years, she has steadily expanded her fan base across multiple drama genres.
Hou Minghao Shows Range Across Two Dramas
Fifth place belongs to Hou Minghao, who gained attention for appearing in two drama projects early in 2026: The Unclouded Soul and Glory. In the former he plays Hong Ye, while in the latter he portrays Lu Jianglai.
The contrast between the two characters has been widely discussed by viewers, with many praising Hou Minghao’s versatility. His ability to shift between dramatically different roles helped drive a surge in online interest throughout February.
Tan Songyun Wins Praise for Natural Acting
Ranked sixth, Tan Songyun earned recognition for her role as Fang Wanzhi in My Destiny. Her performance stood out for its understated emotional delivery, creating a character that audiences found both warm and relatable.
Viewers frequently highlighted how Tan Songyun’s acting style avoids exaggerated expressions, instead relying on subtle gestures and dialogue to convey emotion. That natural approach has long been one of her trademarks.
Arthur Chen and Wang Ziqi Gain Attention
Seventh place is held by Arthur Chen, whose portrayal of Fang Muyang in Love Story in the 1970s generated strong discussion online. The character’s emotional journey added depth to the drama and introduced Chen to a wider audience.
Close behind in eighth place is Wang Ziqi, recognised for his role as Xiao Jinyu — also known as Prince An — in The Imperial Coroner Season 2.
His portrayal of the intelligent and composed royal figure has drawn positive feedback from viewers following the sequel’s release.
Wang Churan and Cheng Lei Round Out the Top Ten
Completing the ranking are Wang Churan in ninth place and Cheng Lei in tenth. Both actors attracted attention through their performances in the drama How Dare You!?
Wang Churan’s character Yu Wanyin was widely praised for her elegance and calm presence on screen, while Cheng Lei’s portrayal of Xiahou Dan added tension and intrigue to the storyline. Their on-screen pairing became one of the talking points among drama viewers during the month.
Reaction online has been lively. Supporters of Liu Yuning celebrated his first-place finish, with many describing 2026 as a potential breakout year for the actor. Clips from About Love continued to circulate widely on fan pages after the ranking was released.
Meanwhile, long-time followers of Yang Zi and Zhao Liying pointed out that their consistent appearances in popularity charts show the enduring strength of established stars.
Some netizens also focused on the rise of younger actors such as Hou Minghao, Arthur Chen, and Wang Ziqi, suggesting that the next generation of drama leads is steadily building momentum.
Do you agree with February’s top ten, or do you think another drama star deserved a spot on the list?