Top 10 Most Stunning Costume Designs of Zhao Liying in Chinese Historical Dramas

Zhao Liying's first major role was as the lead character Lu Zhi in the drama series The Story of Lu Zhi, which aired in 2013 with 59 episodes. Set during the Northern Qi dynasty, the show tells the story of Lu Zhi, a girl born into a merchant family who loses her mother at a young age. Despite her natural kindness and intelligence, she faces betrayal and hardship from her stepmother, who manipulates situations to destroy her family. To escape her stepmother's pursuit, Lu Zhi enters the imperial palace, where she faces numerous struggles but remains determined. Over time, her wisdom and perseverance elevate her from a mere palace maid to a respected official. Her righteousness also wins the heart of Prince Cao Zhan. However, their love is tested by social status, jealousy, and political intrigue. Through courage and intellect, Lu Zhi helps the prince navigate treacherous schemes and secure his throne. Despite their enduring love, fate prevents them from being together. In the end, Lu Zhi serves as an adviser to the young emperor, becoming the only female general in Chinese history. Zhao Liying's portrayal of Lu Zhi marked a significant turning point in her career, as the show catapulted her to fame. The series earned high ratings and fan acclaim, propelling Zhao Liying to the heights of stardom. The role of Lu Zhi is one of strength, intelligence, and ambition, which distinguished it from other female roles, winning the hearts of viewers and fans alike.

After gaining fame from her role in The Story of Lu Zhi, Zhao Liying's career trajectory seemed to shine brighter. Her subsequent works enjoyed immense popularity, with television stations eager to work with her. One such project was The Legend of the Fish Hunter, where Zhao Liying played the mischievous fish spirit, Hong Lang. With her small frame, gentle face, and large expressive eyes, Zhao Liying is highly praised by producers for portraying characters with a kind-hearted and innocent nature. In The Legend of the Fish Hunter, Zhao Liying shines as the adorable, clever, and beautiful mermaid, Hong Lang, in her role as the female lead. This drama, which aired in 2013 with 32 episodes, follows the story of Hong Lang, a carp spirit who, after centuries of cultivation, gains a human form. Though she has lived for hundreds of years, her experiences in the human world are completely unfamiliar. Her striking costume in shades of pink and red, adorned with fish-inspired details, enhances her pure, charming beauty. In the series, Zhao Liying stars alongside actor Quan Zhi Ben, who plays the scholar Zhang Zhen. The two characters fall in love despite the challenges their relationship faces, as humans and spirits cannot be together. Their love faces obstacles and they are forced to part, but their hearts remain intertwined. The Legend of the Fish Hunter is a heartfelt story of love, filled with the question of whether there is any way for a human and a spirit to truly be together. This enchanting love story between a fish spirit and a human will captivate viewers with its sweetness and charm.

In 2015, the historical drama series Flower of the Heavenly Bone, based on the novel by Fresh Guo Guo, officially aired. The series quickly became a massive hit, with an extremely high viewership, making it one of the most talked-about period fantasy dramas of the year. Starring Zhao Liying as the lead character Hua Tian Cốt, alongside the renowned actor Wallace Huo, Zhao's popularity surged due to her impressive acting skills and stunning looks. She captured the innocence of Tiểu Cốt and the enchanting aura of the Demon God. With her bright eyes and charming smile, Zhao Liying perfectly embodied the role of Tiểu Cốt. As a rising star in Chinese entertainment, she transformed from one of the most criticized actresses to a ratings queen. The show, which aired in 2015 with 58 episodes, captivated a large audience not only in China but also gained a dedicated following in Vietnam. Flower of the Heavenly Bone elevated Zhao Liying's career, becoming one of her most memorable successes. The series hit 20 billion views online and earned her numerous prestigious awards. Following the show's success, Zhao Liying continued to shine in projects like Lao Jiu Men and Tru Tiên, which also became major hits in 2016. The success of the show introduced more people to Zhao Liying's talents, even though she had already gained attention from roles in Legend of Lu Zhen and Sam Sam. After wrapping up Flower of the Heavenly Bone, Zhao Liying constantly reinvented her image through various roles, continuing to thrive in her career.

The next notable role is Ngọc Vô Tâm in the drama Thục Sơn Chiến Kỷ. Thục Sơn Chiến Kỷ: The Sword Hero Chronicles is a 50-episode historical drama produced by a Chinese film studio. Directed by Li Xian, this series became one of the big hits in Chinese television. The leading roles were entrusted to Trần Vỹ Đình and Zhao Liying. When promotional photos featuring dreamy, otherworldly visuals were released, fans could feel the growing excitement surrounding the series. The unique designs of the characters, especially the stunning portrayal of Ngọc Vô Tâm by Zhao Liying, left a lasting impression. Known for her ethereal beauty, Zhao Liying's portrayal of Ngọc Vô Tâm showcased a captivatingly cold and regal appearance, which perfectly matched her character's ruthless personality. However, the character's softer side, especially her vulnerability in love with Đinh Ẩn, also came through beautifully. This role marked Zhao Liying's second time playing an antagonist, solidifying her versatility as an actress who can portray both sweet and fierce roles with equal skill. Her sharp eyes and powerful performance made her Ngọc Vô Tâm a character fans would never forget.

One of Zhao Liying's most iconic roles is as the lead character Bích Dao in the 2016 drama Tru Tiên: The Sword of the Immortal, which aired with 55 episodes. The show tells the tragic story of the main character, Trương Tiểu Phàm (played by Li Yifeng), whose life is marked by great sorrow and his poignant romance with Bích Dao (Zhao Liying). Bích Dao, the daughter of the powerful Demon King and a key figure in the Demonic Sect, is known for her elegant appearance in a green robe, earning her the nickname 'Lục Y Tiên Tử'. With her quick wit, lively personality, and unwavering devotion to Trương Tiểu Phàm, she ultimately sacrifices her soul for him, sealing her fate and causing a deep emotional rift in Phàm. This act leads Phàm to betray his sect, further intertwining their fates. In this role, Zhao Liying portrays a character of immense power, intelligence, and beauty, capturing the essence of the tragic yet powerful Bích Dao.

Tru Tiên: The Sword of the Immortal is an adaptation of the popular novel by Tiêu Đỉnh. Filming began in November 2015 across three main locations: Zhejiang, Hunan, and Jiangxi. Directed by Chu Nhuệ Bân, the series premiered in 2016 and quickly became a box-office sensation. Tru Tiên not only enjoyed tremendous commercial success, grossing over 46 billion yuan and claiming 30-40% of China's box office, but it also generated much controversy. The show received praise for its fresh take on the martial arts genre, deviating from traditional adaptations and offering an innovative approach that captured the audience's attention.

Although she appeared as a guest star, Zhao Liying's portrayal of Mu Niantu left a lasting impression on viewers. Her performance sparked discussions among fans, with many expressing that she should have played the leading lady. Some even commented that her brief appearance was 'the most valuable minute of the film.' Perhaps director Vu Zheng understood fan desires well, as the beloved couple was reunited on-screen. Mu Niantu, as portrayed by Zhao Liying, received immense support from the audience. The tragic love story of Mu Niantu and Dương Khang was revisited, even if only through Quách Tĩnh's memories, driving fans wild with excitement.

Greedy for power, Dương Khang betrays his bond with Quách Tĩnh. During a confrontation with the Quách couple, he succumbs to poisoning and dies. At that moment, Mu Niantu appears, carrying the young Dương Quá, and although Quách Tĩnh offers her a place at Dao Hoa Island, she calmly replies, "I wish to have your heart, never to part even in old age. If that’s impossible, let me walk the remaining days alone." After a gentle kiss on Dương Khang’s lips, Quách Tĩnh's memory of the couple ends. Though her appearance was brief, their poignant love story left viewers heartbroken. Dương Khang, though ambitious, remained fiercely loyal and honest to Mu Niantu, who was a gentle, wise woman with strength and pride. The on-screen couple, played by Trần Hiểu and Zhao Liying, became one of the most iconic pairings in Chinese television.

From minor roles as a maid or young girl, to major leading roles that have made her a household name, Zhao Liying has fearlessly taken on countless characters, working tirelessly to reach her success today. Her portrayal of Dương Nhược Nam in the drama Fortune's Blessing is one of the most memorable, bringing both beauty and charm to the character. In this role, Zhao Liying plays Dương Nhược Nam, a young, cheerful, and innocent lady who secretly loves Chu Thiên Bảo. However, Chu Thiên Tường, his older brother, also harbors feelings for her. While she views Chu Thiên Tường as a brother, circumstances lead to her marriage to him. The life of a young wife is not easy, and she is left wondering whether she can truly love her husband, or continue to hold onto an unrequited love for Chu Thiên Bảo.

Zhao Liying is one of the most promising actresses in Chinese cinema, known for her stunning beauty, round face, sparkling eyes, and impressive acting skills. Her fans have watched in awe as she grows and builds a solid career based on her own talent. It’s undeniable that her trademark “baozi” face and her expressive, captivating eyes have made Zhao Liying irresistibly charming and sweet on-screen. Fortune's Blessing, with its beautiful character designs, humorous yet dramatic plot, and talented cast, is sure to captivate audiences and bring them joy and entertainment as they watch.

Let’s start with the portrayal of Tình Nhi in the 2011 drama New Palace Version, which aired for 98 episodes under the direction of Li Bing. New Palace Version is a Chinese period drama adapted from the famous novel by Qiong Yao. Produced by Shanghai Sang La Cultural Communication Co., Ltd. and Hunan Television, the series aired from 2010 to 2011, starring Li Shan, Hai Lu, Zhang Yue, Li Jia Hang, Ma Di Na, Zhao Liying, and others. The first episode premiered on July 16, 2011. The plot follows the journey of Ha Tử Vy and Tiểu Yến Tử as they try to restore Tử Vy's royal status. Though Zhao Liying's role was a supporting character, her portrayal of Tình Nhi, with her delicate, graceful appearance, quickly captured the audience's attention and marked the beginning of her rise to fame.

Why did Zhao Liying, a newcomer, become so popular after her role in New Palace Version? First, she was a beautiful new face in a drama filled with gorgeous actresses. In the original version of Palace, actors like Zhao Wei and Lin Tianlu were already established stars with iconic portrayals. Yet, in this new version, Zhao Liying's Tình Nhi stood out for her beauty and presence, rivaling the original portrayal by Wang Yim. Her acting and the character's development added a fresh and exciting dynamic to the series. Furthermore, after her success in New Palace Version, Zhao Liying's subsequent works have all been successful, enjoying high viewership and immense popularity, solidifying her position as a rising star in the competitive entertainment industry. Much of her success can be attributed to her team's hard work in managing her career and helping her become a well-known name in the showbiz world.

Next, we have the cunning and manipulative character Lưu Ly from the drama Palace of Trapped Beauty. Released in 2013, this 109-minute-long drama centers around a tangled love quadrangle between Zhou Dongyu, Chen Xiao, Zhao Liying, and Chu Zhiqiang. Amid the royal love affairs, the fight for the throne intensifies between the 13th prince (Chen Xiao) and the 9th prince (Chu Zhiqiang). In this series, Lưu Ly stands out as Zhao Liying’s first and only villainous role to date. Her character engages in several intimate scenes with La Yun (Chu Zhiqiang), including passionate moments like a bathtub kiss and a tender exchange on the ground, all of which were portrayed with great chemistry.

Although Palace of Trapped Beauty wasn't a major box-office hit, it was still well-received for its strong performances. Both Zhao Liying and Zhou Dongyu (as Lưu Yi) were praised for their excellent acting and their willingness to sacrifice for their roles. Particularly, the bold choice to take on steamy scenes helped enhance the drama’s appeal. Zhao Liying surprised viewers with a dramatic transformation, breaking away from her usual roles of innocent and gentle characters to become the ruthless and cunning Lưu Ly, even scheming against her closest friends. This marked a clear departure from the stereotype of her as a sweet, pure actress, proving her versatility and ability to take on diverse roles.

Born into a rural family in Hebei, the 1987-born beauty started her career as a small-town office worker. In 2006, winning a star search competition opened the door for this young woman to enter the entertainment industry. The road to stardom for Zhao Liying was far from smooth, as she initially only landed minor roles or extra parts. However, through perseverance and hard work, she managed to establish herself as one of the top A-list stars in the Chinese entertainment industry. After her remarkable portrayal of Tình Nhi, this rising star caught the attention of numerous scriptwriters, including the famous Wu Jing. Despite being cast in a small role with limited screen time, Zhao Liying’s portrayal of the captivating and devoted character Bách Hợp left a deep impression on the audience. In this drama, she was even considered to be a secondary character who overshadowed the lead actress, Yuan San San. The Palace of Hidden Jewels, released in 2012 with 36 episodes, also featured other stunning actresses such as Zhang Meng, Yuan San San, and Shu Sheng.

Zhao Liying’s enchanting and graceful appearance in this drama left a lasting impression on viewers, and she became known as one of the secondary characters who subtly outshined the lead actress. The focus of the drama The Palace of Hidden Jewels shifted away from the relationship between Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng to focus on the intense power struggles and intrigue within the imperial court, particularly between the emperor and his concubines. With a large cast of beautiful actresses, the drama depicted the fierce competition and manipulation among the concubines, elevating love into a game of survival. As the plot unfolds, the actions of characters like Bách Hợp (Zhao Liying) and Mu Dan (Shu Sheng) further complicate the already tangled web of love and betrayal within the palace.