Top 15 Timeless Roles of Chinese Stars That Will Stay in Your Memory Forever

Although Li Bao Dian was well-known for many films prior to this, it was his role in Prime Minister Liu Gu that truly cemented his status as a beloved figure across Asia. Portraying the upright and incorruptible Liu Yong, the character transported viewers back to the Qing dynasty as they solved mysteries, confronted the corrupt official He Shen, and attended Emperor Qianlong. In the famous drama Prime Minister Liu Gu, Li Bao Dian brought the character of Liu Yong to life with a down-to-earth charm, a kind smile, and a playful 'henpecked' nature. This role played a pivotal part in bringing Li Bao Dian closer to his fans. People of all ages who watched the series could never forget the image of a hunchbacked prime minister whose humorous handling of situations left a lasting impression.

Wang Qiang is an actor who became extremely famous for his portrayal of the notorious corrupt official He Shen in several films. He has also appeared in movies such as Prime Minister Liu Gu, Master Ki Xiao Lam, and The Romantic Healer. Despite mostly playing villains, Wang Qiang won the affection of audiences for his undeniable acting talent.

In particular, his portrayal of He Shen became the role that defined his career, one that no one has been able to surpass. Whenever Wang Qiang's name is mentioned, audiences immediately think of He Shen, thanks to his commitment to a performance that captured the character's sinister, sycophantic, and ruthless nature, as well as his occasional moments of passion and romanticism. Wang Qiang's performance has left an indelible mark on audiences, and his He Shen continues to be unforgettable to this day.

Many actors have portrayed the role of Bao Gong, but only Kim Chao Quan has won the hearts of audiences with his appearance and acting style. It could be said that the role of Bao Gong defined his artistic career. To commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Bao Gong's birth, Kim Chao Quan personally funded and took on the role of executive director to produce the film Bao Gong: The Amazing Cases.

Interestingly, to achieve a darker and more distinctive look for Bao Gong, Kim Chao Quan would spend over 3 hours daily in makeup, applying 7 layers of foundation. Additionally, Bao Gong appeared heavier than before, as Kim Chao Quan gained weight, from 96kg to nearly 110kg. This role also marked the final portrayal of Bao Gong by Kim Chao Quan before he retired from the stage.

In 1993, Ha Jia Jin became a household name across Asia thanks to the Taiwanese television drama Bao Qing Tian. His handsome looks and exceptional acting talent helped him successfully craft the iconic role of Chien Chiou, a red-clad hero with extraordinary martial arts skills. This role remains his most defining performance, even though he had previously portrayed notable characters such as Ma Ying Cheng, Zhang San Feng, and Zhu Yuanzhang.

Ha Jia Jin masterfully portrayed Chien Chiou as a gallant hero with a noble character, fighting to protect the weak and eliminate corruption. While many other actors have since been cast in this role, only Ha Jia Jin left a lasting impression on audiences. Alongside “Bao Gong” Kim Chao Quan, he continues to receive admiration and affection from fans everywhere.

When people think of Zhang Zhi Lin, they immediately picture his portrayal of the boisterous yet stern Emperor Qianlong in the 1997 version of My Fair Princess.

This iconic role is what brought the actor, born in 1957, to fame. After the success of My Fair Princess, Zhang Zhi Lin was frequently cast as an emperor, most notably Emperor Qianlong in films such as The Excellence of Ki Hieu Lam, Long and Phoenix Matchmaking, and Father of the Emperor.

For fans of traditional Chinese historical dramas, Emperor Qianlong as played by Zhang Zhi Lin is unforgettable. His portrayal of a stern yet deeply loving ruler has made this performance one of the most memorable in Chinese television. To this day, no one has truly surpassed his legacy in this role.

Back when Louie Koo was still a fresh-faced, scholarly-looking actor, he brought a unique and perfect portrayal of Yang Guo to the screen. His rendition of Yang Guo was not only handsome but also portrayed the complex character of a hero who was both righteous and somewhat rebellious, capturing the hearts of many fans. This role remains one of the most successful and unforgettable in his acting career.

Despite the many remakes of The Return of the Condor Heroes over the years, the pairing of Louie Koo as Yang Guo and Li Ruotong as Xiao Long Nu continues to be the legendary duo of Chinese television. Li’s pure beauty and noble temperament, combined with Louie’s scholarly yet charismatic demeanor, made them the perfect match for this timeless classic.

While not the first actor to portray the legendary martial artist Wong Fei Hung on screen, Jet Li became synonymous with the role after starring in the five-part series named after this iconic figure. His performance earned him the title of “Wong Fei Hung reborn.” The massive success of Li's portrayal has made it difficult for any other actor to take on the role since.

The film, directed by Tsui Hark, presents a modern twist on the classic Wong Fei Hung saga, blending Western influences with the final days of the Qing Dynasty, while highlighting the social conflicts of the era. Every martial arts move in the film is visually captivating, and Jet Li’s portrayal of Wong Fei Hung is a fresh and compelling interpretation of the character.

Butong is a fun-loving monk with a sharp mind who catches the attention of the emperor during a visit to the Jia Yue Temple. The emperor asks Butong to find the owner of a beloved camellia tree. Butong agrees and arrives at the temple's library, where he meets a group of mischievous students led by Ying He Si and Hang Shao Xue. Butong uses unconventional methods in the film Great Chaos at Golden Cat Temple to reform these troublesome students.

Julian Cheung is a young actor who achieved great success early in his career. One of his most iconic roles is as Master Butong in the 2001 film Great Chaos at Golden Cat Temple, which is centered around Buddhism and features complex characters. The role required a high level of skill, and Cheung brilliantly portrayed Butong as a playful yet profound figure, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

9-Year-Old Magistrate is a Chinese television drama that premiered in 2001. At the time, it became a sensation on the small screen with high ratings. The show not only captivated audiences with its plot but also impressed them with the flawless portrayal of Tran Van Kiet by Tao Jun.

Tran Van Kiet, a 9-year-old boy and the illegitimate son of Emperor Qianlong, is incredibly intelligent and full of tricks from a young age. Appointed as a magistrate, he successfully solves a series of complex cases with his sharp mind. Tao Jun's authentic performance, perfectly matching his young age, helped him become a child star at that time.

Although she has passed away, the sorrowful gaze of "Em Lam" in the classic work *Dream of the Red Chamber*, played by the late actress Tran Xiu Hu, still moves the hearts of her fans. "She is an icon for all of us. Every young person here grew up with Tran Xiu Hu's portrayal of Lam Dai Ngoc: gentle, moody, melancholy, and troubled." Even over a decade after her passing, audiences have never forgotten Tran Xiu Hu.

Tran Xiu Hu is often compared to Lam Dai Ngoc, the character from *Dream of the Red Chamber*. With just one role, she became an unforgettable figure in Chinese cinema. However, her life reflected the saying 'a beautiful woman has a tragic fate.' From a young age, Xiu Hu endured the cold shoulder from those around her, which shaped her character as she grew older.

It can be said that while there are many versions of Xiao Long Nu, each portraying her with varying levels of beauty and elegance, all viewers must admit that Xiao Long Nu - Ly Nhue Dong stands as a classic icon for fans of martial arts films and novels.

After the release of the 1995 version of *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, the image of "Goddess" Ly Nhue Dong took over media across Asia, with her peerless beauty and celestial aura being hailed as a 'once-in-a-thousand-years beauty.' This role became one of the most iconic performances in Chinese cinema, propelling Ly Nhue Dong's career to new heights.

When discussing Li Tan Huan, one immediately thinks of Xiao En Jun, whose portrayal brings the character to life as if he stepped out of the pages of a novel. The 1999 adaptation of *Little Li Flying Dagger*, based on the martial arts novel *The Passionate Swordsman and the Unintentional Sword* by Gu Long (1938-1985), directed by Yuan Hua Bing and Luo Xiao Wei, captured audiences. Recently, the Chinese Ministry of Culture approved a remake of *Little Li Flying Dagger*, which is set to begin production this June. As news of this remake broke, fans were left wondering who could possibly take on the iconic role of Li Tan Huan, given how large a shadow Xiao En Jun cast in the original. Many viewers are skeptical about any actor replacing Xiao En Jun, believing that the role is too legendary to be reinterpreted.

Hoàn Châu Cách Cách (1997) is a captivating historical drama set in the imperial court. A key highlight of the series is the portrayal of the character Tiểu Yến Tử, played by Triệu Vy. With her large eyes, mischievous smile, and her ability to express both the playful and deeply complex aspects of Tiểu Yến Tử, Triệu Vy became an iconic figure. This role was a launching pad for her successful career.

Tiểu Yến Tử is the role that made Triệu Vy famous, especially across Asia, after Hoàn Châu Cách Cách aired. Even years later, whenever Triệu Vy is mentioned, the name 'Tiểu Yến Tử' is instantly associated with her. The image of the young, lively, and mischievous girl remains etched in the hearts of audiences, and few can ever surpass her portrayal of this character.

When talking about Triệu Vy's role as Tiểu Yến Tử, it's impossible not to mention Hạ Tử Vi, played by Lâm Tâm Như, in Hoàn Châu Cách Cách. This character is widely regarded as one of Lâm Tâm Như's most successful roles. It not only helped her secure a strong position in the Chinese entertainment industry but also garnered widespread recognition across Asia.

The image of the beautiful, gentle, and talented Hạ Tử Vi with a kind and compassionate heart won the love of audiences. Lâm Tâm Như’s realistic and heartfelt performance in both seasons of the series brought joy to viewers. Following the success of the show, she received numerous acting opportunities, cementing her as a promising young actress of the time.

Despite her naturally strong and free-spirited personality, Lâm Tâm Như perfectly portrayed the delicate, capable, and kind-hearted Hạ Tử Vi, earning admiration from many fans.