Top 10 Most Beautiful Fox Spirit Roles in Chinese Period Dramas

Liu Shishi was born in Xuanwu District, Beijing, into a family with a strong tradition in Peking opera. Her grandfather, Liu Dianlei, hailing from Wule, Shandong, was a renowned performer known as 'Gu Jia Tai Dao' in the West River Old Tower Peking opera. Her grandmother, Wang Shuwang, was the daughter of Liu Dianlei’s mentor. Liu Shishi’s father, Liu Jiang, was the second child in the family. Both her parents worked as factory workers, with her mother retiring early due to health reasons and her father later pursuing business. Fantasy films are a favorite genre for many online fans, and alongside immortal characters, fox spirits are roles that many C-pop stars have embraced. Liu Shishi, one of the most stunning 80s-born actresses in China, possesses extraordinary beauty that has captured audiences. Her portrayal of a fox spirit in the 2007 fantasy drama Strange Tales of Liaozhai was particularly notable. In the series, she plays Tan Shishi Niu, a kind-hearted fox spirit striving to accumulate good deeds in hopes of becoming immortal. This character's appearance resembles more of an angelic being than a fearsome fox spirit. Strange Tales of Liaozhai is based on four stories: Lian Cheng, Tan Shishi Niu, Huan Niu, and Xie Nu, from Pu Songling’s literary work. It’s safe to say that no other show has made such an impact with a fox spirit character as Strange Tales of Liaozhai. At that time, Liu Shishi’s captivating look, harmonious features, and radiant smile left a lasting impression. Her delicate features, from her eyes to her lips, were enough to make anyone fall under her spell.

Zhu Xiong was born in Baishan, Jilin Province, China. Her parents divorced when she was just 5 months old, and she moved to Beijing with her mother to live in a small 8m² room. Her mother worked as a domestic helper for a neighbor. At the age of 10, Zhu Xiong's mother passed away, and she went to live with her cousin. Zhu Xiong began her acting career at 15, initially taking on supporting roles with depth, such as Tian Shan Dong Lao in Heavenly Dragon Biu, Dong Ya Fei in Historical Secrets of Xiang Zhuang, and Jin Mai Li in Golden Dynasty. Over time, her acting talent led her to prominent roles, such as Xiao Yao in Lotus Lantern, Shui Sheng in Lian Cheng Decision, and Jing Wei in Jing Wei Fills the Sea. In 2002, Zhu Xiong won the prestigious Jin Ying Award for Most Promising Television Actress. In the highly successful drama Spirit Sword Mountain released in 2016, Zhu Xiong portrayed a fox spirit. Her role as Xiao Bai, a powerful nine-tailed fox imprisoned in Fenxiang Valley, was especially memorable. Later, she was freed by the male lead, Zhang Xiao Fan (played by Li Yifeng), and owed him a great debt of gratitude. Even though her role was a supporting one, Zhu Xiong received much praise for her stunning beauty. Beyond acting, Zhu Xiong showed early promise in singing, holding a music concert at 10 and releasing her first album. However, she currently has no plans to pursue a singing career.

Zheng Shuang, born on August 22, 1991, is a well-known Chinese actress who rose to fame with her debut role as Suo Yu Tian in the TV series Let's Watch the Meteor Shower. In 2019, she won the Future Star Award at the 2nd Hengdian Film Festival for her performance in Youth Battle. Zheng Shuang was born in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Her mother, Liu Yan, worked as an office worker, while her father, Zheng Chenghua, was a businessman. There was a famous actress named Zheng Shuang in Shenyang, and her mother admired her so much that she chose the same name for her daughter, hoping to pass on her aspirations. To cultivate her artistic talents, Zheng Shuang’s parents enrolled her in piano, flute, dance, and other arts from a young age. With a packed schedule, she quickly advanced through many grades in elementary school, balancing her academic and artistic education. In 2014, the highly popular Chinese fantasy drama Legend of the Ancient Sword featured a beloved fox spirit character, Xiang Ling, portrayed by Zheng Shuang. Xiang Ling is a nine-tailed fox, half-human, half-beast, raised by her grandfather in the mountains. She is lively and playful but embarks on a journey to find her biological mother in Jiangnan. She is captured by the Yunfen camp but is later saved by Ba Li Tu Su. Over time, Xiang Ling matures and learns to understand the complexities of love. Despite her deep feelings for Fang Lan Sheng, their relationship is filled with challenges, and they are unable to be together in the end.

According to legend, Suo Da Ji was a stunningly beautiful woman whose body was possessed by a fox spirit, leading her to become infamous for her cruelty and wickedness. She caused the deaths of many innocent people, leading to the downfall of the Shang Dynasty. The role of Suo Da Ji is a challenging one but remains a coveted part for many actresses. In the 2009 film Investiture of the Gods 2, the gorgeous Ruby Lin portrayed the nine-tailed fox spirit Suo Da Ji. Originally an ordinary woman, Suo Da Ji was possessed by a fox demon on her way to be presented to King Zhou, completing the task given to her by the Goddess Nuwa — to seduce King Zhou and bring about the collapse of the Shang Dynasty, paving the way for the Zhou to conquer the world.

Later, due to her numerous evil deeds, Suo Da Ji was captured and beheaded by Jiang Ziya. However, there’s no denying that Ruby Lin’s portrayal of Suo Da Ji was strikingly beautiful, leaving many viewers captivated. Unlike the delicate and vulnerable characters she often portrayed, this role allowed Ruby Lin to break free from her usual image through sharp and defined makeup. This version of Suo Da Ji was very different from the traditional tale, as she was depicted as a woman who sacrificed herself for the man she loved. Despite her excellent performance, Ruby Lin still faced criticism from some viewers who felt her face was “too gentle” for the role.

In 2006, the stunning actress Fan Bingbing made a lasting impression with her portrayal of Da Ji in the TV series Investiture of the Gods. Ten years later, she reprised the role in the movie Legend of the Gods. In the epic battle between the fox spirits and the three realms, Da Ji becomes a major antagonist. On one hand, she uses her beauty to manipulate King Zhou, causing him to fall hopelessly in love with her and leading to the downfall of the Shang Dynasty. On the other hand, she uses her dark powers to battle heroes like Jiang Ziya, Lei Zhenzi, Nezha, and Yang Jian. Da Ji is portrayed as an extraordinary beauty, skilled in singing, dancing, and the arts. Fan Bingbing is the only actress to have portrayed Da Ji twice in Chinese entertainment. In 2007, she played a pure and innocent Da Ji who gradually turned evil. However, during this performance, Fan Bingbing faced criticism for her flat acting, with some labeling her as a “decorative vase.”

Nearly a decade later, the “queen of entertainment” made a dramatic return to the role of Da Ji in the film Investiture of the Gods. This new incarnation of the character, with a darker and more scheming edge, earned widespread acclaim from viewers. Fan Bingbing successfully portrayed a manipulative and ruthless fox spirit Da Ji, willing to go to any lengths to achieve her goals. Da Ji, the daughter of Ji Zhou’s nobleman, is depicted as an extraordinarily beautiful woman who uses her charm to seduce King Zhou. Once a powerful, military-minded monarch, King Zhou becomes infatuated with Da Ji’s icy beauty and cold allure, leading him to abandon his duties and indulge in decadence.

In the 2013 film White Fox, Chung Han Dong portrayed the character of Xiao Shui, a beautiful, kind-hearted, and deeply affectionate young fox spirit. Xiao Shui forms a unique bond with the simple-minded Wang Yuan Feng (played by Zhang Zhi Lin). Initially, Xiao Shui is not fond of Yuan Feng, as she longs for an eternal and profound love. However, after three years of being together, she gradually warms to him and falls completely in love. The story of Xiao Shui tells of Wang Tai Chang, a high-ranking official, whose son, Wang Yuan Feng, suffers from a foolish condition. Despite being in his twenties, no woman wishes to marry Yuan Feng, causing his parents great concern. One day, Xiao Shui and her mother visit Wang Tai Chang, with her mother agreeing to marry her to Yuan Feng, much to the surprise and joy of the Wang family.

In reality, Xiao Shui is a small fox spirit, who, out of gratitude to the Wang family, decides to help Yuan Feng. Since Xiao Shui entered their home, Yuan Feng became increasingly cheerful. She constantly aids him, transforming him from a fool into an intelligent, capable individual, excelling in both literary and martial skills. The film White Fox is based on the story of Xiao Shui from the classic Chinese text *Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio*, but it expands on the original tale, incorporating themes of divine and demonic battles, spiritual cultivation, and the coexistence of humans, gods, immortals, fox spirits, and monsters. The most poignant and beautiful aspect of the story is the love between a human and a fox spirit, filled with both joy and tragedy.

Bai Bing, born May 2, 1986, is a Chinese actress known for her delicate beauty and calm, graceful demeanor. With her poised and refined appearance, she often draws comparisons to the South Korean actress Kim Hee Sun, making her a favorite among directors for historical drama roles. Known for her sharp and captivating beauty, Bai Bing is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses in ancient Chinese period dramas. Her portrayal of the fox spirit Xiao Duy in the 2012 television adaptation of Painted Skin 2 became a major highlight, with many fans drawn to her character more than the role of Princess Jing. Xiao Duy became a major attraction in the series, with her character receiving much more focus than Princess Jing.

At the beginning of the film, Bai Bing performs a mesmerizing dance in a brothel, turning every nobleman into her “prey.” As a trained dancer, this scene was no challenge for her. Bai Bing shared that there were times she spent entire days suspended on wires, flying through the air and engaging in martial arts scenes with her co-stars, often without her feet touching the ground. After filming, she would feel exhausted, with sore limbs and aching muscles, needing to massage herself before resting. However, she sees it all as a natural part of her profession and humorously added, “Flying so much has made me addicted to it now.”

Xiao Duy is a fox spirit who, after violating the rules of her kind, is imprisoned under a layer of frozen stone for a thousand years. She later escapes but, to maintain her life and become human forever, she must obtain the heart of Princess Ting with her consent. Xiao Duy seduces Huo Tian, the man Princess Ting loves, so that she can convince the princess to give her heart. Zhou Xun is perhaps the most iconic fox spirit in Chinese cinema, portraying Xiao Duy in the 2008 film Painted Skin 2. Zhou Xun's portrayal of Xiao Duy in both parts of the Painted Skin series earned her immense praise for both her performance and appearance. The film is based on the famous short stories from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio by Pu Songling. The first Painted Skin film made a huge impact in Chinese cinema in 2008, with its star-studded cast including Zhao Wei, Chen Kun, and Zhou Xun.

As Xiao Duy, Zhou Xun took audiences on an emotional journey, from loathing the character to feeling sympathy for her tragic fate. Despite her nature as a demoness, Xiao Duy is capable of love and sacrifices herself for it. Upon meeting Wang Sheng (played by Chen Kun), Xiao Duy falls in love with him, hoping to be with him. However, Wang Sheng is already married to Bui Rong (played by Zhao Wei) and is deeply devoted to his wife. Xiao Duy, filled with jealousy and resentment, schemes to make others believe that Bui Rong is a monstrous, murderous villain, hoping to drive her away. As the truth comes to light, a battle ensues, culminating in Xiao Duy's ultimate sacrifice to save Wang Sheng and restore peace to his life with Bui Rong.

Xiao Xian was a young girl who tragically passed away at the age of 18. Her body was buried near a temple, but her spirit was later controlled by an evil sorceress known as the Black Mountain Demoness. The demoness turned her into a tool to seduce men, drawing their life force and blood to nourish the demoness. Despite her actions, Xiao Xian was under the demoness’s control, forced into committing unspeakable deeds. While many actresses have portrayed this role, one of the most iconic performances is by Wang Tsu-hsien as Nie Xiao Xian in the 1987 film The Haunted Soul of a Beautiful Woman.

When we think of Nie Xiao Xian, the unforgettable performance by Wang Tsu-hsien comes to mind. The film, featuring the late Leslie Cheung, was named one of the top 10 Hong Kong films of 1987 and ranked 50th in the top 100 Chinese films of all time. For audiences, Wang Tsu-hsien's portrayal of the ghostly beauty of Nie Xiao Xian remains an iconic role that will never be forgotten. Due to the overwhelming success of her character, Wang Tsu-hsien reprised the role in the sequel to The Haunted Soul of a Beautiful Woman in 1990.

In 2011, the stunning Liu Yifei had the opportunity to portray Nie Xiao Xian in the new version of the classic film The Haunted Soul of a Beautiful Woman. While her acting couldn’t quite match up to that of her predecessor, Wang Tsu-hsien, Liu Yifei's captivating beauty won over many fans. In this 2011 version, titled The Haunted Soul of a Beautiful Woman 4, Liu Yifei's portrayal received immense love from audiences, as she starred opposite actor Du Shaoquan, and the film achieved impressive box office success. Liu Yifei’s portrayal of Nie Xiao Xian was praised for her ethereal beauty, bringing a fresh perspective to this legendary role.

In the 2011 film, the story underwent significant changes. The male lead was no longer the scholar Ning Taishen but instead, the exorcist Yan Xicheng, creating a love triangle. A notable plot twist in this version was Nie Xiao Xian losing her memory and falling in love with Ning Taishen. Despite the alterations to the plot, fans still enjoyed watching the “fairy sister” on screen. While Liu Yifei had previously been known for her innocent, angelic roles, in The Haunted Soul of a Beautiful Woman, she took on a more sultry persona. The film featured passionate kissing scenes with two heartthrobs, Gu Tianle and Du Shaoquan, as well as moments showcasing her graceful, bare shoulders.