No matter how formulaic and cliché the theme of saving the damsel in misery seems to become, it never gets old. That is why having a female lead who can outsmart and defeat other characters is appealing. It's not unusual anymore to find Chinese dramas where the female lead has a stronger story than the male lead. And strong and intelligent female warriors always add to the ambiance of a Chinese theater.
1. Princess Wei Young – Princess Wei Young
With resources and bravado, Princess Wei Young is adept at using her charm and beauty against enemies. Not only is she beautiful, but she's utterly intelligent as well. To survive as an illegitimate daughter of Prime Minister Li, she decides to assume the identity of her friend. The truth behind the assassination of her family is her prime objective. She intends to uncover the truth and exact vengeance. While caught up in the chaos of politics and power struggle, she maneuvers effortlessly through the ranks by applying her aptitudes and analytical skills. It is her character that drives the entire drama.
2. Chu Xiao – Princess Agents
Chu Xiao rises from her enslavement to enter the royal household and begins training as a soldier. Her only motive is survival. While her ascent to the top of the hierarchy hasn't been easy, but her tenacity and determination to do whatever it takes to achieve her freedom make her a remarkable character. Although she is fiercely protective of her people, she never lets that prevent her from moving ahead. In response to Yan Xun's repeated betrayals, she cuts all ties with him and joins forces with Yuwen Yue to set an end to Yan Xun's vengeance plots. Chu Xiao's core sense of morals is firmly rooted in her character, and not even love can force her to falter from sticking to her beliefs.
3. Ran Yan – Miss Truth
Ran Yan is a great female forensic analyst during an era when such careers were not encouraged. Moreover, she is courageous and strong-minded. Society had disreputed her due to her strange interest in the dead. Her childhood was harsh since she was an ill-favored child, despite being a noblewoman. Her reaction to the stench of corpses and the sight of mutilated bodies differs from that of other women. She is not cold-hearted, despite her stubbornness in investigating the death of her mother. Her portrayal of the character is realistic so that the audience can relate to her. Superstitions do not matter to her, and she is not afraid of questioning the authorities. What makes her so admirable are her adventurous and reckless qualities.
4. Xie Xiang – Arsenal Military Academy
There is something remarkable about Arsenal Military Academy drama which covers such severe subjects as corruption. But it is also a show to watch for its captivating chemistry between the three leads. Under the name of her deceased brother, Xie Xiang joins the military in the Republican era to find out the reason behind her brother's death. She earns respect and trust from her peers and superiors while pretending to be a man.
5. Shan Cai – Meteor Garden
Shan Cai is a strong female character in this Chinese adaptation of a hit remake of the Taiwanese drama of the same name. Shan Cai overcomes all of her obstacles despite Dao Ming Si and his mother's hindrance.
Even if the F4 is right next to her, she does not fear punishment as long as she is right.
6. Luo Zijun – The First Half Of My Life
The female lead, Luo Zijun, is presented in an elegant, heart-breaking story of healing and personal growth, coming back from a sudden divorce and relearning independence, strength, and confidence all over again. A special mention to Zijun's best friend, who stands by her with utter loyalty. This drama has plenty of romance to offer, but its primary emphasis is always on the main female character and her journey.
7. Meng Fuyao – Legend Of Fuyao
In the course of the drama, we see Fuyao progress from a nave and troubled teenage rebel with no experience to a clever and resourceful young woman. Having the ability to speak her mind and her understanding of her worth, along with her intolerance for injustice, is truly inspiring. Fuyao proves her strength as a warrior, loyal and reliable friend, and courageous accomplice in the fight to eradicate crime through the endless trials she faces. A vast aspect of her character is her ability to remain unfazed by those in power, who often are much stronger than she is and have much more influence in the world.
8. Sheng Ming Lan – The Story Of Ming Lan
Despite the long and winding nature of the show, at its center, we have a naturally female protagonist Ming Lan, who grows from a helpless, overly cautious young girl to an astute, fearless, and strong matriarch with plenty of wisdom to offer. Not only is she good at playing polo, but she is also intelligent and observant. To keep trouble at bay and avoid jealousy, she stays low-key. Being able to see Ming Lan finally come into her own was worth the wait.
9. Ye Zhao – Oh My General
General Ye Zhao is a proficient fighter and holds the highest rank in the army. She has earned her position and the respect of her men through her exceptional abilities. It is pretty badass that Zhao does not depend on her husband for anything, especially prestige and rank. She is both physically and mentally strong. The princess is engaged to the prince, but it is clear that she is trying to make him fall in love with her. Also, she does not get simply envious. Her character is not like the damsel in distress that usually appears in other female leads. Instead, she is the protector in this drama.
10. Wei Ying Luo – Story Of Yanxi Palace
As the protagonist of the Story of Yanxi Palace, Wei Ying Luo is a strong, cunning, and upright woman who is also ahead of her time in terms of knowledge and reasoning and can stand up for herself right from the beginning. Her mission is to investigate her sister's murderer at the palace. Ying Luo never hesitates to advocate for herself, no matter how high the social status of her opponent may be. Often, she outwits her foes, which is highly gratifying because she does not accept injustice lying down. Her innate skills enable her to rise above traditional palace rivalries and conquer her adversaries in the palace.
