Often, we make movies and dramas our inspiration for living life; we learn from characters that are like us in some ways and make them our role models. But female characters in movies and dramas have not always been shown in a good light; either they were damsels in distress or just plain evil characters. This is why strong female characters have such an impact on viewers, especially women and young girls. They represent a new future for the viewers. So here are the top 10 strong female characters in Chinese dramas:
1. Meng Fu Yao In Legend Of Fuyao (2018)
The Legend of Fu Yao is a Chinese television series that aired on Tencent Video and ZJTV in 2018. This is the story of Meng Fu Yao, played by Yang Mi, an orphan woman who was a lowly servant that, through many trials and obstacles, became the queen. Fu Yao is portrayed as a strong and independent woman in this series who is also an incredible fighter. Unlike most female characters, Fu Yao speaks her mind and is confident and unshaken in the face of danger. She is also intellectual and good at outsmarting her enemies.
2. Li Chang Ge In The Long Ballad (2021)
The long ballad is a 2021 Chinese historical series. This is the story of Princess Chang Ge, who goes on a quest to seek revenge for her murdered family and to overthrow the emperor, who is also her uncle. Li Chang Ge, played by Dilraba Dilmurat, is shown as someone who always gets what they want and is brave and strong. However, this drama does not really focus on revenge or politics; instead, it mainly focuses on how certain experiences can change a person, resulting in immense character growth. Chang Ge’s character showcase is a fresh concept: she loves her sister and cares for her, unlike many other female characters that are put against each other out of spite or jealousy.
3. Ban Hua In A Girl Like Me (2021)
A Girl Like Me is a Chinese historical Rom-com that aired on Tencent Video, WeTV, and iQiyi International in 2021. This drama is about Ban Hua, played by Guan Xiaotong, a strong-willed and fiery woman with a bad reputation because of her straightforward nature. But she is not the type to change herself according to other people‘s opinions about herself, which is a great message for every woman watching this series. Ban Hua is also a skilled fighter who does not bow down to anyone.
4. Chu Qiao In Princess Agents (2017)
Princess Agents is a Chinese television series that aired on Hunan tv in 2017. This is the story of Chu Qiao, played by Zhao Li Ying, a captured servant girl. This drama focuses on Chu Qiao’s life, her struggles, and how unfair the world is to people like her. However, Chu Qiao’s character isn't that of a helpless damsel in distress. She stands up for herself when she must and is a solid and resilient character.
5. Duan Chang Le In Fake Princess (2020)
Fake Princess is a Chinese television series that aired on Mango TV and iQiyi in 2020. This drama is about a mountain bandit who pretends to be the crown princess for money and marries the crown prince. Duan Chang Le/ Liu Yu Yao, played by Eleanor Lee, is a selfless and strong character that is very entertaining and endearing to watch. Eleanor’s character proves that not only men can play master thieves but also women. Chang Le is also technologically talented and uses different electronic gadgets and contraptions.
6. Lin Qiang In Stealth Walker (2021)
Stealth Walker is a 2021 Chinese Crime Television series that aired on Youku. This drama is about Li Qiang, played by Lin Peng, a cop who is in a police academy right now. She has to go undercover to gather information on drug lords that killed her parents and multiple officers from the police academy. The best part of this drama is the strong female characters, especially Lin Qiang. She is smart and makes her presence known; also, she doesn’t depend on anyone to solve her problems for her.
7. Bai Feng Xi In Who Rules The World (2022)
Who Rules the World is a Chinese historical drama that aired on Tencent Video in 2022. This drama is about Bai Feng Xi, played by Zhao Lu Si, and Hei Feng Xi, played by Yang Yang, both skilled in strength, wit and intellect. They rival each other as they try to make the world a better place with their ideologies. But as chaos breaks out in the world, they must join forces to protect it. Bai Feng Xi’s character is lethal but elegant and strong enough to hold her own in life-or-death situations.
8. Si Teng In Rattan (2021)
Rattan is a Chinese television series that aired on iQiyi, Tencent TV, and Youku in 2021. This drama is about Si Teng, played by Jing Tian, a supernatural being who orders around Qin Fang, played by Zhang Bin Bin, and makes him help her get revenge. The character of Si Teng is different from other female lead characters in that she is domineering and has no interest in being meek or soft-spoken. She is the final push for women who are tired of people walking all over them. Her character teaches us that sometimes you must be overbearing and bossy without fearing the consequences because some people deserve it.
9. Lan Yan Zhi In Rookie Agent Rouge (2016)
Rookie Agent Rouge is a Chinese television series that aired on Dragon TV and ZJTV in 2016. This is the story of Lan Yan Zhi, played by Zhao Li Ying, a banker’s daughter and a student activist with all the skills to become a perfect spy; she is also privileged. Lan Yan Zhis’s character is this cool, unbothered, badass woman who can plan out top-notch strategies and beat someone’s ass while at it.
10. Shen Li Ge In The Song Of Glory (2020)
The Song of Glory is a Chinese television series that aired on Tencent Video in 2020. Shen Li Ge, played by Li Qin, is an orphan who was raised as an assassin. She later joins forces with Prince Peng Sheng to expose and uproot the tyrant rule of corrupt nobles. Shen Li Ge’s character is unique: she never beats around the bush or lets anyone take advantage of her. She is also brilliant and has mind-blowing strategies to make her plans work. She is not just the prince’s sidekick; she is the character and makes it known with her nuanced expressions and skilful fighting.