Cover Can’t get enough of this Chinese star? Here are some of Liu Yuning’s popular dramas to watch this weekend (Photo: Getty Images)
Can’t get enough of this Chinese star? Here are some of Liu Yuning’s popular dramas to watch this weekend (Photo: Getty Images)
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Can’t get enough of this rising Chinese star? Here are some of Liu Yuning’s best dramas to watch over the weekend
Chinese dramas are currently enjoying a surge in popularity, with the latest series The Prisoner of Beauty capturing global attention. Since its premiere in May, the series has garnered over 50 million views, quickly rising to the top of viewership charts.
Set against a backdrop of political turmoil, the drama follows Wei Shao, the last surviving heir of the embattled Wei clan. In a bid to secure his family’s future, he proposes a politically driven marriage to Xiao Qiao, the youngest daughter of the influential Qiao family. Throughout the series, we see the couple face external threats and internal crises as they are forced to rely on each other. The drama features standout performances from Song Zuer and Liu Yuning, with the latter garnering widespread acclaim for his compelling portrayal of Wei Shao.
Above Liu Yuning stars in 'The Prisoner of Beauty' (Photo: Viu)
Liu Yuning stars in 'The Prisoner of Beauty' (Photo: Viu)
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Liu isn’t a stranger to the Chinese entertainment industry. In fact, he was first in the spotlight back in 2010, taking part in Hunan Television’s Super Boy. In 2014, he formed the band Modern Brothers in which he was the lead singer. Liu then made his TV debut in 2019, playing Wei Cheng-feng in Chinese drama Hot Blooded Youth.
For those who can’t get enough of Liu on screen, read on as we compile a list of his best Chinese dramas and movies to binge-watch.
Read more: The ups and downs of the career of “Kneeling” star Liu Yuning
1. A Journey to Love
This series sees Liu play Ning Yuanzhou, an emotionally reserved leader tasked with negotiating the release of his kingdom’s emperor while navigating assassination attempts and uneasy alliances. Along the way, he meets female assassin Ren Ruyi and together, the duo become unlikely companions.
2. Ultimate Note
Inspired by the Grave Robbers’ Chronicles, this mystery-adventure drama follows Wu Xie as he solves the mystery behind his uncle’s disappearance. Liu plays Hei Yanjing, a mysterious character who guides Wu through various ancient traps, cryptic puzzles and tombs.
3. The Long Ballad
Set amidst the turbulence of the Tang Dynastry, this series tells the story of a princes seeking revenge after her life gets turned upside down during the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Here, Liu plays general Hao Du and has been praised for his depiction of the character’s internal struggle between loyalty and love.
4. Heroes (2024)
Set in 1911 during the decline of the Qing dynasty, this historical drama follows a group of outlaws, officials and idealists who gets drawn together by a mysterious treasure hunt. The series stands out for its dynamic character interplay and has themes of loyalty, friendship and the search for meaning. Liu plays Zhuo Busan, a character striving for recognition and glory for its martial arts sect.
5. The Story of Pearl Girl
A historical romance, The Story of Pearl Girl tells the story of Duan Wu, a skilled diver who escaped a brutal pearl farm. We follow her journey as she escapes and forges her own destiny.
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
