In an entertainment industry where acting skills should be the golden ticket to success, these five Chinese actresses are living proof that beauty is over talent. Despite frequent criticism for their lackluster performances, their ethereal visuals continue to mesmerize both audiences and producers alike.
1. Liu Yifei
Nicknamed the Fairy Sister, Liu Yifei has captivated C-ent with her angelic looks since her debut. However, her acting has long been a source of contention. For years, she and Jing Tian were dubbed “box office poison” due to multiple underperforming films.
Even her grand TV comeback after 16 years in A Dream of Splendor reignited debates over her “emotionless” acting. Her other drama Meet Yourself was praised for its visuals but criticized as “a travel vlog disguised as a drama,” with shallow characters and disconnected storytelling.
Still, her appearance in The Tale of Rose reminded everyone of her unmatched screen presence. Her character may not have been remarkable, but her beauty lit up every frame — proving once again, that in Liu Yifei’s case, face is power.
2. Dilraba Dilmurat
A Xinjiang-born beauty often hailed as the “most beautiful ethnic minority actress,” Dilraba Dilmurat dominates every red carpet and brand campaign she touches. But despite starring in major hits like You Are My Glory and The Long Ballad, she remains trapped under the label of being “just a pretty face.”
Her expressions are often seen as forced, and her emotional range has been criticized for lacking depth. Even her Golden Eagle TV Award win in 2018 stirred controversy, with many questioning whether her popularity outweighed her acting merit.
While Dilraba continues to headline high-profile projects like Prosecutor and The Legend of Anle, critics note she rarely chooses challenging roles — making her image shine brighter than her performances.
3. Angelababy
From modeling to A-list celebrity status, Angelababy built her empire fast — especially after her high-profile marriage to actor Huang Xiaoming. Her filmography includes projects with screen legends like Andy Lau and Tony Leung.
But her acting? Often described as “expressionless.” Despite leading roles in dramas like Love O2O and General and I, she’s routinely panned for her stiff delivery and lack of emotional nuance.
While she’s tried to silence critics by promising improvement, the result has often been more backlash. Many netizens believe she’s better suited for fashion and variety shows. Still, her stunning looks keep her relevant — and that alone has kept doors open.
4. Gulnazar
Another Xinjiang beauty, Gulnazar is frequently cast in historical fantasy dramas thanks to her regal visuals. She’s a Beijing Film Academy alum with roles in Fighter of the Destiny and The Dance of the Storm.
However, her acting — often labeled as flat and robotic — has yet to earn critical respect. Despite over a decade in the industry, she’s yet to deliver a breakout performance. Her recent drama Twelve Legends (2021) underwhelmed both visually and critically, with her performance deemed as lacking progress from her debut days.
Still, whether in a hanfu or a qipao, Gulnazar remains one of the most photogenic actresses in C-ent.
5. Jing Tian
Dubbed the “most beautiful woman in Beijing,” Jing Tian has had more backing than most — appearing in major films like The Great Wall, Kong: Skull Island, and starring alongside Jackie Chan.
Yet, her acting reputation hasn’t kept pace with her career opportunities. Her expression range is often criticized as limited, earning her the unfortunate label of “decorative vase”. Even when transitioning to TV dramas, her performances have struggled to resonate.
That said, her role in Rattan was a rare win — praised for her elegant visuals and slightly improved acting. Unfortunately, that success was short-lived, with her subsequent projects failing to sustain the same level of acclaim.
Sources: kenh14