In Chinese entertainment, impressive visuals alone don’t guarantee praise many actors who are widely admired for their looks continue to face criticism for stiff, emotionless acting. Among them, Wang Yibo is frequently tagged with the label “wooden actor,” despite his success and rising star power.
Wang Yibo
Originally an idol, Wang Yibo made a breakthrough playing Lan Wangji in The Untamed, and has since taken on a wide range of roles from historical dramas to films. While his acting has improved compared to his early days, some weaknesses linger. In a work, his reaction to his father’s death appeared almost unreadable, with an expression that felt calm to the point of coldness. In War of Faith, his eye acting showed progress, but issues with unclear pronunciation and weak vocal energy drew criticism, weakening emotional impact.
Luo Yun‑xi
Luo Yun‑xi is known for clear enunciation and strong dialogue delivery, traits that stood out in Whispers of Fate. However, his performances have begun to feel repetitive. From Till the End of the Moon to Whispers of Fate, his portrayals often fall into a similar pattern stoic, melancholic faces with little variation, even in scenes meant to be emotionally intense. His focus on graceful beauty sometimes overshadows the gritty spirit expected in martial arts dramas.
Yang Yang
Despite handsome features, Yang Yang’s acting has been a point of debate for years. Some viewers argue that he prioritizes looking good on camera over fully embodying his characters. In Fireworks of My Heart, his attempt to portray a strong, responsible firefighter was overshadowed by stiff expressions and a focus on aesthetic appeal. Subsequent fantasy dramas have similarly emphasized his looks over depth, leaving audiences questioning his growth as an actor.
Song Weilong
Song Weilong’s striking visuals make him one of the most photogenic actors in the industry. Yet from Untouchable Lovers to A League of Nobleman, he often delivers emotionally flat performances, maintaining a cool, almost expressionless façade. In A League of Nobleman, especially in scenes opposite Jing Boran, his lack of interaction and emotional depth made his intelligent, sensitive character feel dull and disconnected.
Liu Yu Ning
Singer‑actor Liu Yu Ning brings a rich, resonant voice and clear articulation to his roles, earning praise in works like A Journey to Love and The Prisoner of Beauty. Still, his acting has room to grow. In A Journey to Love, his action scenes were solid, but his gaze sometimes lacked the intensity needed to drive emotional connection. Romantic scenes with co‑stars occasionally felt muted, making his performance resemble that of a “human dubbing machine.”
Hu Yitian
Without formal acting training, Hu Yitian frequently draws comments about limited emotional depth on screen. In Blossoms in Adversity, a key unmasking scene that should have been dramatic fell flat, with stiff expressions and vacant eyes. In interactions with co‑star Zhang Jingyi, his performances often relied on repetitive gestures like staring wide‑eyed or pursing lips, leaving audiences wishing for greater nuance.
Interestingly, many of these actors appear comfortable and charismatic off‑screen or in variety shows, where their natural personalities and humor shine through. This contrast strong presence off‑camera but restrained emotional range on screen has made audiences even more critical of their acting potential.
Despite their challenges in conveying depth and emotional complexity, these stars remain some of the most talked‑about figures in Chinese entertainment, proving that while beauty draws attention, strong acting is what earns lasting respect.
Sources: LD