Liu Yifei’s Top Chinese Dramas: The Tale of “Rose Actor”

Liu Yifei, known widely as Crystal Liu, is one of China’s acclaimed actresses. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, Liu debuted in the drama The Story of a Noble Family in 2003. She is also a skilled singer and has an active presence in Japan. From Meet Yourself to A Dream of Splendor, here’s a look at some of her most notable dramas.

In the romantic, slice-of-life drama Meet Yourself (2023), Xu Hong Dou (Liu Yifei) undergoes a significant life change after losing her best friend. A career-focused woman accustomed to city life, she plunges into depression, which affects every aspect of her existence. Seeking solace, Hong Dou relocates to a small village. Here, she meets Xie Zhi Yao (Li Xian), who has returned to his hometown to start a business. Despite initial expectations, village life proves bustling. Hong Dou meets others seeking the same peace and decides to help Zhi Yao with his career, leading them to fall in love. Stream Meet Yourself on Viki.

In A Dream of Splendor (2022), Zhao Pan Er (Liu Yifei), a teahouse owner, sets off to the Capital to confront her unfaithful fiancé. Meanwhile, Gu Qian Fan (Chen Xiao), a commander betrayed by those he trusted, must unravel a sinister scheme within the imperial court. Their paths cross, but mutual distrust forces them to work together for their respective goals, sowing seeds that might grow into love. Watch A Dream of Splendor on Tencent Video, We TV, Prime TV, and Viki.

The Tale of Rose (2024) is a much-anticipated drama where Huang Yi Mei (Liu Yifei) grows up amidst brilliant academics. Though aware of her beauty, she never flaunts it and instead pours her energy into the arts. Her life’s journey involves a heartbreaking breakup with Zhuang Guo Dong (Pen Guan Ying), subsequent marriage and divorce with Fang Xie Wen (Lin Gengxin), and falling for her soulmate Pu Jia Ming (Wallace Huo), who tragically succumbs to a terminal illness. He Xi (Lin Yi) admires her, but she chooses to focus on her self-discovery and personal growth. Stream The Tale of Rose on Tencent Video, We TV, and Viki.

The classic Return of the Condor Heroes (2006) remains a beloved Wuxia drama. It tells the tale of Yang Guo (Huang Xiaoming), an orphan in 13th-century China, who seeks out martial arts masters but finds solace only with Xiao Long Nu (Liu Yifei). She becomes his master, and their relationship slowly evolves into love. Watch Return of the Condor Heroes on Prime Video.

In the adventure drama Chinese Paladin (2005), Li Xiao Yao (Hu Ge) embarks on a quest to save his aunt, leading him to fall for and marry Zhao Ling Er (Liu Yifei). However, their happiness is shattered when she is kidnapped by the malevolent Lunar Sect Cult. As he struggles with amnesia about the journey, the question remains whether he will save his bride. Stream Chinese Paladin on Viki.

Beyond these notable performances, Liu Yifei’s work in Demi Gods & Semi Devils and Yin Se Nian Hua are also noteworthy. Fans can eagerly anticipate her future projects like Chang Ling and The Love of Hypnosis.

Source: Various.