Take a Peek at 5 Chinese Actors Known for Frequently Appearing in Crime-Thriller Dramas

Kapanlagi.com - Chinese crime-thriller dramas have been gaining immense popularity among global audiences in recent years. Their dark, mysterious stories and outstanding acting quality make this genre feel increasingly refined. Not only about ordinary criminal cases, these dramas often invite us to think hard through intense psychological conflicts.

Behind this success, there is a lineup of actors who seem to guarantee quality when appearing in mystery-filled dramas. From persistent detectives to charismatic villains, they successfully bring the stories to life in very memorable ways. Let's get to know five Chinese actors who frequently star in these thrilling dramas!

1. Qin Hao, The Maestro of Suspense with a Mysterious Aura

Burning Ice (Credit: iQIYI.com/Burning Ice)

Qin Hao is often referred to as the main face of the rise of modern suspense dramas in China. This actor has a subtle yet impactful acting ability, especially when portraying calm characters who harbor dark secrets. If you see Qin Hao appearing on a crime drama poster, be prepared to be pulled into a plot full of mystery.

A real example of his brilliance can be seen in the phenomenal drama The Bad Kids (2020), where he plays Zhang Dongsheng, a math teacher who commits premeditated murder. He also delivers a stunning performance in Burning Ice (2017) as a police officer uncovering a serial murder case, as well as in the highly-rated drama The Long Season (2023). Most recently, in A Life for Life (2025), he plays a former police officer involved in a 20-year mind duel with a fugitive.

2. Zhang Songwen, the Charismatic Antagonist Who is Hard to Forget

The Hunter (Credit: Mydramalist.com/The Hunter)

Veteran actor Zhang Songwen has a unique way of making the audience fall in love while also feeling scared. He is known for his skill in giving a human side to villainous characters, making his roles never feel one-dimensional. Thanks to his classy acting, Zhang Songwen is now one of the most respected actors in the anti-corruption and organized crime genres.

His most legendary role is as Gao Qiqiang in the drama The Knockout (2023), which tells the story of his transformation from a fishmonger to a major mafia boss. Additionally, he delivered an excellent performance in Lost in the Shadows (2024) as a veteran detective searching for a missing teenager, as well as in the drama The Hunter (2024), which showcases a cat-and-mouse game between the police and a major drug lord.

3. Bai Yu, an Emotional Detective with High Dedication

Detective L (Credit: Mydramalist.com/Detective L)

If you need a dedicated and passionate law enforcement character, Bai Yu is the one. He is known for often taking on roles that demand significant physical and emotional sacrifice. His total commitment to acting makes it easy for the audience to empathize with the struggles of the characters he portrays amid the complexities of criminal cases.

One of his best performances is in The Long Night (2020), where he plays prosecutor Jiang Yang, who sacrifices everything in pursuit of justice. Bai Yu also showcases his prowess as a great police officer in the amnesia-crime drama Memory Lost (2016). Not only that, but he also tried his hand at a classic detective role from the Republic era in the drama Detective L (2019), which is filled with strange cases.

4. Liao Fan, Specialist in the Criminal World and Film Noir Vibes

The Long Night (Credit: Mydramalist.com/The Long Night)

Liao Fan is not just any name in the Chinese film and drama industry. The Silver Bear winner at the Berlin Film Festival indeed has an aura that is perfectly suited for projects themed around crime or neo-noir. His performances always leave a profound impression because he can portray characters with extraordinary psychological depth.

In the drama The Long Night (2020), he acts alongside Bai Yu as detective Yan Liang, who is tasked with uncovering a major scandal behind a murder. Liao Fan also returns to the world of investigation through his latest project, The Silent Storm (2024). In this drama, he plays a former security officer who must confront dangerous intrigues to uncover the truth from the past.

5. Bai Jingting, the Versatile Actor Who Dares to Step Out of His Comfort Zone

Justifiable Defense (Credit: Mydramalist.com/Justifiable Defense)

Who would have thought that this actor, who initially had a sweet image, is actually very skilled in thriller dramas? Bai Jingting has proven that he is very versatile by choosing challenging projects far from his comfort zone. His transformation into a more serious and mature character in the crime genre has garnered much praise.

His greatness is evident in the hit drama Reset (2022), where he is trapped in a time-loop and must solve the mystery of a bus explosion that is very tense. In addition, in the drama Justifiable Defense (2025), he plays a prosecutor handling a complicated murder case related to domestic violence and old secrets. Bai Jingting truly shows his new, more intense, and character-driven side.

(kpl/flt)