The drama Xiaoyao unexpectedly drew attention not only for its storyline, but also for the rare on-screen pairing of Zhao Liying and Tan Songyun. Both actresses are widely associated with round-faced features, often considered a visual advantage in maintaining a youthful image. However, their appearance together highlighted noticeable differences in screen presence and overall aura.
Tan Songyun continues to portray youthful characters with remarkable ease, despite being in her thirties. Her performances do not rely on exaggerated styling or deliberate cuteness. Instead, she conveys a sense of freshness through natural expressions, bright eye contact, and relaxed body language, allowing her characters to feel genuinely youthful rather than artificially young.
Zhao Liying, on the other hand, brings a more composed and layered presence to the screen. Her performances often carry emotional depth and lived-in realism, qualities that add weight to her roles. While her visual impression leans more toward maturity, it also reflects experience and narrative gravitas, which can be particularly effective in complex or emotionally demanding characters.
Although the age gap between the two actresses is relatively small, the camera’s ability to amplify facial contours, texture, and energy makes such differences more apparent when they share the same frame. Without direct comparison, these distinctions might not stand out as clearly.
Ultimately, looking youthful on screen is not solely a matter of age. Facial structure, skin fullness, and personal temperament all play a role. Tan Songyun’s naturally rounded features contribute to a softer, more youthful appearance, while Zhao Liying’s defined lines lend themselves to more mature portrayals.
In today’s entertainment industry, youthful charm and mature presence are not opposing values, but different strengths. Rather than competing, they represent diverse paths for actresses to develop long-term careers, each aligned with roles that best reflect their individual qualities.
