In the Chinese entertainment industry, the actresses often referred to as the “85 Flowers” have long occupied a prominent position. Over the past decade, performers such as Yang Mi, Tang Yan, Zhao Liying, Liu Shishi, and Liu Yifei have built influential careers through popular television dramas and widely recognized screen roles. Today, as all five actresses have been associated with major Best Actress honors in television, their collective trajectory has once again drawn public attention, symbolizing a milestone moment for this generation of performers.
Among them, Yang Mi has remained one of the most commercially influential figures of her generation. She first gained widespread attention through her role as Tang Xuejian in Chinese Paladin 3, before reaching another career peak with Bai Qian in Eternal Love. Over the years, Yang Mi has balanced commercial success with attempts to explore more layered characters, gradually expanding beyond the image that initially made her popular.
Tang Yan has similarly built a long career shaped by romantic dramas and character-driven storytelling. Early works such as My Daughter introduced her to mainstream audiences, while My Sunshine further strengthened her reputation with viewers. With time, Tang Yan has gradually moved toward roles that highlight emotional nuance and maturity, marking a steady evolution in her acting path.
For Zhao Liying, her rise is often described as one of the most notable success stories of her generation. Beginning with smaller roles before achieving mainstream popularity, she gained massive recognition through The Journey of Flower. Later projects such as The Story of Minglan further established her reputation for portraying strong and emotionally complex female characters, helping solidify her position among the most respected actresses of her cohort.
Meanwhile, Liu Shishi has developed a distinctive screen presence defined by restraint and elegance. Her performance as Ruoxi in Scarlet Heart remains one of the most iconic roles in historical television dramas. The character’s emotional depth and subtle transformation throughout the story allowed Liu Shishi to demonstrate a performance style that relies on nuance rather than overt dramatic expression.
Among the “85 Flowers,” Liu Yifei occupies a unique position due to her early association with iconic wuxia and fantasy roles. Her portrayals of Zhao Ling’er in Chinese Paladin and Xiaolongnü in The Return of the Condor Heroes became defining images for audiences in the early 2000s. In recent years, Liu Yifei has gradually explored more varied roles, reflecting a broader acting range and a willingness to challenge her established screen image.
Looking back, many of the most memorable dramas that shaped the careers of these actresses have also become cultural landmarks for audiences. Series such as Chinese Paladin 3, The Journey of Flower, and Scarlet Heart were not only commercial successes but also formative viewing experiences for a generation of television viewers. Through these productions, the “85 Flowers” gained both popularity and long-lasting audience recognition.
Now, as this generation of actresses continues to evolve in their careers, the recognition they have received through major awards marks a new stage rather than a conclusion. With greater experience and artistic maturity, Yang Mi, Tang Yan, Zhao Liying, Liu Shishi, and Liu Yifei are increasingly exploring diverse roles and storytelling styles, further expanding their artistic possibilities.
Their journey reflects not only individual achievements but also the broader transformation of Chinese television over the past two decades. As the “85 Flowers” move forward in their careers, their presence remains closely tied to the memories of iconic dramas and the evolving expectations of audiences who continue to follow their work.
