In 2025, the Chinese entertainment industry continues to see rapid shifts in popularity metrics, yet Xiao Zhan, Bai Lu, and Zhao Lusi remain firmly positioned as the industry’s top-tier stars. According to recent traffic rankings, all three have surpassed the 200-point mark, creating a clear gap from the rest of the field. Among them, Bai Lu’s score of 221.98 places her just behind Xiao Zhan and ahead of Zhao Lusi, a change that has sparked widespread discussion about whether the industry landscape is quietly evolving.
Just a few years ago, Bai Lu and Zhao Lusi appeared together as sisters in The Long Ballad. Today, however, their positions on traffic charts reflect different growth trajectories. This shift appears less like a sudden reversal and more like the result of long-term planning and accumulated momentum.
Bai Lu’s 2025 performance has been defined by consistency in the costume drama genre. With titles such as Northward and Immortal Ascendant by the River, she has maintained continuous visibility in historical romances. Her role as Li Qingyue in Immortal Ascendant by the River drew attention for its emotionally intense scenes, many of which circulated widely on social media. The subsequent release of White Moon, Brahma Star, adapted from a popular novel, further reinforced her presence and expanded audience engagement within the xianxia genre.
Zhao Lusi, meanwhile, relied more heavily on a single flagship project, Grant Me Brilliance, which achieved impressive streaming numbers and strong international reach. While the drama solidified her popularity and commercial appeal, the narrower focus also meant fewer opportunities for diversified exposure during the same period.
Another key factor behind Bai Lu’s rise is her active participation in variety shows. On Keep Running: Special Season, her willingness to fully engage in physically demanding challenges resonated with viewers. Clips highlighting her unfiltered reactions and perseverance circulated widely, helping her build rapport with a broader demographic. Audience data suggests a higher proportion of mature viewers among her fan base, contributing to her overall stability in public perception.
Zhao Lusi, however, remains highly influential, particularly among younger audiences. With a massive following on lifestyle and social platforms, she continues to be a strong force in brand partnerships and online engagement. The contrast between the two actresses lies less in absolute popularity and more in strategic direction.
Ultimately, today’s traffic rankings reflect more than numerical dominance. They point to differences in content strategy, audience reach, and long-term positioning. Bai Lu’s combination of historical dramas and variety show exposure has created a balanced and resilient profile, while Zhao Lusi maintains a focused strength within her established niche. Rather than a zero-sum rivalry, their comparison highlights how diverse paths can coexist at the top of the industry—leaving the final verdict to time.
