If you've ever wondered how Chinese mythology, history, and fantasy collide on screen, Yang Zi's (杨紫) costume dramas are the perfect starting point. Take Ashes of Love, where she plays Jin Mi, a flower deity navigating love and betrayal across celestial realms. The series doesn't just romanticize immortality; it dissects the consequences of emotion-suppressing poisons and divine politics. Or consider Flourished Peony, where her stoic swordswoman Lu Xueqi battles sect rivalries in a world where loyalty clashes with ambition.
Yang Zi's characters aren't just "strong"—they're layered, flawed, and rooted in specific eras, from the Tang Dynasty's perfume trade (Flourished Peony) to mythological clan wars (Lost You Forever). Here's a curated guide to Yang Zi's most iconic costume works.
Lost You Forever 长相思
Lost You Forever 长相思
- Aired: 2023
- Period Background: Mythological era inspired by ancient Chinese legends.
- Genres: Xianxia, romance, political intrigue.
- Main Roles: Yang Zi as Xiao Yao, a resilient princess; co-stars Deng Wei (邓为) and Zhang Wan Yi (张晚意).
- Adapted From: Tong Hua's novel of the same name.
Xiao Yao's story begins in tragedy—after losing her royal status and memories, she reinvents herself as Wen Xiao Liu, a rough-edged healer in Qing Shui Town. Her life intertwines with four men, each representing facets of her fractured identity. Cang Xuan (Zhang Wanyi), her power-driven cousin, embodies the cost of ambition, prioritizing throne over kinship. Tu Shan Jing (Deng Wei), the scarred noble, offers unwavering loyalty, yet his hidden past tests their bond. Xiang Liu (Tan Jianci), the enigmatic rebel leader, personifies duality—both protector and predator—while Chi Shui Feng Long (Wang Hongyi) symbolizes societal expectations through a political marriage proposal. Unlike harem dramas, these relationships spotlight Xiao Yao's internal conflict rather than romantic conquest, challenging patriarchal norms through her strategic agency.
Why Yang Zi's Performance Elevates the Drama
Yang Zi's seamless transition between Xiao Yao and Wen Xiao Liu is a technical triumph. As Wen Xiao Liu, she adopts a gruff voice, masculine mannerisms, and unkempt appearance, contrasting sharply with Xiao Yao's ethereal beauty in flowing robes and intricate hairpins. This duality mirrors the character's struggle between societal expectations and authentic selfhood, a theme amplified by Yang Zi's nuanced facial expressions—Wen Xiao Liu's defiant smirks versus Xiao Yao's tearful poise.
Yang Zi's portrayal of Xiao Yao/Wen Xiao Liu is a tour de force. As Wen Xiao Liu, she adopts a raspy voice, slouched posture, and androgynous attire, embodying a survivalist rejecting femininity. In contrast, Xiao Yao's regal poise—lavender silk robes and intricate hairpins—reveals vulnerability beneath courtly decorum. Yang Zi's nuanced shifts, such as a trembling lip during Tu Shan Jing's betrayal or a defiant smirk masking heartbreak, elevate emotional depth. Critics laud her viral monologue in Episode 24, where controlled voice breaks convey fury dissolving into desolation, a scene resonating deeply with audiences.
Costume designer Chen Minzhi's work narrates Xiao Yao's evolution. Wen Xiao Liu's coarse linens contrast with Xiao Yao's ethereal gowns, mirroring her identity struggle. Qing Shui Town's rustic markets, filmed in Hengdian's ancient sets, ground her humble beginnings, while Xiyan's golden palaces, inspired by Tang Dynasty architecture, reflect opulent constraints. Taoist elements—celestial rituals and immortal realms—blend with Tang-inspired aesthetics, creating a world where myth and reality coexist.
The drama integrates Taoist-inspired mythology with Tang Dynasty aesthetics, creating a visually stunning world where Yang Zi's performance shines. From Qing Shui's rustic markets to the golden palaces of Xiyan Kingdom, each setting complements her character's journey.
The second season escalates political stakes as Xiao Yao navigates alliances and betrayals. Cang Xuan's bid for dominance sparks clan wars, while Hao Ling's court schemes echo historical power struggles. These elements critique authority and loyalty, paralleling modern corporate or political landscapes. Xiao Yao's defiance of arranged marriages and tactical negotiations mirror contemporary feminist struggles, making her a symbol of autonomy in a rigid society.
The soundtrack, including the melancholic theme song Lost You Forever by Yisa Yu, amplifies Yang Zi's emotional beats. Her own rendition of the folk ballad A Vine On A Tall Mountain (高高山上一根藤) adds authenticity to Wen Xiao Liu's village life.
Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜
Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜
- Aired: 2018
- Period Background: Heavenly and demon realms in a mythical universe.
- Genres: Fantasy romance, tragedy, adventure.
- Main Roles: Yang Zi as Jin Mi, a flower deity; Deng Lun (邓伦) as the Phoenix God.
- Adapted From: Dian Xian's novel of the same name.
Jin Mi, born to the Flower Goddess, is fed the Yun Dan (Frost Pill) at birth to suppress her capacity for love, protecting her from heavenly tribulations. Raised in isolation by the Floral Realm's Chang Fang Elder Lord, she grows into a blissfully ignorant, bubble-headed immortal. Her naivety shatters when she ventures into the Heavenly Realm and becomes entangled with two brothers: Xu Feng, the arrogant but kind-hearted Fire God, and Run Yu, the scheming Night Immortal. As the Yun Dan's effects crumble, Jin Mi awakens to love—only to accidentally kill Xu Feng in a fateful misunderstanding, triggering a chain of tragedies spanning mortal and immortal realms.
Why Yang Zi's Performance Shines
Yang Zi navigates Jin Mi's evolution from clueless innocence to heartbroken maturity with breathtaking precision. Early episodes showcase her comedic genius—Jin Mi mistakes kissing for "breath-sharing" and blithely misunderstands romantic cues, delivered with Yang Zi's signature wide-eyed curiosity. Post-Yun Dan, her portrayal of grief (particularly in Xu Feng's death scene) is haunting: her trembling lips, vacant stares, and blood-curdling scream became iconic, earning praise as "one of xianxia's most visceral performances."
Jin Mi's three life stages—immortal, mortal, and demon—allow Yang Zi to showcase her range. As the mortal Sheng Hong Li (Saint Physician), she adopts a subdued, melancholic demeanor, contrasting with her earlier exuberance. In the demon realm, her crimson robes and icy glare exude regal fury, yet subtle gestures (clutching Xu Feng's hairpin, hesitant touches) reveal lingering love. Yang Zi's ability to convey layered emotions through micro-expressions anchors the drama's emotional core.
Chemistry with Co-Stars:
Yang Zi's rapport with Deng Lun electrifies the screen. Their playful bickering and tearful confrontations feel achingly authentic, particularly in the Fan Guang Jin (凡间劫, Mortal Trial) arc. A scene where Jin Mi, still under the Yun Dan's influence, coldly rejects Xu Feng's marriage proposal while unknowingly shedding tears became a viral moment, showcasing her ability to juxtapose emotional suppression with subconscious vulnerability.
Recommendation Highlights
The drama's lush worldbuilding merges Chinese mythology with Tang Dynasty aesthetics. From the ethereal Floral Realm to the celestial Marriage Palace, each setting enhances Jin Mi's journey. Yang Zi's costumes—vibrant floral robes, mortal-era silk gowns, and demonic black armor—visually map her transformation.
The soundtrack, including Mao Buyi's Unsullied (不染) and Yang Zi's own folk ballad Love Frost (情霜), amplifies key emotional beats. Her duet with Deng Lun, Could We (天地无霜), remains a fan favorite.
Unlike passive xianxia heroines, Jin Mi actively drives the plot—breaking curses, challenging gods, and sacrificing herself to end heavenly wars. Yang Zi infuses her with wit and resilience, making her a feminist icon in the genre.
Ashes of Love shattered records, earning 16 billion views on Tencent and topping Douban's 2018 drama rankings with an 8.0 rating.
Flourished Peony 国色芳华
Flourished Peony 国色芳华
- Aired: 2025
- Period Background: Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), known for cultural prosperity.
- Genres: Historical drama, female empowerment, political strategy.
- Main Roles: Yang Zi as He Lan Ming Zhu, a noblewoman turned entrepreneur; Li Xian (李现) as a royal scholar Jiang Chang Yang.
- Adapted From: Original script inspired by Tang-era female pioneers.
He Wei Fang's journey begins as a subdued wife in drab Ruqun (traditional blouse-skirt), her spirit crushed by patriarchal norms. After divorcing her toxic in-laws, she revives her family's peony nursery, cultivating rare blooms like the "Jade Hidden in Green". With allies like reformist official Jiang Chang Yang, she uplifts marginalized women through floral artistry, defying societal expectations in opulent Tang-era settings.
Yang Zi's Standout Performance
Yang Zi transitions seamlessly from Wei Fang's meek beginnings to her commanding entrepreneurial rise. Her posture shifts—slumped shoulders in early episodes contrast with regal poise as she negotiates in peony-embroidered Tanling (坦领, chest-baring gowns). A confrontation scene with her ex-husband (Episode 18) showcases her restrained fury, conveyed through clenched fists and a steely gaze, earning praise as "silent rebellion perfected."
Trained by Heze peony masters (菏泽牡丹专家), Yang Zi performs grafting and pruning with precision. Close-ups of her soil-stained hands cradling blossoms highlight her dedication to tactile realism, grounding the drama's grandeur in human effort.
Wei Fang's wardrobe mirrors her growth—from muted linens to vibrant silks symbolizing empowerment. Her finale Da Xiu Shan (wide-sleeved robe) in imperial yellow, adorned with magnolias, cements her as a "people's aristocrat," blending Tang elegance with modern resilience.
The drama revives Tang aesthetics through Yun Dai (cloud-like brows) makeup and sets replicating Luoyang Peony Gardens. Beyond visuals, it redefines "Flourished Peony" as collective female strength: Wei Fang mentors former courtesans and artisans, forging a sisterhood that outsmarts corrupt elites.
Yang Zi delivers her most mature performance yet, balancing quiet vulnerability with fiery ambition. The drama's fusion of horticultural artistry, feminist triumph, and Tang splendor makes it a visual and emotional feast.
Noble Aspirations 青云志
Noble Aspirations 青云志
- Aired: 2016
- Period Background: Fictional martial arts world blending history and myth.
- Genres: Wuxia, adventure, coming-of-age.
- Main Roles: Yang Zi as Lu Xueqi, a stoic swordswoman; Li Yifeng (李易峰) as the protagonist.
- Adapted From: Xiao Ding's novel Zhu Xian.
Lu Xueqi, wielding the Tianya Divine Sword, begins as a stoic disciple bound by sect rules. Her icy exterior masks a turbulent inner world: a lifelong devotion to Zhang Xiaofan, her junior sect brother turned demonic adversary. Spanning a decade, her arc evolves from rigid discipline to sacrificial love, culminating in her iconic Shenjian Yu Lei Zhenjue (Divine Sword Thunder Technique) battle—a CGI spectacle symbolizing her moral resolve.
Yang Zi's Career-Defining Performance
Known for Home with Kids' (家有儿女) bubbly Xia Xue, Yang Zi faced skepticism in portraying Lu Xueqi's ethereal aloofness. She silenced critics through meticulous restraint: narrowed eyes conveying disdain, subtle lip tremors hinting suppressed longing. Her "tearless grief" in Episode 46—where she silently watches Xiaofan's fall to darkness—became a masterclass in internalized acting.
Trained in Wudang sword techniques, Yang Zi performed 80% of her stunts, lending authenticity to Lu Xueqi's combat grace. The Seven Meridians Tournament scene, where she duels Xiaofan with controlled ferocity, showcased her physical rigor and emotional discipline.
Costume as Character Armor:
Lu Xueqi's white silk robes and azure hair ribbons symbolized her spiritual purity. Yang Zi's posture—spine rigid, movements measured—mirrored Qingyun's ascetic ideals, contrasting with later scenes where disheveled hair and bloodstained sleeves marked her descent into moral ambiguity.
Why It's a Must-Watch
Noble Aspirationselevated xianxia beyond CGI spectacle, prioritizing character depth. Lu Xueqi's struggle between duty and desire resonated with modern debates on individuality versus tradition.
The drama's Tang-Song aesthetics—from Lu Xueqi's Yun Dai brows to Qingyun's floating pavilions—revived classical Chinese artistry for Gen-Z audiences .
This role catalyzed her transition from typecast teen to versatile lead, paving the way for Ashes of Love.
Legend of the White Snake 天乩之白蛇传说
Legend of the White Snake 天乩之白蛇传说- Aired: 2018
- Period Background: Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) with mythological elements.
- Genres: Fantasy, romance, reincarnation.
- Main Roles: Yang Zi as Bai Yao Yao, a snake spirit; Ren Jia Lun (任嘉伦) as her mortal lover Xu Xuan.
- Adapted From: Classic Chinese legend Legend of the White Snake.
Unlike the classic Madame White Snake, Bai Yaoyao begins as a naive spirit raised by Master Zi Yuan in Jiuxi Mountain. Her bond with Xu Xuan spans three reincarnations: immortal cultivation, mortal trials, and demonic rebirth. Their love defies heavenly taboos, culminating in Yaoyao's sacrifice to end a karmic flood threatening the Three Realms.
Yang Zi's Mesmerizing Dualities
Yang Zi's Bai Yaoyao evolves from wide-eyed curiosity (mimicking human gestures like tasting wine) to world-weary sorrow. Her "tear of blood" scene—where she cradles Xu Xuan's lifeless body, screaming soundlessly—showcases raw, visceral grief rarely seen.
Trained in water-based martial arts, Yang Zi performed serpentine movements with balletic precision. Her "Frost Lotus Sword Dance", blending swordplay with flowing white robes, became an iconic visual motif.
Triple Identity Arcs:
Immortal Yaoyao: Playful and luminous, her silver Hanfu adorned with scale patterns mirrors her innocent spirit.
Mortal Susu: Earthy green Ruqun and loose braids reflect vulnerability, with Yang Zi adopting a softer voice and hesitant gestures.
Demon Queen: Black-and-crimson robes and smoldering makeup amplify her regal fury, yet subtle glances betray lingering love for Xu Xuan.
Why It's a Must-Watch Film
The drama reinterprets Daoist concepts like Jie (劫, tribulation) through Yaoyao's trials, merging myth with existential themes.
Yang Zi and Ren Jialun's "reverse damsel-in-distress" dynamic—Yaoyao often rescues Xu Xuan—subverts gender norms. Their lake-side confession, where Yaoyao kisses Xu Xuan to share immortality, redefined xianxia romance.
From Hangzhou's West Lake cameos to CGI-enhanced battles, the drama's visuals amplify Yang Zi's emotional beats.
She avoids clichés by anchoring fantastical plots in human struggles. In Legend of the White Snake, her snake spirit Bai Yao Yao isn't a mere seductress; she's a conflicted immortal learning humility through mortal suffering. The film reworks folklore into a timeless lesson on sacrifice, proving myths aren't relics but mirrors of modern struggles.
For international viewers, these dramas offer more than pretty costumes—they're crash courses in Xianxia tropes, Wuxia ethics, and historical milestones like the Tang Dynasty's gender dynamics. These series also demystify Chinese genres. After watching Noble Aspirations, you'll grasp why Wuxia isn't just about flying swordsmen—it's about honor codes that bind heroes to impossible choices.
For newcomers, start with Ashes of Love or Lost You Forever to sample Yang Zi's range. Use platforms like Viki or Tencent Video for accurate subtitles, and pay attention to details—the Tang Dynasty's floral hairpins in Flourished Peony or the Xianxia hierarchy in Ashes of Love. Her 2025 project, Flourished Peony, promises deeper dives into historical entrepreneurship. Yang Zi's works don't just entertain—they invite you to dissect China's past and present, one binge-worthy plot twist at a time.
