How important is an actress's appearance? At 34, Chen Haoyu compared to 35-year-old Tan Songyun, and the difference is obvious.

Do you also think about how long good looks can last?

This industry makes it clear that appearance is just the ticket to get in; what really matters in the long run is “acting skills + life experience.”

And the industry trend in 2026 seems to be a reminder: stop chasing “baby faces” or “tech faces.” That’s just the starting point. To stay relevant in “period dramas,” you need the resilience to withstand the test of time.

Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by Tan Songyun’s transformation in her latest drama.

She went from “playing whoever looks young” to challenging complex roles over 30, using her eyes and voice to give her characters a sense of “world-weariness.”

This shows that a baby face actor telling us aging isn’t a failure, but the beginning of a “deep evolution.”

If you’re also feeling confused, take a look at those “filter-free” actors—they’re proving that “rejecting youthfulness” means time isn’t the enemy but a tool to craft more vivid characters.

Moreover, this year, the industry is loudly calling for a “return to naturalness.”

Faces with “life marks” are returning to the stage, like Mei Ting and Zhang Yue, becoming symbols of “resisting technological beauty” and bringing a true sense of “era” to audiences.

Doesn’t that feel like a shot of confidence?

It’s not that beauty must be flawless; authenticity and naturalness can actually resonate more deeply with viewers.

And I should mention the phenomenon of “short dramas with long-term investments.” Veteran actors are trying new roles, no longer just “racing for looks,” but focusing on authenticity.

For example, Liu Xiaoqing, now older, plays roles like “mountain hermit” or “patriarch’s grandmother.”

This tells us that some roles are the best testing ground for “solid acting skills.”

Looking back at those “youth-pretending” short dramas, they attract traffic but have low retention, and the market will quickly distinguish who truly has the talent.

All these changes make me feel that by 2026, actors’ competition will no longer be about “looks,” but about “depth.”

We all know that good looks are just the “entry ticket”; how far you go depends on “resilience” and “depth.”

Are you also wondering how to adjust yourself so you’re not trapped by “appearance anxiety”?

The answer is simple: combine “life experience” with “acting depth.” That’s the real hard skill needed in this era.

In the end, actors don’t age, but becoming more flavorful, more three-dimensional, and memorable—that’s the new “hard currency.”

Don’t you think this industry is worth deep reflection for all of us?

Proofread by Zhuang Wu