Chinese Drama "Changxiang Si" Takes Social Media By Storm: Netizens Hail Actor Tan Junchen's Performance

The popular Chinese drama "Changxiang Si" is making waves across the country, causing quite a stir among Chinese netizens on the social media platform Weibo.

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25 July 2023

The television series, based on a mythical storyline, features actor Tan Junchen as "Xiang Liu," a nine-headed sea monster who is cold-faced, strong, and steadfast in his commitments. Fans have praised Tan's convincing portrayal of the complex character, with one Weibo user writing, "Tan's acting is spot on! His cold yet expressive demeanor and his occasional animal-like glare are captivating. Even when he's angry, he isn't hysterical; it's such a vivid portrayal of Xiang Liu."

Many fans were particularly captivated by a scene where Xiang Liu's face is painted with a monster face by a child. Tan's ability to subtly portray the character's mixed emotions was highly applauded.

An assortment of reactions filled Weibo as users shared their excitement and praise for the series and Tan's acting skills. One user elaborated on a scene where Xiang Liu, while whipping a character named Zi, showed an array of emotions from satisfaction to surprise, finally hinting at an underlying control over the situation. The post highlighted the "layered performance" from Tan, giving him credit for a nuanced portrayal of his character.

Tan's shift between contrasting expressions, his immaculate attention to detail, and his knack for silent acting have made him a sensation on the social media platform. His ability to express changing emotions through his eyes especially caught the attention of many fans. A user noted, "The evidence of Xiang Liu's feelings can be seen in his gradually warming gaze. The power of acting can silently convey feelings."

Moreover, Tan's charisma and on-screen presence have been commended as one of the most faithful portrayals of the original characters from the series. Another user admired his stunning visuals and exceptional dialogue delivery, commenting, "His aloofness is not expressionless; he's a king and yet deeply affectionate. His acting and dialogues are top-notch, his looks are breathtaking."

Amidst this praise, some fans also expressed their anticipation for future episodes and fervor for the character Xiang Liu, with one saying, "I can't wait until 6 p.m. I can't live without Xiang Liu." The posts were accompanied by emojis and playful language, underscoring the users' affection for the character and eagerness to see more.

In this wave of positive responses, Tan Junchen's captivating performance as Xiang Liu in "Changxiang Si" has unquestionably resonated with Chinese netizens, creating a significant buzz across social media. It remains to be seen how the series and Tan's portrayal will continue to evolve and impress audiences in the future.