Ryan Christopher Claveria

From 'A Love So Beautiful’ to 'Genius Girlfriend: Here's Hu Yitian's Visual Glow-up

Article (news)

<p>Does everyone still remember the iconic pre-pandemic hit—<strong>A Love so Beautiful</strong>—that redefined C-dramas? Well, <strong>Hu Yitian</strong> is back and ready to serve greater swoon-worthy moments, this time alongside the global C-drama icon<strong> Tian Xiwei</strong> as his leading lady. These two share undeniable chemistry, and we can’t wait for more episodes to drop!</p><p>Modern, coming-of-age dramas have always captured our hearts. The genre’s best elements are seamlessly woven into a slow-burn narrative that introduces us to each character&#x27;s unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. Beyond the storytelling, it’s the lead pair’s visual compatibility and Hu Yitian’s effortless charm that command the audience’s full attention. Hu Yitian effortlessly anchors the screen, so it’s no surprise his new drama, <strong>Genius Girlfriend</strong>, immediately topped Weibo’s heat index. Beyond delivering a fresh surge of charisma, it reminded us all why his face card never declines.</p><p>Below, we’ve rounded up his ultimate glow-up journey and how his visuals have evolved over the years:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Bubbly Yitian</strong></div><p>Beneath the handsome face was once a kid who was charming, bubbly, and spirited. His rounded face was complemented by his chubby cheeks. He&#x27;s cuteness overload! </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785734444376SnapInsta.to_626508023_18450197473100823_8561948183409034055_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @hu_yitian</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Pre-Debut Visuals </strong></div><p>He wouldn&#x27;t be one of the beloved Chinese actors internationally without his visuals that slayed even during his pre-debut era. He already boasts striking features, while his rounded face evolved into a sharp jawline, and his nasal bridge became more prominent as the years passed and his career progressed.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785734471867DQQpHHEVwAEBkVw.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @hu_yitian</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>First Crush, Jiang Chen</strong></div><p>Every fan remembers the actor who introduced them to the world of C-dramas, but for viewers back in 2017, it was A Love So Beautiful that started it all. Jiang Chen instantly became everyone’s first C-drama crush. With his boyish charm, effortless warmth, and top-tier visuals, he remains the ultimate Gen Z blueprint for what a first love looks like.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785734491555SnapInsta.to_651915031_18396053257195850_4115629799020748163_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via @hu_yitian</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Gu Yanxi&#x27;s Historical Charm</strong></div><p>Adorned in an intricately embroidered, dragon-patterned Hanfu, Gu Yanxi completed his look with a historical topknot. The biggest transformation? His long hair. Given Hu Yitian’s sharp oval face shape, the face-framing tendrils had to be styled precision-perfect to carve out a refined silhouette and highlight his features.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17857345746282fdda3cc7cd98d1001e967172264af0e7bec54e73ad8_1_1.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via YOUKU</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Latest Boyfriend, Jiang Yu Bai</strong></div><p>There’s no denying Hu Yitian’s versatility across the characters he’s portrayed, and he proves it once again in his latest drama opposite Tian Xiwei. Stepping into the shoes of Jiang Yubai, the 32-year-old actor returns to his most iconic element—effortlessly serving that signature campus-crush charm that’s already taking over our feeds and stealing hearts all over again.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785735017173c0710f2bgy1iflsikm6axj23z45aou18.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo via Hu Yi Tian&#x27;s Weibo</span></span></span></div>

<p>Beyond the storytelling, it’s the lead pair’s visual compatibility and Hu Yitian’s effortless charm that command the audience’s full attention.</p>

Beyond the storytelling, it’s the lead pair’s visual compatibility and Hu Yitian’s effortless charm that command the audience’s full attention.

From 'A Love So Beautiful’ to 'Genius Girlfriend: Here's Hu Yitian's Visual Glow-up

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Beauty

From 'A Love So Beautiful’ to 'Genius Girlfriend: Here's Hu Yitian's Visual Glow-up

Arci Claveria

Published August 03, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

|

Updated August 03, 2026 02:19 PM PHT

Read More:

Hu Yitian Visuals

Hu Yitian Glow up

Genius Girlfriend Hu Yitian

Genius Girlfriend Cast

Tian Xiwei

C-Drama

Chinese Actor

Handsome Chinese Actors

Hu Yitian Dramas

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.