Spotlight on the Six Stunning Actresses of The Great Entrepreneur: Li Chun’s Elegance, Wang Zixuan’s Purity, and a Surprise TVB Favorite

The period drama The Great Entrepreneur, starring Chen Xiao, is currently captivating audiences. While the male lead Gu Pingyuan’s exhilarating rise in the world of commerce is gripping enough, the six female characters in the series each bring a distinct flavor that enriches the story. Some are loyal partners, some are unattainable soulmates, and others are powerful disruptors—each one holding viewers’ attention with her unique presence.

Today, let’s take a closer look at these six actresses—the vividness of their roles and the strength of their past performances.

Sun Qian: From Caravan Heiress to Savvy Partner—A Growth Arc Full of Surprises

Sun Qian plays the female lead Chang Yuer, the daughter of a merchant caravan. From her very first appearance, she radiates a worldly and adventurous energy. She is quick-witted, agile, and instantly smitten with Gu Pingyuan, pursuing him boldly with a youthful, fiery sincerity.

At first, some viewers felt her appearance was too modern for a late Qing setting, and her character seemed naive and overly enthusiastic. But upcoming storyline previews show that Chang Yuer is far from a simple sweetheart. Despite Gu Pingyuan repeatedly rejecting her due to his lingering affection for his childhood love, she remains steadfast. Their eventual marriage, initially built on obligation rather than love, gradually transforms into a powerful partnership. She becomes his unwavering support—helping manage affairs, facing crises by his side, and ultimately sharing a peaceful retreat from the business world. The emotional journey of “perseverance rewarded” is moving and deeply human.

Sun Qian’s acting in modern dramas has long been praised—her sharp, stylish presence in Wild Bloom, as well as her roles in Fireworks of My Heart and Youth in the Wind, all showcased her versatility. This period role represents a new challenge, but as the drama unfolds, her transformation from spirited young woman to stable, competent partner grows increasingly natural. This may very well become a breakout performance.

Li Chun: The Hypnotic Allure of Su Zixuan—A Femme Fatale With Depth

At 37, Li Chun delivers a mesmerizing performance as Su Zixuan—truly a “legend from her first entrance.” As a foreign-trade comprador fueled by a deep vendetta after her family’s demise under Empress Dowager Cixi’s rule, she embodies a charismatic and morally ambiguous force.

Her dynamic with Gu Pingyuan oscillates between admiration, tension, and strategic opposition—a dramatic push-and-pull Li Chun executes with precision. The sheer force of her presence is stunning: regal in fur robes, softly elegant in Qing attire, and striking in Western dress. Each look highlights a different facet of her appeal.

Audiences have exclaimed, “Why isn’t she the female lead?” A memorable line in the series describes Su Zixuan as “a dangerous yet irresistible serpent”—and Li Chun captures this perfectly through her commanding gaze and confident demeanor. She has mastered the art of portraying complex women, with unforgettable performances as villains in The Journey of Flower, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, and Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace. In The Great Entrepreneur, she brings the same energy—layered, intelligent, and unforgettable.

Xiang Hanzhi: The Delicate ‘White Moonlight’ With Hidden Iron

At 23, Xiang Hanzhi plays Bai Yimei, Gu Pingyuan’s childhood sweetheart—beautiful, talented, and once betrothed to him. When Gu is exiled, she instead marries Li Cheng, a rebel leader played by Zhu Yawen. After her husband’s death, she endures humiliation by marrying a cruel prince for the sake of revenge; only years later does she strike back, revealing immense internal strength beneath a gentle exterior.

For a young actress with only five years in the industry, portraying such a heavy, emotionally layered role is a significant challenge—requiring both delicate tenderness and fierce transformation. While Xiang Hanzhi has charmed viewers in numerous modern dramas, her period performance in Under the City received criticism. Like Sun Qian, her modern aura can appear mismatched with historical roles. Still, Bai Yimei is a tragic character with dramatic potential—whether Xiang Hanzhi will fully command the role remains a point of interest.

Rosina Lam (Lin Xiawei): A TVB Leading Lady—Already Iconic Before Appearing On Screen

Rosina Lam’s portrayal of Empress Dowager Cixi has yet to formally appear, but promotional images alone have ignited anticipation. Wearing imperial attire, she exudes dominance with a piercing gaze and controlled authority.

Born in 1987 and trained at the Central Academy of Drama, Rosina became a celebrated TVB actress after signing with the network in 2011. Although less known among mainland viewers, she is highly respected in Hong Kong. Her portrayal of Ah Wing in Sinister Beings, evolving from romantic innocence to independent professionalism, demonstrated her nuanced emotional range. In Dark Side of the Moon, she tackled a ruthless, morally ambiguous character—proving her versatility.

Taking on the role of Cixi is a formidable leap, requiring both imperial gravitas and psychological depth. With her track record, expectations are high that her debut will be one of the show’s highlights.

Wang Zixuan: A Tea Artisan Who Balances Love and Business

At 27, Wang Zixuan plays Miss Liao—a supporting role with notable impact. Both beloved family member and strategic business ally, she uses refined tea-crafting skills to help expand the Gu family’s commercial success. Her character represents a harmonious marriage of personal affection and economic contribution.

From her early role as Princess Beibei in Balala the Fairies to mature portrayals in You Are My Today, The Long Season, and A Long Way Home, Wang Zixuan has continuously broadened her range. In this drama, she embraces the simplicity of a rural tea worker—her gestures calm, precise, and believable. Viewers can see she invested genuine effort into understanding the craft she depicts.

Ke Lan: A Veteran Actress Who Commands the Screen With Presence Alone

Ke Lan portrays the respected matriarch of the Jin family—an influential figure within merchant circles. Her character plays a pivotal supporting role in the storyline’s progression.

Ke Lan’s acting has stood the test of time—from The Road We Have Taken to In the Name of the People, she consistently inhabits roles with authenticity and authority. She never overperforms—her power lies in subtlety: in her voice, posture, and gaze.