Contrary to her bright and adorable social media image, Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin) demonstrates remarkable depth and versatility on screen. From playful, comedic roles to emotionally complex characters, she proves her ability to fully embody any persona. Here are the top 5 works of hers you shouldn’t miss:
1. My Journey to You
Genre: Historical, Wuxia, Espionage
Role: Yun Weisan (云为衫) – A cold, cunning female spy
Episodes: 24
iQIYI: 9.6/10 (based on user ratings)
Douban: 6.3/10 (based on 166,350 ratings)
In My Journey to You, Esther Yu portrays Yun Weisan, a sharp, intelligent, and enigmatic female spy. She moves beyond the “clumsy princess” image to command the screen as a powerful figure in the historical setting.
A standout moment comes in Episode 4 when Yun Weisan, after escaping the Gongmen Mansion, encounters Shangshi Han Nasi (Ling Zi Yun) in the forest. As Han Nasi attempts to interrogate her with acupuncture needles, Esther Yu’s performance is chillingly precise: she meets his gaze directly, remains unflinching, with controlled breathing, subtle micro-expressions, and steady posture. Her eyes convey pain under control, and her calm steps intensify the suspense.
This scene went viral on Douyin, TikTok, and iQIYI, garnering millions of likes and comments:
- “A newcomer, yet her one glance speaks more than ten lines.”
- “This moment shows Esther Yu fully commanding her character, rivaling veteran actors.”
It marked a defining shift, repositioning her from a cute idol to a commanding lead actress.
2. Love Between Fairy and Devil
Genre: Historical, Xianxia, Romance
Role: Xiao Lanhua (小兰花) / The Angry Goddess
Episodes: 36
Score: 8.1 (Douban)
Love Between Fairy and Devil propelled Esther Yu to pan-Asian fame. Her character, Xiao Lanhua, is innocent and pure, yet simultaneously strong and determined—perfectly balanced by her nuanced performance.
In Episode 24, before sacrificing herself to break Tai Sui’s curse and save Dongfang Qing Shang, Xiao Lanhua takes a deep breath and faces the moment with courage. Esther Yu subtly conveys both strength and sorrow: her faint, reassuring smile is not happiness but an attempt to comfort the one she loves.
This scene became one of the most-reacted clips on YouTube and Bilibili, inspiring countless streamers’ reactions. Many fans commented: “Esther transformed Xiao Lanhua’s death from tragedy into a poignant, unforgettable beauty; that smile haunted me for days.”
3. Moonlight (月光变奏曲)
Genre: Modern, Romance, Workplace
Role: Chu Lie (初礼) – A passionate young editor
Episodes: 36
Score: 7.1 (Douban)
In Moonlight, Esther Yu shines in a modern setting as Chu Lie, a bright, optimistic, and determined rookie editor.
A highlight occurs in Episode 15, when she discovers her closest friend, Mo Fei, stole her manuscript. Esther Yu avoids cliché tears; instead, she slams the table, voice trembling with a mix of anger and disappointment: “Mo Fei! I’m truly disappointed in you!” Tears only fall after the line, illustrating the depth of her character’s concealed pain.
The scene became a trend on Weibo and Xiaohongshu under #ChuLieExplosiveScene. Critics praised it as a modern portrayal of female strength: allowing anger, standing up for justice, and showing that tears are a sign of authenticity, not weakness.
4. Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (永夜星河)
Genre: Xianxia, Historical Comedy
Role: Ling Miaomiao / Lin Yu / Mu Qingshi – Multi-layered lead
Episodes: 32
Score: 7.5 (Douban initial)
In Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, Esther Yu portrays Ling Miaomiao, a young woman trapped inside a novel who must complete a system-driven mission. This role showcases her ability to transition through multiple emotional layers rapidly.
In the opening episodes, her character experiences a “fake death” within the first ten minutes. Esther Yu seamlessly transitions from fear → shock → determination, instantly drawing audience empathy.
Reviews from China Daily and Douban praised her multi-layered performance, and streaming numbers jumped from 150M to ~280M, proving the impact of her captivating opening scene. This role allows Esther Yu to display complex emotions, maintaining audience engagement and solidifying her status as a versatile lead actress.
5. Ski Into Love (滑进爱你)
Genre: Sports, Romance
Role: Wei Zhi (魏知) – Ski Athlete
Episodes: 36
Douban: 6.1/10 (based on over 86,000 ratings)
Viki: 9.4/10 (based on 16,706 ratings)
After a controversy leads to manga artist Wei Zhi losing her pen name and copyrights, she turns to snowboarding for a fresh new start. At the snow resort, she meets coach Shan Chong, a former professional snowboarder who retired after an injury.
While Wei Zhi is a complete beginner, her determination to succeed inspires Shan Chong to reconnect with his own love for snowboarding – and their time spent together begins to ignite a more personal connection, too.
