When photos from the set of Yu Shuxin's (虞书欣) new series, Yun Chu Ling (云初令), surfaced online, many fans did a double take. The styling—center-parted hair with wispy strands framing the temples and volume at the sides—looked strikingly familiar. It bore a close resemblance to her iconic look from the popular Wuxia drama My Journey to You (云之羽). This sparked immediate debate: was this a case of repetitive styling, or was there a deeper logic at play?
The two characters, however, inhabit vastly different worlds. Yun Chu Ling draws its aesthetic inspiration from the grandeur of the Tang and Song dynasties, a style often referred to broadly as "Pan-Tang-Song" in Chinese costume design circles. In contrast, My Journey to You is rooted in the bleak, austere atmosphere of the martial arts world known as Jianghu. Their core spirits are distinct. The similarity lies not in copying, but in finding a universally flattering style template for the actress's specific facial features. This "center part + side volume + face-framing wisps" formula happens to be her sweet spot.
Decoding The Face Shape
To understand the styling, we must first examine the canvas. Yu Shuxin possesses a roundish oval face, a shape often associated with a youthful, sweet charm. Her jawline is soft, her chin small and rounded, and her cheeks full, giving her an innate "girl-next-door" appeal. This face type, however, comes with specific challenges. Her brow bone and the bridge of her nose are relatively flat, reducing facial dimensionality. Her cheekbones are slightly wide, the mid-section of her face appears a touch long, and her chin is short. Overall, her facial structure has a low "folding degree," meaning it lacks pronounced shadows and angles.
The goal for her period drama hairstyles, therefore, is clear: amplify her natural softness while strategically compensating for the lack of structure and the width of her cheekbones. It's a classic exercise in playing up strengths and minimizing perceived flaws. The chosen styles must create harmony and balance where nature did not provide strong architectural lines.
This is where the genius of her recent looks becomes apparent. The center parting creates a symmetrical base, correcting minor asymmetries. The delicate wisps of hair at her temples are not random; they are precisely cut to fall between her cheekbone and jawline. This carefully measured length softens the prominence of her cheekbones and fills in the hollows near her temples, seamlessly integrating correction into the aesthetic. It evokes the gentle grace of a Tang dynasty painting without looking like a obvious disguise.
The Volume Strategy
The most critical element is the strategic placement of volume. Unlike many historical styles that focus height on the crown to create a tall silhouette, that approach can backfire for Yu Shuxin. Adding too much height on top can make a flat forehead appear wider and even more planar. The solution is lateral volume. By building out the hair at the sides, near the ears, stylists create what is known as a "head-wrapping-face" effect.
This technique involves widening the hairstyle horizontally to visually envelope the face, making the cheeks appear smaller by comparison. It effectively counteracts the low facial folding degree, improving the overall proportion between her head and face. This explains why the same fundamental idea was used in both My Journey to You and Yun Chu Ling. It was not repetition, but the inevitable, most flattering choice for her bone structure.
The choice of bun placement further refines the look. In Yun Chu Ling, she switches between high and low buns based on her character's demeanor. A high bun instantly elevates the crown, lengthening the face vertically and subtly improving the proportion of her mid-section. It lends an air of dignified elegance, perfect for a noble lady or a matriarch. A low bun, draped loosely behind the head, softly contours the face, gracefully camouflaging a short chin and softening a rounded jawline. This style radiates approachable warmth and is ideal for more youthful, gentle roles.
Styling Lessons For A Similar Face
Yu Shuxin's styling offers a practical guide for anyone with a round oval face, low facial dimensionality, and slightly wide cheekbones. The common pitfalls—over-styling the top or pulling hair back too tightly—only accentuate the very features one might wish to soften. Her looks provide a adaptable blueprint.
For a casual, modern-meets-historical style, the principle is "side volume with a low bun." Start by adding subtle width at the sides with thin hairpieces or padding, extending the outline just 1-2 centimeters. Gather the remaining hair into a deliberately loose, low knot at the nape. Keep a few face-framing strands free, using a light wax to hold them in place, curving just below the cheekbone. Accent with a simple jade hairpin or pearl clip. This look is effortlessly elegant and works perfectly with modern "New Chinese Style" clothing for daily wear.
For formal occasions like banquets or weddings, a more polished "high bun with center part and symmetrical ornaments" is ideal. Create a sleek, elevated bun to add verticality. Tame the wispy strands slightly to reveal a clean jawline, projecting poise. Choose understated accessories; for Tang-inspired attire, silver or jade works beautifully, while Song or Ming styles pair well with pearl or wooden hairpieces. Avoid overloading with gilded decorations, which can look garish.
For artistic photography or performance, experiment with switching between high and low buns to denote character development. A youthful phase can be marked by a low bun adorned with hidden braids for texture and playfulness. As the character matures and gains authority, transition to a severe high bun, paired with minimalist silver accessories and all stray hairs secured. This visual shift powerfully communicates a journey. Remember the essentials: avoid excessive crown height, never opt for a severe, wisp-free center part, and always prioritize strategic volume and soft, controlled texture.
