Zeng Shunxi’s “Wolf‑Tail” Haircut Steals the Spotlight Ahead of New Drama “Nine Gates”

The style is as distinctive as it is daring. Cut short at the back with a longer, tapered plume that sweeps upward at the crown, the wolf‑tail evokes the sharp, angular silhouettes favored by some of the Republic of China’s most flamboyant figures in the 1920s and 30s. In promotional stills, Zeng pairs the look with two very different wardrobes: a simple, cotton‑woven peasant shirt on one hand, and on the other a flowing, silk‑laden long robe that would have been at home in a wealthy gentleman’s drawing‑room. The juxtaposition has fans coining two affectionate nicknames for his on‑screen persona. The playful, roguishly handsome vibe earns him the label “痞帅小狗” – literally, a “rascal‑handsome puppy” – while the aristocratic poise when he’s draped in a gown has sparked the moniker “贵公子,” or “noble young master.”

Beyond the labels, what draws viewers in is the visual tension the hairstyle creates. Zeng’s face, described repeatedly as “萌萌的” – cute and endearingly innocent – is set against a swaggering, almost arrogant walk that the wolf‑tail seems to amplify. The contrast has been described as “嚣张+萌感” – a swagger‑filled bravado softened by an inexplicable cuteness that, according to fans, makes the character simultaneously intimidating and adorable. The effect is especially striking in behind‑the‑scenes footage released by the drama’s producers, where Zeng’s casual, street‑style ensembles are given an instant upgrade by the same hair, and when he steps into full period costume the look takes on an almost regal flourish.

The response has not been limited to casual comments. Influential fan accounts have compiled dozens of screenshot collages, each highlighting how the wolf‑tail transforms Zeng’s silhouette from a modern pop‑culture idol into a believable figure from the Republican era. The excitement has spilled over into speculation about the drama itself. Although plot details for 《九门》 remain under wraps, the sheer volume of shared images suggests that Zeng’s visual presence is already a major draw for audiences. “I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds now that we’ve got the perfect look for the lead,” one user wrote, urging the production to keep the hair on set for the entire shooting schedule.

The phenomenon is not isolated to Zeng. Recent industry chatter notes that fellow actor Sun Yizhou has also adopted a wolf‑tail cut, reportedly to avoid looking too similar to Zeng’s character. This points to a broader trend where stylists are mining early‑20th‑century fashion cues – sharp lines, dramatic volume, and a certain rebellious edge – to differentiate contemporary idols in an increasingly saturated market. While the “wolf tail” may be fleeting in its popularity, its rapid adoption suggests it has become a visual shorthand for a blend of nostalgia and cool that resonates with younger viewers.

Zeng’s recent portfolio adds depth to the narrative surrounding his hair. In addition hype for 《九门》, his performance in the historical drama 《田耕纪》 (“Tian Geng Ji”) garnered praise for its nuanced portrayal of a scholar‑warrior, and a rumor of a low‑key night out at a bar with a mystery woman has kept tabloids buzzing. Yet none of these developments have eclipsed the fascination with the wolf‑tail. Even as industry analysts searched for “societal impact” or “political significance” of the hairstyle, the results were uniformly limited to fan commentary, confirming that the story stays firmly within the realm of celebrity culture.

What makes the Zeng Shunxi wolf‑tail more than a fleeting fashion moment is its ability to embody the duality that modern Chinese dramas often explore: the tension between tradition and modernity, between gravitas and playfulness. By rooting his look in a specific historical aesthetic while imbuing it with contemporary swagger, Zeng bridges a gap that allows audiences to both recognize the period setting and feel a personal connection to the character. The sheer volume of user‑generated content – from animated GIFs of his “arrogant” stride to edited memes that overlay the hair onto famous Western movie icons – underscores how visual branding can become a cultural touchstone as quickly as any storyline.

As the release date for 《九门》 approaches, the wolf‑tail will likely continue to dominate conversations, not simply as a hairstyle but as a symbol of Zeng Shunxi’s evolving star power. Whether the drama lives up to the hype will be determined on screen, but for now, the “wolf‑tail” has already proven its worth as a promotional tool, a fan‑service artifact, and a reminder that in today’s digital age, a well‑placed haircut can captivate an entire online community.