After Chiling Lin Steps Back, the Battle for 'Taiwan's Top Model' Heats Up: Who Will Take the Crown—Abby Fung, Kelly Chen, Wang Ziyun, or Zhou Weitong?

Has anyone else felt the entertainment scene has been a bit... quiet lately? Especially when it comes to the title of 'Taiwan's Top Model'. Ever since Chiling Lin announced she was stepping back to focus on her family, it seems no one has dared to claim the throne. But honestly, the show must go on. This unspoken battle for the next top model has been brewing beneath the surface for a while. As someone who’s always hopping between Greater China, the rumour mill has been busy buzzing about who’s most likely to take over the mantle.

When you hear 'Little Chiling', the first name that comes to mind is definitely Abby Fung. This Taiwanese sweetheart shot to fame because her looks and voice were so strikingly similar to Chiling’s, earning her the 'Little Chiling' nickname. But honestly, it seems Abby’s path in recent years hasn't been focused on chasing the supermodel crown. Since getting married, she’s kept a much lower profile. While she still looks incredible, her vibe these days is more that of a happy wife than a fashion icon. Would she even want to take on the weight of being 'Taiwan’s Top Model'? I suspect she’d probably pass on that hot potato.

Another name that frequently comes up is Kelly Chen, the wife of Jimmy Lin. Kelly started out as a model herself, and since marrying into the spotlight, her fashion sense and overall poise have only become more refined. She definitely has the presence and the potential. The catch? She’s already 'Mrs. Lin', a mum of three, and her priorities are clearly with her family. We mostly see her sharing daily moments with her kids or supporting her husband at the racetrack on social media. She looks fabulous, but she’s not really 'in the game'. Asking her to step back into the spotlight to vie for this title? I reckon she’d just smile and get back to being the stylish mum she is.

One name that’s been generating consistent buzz in both China and Taiwan is Wang Ziyun. She might be less familiar to Hong Kong audiences, but she’s already a significant force in the Taiwanese modelling world. Beyond her looks, her most impressive asset is her incredibly well-maintained figure. Her professionalism and confidence on the runway are hallmarks of a dedicated, hard-working supermodel. Her style isn’t about being sweet; it’s about sophistication and versatility. If we’re talking pure talent and skill, she’s definitely the dark horse—the type who quietly puts in the work, waiting for her moment to break out.

Then there’s Zhou Weitong. Although she’s mainly been focusing on the China market in recent years, her name has never really disappeared from forums in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Known as 'China’s Chiling Lin', Zhou Weitong has undeniable credentials. Her height, looks, and ability to generate headlines are all top-tier. However, her image tends to lean more towards the sexy and bold side, which is a bit different from Chiling’s elegant, intelligent, and 'flawless goddess' persona. While she could definitely draw a specific audience, capturing the hearts of a whole nation as a 'people's goddess' feels like a bit of a stretch.

Let’s quickly sum up the pros and cons of each contender:

• Abby Fung: Pro is her strong 'Little Chiling' association. Con is that she’s semi-retired post-marriage and doesn’t seem interested.
• Kelly Chen: Pro is her impeccable style and high-profile connections. Con is that her family is her priority, and she doesn’t need the title.
• Wang Ziyun: Pro is her solid talent and deep background as a professional model. Con is that she lacks that 'household name' recognition.
• Zhou Weitong: Pro is her strong ability to create buzz and her undeniable boldness. Con is her image is quite niche, making it hard to appeal to everyone.

So, the reality is, it’s not that no one is qualified for the title of 'Taiwan’s Top Model'. It’s more likely we’re heading into a situation where no one gets it. What made Chiling Lin so iconic is that she turned the title into a cultural symbol. It wasn’t just about walking the runway; it was her hosting, her acting, her charity work. Her approachability and high emotional intelligence are the hardest parts to replicate.

Personally, I think the ultimate winner of this so-called 'battle' might not be any of these women, but the entertainment industry itself. Instead of waiting for a perfect 'Chiling Lin 2.0', maybe we should be watching to see who can create their own moment. Whether it’s Wang Ziyun dominating the international fashion scene, Abby Fung making a surprise comeback in a hit drama, or even Kelly Chen launching her own design label—these are all fresh possibilities. The definition of a 'top model' could very well be rewritten by them.

So, what do you think? Who is your pick for the next top model? Is it the sweet charm of Abby Fung, the sophisticated elegance of Kelly Chen, the professional dedication of Wang Ziyun, or the boldness of Zhou Weitong? Or maybe... we don't actually need the 'next' Chiling Lin, because the legacy she left is already something we can cherish for a very, very long time.