Lin Chi-ling Steps Back, Sparking the Race for Taiwan’s Next “Top Model”? Who Will Take the Crown: Abby Feng, Kelly Chen, Wang Ziyun, or Zhou Weitong?

Has the entertainment scene felt a little quiet lately? Especially when it comes to the title of “Taiwan’s Top Model.” Ever since our beloved Lin Chi-ling announced she was settling down to focus on her family, it seems no one has quite dared to claim the throne. But honestly, the spotlight can’t stay empty forever. This subtle, behind-the-scenes battle for the next top model has been brewing for a while. As someone who’s always hopping between Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the mainland keeping tabs on the buzz, I’ve been hearing plenty of whispers about who’s best poised to take over.

When you think of “Little Lin Chi-ling,” the first name that pops into mind is undoubtedly Abby Feng. This sweetheart of Taiwan burst onto the scene with a look and voice so reminiscent of Lin Chi-ling, she was instantly crowned “Little Lin Chi-ling” and became a massive star. But honestly, Abby’s path in recent years hasn’t exactly been about 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 about being a happy wife than a top model contender. Wearing the “Top Model” tiara? I doubt she’d even want to touch that hot potato.

Another name that frequently comes up is Kelly Chen, wife of Jimmy Lin. Kelly started as a model herself, and after marrying into a high-profile family, her style and poise have only become more refined. When she walks into a room, she definitely has a commanding presence. The catch? She’s already “Mrs. Lin,” a mother of three, with her life clearly centred around her family. We often see her sharing moments of her daily life on social media or cheering on her husband at the racetrack. Stunning as always, but she seems to have stepped back from the “entertainment grind.” Asking her to step back into the ring for this title? She’d probably just smile and get back to enjoying her fabulous life.

One name that’s been making consistent waves in both mainland China and Taiwan lately is Wang Ziyun. She might be less familiar to Hong Kong audiences, but in Taiwan’s modelling scene, she’s a heavyweight. Beyond her striking looks, her most impressive asset is her incredibly disciplined physique. On the runway, her professionalism and confidence shine through, marking her as a classic “hardworking” supermodel type. Her style isn’t about sweet charm; it’s about “high fashion” and versatility. If we’re talking pure skill, she’s the dark horse—the one quietly putting in the work, just waiting for her moment to truly break out.

And then there’s Zhou Weitong. Although she’s primarily focused on her career in mainland China these days, her name still pops up frequently in Taiwanese and Hong Kong online forums. Dubbed the “Mainland China’s Lin Chi-ling,” her credentials are undeniable. She’s got the height, the looks, and the ability to generate buzz—all top-tier. However, her image tends to lean more towards sexy and bold, which differs from Lin Chi-ling’s refined, intellectual, and universally appealing “goddess” vibe. If she were to take over, she’d likely draw a different crowd, but reaching that level of a “national sweetheart” might be a bit out of reach.

So, after all that, let’s quickly break down the pros and cons for each contender:

• Abby Feng: Pro – She has the strongest “Little Lin Chi-ling” association. Con – She’s semi-retired after marriage and doesn’t seem interested in competing.
• Kelly Chen: Pro – Top-tier connections and elegance. Con – Her family is her priority; she has no need to seek out more fame.
• Wang Ziyun: Pro – Solid skills and the most professional modelling pedigree. Con – She hasn’t yet achieved “household name” status.
• Zhou Weitong: Pro – She generates a lot of buzz, and her figure and boldness are unmatched. Con – Her style might be a bit one-dimensional to appeal to everyone.

The truth is, the “Taiwan’s Top Model” title isn’t vacant because there’s no one qualified—it’s more likely we’re heading into a “no one” situation. What made Lin Chi-ling, well, Lin Chi-ling, is that she turned the title into a cultural symbol. She wasn’t just a runway model; she was a host, an actress, a philanthropist. Her approachability and high emotional intelligence are the parts that are truly impossible to replicate.

Honestly, I think the ultimate winner of this competition might not be any of the women mentioned, but the entertainment industry’s landscape itself. Instead of waiting for a perfect “Lin Chi-ling 2.0,” maybe it’s more exciting to see who can carve out their own era. Whether it’s Wang Ziyun conquering international fashion runways, Abby Feng making a surprise comeback with a hit drama, or Kelly Chen breaking the mould and launching her own fashion line—these are all fresh possibilities. The very definition of a “top model” could be rewritten by them.

So, dear readers, who’s your pick for the “next generation top model”? Is it Abby Feng’s sweetness, Kelly Chen’s elegance, Wang Ziyun’s professionalism, or Zhou Weitong’s daring edge? Or maybe… we don’t actually need the next Lin Chi-ling, because the mark she left is more than enough to cherish for a long, long time.