The Race for Taiwan's Top Model Heats Up After Lin Chi-ling's Exit: Who Will Take the Crown? Abby Fung, Kelly Lin, Wang Ziyun, or Zhou Weitong?

Has the entertainment scene felt a bit quieter lately? Especially when it comes to the "Number One Model in Taiwan" title. Ever since Lin Chi-ling announced she was closing that chapter to focus on her family, no one’s really seemed bold enough to take the seat. But honestly, the game can’t be without a leader for long. This quiet battle to be the next top model has been brewing beneath the surface for a while. As someone who's always bouncing between Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong, I've been hearing plenty of whispers about who has the best shot at taking over.

When you hear "Little Lin Chi-ling," the first name that pops into mind is definitely Abby Fung. This sweetheart of Taiwan shot to fame because her looks and voice were so similar to Lin Chi-ling's, earning her that very title and making her a massive star. But to be honest, Abby’s path in recent years hasn't really been focused on becoming a modelling queen. Since getting married, she’s kept a much lower profile. While she still looks incredible, she seems more content as a blissful wife than chasing the spotlight she once had. I doubt she’d even want to take on the pressure of the "Number One Model" crown—it’s probably a hot potato she'd rather avoid.

Another name that often comes up is Kelly Lin, the wife of Jimmy Lin. Kelly originally started as a model herself, and since marrying into a high-profile family, her style and elegance have only become more refined. When she walks into a room, she definitely has the presence. The thing is, she’s already "Mrs. Lin," a mum of three boys, with her life clearly centred around her family. We often see her on social media sharing her daily life with the kids or cheering her husband on at the racetrack. She always looks stunning, but there’s less of that "showbiz" edge. Asking her to come out and compete for a title like this? I reckon she’d just smile and get on with being the fabulous wife she is.

One name that’s been gaining steady traction in both China and Taiwan is Wang Ziyun. Hong Kong audiences might not know her as well, but she’s already a heavyweight in Taiwan’s modelling world. It’s not just about her looks—her physique is next level, she knows how to maintain it. Her professionalism and confidence on the runway are the hallmarks of a truly dedicated supermodel. Her image isn't about being sweet; it’s about a sense of high fashion and versatility. If we’re talking pure talent, she’s the dark horse—the one who’s been quietly putting in the work, just waiting for her moment to break out.

Then there’s Zhou Weitong. Although she’s mainly been focusing on her career in China lately, her name still pops up in forums across Taiwan and Hong Kong. Dubbed the "Mainland’s Lin Chi-ling," her credentials are undeniable—her height, her looks, her ability to generate buzz are all top-tier. However, her style leans more towards sexy and bold, which is a bit different from the elegant, intellectual, and flawless goddess vibe that Lin Chi-ling cultivated. She’d likely appeal to a different audience, but when it comes to being the nation’s sweetheart, it still feels like she’s missing that certain something.

So, after all that, let’s quickly sum up the pros and cons for each of them:

• Abby Fung: Her strength is the powerful "Little Lin Chi-ling" image; her weakness is that she’s semi-retired after marriage and doesn’t seem interested in the fight.
• Kelly Lin: Her strengths are her impeccable style and top-tier connections; her weakness is that her family takes priority, and she simply doesn’t need to compete for the title.
• Wang Ziyun: Her strength is her solid skills and deep foundation as a professional model; her weakness is that she hasn’t yet reached the level of national fame.
• Zhou Weitong: Her strength is her strong media presence, and her boldness and figure are unmatched; her weakness is that her style is a bit one-dimensional, making it hard to appeal to everyone.

So when it comes down to it, the real situation with the "Taiwan’s Number One Model" title right now isn’t that no one is qualified—it’s that we’re likely entering a period where no one will hold it. What made Lin Chi-ling who she was is that she turned the title into a cultural icon. She wasn’t just a runway model; she was a host, an actress, a philanthropist. Her approachability and high emotional intelligence are the hardest parts to replicate.

I actually think the real winner of this battle might not be any of these women, but the entertainment industry itself. Instead of waiting for someone to perfectly recreate a "Lin Chi-ling 2.0," it’s more interesting to see who can create their own era. Maybe Wang Ziyun focuses on the international fashion scene, or Abby Fung makes a surprise comeback in a hit drama, or even Kelly Lin steps out as a designer—all of these are new possibilities. The definition of a top model might just be rewritten by them.

So, dear readers, who’s your pick for the "next top model"? Is it Abby Fung’s sweetness, Kelly Lin’s elegance, Wang Ziyun’s professionalism, or Zhou Weitong’s daring style? Or maybe, we don’t actually need another Lin Chi-ling, because the magic she brought is already more than enough to remember.