Who is the most well-known Chinese in Iran? Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan? The answer might be right in the past, but recently a Chinese female student has successfully subverted Iranian people's impression of China. By successfully playing a role in a popular TV series in Iran, Zhang Menghan has become a star in the country.

"I still cannot believe that I become famous. My photos are seen in the newspapers and magazines. I feel like I am still in a dream," said Zhang Menghan, when receiving interview of Chengdu Economic Daily. She has played the leading role in Iran's top TV series The Capital.

Zhang Menghan, a student at the University of Tehran, was recommended by one of her teachers in 2014 to the crew of The capital which was in need of a Chinese face. Without any acting experience, Zhang Menghan, who speaks fluent Persian, has become a rare foreigner who plays a TV series in the history of Iran.

The Capital tells a love story between Chinese girl Chun Chang and an Iranian young man Arastou.

The series aired at 10 p.m. during the month of Ramadan, a prime time for TV stations in the Islamic world and Zhang's role won many compliments from the audiences.

Zhang said she is so popular that she gets recognized by Iranian friends when she goes out. "In the TV, my Iranian husband called me 'my Chinese doll'. Now the Chinese wives in Iran have this common nick name," Zhang said with smile.