It happened in a flash. One second you're watching Dylan Wang (Wang Hedi) dominate the screen as the arrogant yet lovable Dao Ming Si in the 2018 reboot of Meteor Garden, and the next, you spot it. A small, quirky pineapple tattoo sitting right there on his arm.
It wasn't a dragon. It wasn't some deep, philosophical quote in cursive. It was a tropical fruit.
Naturally, the internet went into a tailspin. Was it real? Was it a drunken mistake? Or was it some secret signal to a co-star? If you've spent any time in the C-drama fandom, you know that even the smallest ink—or "ink"—can spark a thousand theories. Honestly, the obsession with the Dylan Wang pineapple tattoo says more about his meteoric rise to fame than it does about the tattoo itself.
Wait, Is the Pineapple Tattoo Actually Permanent?
Let’s clear the air immediately. If you’re looking for Dylan to flex that specific pineapple in his latest 2026 fashion campaigns or basketball clips, you’re going to be disappointed.
The tattoo was temporary.
It was a character choice for his role in Meteor Garden. In the series, Dao Ming Si is known for his "pineapple hair"—a wild, gelled-up look that became his signature. The tattoo was a cheeky nod to that hairstyle. It’s the kind of meta-humor that the producers baked into the show to make the character feel more "extra."
Didi (as fans affectionately call him) doesn't actually have a permanent pineapple on his skin. He has plenty of other interests—NBA basketball, hip-hop, and high fashion—but a permanent tropical fruit hasn't made the cut yet.
Why the Confusion Persists
Why are we still talking about this years later? Basically, it’s because Dylan Wang’s chemistry with his co-stars is so intense that fans look for "proof" of real-life romance in every frame.
During the filming of Meteor Garden, Dylan and Shen Yue were constantly joking around. There’s famous behind-the-scenes footage where they’re drawing on each other or teasing one another about their looks. Because the pineapple was such a central theme of his character’s identity, fans associated it with the "shippable" moments of that era.
The Evolution of Dylan Wang’s Style
Dylan isn't the same kid who stepped onto the set in 2018. He's a global icon now.
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Back then, the pineapple tattoo represented a rebellious, playful youth. Today, Dylan’s "vibe" is much more sophisticated. He’s a regular at Paris Fashion Week. He’s the face of luxury brands. When he does show skin now, it’s usually for high-end editorials where he looks more like a brooding CEO than a high school brat.
However, the "pineapple" era was crucial. It established him as someone who didn't take himself too seriously. In the rigid world of C-idols, where every move is scrutinized, having a fake tattoo of a fruit was... refreshing.
Real Tattoos vs. On-Screen Ink
In China’s entertainment industry, real tattoos are a tricky subject. Censorship laws often require actors to cover their ink with makeup or bandages during broadcasts.
- Temporary Art: Used for character building (like the pineapple).
- Post-Production: Sometimes tattoos are digitally blurred if an actor has real ones.
- The "Rebel" Aesthetic: Dylan often plays into a "bad boy" aesthetic for photoshoots using stickers or temporary sleeves.
Dylan has been seen with various temporary designs over the years for different roles and shoots. He likes the look. He enjoys the edge it gives him. But he’s also smart enough to know that permanent ink can limit the types of roles he can take in the Chinese market.
What the Pineapple Tattoo Represented for the Fandom
For many, the pineapple wasn't just a fruit. It was a symbol of the "Dong-Cai" (Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai) relationship.
The pineapple hair was a source of ridicule in the show, but it became a badge of honor for fans. When the tattoo appeared, it felt like the character was finally embracing who he was—flaws, fruit-hair, and all.
I've seen fans get actual permanent pineapple tattoos because of him. Think about that for a second. A fake tattoo on a fictional character inspired real-life permanent decisions for hundreds of people. That is the power of Dylan Wang’s influence.
How to Tell if a Celeb’s Tattoo is Real
If you’re ever down a rabbit hole trying to figure out if your favorite actor just got inked, look for these three things:
- Consistency: Does it move? Temporary tattoos, especially the high-quality ones used on film sets, can slightly shift or crack over a long day of filming.
- Color Saturation: Real tattoos have a certain "depth" under the skin. Temporary ones often sit on the skin and have a slight sheen or "sticker" look in high-definition 4K shots.
- Healing Process: Real tattoos involve redness and peeling. If an actor shows up with a massive piece on Monday and it looks perfect, it’s likely a transfer.
Where Dylan Wang is Headed in 2026
Dylan has moved far beyond the "pineapple" days. His recent work in Love Between Fairy and Devil and his more recent urban dramas show an actor who is diversifying. He’s no longer just the guy with the weird hair.
He’s a producer’s dream because he can pivot from "streetwear king" to "historical deity" in a heartbeat.
Honestly, the pineapple tattoo remains a nostalgic relic. It’s a reminder of where it all started—a 19-year-old boy from Sichuan who took a classic role and made it his own by leaning into the absurdity of it.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you’re looking to recreate the look, don’t go for the needle just yet. Look for high-quality "jagua" or temporary ink transfers. They last about two weeks and give you that Dylan Wang "bad boy" aesthetic without the long-term commitment or the potential issues with professional dress codes.
Most importantly, keep an eye on his official social media for his actual style choices. Dylan loves to surprise his followers. Whether it’s a new hair color or a bold fashion choice, he’s always one step ahead of the trends. The pineapple might be gone, but the confidence that carried it is still very much there.