Not everyone would dare to attend a major event with almost no makeup on. But Li Sitong did and she looked absolutely radiant.

Li Sitong has recently become one of the most talked-about young faces in Chinese cinema, thanks not only to her breakout film Love Letter to Grandma but also to her rare, pure beauty. Unlike many actresses of her generation who rely on glamorous styling or striking features, Li Sitong stands out with a gentle, innocent charm reminiscent of the female leads from coming-of-age novels. At the recent Weibo Movie Night, she once again surprised the public by appearing with makeup so minimal that many viewers described it as practically bare-faced.

In close-up footage from the event, the actress wore a simple outfit and let her long black hair fall naturally without elaborate styling. Her flawless fair skin, clear eyes, and soft facial features allowed her to stand out in her own unique way among celebrities who were heavily styled for the occasion. Without bold makeup or dramatic beauty enhancements, Li Sitong seemed to glow effortlessly in front of the cameras.

What makes her beauty particularly captivating is its youthful purity and freshness qualities that are difficult to replicate. The more one looks at her, the more pleasant and comforting her appearance becomes, like the first sunlight of the morning or a flower still covered in dew. At a time when elaborate makeup looks have become almost mandatory on red carpets, Li Sitong’s confidence in embracing a natural appearance made her visuals even more memorable. A single close-up shot was enough to remind audiences why she is considered one of the most visually captivating actresses of the new generation.

Some netizen comments included:

  • “Is she really wearing almost no makeup? She’s so beautiful.”
  • “I wish my skin looked that healthy and glowing.”
  • “She must get enough sleep, eat lots of vegetables, and drink plenty of water.”
  • “She’s exactly my type the perfect girl-next-door.”
  • “She’s gorgeous. Surprised she isn’t more famous yet. She needs better promotion.”

Li Sitong was born in 2004 in Jieyang, Guangdong Province, China. Before becoming one of the most promising new faces in Chinese cinema, she was a student majoring in Financial Engineering at Guangdong University of Finance and Economics. Unlike many young actresses who graduated from prestigious performing arts academies, Li entered the entertainment industry by chance and had no formal acting training.

A major turning point came in 2024 when the production team behind Love Letter to Grandma launched a nationwide search for its female lead. Director Lan Hongchun reportedly discovered Li through everyday videos posted on social media and was immediately drawn to her natural beauty and the quiet charm that perfectly matched the spirit of the film. After a lengthy selection process involving more than a thousand applicants, she was cast as the lead character Xie Nanzhi despite having no professional acting experience.

Released during China’s Labor Day holiday in May 2026, Love Letter to Grandma quickly became a box-office phenomenon. In the film, Li Sitong portrayed Xie Nanzhi, the central figure in a story filled with family themes and nostalgia. Her performance received widespread praise for its authenticity, emotional depth, and ability to convey the character’s inner struggles. The film’s success transformed her from an unknown university student into one of the most talked-about newcomers in Chinese cinema in 2026.

Following the success of Love Letter to Grandma, Li Sitong consistently appeared on trending search charts and became a favorite subject of Chinese entertainment media. Industry observers have praised her for possessing a fresh, classic beauty rarely seen among younger actresses today, while also highlighting her potential to develop into a respected performer rather than merely a popularity-driven celebrity.

May 2026 marked another significant milestone when Li officially changed her Weibo account name to “Actress Li Sitong,” signaling her commitment to pursuing acting as a full-time career. Around the same time, Chinese media reported that she had signed with Hu Jing Entertainment, a management company under the Alibaba Pictures ecosystem. The move is widely viewed as an important step in securing the resources and support needed for long-term growth in the entertainment industry.

Thanks to her impressive debut, Li Sitong also received the “Breakthrough Actor of the Year” award at the 2026 Weibo Movie Night. Despite having only one film credit to her name so far, she is already regarded as one of the most promising post-2000-generation actresses in China.

Sources: K14