The year 2025 marked major shifts in China’s entertainment landscape, highlighted by Zhao Lusi’s resurgence, Liu Yifei dominating headlines with a single iconic look, and Xin Zhilei’s dramatic rise in status. According to QQ, the China Audio-Visual Research and Communication Institute has released its list of the Top 10 Most Influential Artists in China for 2025, based on Baidu data. The ranking includes Liu Yifei, Dilraba Dilmurat, Xiao Zhan, Sun Li, Yang Zi, Jay Chou, Huang Zitao, Zhao Lusi, Song Jia, and Xin Zhilei.
Although Liu Yifei did not release a new drama or film in 2025, she remained a constant focal point through frequent appearances at major award ceremonies and fashion events. One standout moment came at a Vogue-hosted gala, where her elegant hairstyle adorned with Baby’s Breath instantly went viral. The look sparked a nationwide beauty trend, with countless netizens recreating her style. QQ commented that despite over two decades in the industry, Liu Yifei remains an “unshakable beauty benchmark,” making her highly sought after by luxury brands and cementing her status as one of the most powerful figures in entertainment.
Zhao Lusi had a turbulent year, temporarily stepping away from filming due to health issues and contract disputes with her former management agency. Despite this, she remained one of the most talked-about celebrities. Her strong comeback through the drama Love’s Ambition reignited public interest, while her appearance as the final red-carpet guest at Tencent Video’s Starlight Awards—an honor reserved for the most prestigious attendee—signaled her elevated standing. QQ described Zhao Lusi as the most representative figure among the current generation of post-90s leading actresses.
Actors Xiao Zhan and Yang Zi also enjoyed a successful 2025, thanks to hit dramas The Legend of Zang Hai and Flourished Peony, respectively. Both projects achieved outstanding viewership and platform rankings, reinforcing their stars’ massive fan bases and strong commercial value.
Veteran actresses Song Jia and Xin Zhilei stood out as the most powerful figures of the year due to their remarkable achievements in acting awards. Xin Zhilei made headlines by winning Best Actress at the Venice International Film Festival, an accomplishment widely described as “reshaping the entertainment hierarchy.” It marked a rare international acting win for China in recent years. Following her victory, Xin Zhilei was hailed by major media outlets as the leading figure among actresses born in the 1980s, surpassing established stars such as Liu Yifei, Zhao Liying, and Yang Mi, who have yet to secure major international film awards. Even domestic Best Actress winners like Zhang Xiaofei were ranked behind her, making Xin Zhilei one of the brightest names in Chinese entertainment in 2025.
While Xin Zhilei dominated internationally, Song Jia reigned domestically. In 2025, she starred in two works that scored over 9 points on Douban. She won Best Actress for She and Her Girls and secured her second Golden Rooster Best Actress award for the film Her Story, solidifying her authority in both TV and cinema.
Huang Zitao attracted widespread attention for his fairy-tale wedding to Xu Yiyang, while Dilraba Dilmurat continued to captivate audiences as the undisputed “red carpet queen.” The remaining names on the list include industry veterans Sun Li and Jay Chou. Sun Li maintained her reputation as a drama powerhouse with the successful series A Better Life, while her classic hit Empresses in the Palace continues to draw viewers years later. Jay Chou stood out as the only singer in the top 10, underscoring his enduring influence on contemporary Chinese music.
Notably, several major stars such as Zhao Liying, Yang Mi, and Wang Yibo did not make this year’s top 10, highlighting the fierce competition and evolving power dynamics within China’s entertainment industry.
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