Chinese audiences have spoken, and a new list of the top 10 most beloved Chinese celebrities highlights the stars who continue to enjoy immense public admiration. Rather than focusing solely on popularity or social media influence, the ranking reflects long-term public affection built through talent, professionalism, and positive public images.
From award-winning actresses and blockbuster filmmakers to rising television stars, these celebrities have earned lasting support from audiences across generations.
1. Jia Ling
Jia Ling has established herself as the most successful female director in Chinese cinema. Her directorial debut, Hi, Mom, became a massive box office phenomenon during the 2021 Lunar New Year holiday, grossing over 5.4 billion yuan (approximately US$751 million) worldwide.
She followed that success with YOLO (Hot and Spicy), which earned another 3.4 billion yuan in 2024. Beyond her commercial achievements, Jia Ling is widely admired for her warm personality, comedic talent, and extraordinary dedication to filmmaking, including her dramatic physical transformation for YOLO.
2. Liu Yifei
Liu Yifei became a household name at just 15 years old and has remained one of China’s most iconic actresses for more than two decades. Known as the “Fairy Sister,” her timeless beauty has become legendary, with her name often used as a synonym for exceptional elegance.
In addition to her successful acting career, Liu Yifei maintains a private personal life and has largely stayed away from controversies, helping her preserve one of the strongest public reputations in the Chinese entertainment industry.
3. Zhao Liying
Zhao Liying’s remarkable rise to stardom is one of the industry’s most inspiring success stories. Without formal acting training or the backing of a major entertainment company, she built her career through determination and hard work.
Her starring roles in numerous hit television dramas have made her one of China’s most beloved actresses, while her perseverance continues to resonate with fans.
4. Sun Li
Sun Li remains one of China’s most respected television actresses. She is best known for Empresses in the Palace, a drama that continues to attract viewers even 15 years after its original broadcast.
Often referred to as the “Queen of TV Ratings,” Sun Li has won numerous acting awards and consistently delivers critically acclaimed performances that appeal to mainstream audiences.
5. Ma Li
Ma Li is widely recognized as one of China’s most successful comedy actresses. Her long-running partnership with comedian Shen Teng has produced multiple box office hits, earning the duo the reputation of being a “golden pair” that guarantees commercial success.
Her professionalism and scandal-free career have also contributed to her popularity.
6. Tian Xiwei
Among China’s younger generation of actresses, Tian Xiwei has quickly emerged as a fan favorite thanks to her sweet image and natural charm, making her a perfect fit for romantic dramas.
Producers also praise her work ethic and cooperative attitude. Her dramas New Life Begins and Jade’s Fateful Love both averaged nearly 80 million views per episode, placing her among the strongest-performing actresses born after 1995.
7. Gao Yuanyuan
For years, Gao Yuanyuan has ranked among China’s most admired actresses. Her graceful beauty, elegance, and sophisticated image have made her one of the country’s enduring screen goddesses.
She rose to fame through her role as Zhou Zhiruo in the 2003 adaptation of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, followed by successful dramas including Shanghai Dreams, City of Love, Let’s Get Married, and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.
After marriage, Gao Yuanyuan has maintained a low-profile lifestyle with virtually no scandals, helping her sustain strong public favor.
8. Liu Tao
Liu Tao is admired for both her acting career and her personal character. Throughout more than 20 years in the entertainment industry, she has maintained a clean public image while earning praise for supporting her family during difficult financial times.
Her notable television works include The Kang Family Daughters-in-Law, Joyful Youth, Princess Returning Pearl III, The Legend of White Snake, and Star of Ocean, while her portrayal of A Zhu in the 2003 Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils remains one of her signature roles.
9. Zhang Xiaofei
Zhang Xiaofei has become one of China’s leading film actresses. She is currently starring in Kung Fu Soccer, directed by Stephen Chow, while her collaborations with Jia Ling have significantly boosted her career.
She became the first actress born after 1987 to surpass 10 billion yuan in cumulative box office revenue and has also won the prestigious Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress.
10. Zhang Ruonan
Zhang Ruonan is widely praised for her fresh, youthful beauty, often being described as having the appearance of a first love. According to QQ, Chinese social media users frequently joke that “Boys enjoy looking at Zhang Ruonan the same way girls enjoy looking at Greg Hsu.”
She has earned recognition through emotionally powerful performances in films and dramas including Cry Me a Sad River, My Love, and The First Frost.
Other Popular Chinese Actresses on the List
Just outside the top 10 are several veteran stars with long-established careers, including Yang Zi, Yin Tao, Li Qin, Mao Xiaotong, Zhang Zifeng, Yan Ni, Ni Ni, and Liu Shishi.
Younger actresses such as Chen Duling, Zhao Lusi, Zhao Jinmai, Zhang Jingyi, Li Landi, and Bai Lu also secured places among the top 30 most beloved Chinese actresses.
However, many fans questioned the ranking after Yang Mi and Dilraba Dilmurat failed to make the top 50, sparking debate over whether the list truly reflects public opinion.
Rather than relying solely on online popularity, these stars have built enduring reputations through years of successful work, making them some of the most respected figures in Chinese entertainment today.
Sources: K14
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