Oct. 17, 2023

China Dolls on Screen

The entertainment scene in China has grown into a powerhouse, showcasing an impressive array of talent and captivating performances. The nation's thriving film and television industry is home to a new generation of stars who have not only achieved immense popularity domestically but have also gained international recognition. By: Wee Yan Ling

Xiao Zhan

Xiao entered the industry merely a few years ago but has made a name for himself after starring in the series The Untamed that garnered him worldwide fans and propelled him to stardom. The singer-actor is known for China’s “King Of Luxury” that bleeds into the beauty industry. The Mandopop star now holds 31 endorsements, ranging from Gucci, YSL Beauty to Nars Cosmetics.

The Chinese media service platform Morketing conducted an analysis and have concluded that the purchasing power of Xiao’s fans are so powerful to the point that the brand is able to earn back their investment in merely 5 hours. 

Just this January, Xiao Zhan won the “Most Popular Actor of the Year in Film and TV Drama” and lots of praise. Xiao's recent dramas include The Youth Memories, The Longest Promise and Ace Troops.

Wang Yi Bo

One of China’s biggest stars, Wang Yi Bo is a multi-talented actor, dancer and singer. Having debuted in a South-Korean Chinese boy band back in 2014. The series, The Untamed, shot him to stardom, garnering fans from all over the world since the release of the series on Netflix. Before starring in The Untamed, Wang was a host on the variety show, Day Day Up since 2016. 

Just this year, Wang took on leading roles in two movies that premiered during the May Day holiday period. One of them was an espionage thriller called "Nameless," in which he shared the screen with the acclaimed actor Tony Leung Chiu-Wai. The other film was an action-packed story centred around Chinese fighter pilots, titled "King of the Sky." Wang's immense popularity extends to his role as a sought-after brand ambassador in China, where he represents well-known brands such as Ugg, Anta, Moncler, Swarovski, and many others.

Being the most profitable artist in his company (Yuehua Entertainment), his earnings alone made up nearly 59% of the entire company’s revenue. 

Dilraba Dilmurat

One of the most popular actresses in China today, Dilraba has become a household name with more than 63 million followers on Weibo and is one of the most followed celebrities on the platform. 

Of Ugghur descent, Dilraba overcame the discrimination in the initial phases of her career and rose up to who she is today, both a top actress and a fashion icon. Dilraba's rise to fame is attributed to her breakout role in Eternal Love, where she played the role of a lovable nine-tail fox. Her other series, The Long Ballad became a top hit soon after premiering as it has gained more than 20 million views within three weeks. You Are My Glory, had over four billion views before its finale. 

Holding endorsement deals with major fashion, watch, jewellery and beauty brands such as Christian Dior, Valentino Beauty and Clarins, she has made appearances on various fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. 

Yang Zi

Yang Zi is titled one of the “Four Dan Actresses of the Post-90s Generation.” Her journey to stardom began at the tender age of 13 when she garnered widespread recognition for her role in the sitcom, Home With Kids”. She achieved her breakthrough in the drama, Ashes of Love and the romantic comedy, Go Go Squid! The latter production not only set television ratings records but also amassed an impeccable stream of 9.6 billion.

Having acquired the title as “Most Popular Celebrity” in 2022 at the Weibo Night Awards, she went on to become the spokesperson for Japanese sun care brand, Anessa.

It was reported that Yang Zi earned 20 million from the show, Lost You Forever, which was released this year. Her other recent shows include The Golden Hairpin, Stories of Youth and Love and Drug Hunting. 

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