Top 50 Most Popular Chinese Actors Of All Time [2023]

 

Chinese films are synonymous with artistic martial arts, stories of deities and demons, superhumans that can perform gravity-defying stunts, slapstick comedy, etc.

 

Their films are filled with honorable men and women who withstand oppression and bullying to defend their ideas and traditions.

 

One might argue that not all films fall in these categories, and it is true to an extent. Modern Chinese cinema depicts more current problems like crime, mafia, science fiction, etc.

 

However, the characters still portray the same lofty ideals and spread the same zeal. To portray such high moral values, Chinese cinema depends on admirable directors, actors, and actresses.

 

Recently, we saw a curation of the most popular Chinese actresses. So, today, ENTOIN brings you a list of the 50 Most Popular Chinese Actors.

 

While some of these top Chinese actors have also worked in Hollywood films and some of their films have been dubbed into English, China has many more talented actors that the world is yet to identify.

 

With this list, we hope that you can get to know more about the talent pool of actors and pick out their movies to watch and admire.

 

 

50. Neo Hou

 

 

 

Neo Hou is the English name of the actor Hou Minghao. Hou is also a talented singer, and he trained with SM Entertainment in 2012.

 

Before he began his acting career, Hou Minghao was a member of the Chinese boy band Fresh Teenager Geek, but he left the band in 2014 and charted a solo career.

 

In 2016, Neo Hou participated in the variety show Fresh Sunday. Later he began acting in the films Funny Soccer and Angel Institute.

 

He is best known for his films The Devotion of Suspect X; and the dramas Cambrian Period, When We Were Young, The Lost Tomb 2: Explore With the Note, etc.

 

 

49. Cheng Yi

 

 

 

Cheng Yi is a popular actor and singer who made his debut when he was still studying in high school.

 

He debuted with the TV series Beauty World. A year later, in 2012, he made his film debut with Haunting Love.

 

He is a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, and he has worked in several acclaimed Tv series and films.

 

A few of them are Noble AAspirations, The Big Rescue, Lost Tomb 2: Explore With The Note, Love, and Redemption, etc.

 

Cheng Yi was awarded the Best Newcomer at the 7th Donews Award Ceremony.

 

 

 

48. Ren Jialun

 

 

 

Ren Jialun is a trained table tennis player, but an injury forced him to quit. After table tennis, Ren Jialun took up an acting career.

 

He worked on his debut TV series The Glory of Tang Dynasty, in 2014, but the telecast was delayed till 2017.

 

In the meantime, Ren’s other series like Noble Aspirations, and Memory Lost were telecast. He participated in two variety shows, namely Super Boy and Korean Star.

 

Ren Jialun worked in popular series like Under The Power, Forever and Ever & One and Only, The Blue Whisper, etc.

 

He was nominated for the China TV Golden Eagle Award and Huading Award in 2020.

 

 

 

47. Xu Kai

 

 

 

Xu Kai is a model and actor. He contested in a print ads contest in his hometown of Guangzhou and became a model in 2013.

 

Later, he signed a contract with Huanyu Film and debuted in drama series. His first drama was Untouchable Lovers.

 

The shows that brought fame and acclaim to Xu Kai were Story of Yanxi Palace, The Legends, Arsenal Military Academy, Falling Into Your Smile, and Ancient Love Poetry.

 

He has been ranked in Forbes China's list of 30 Under 30 Asia 2019.

 

 

 

46. Zhu Yilong

 

 

 

Zhu Yilong has a long and rich career in film and television. He debuted in the TV film Zai Sheng Yuan and progressed to appear in other TV films like The Snatched Bride, Blood-Colored Deep Mansion, etc.

 

In 2014, Zhu gained recognition for Love Three Lives, and also won the Most Anticipated actor at the Asian Film Festival.

 

His other prominent roles include The Shaw Eleven Lang, Border Town Prodigal, Guardian, The Story of Minglan, Reunion: The Sound of the Providence, My True Friend, My People, My Country, etc.

 

 

 

45. Chen Xiao

 

 

 

Chen Xiao debuted in acting at the age of 10 in the TV series Our Class Song. However, he went to the Central Academy of Drama and graduated from there.

 

He came back to acting with roles in Detective Dee and The Mystery of Phantom Flame, Happy Mother-in-law, and Pretty Daughter-in-law.

 

The most memorable performances of Chen Xiao were in The Palace, Swordsman, Legend of Lu Zhen, The Romance of the Condor Heroes, Who Sleeps My Bro, Nothing Gold Can Stay, Love Journey, The Founding of An Army, etc.

 

 

 

44. Bai Jingting

 

 

 

Bai Jingting was studying recording at the music college of Capital National University when he got his break to act.

 

In 2014, he was cast in the web series Back in Time. The show did well and introduced Bai Jingting to show business.

 

After that, Bai Jingting worked in TV series like The Whirlwind Girl and Rush to the Dead Summer.

 

He also appeared in the web series Reset and the film Yesterday Once More.

 

 

 

43. Vin Zhang

 

 

 

Zhang Binbin adopted the professional name Vin Zhang when he made his acting debut in the web melodrama V Love. He has won many fashion and style awards too.

 

He continued to appear in popular TV series like Chronicle of Love, Love O2O, Eternal Love, Pretty Li Huizhen, etc.

 

The other TV shows that brought fame to Vin Zheng are The King’s Woman, Rattan, The Flame’s Daughter, etc. he also sang the songs for a few of his series like V Love, Love O2O, and Pretty Li Huizhen.

 

 

 

42. Li Xian

 

 

 

Li Xian missed out on his college entrance exams and luckily applied for an acting course in college. After graduating, he worked in minor and supporting roles in Feng Shui, Who Sleeps My Bro, Medical Examiner Dr. Qin, City of Fantasy, etc.

 

The roles that gained him acclaim are Go-Go Squid, Tientsin Mystic, Sword Dynasty, Enigma Of Arrival, Soul Snatcher, etc.

 

Li Xian was nominated for Best New Actor at the Huading Awards, Busan International Film Festival, etc., and won three Actors of China Awards.

 

 

 

41. Zhang Han

 

 

 

Hans Zhang Han is a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, and he made short videos of a romantic story at the Beijing Railway Station that brought him recognition.

 

He went on to act in TV series like Meteor Shower, its sequel, a Chinese-Korean drama Hearty Paws 2, etc.

 

The acting credits of Zhang Han include Fall in Love, The Queen of SOP, Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties, Boss & Me, The Four, Wolf Warriors 2, Here to Heart, Sunshine of My Life, Rise of a Tomboy, Youth Never Returns, etc.

 

 

 

40. Zhang Yi

 

 

 

Zhang Yi had the original intent to become a television announcer with the Beijing Broadcasting Institute. However, he was unsuccessful.

 

This led to joining the acting and drama academy and later the drama troupe. He made his debut in 2006 and slowly rose to prominence.

 

The following are the memorable performances by Zhang Yi: Dearest, Cock and Bull, Operation Red Sea, etc., and the TV series Soldiers Sortie, My Chief and My Regiment, Feather Flies to the Sky, etc.

 

 

 

39. Wen Zhang

 

 

 

Wen Zhang began his career in acting in 2000 with supporting roles in TV series. He was noticed for the first time in 2006 with the series Romantic Life.

 

In 2007, Wen got his breakthrough with the surprise hit series Struggle. It was an award-winning youth-oriented story that resonated with the viewers.

 

Later, Wen Zhang worked in A Tale of Two Donkeys, Ocean Heaven, Snow Leopard, Love is Not Blind, Little Daddy, When Larry Met Mary, etc.

 

He won the Golden Rooster Award, Hundred Flowers, Golden Eagle Award, Golden Phoenix Award, Huabiao Award, etc.

 

 

38. Chen Kun

 

 

 

Chen Kun grew up in a single-parent family. So from a young age, he worked hard to support his mother as much as he could.

 

Chen’s mentor recognized his talent for singing and encouraged him to pursue arts. As a result, Chen Kun is not only a talented singer and actor but also a successful writer.

 

Some of the highly recommended works of Chen Kun include Love Story in Shanghai, The Story of a Noble Family, The Knot, Painted Skin, etc.

 

Chen won the Hundred Flowers Award, Huabiao Award, etc., and received a Golden Horse Award nomination.

 

 

37. Huang Bo

 

 

 

Huang Bo is an actor, director, and musician. He started his career by singing in bars and teaching dance.

 

He also tried his hand at film dubbing and was also a factory owner. After graduating from the Beijing film academy, Huang Bo became a full-time actor and director.

 

His acclaimed films include Crazy Stone, Cow, Design of Death, Lost in Thailand, No Man’s Land, Journey to The West, Conquering The Demons, The Conformist, etc.

 

He has won several film awards and is listed on Forbes China’s Celebrity 100 list for the 6th year.

 

 

36. Xiao Zhan

 

 

 

Xiao Zhan is also known by his English name Sean Xiao. He is a talented singer and actor who won multiple awards for his singing and acting.

 

He came to prominence for his music boy band X-Nine, and the idol survival shows X-Fire. After debuting in television and films, Xiao Zhan appeared in critically acclaimed shows like The Untamed, Joy of Life, The Wolf, Douluo Continent, The Oath of Love, etc.

 

Xiao has also debuted on stage in 2021 with the critically renowned 8-hour drama, A Dream Like a Dream.

 

 

35. Luo Yunxi

 

 

 

Luo Yunxi is also known by his English name Leo Luo. He is a trained ballet dancer, singer, and actor.

 

Luo Yunxi appeared in the drama The Spring of My Life in 2012, but the drama was telecast only in 2015.

 

The following year, he starred in Flip in Summer, which was broadcast in 2018. This delay in a broadcast made Hello Aliens, his first series in 2014.

 

Later, he continued to work in My Sunshine, Ashes of Love, And the Winner is Love, Love Is Sweet, Princess Silver, etc.

 

Luo Yunxi is also a talented singer, and he performed with the boy bands JBOY3 and JL.

 

 

34. Zhang Xincheng

 

 

 

Zhang Xincheng goes by the English name Steven Zhang. He graduated from the Central Academy of Dance with a degree in musical theater.

 

He debuted in films in 2013, and alongside, he also released two of his singles. In 2014, Zhang debuted on TV, and some of his popular roles were in My Huckleberry Friends, a sports drama called Skate Into Love, a family drama titled Go Ahead, The Day of Becoming You, The Justice, etc.

 

 

33. Wang Yibo

 

 

 

Wang Yibo is a multi-talented person; he is a singer, rapper, dancer, actor, TV Host, and motorcycling racer. He won the IBD dance competition and signed up with the Yuehua Entertainment agency.

 

He joined the South Korean boy band Uniq and performed with them for two years. Wang Yibo debuted as an actor with the film MBA Partners, but he gained fame and acclaim for his role in the TV series Love Actually.

 

He is also known for his role in Gank Your Heart, The Untamed, Legend of Fei, Faith Makes Great, Luoyang, etc.

 

 

32. Gordon Liu

 

 

 

Gordan Liu was born with the name Sin Kam-Hei, but he later changed it to Lau Kar-Fei. He is an accomplished martial artist and actor.

 

He worked in several highly acclaimed martial arts films, primarily in The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and its sequels.

 

Quentin Tarantino requested him to work in the Kill Bill series, and he appeared in volume 1 as Johnny Mo, the leader of the Crazy 88, and in Volume II as the Kung Fu master Pai Mei.

 

Gordon Liu suffered a stroke and head injury in 2011, which led to a temporary hospital stay and partial paralysis.

 

 

31. Han Geng

 

 

 

Han Geng is a singer, actor, and businessman. He signed up with SM Entertainment and joined the South Korean music group, Super Junior.

 

He was a member of the sub-group Super Junior M, and he rose to the level of the leader of the group.

 

Later, he quit the group and returned to China for a solo career and acting jobs. He won The Huading Award in 2013 and was nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award in 2014, apart from other awards.

 

His most popular roles have been in My Kingdom, So Young, Ex-Files, its sequels, A Chinese Odyssey Part 3, The Founding of an Army, etc.

 

 

30. Xu Zheng

 

 

 

Xu Zheng is an actor, writer, and producer. He is known for his comedy roles in films and television series like Sunny Piggy, Li Wei the Magistrate, Love Through Different Times, Call for Love, and Lost on Journey.

 

Xu Zheng is a frequent collaborator of director Ning Hao. He acted in No Man's Land, Breakup Buddies, etc. Xu also made the super successful films Lost in Thailand and Lost in Hong Kong films.

 

He won the China Movie Channel Media Awards, Changchun Film Festival award, China Film Director's Guild Awards, and Chinese American Film Festival award for Best Actor.

 

He won the Beijing College Student Film Festival award for Direction.

 

 

29. Shen Teng

 

 

 

Shen Tang is a comedy actor, writer, and director. He is known for his roles in films like Goodbye Mr. Loser, Hello Mr. Billionaire, Pegasus, Crazy Alien, Lost In Russia, My Country, My Parents, My People, My Homeland, etc.

 

Shen Teng has appeared in several television series and received awards and nominations at the Huading Awards, Macau International Movie Festival Awards, etc.

 

 

28. Wang Baoqiang

 

 

 

Wang Baoqiang was inspired to learn martial arts after watching the Jet Li film, Shaolin Temple. We worked hard as a daily wage earner in Beijing and tried to get parts as extra in films.

 

He got his big break with the independent film Blind Shaft. After that, Wang Baoqiang went on to star in A World Without Thieves, Soldiers Sortie, My Brother’s Name is Shun Liu, Mr. Tree, Lost in Thailand, Kung Fu Jungle, etc.

 

He was nominated for the Flying Apsaras Award, Hundred Flowers Award, and the Chinese Film Media Awards.

 

He won The Golden Horse Award, China TV Golden Eagle Award, Jackie Chan Action film Award, etc.

 

 

27. Deng Lun

 

 

 

Deng Lun graduated from the prestigious Shanghai Theater Academy. He debuted with the successful teen drama Flowers in Fog.

 

The series established his fame and acclaim. Later, Deng Lun starred in dramas like Because of Meeting you and Ashes of Love.

 

His other acclaimed works are Sweet Dreams, My True Friend, Mr. Fighting, Faith Makes Great: Tianhe, The Yin Yang Master: Dream of Eternity, etc.

 

 

26. Chen Daoming

 

 

 

Chen Daoming is a respected Chinese actor who has been nominated for two Golden Rooster Awards, two Flying Apsaras Awards, a Golden Eagle, a Golden Phoenix Award, etc.

 

He first came to prominence with his role in The Last Dynasty. Chen Daoming starred in My 1919, Hero, Coming Home, Infernal Affairs III, The Founding of a Republic, The Founding of a Party, My Country, My People, Joy of Life, My Best Friend’s Story, etc.

 

 

25. Tong Dawei

 

 

 

Tong Dawei graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting in 2001. He was appreciated and noticed for his role in I Love You in 2002.

 

However, his fame spread across China only after his performance in Jade Goddess of Mercy in 2003. There was a period of lull till 2007 when he was critically acclaimed for his role in Struggle.

 

After that, he appeared in many acclaimed and well-received films like Tiger Mom, Lost in Beijing, The Flowers of War, American Dreams in China, Red Cliff: Part II, The Founding of a Republic, The Crossing, Romantic Life, etc.

 

 

24. Li Yifeng

 

 

 

Li Yifeng is a Chinese actor and singer. He participated in the show My Hero and began his music career that year.

 

After a few years of singing and several hit singles later, Li Yifeng shifted focus to acting. He got his breakthrough role in Swords of Legend.

 

His other hit performances were in The Lost Tomb, Noble Aspirations, Sparrow, Mr. Six, Animal World, Fearless Whispers, Sunny Happiness, Daughter’s Return, etc.

 

Li Yifeng has won multiple awards like the Hundred Flowers Award, Huading Award, The Golden Eagle Award, The Actors of China Award, and more.

 

 

23. Hu Yitian

 

 

 

Hu Yitian studied at Wanxiang Polytechnic college and got a degree in Landscape architecture. After graduating, he worked briefly as a model before he decided to become an actor.

 

He debuted in a minor role in the teen drama Rush to the Dead Summer. Hu Yitian’s next drama was A Love So Beautiful, and this show became a major hit.

 

It established his fame among the viewers. He followed it up with another hit series, Go Go Squid, its sequel, Handsome Siblings, Unrequited Love, etc.

 

 

22. Lin Gengxin

 

 

 

Lin Gengxin studied drama at the Shanghai Theater Academy. While studying there, Lin worked in many low-budget independent movies, television series, and commercials.

 

After graduating with a degree, he appeared in the TV series Scarlet Heart. His role was a success.

 

In the following years, he worked in films and TV series like Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon, My Old Classmate, The Taking of Tiger Mountain, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, Princess Agents, Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings, etc.

 

 

21. Liu Haoran

 

 

 

Liu Haoran is a young talent that has tasted success in Chinese films and television. While studying in secondary school, Liu was handpicked by Chen Sichen to star in the film Beijing Love Story.

 

The success of the film established Liu Haoran. He went on to study at the Central Academy of Drama with the highest score in acting.

 

Liu Haoran worked in many blockbuster films and TV series like Detective Chinatown, its sequels, The Founding of an Army, Nirvana By Fire 2, Novoland: Eagle Flag, and more.

 

Liu was the youngest actor to be nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award. He won the Huading Award and got nominations for Shanghai International Film Festival Awards, Beijing College Student Film festival award, etc.

 

 

20. Deng Chao

 

 

 

Deng Chao is one of the highest-grossing actors. He is also a director, comedian, and singer. He began his career in 2001 but did not attain fame till 2003.

 

The historical drama The Young Emperor gave him critical praise. It was further strengthened with Happiness As Flowers.

 

Deng Chao grew his popularity with The Breakup Guru, The Mermaid, Duckweed, The Dead End, Keep Running, Shadow, HaHaHaHaHa season 1, etc.

 

He won the Hundred Flowers Award, Golden Rooster Award, and Golden Phoenix Award and received more nominations.

 

 

19. Huang Xiaoming

 

 

 

Huang Xiaoming is an actor, singer, and model. He graduated from the Beijing Film Academy and won two Hundred Flowers Awards, a Golden Phoenix Award, a Golden Rooster Award, Huabiao Award, and more.

 

Huang Xiaoming appeared in acclaimed films like The Sniper, The Message, The Sacrifice, American Dreams in China, Xuanzang, etc.

 

His TV series credits include The Prince of Han Dynasty, The Return of the Condor Heroes, Shanghai Bund, Summer’s Desire, etc.

 

 

18. Leslie Cheung

 

 

 

Leslie Cheung was a very talented and prominent singer in Hongkong and China. His music helped shape the early Cantopop music scene.

 

His concerts were often grand and extravagant shows that suited his flamboyant personality. His roles were appreciated and acclaimed in films like Nomad, A Better Tomorrow, Days of Being Wild, Farewell My Concubine, Happy Together, etc.

 

Leslie Cheung won several accolades for his music and acting. However, the media pressure, invasion of privacy, and media attention on his queer identity drove him to suicide in 2003.

 

 

17. Liu Ye

 

 

 

Liu Ye is an acclaimed actor who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. He has worked in several critically acclaimed films and won multiple awards.

 

Liu Ye was awarded a Golden Horse Award, a Golden Rooster Award, a Golden Phoenix Award, Shanghai Film Festival Award, etc.

 

The most memorable performances from Liu Ye have been in Lan Yu, How Can I Rescue My Love, Purple Butterfly, The Foliage, Curse of The Golden Flower, The Chef, The Actor, The Scoundrel, Island Keeper, Cock and Bull, My War, etc.

 

 

16. Ge You

 

 

 

Ge You is the son of an older generation film actor, Ge Cunzhuang. Ge You is considered one of the most well-known and prominent faces in Chinese cinema.

 

He brought fame to China by winning the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. The other awards that Ge You won include a Golden Phoenix Award, four Hundred Flowers Awards, a Golden Eagle Award, etc.

 

Ge You’s most memorable roles have been in To Live, After Separation, The Dream Factory, Big Shot’s Funeral, Cell Phone, Spring Festival, Stories From The Editorial Board, etc.

 

 

15. Wu Jing

 

 

 

Wu Jing is a martial artist, actor, and director. Wu Jing was discovered by a martial arts choreographer and he was cast in a minor role in the film the Tai Chi Boxer.

 

Following that, he worked in a few wuxia TV series for the next four years. In 2003, he was cast in the director Lau Kar-Leung's film Drunken Monkey.

 

With that, he continued to work in such action films and Hong Kong action films. His acting credits include SPL: Sha Po Lang, Twin Mission, Shaolin, Legendary Assassins, Wandering Earth, Wolf Warrior, Battle At Lake Changjin, etc.

 

 

14. Andy Lau

 

 

 

Andy Lau is a Hong Kong actor, singer, and producer. He is one of the most successful actors and artists in the Hong Kong film industry.

 

He began his career as a singer and songwriter with TVB and quickly gained fame as one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop.

 

He was also called one of the Five Tiger Generals of TVB. Andy Lau acted in TV series and films all through the 1980s.

 

He tasted stardom with the Emissary, followed by The Return of the Condor Heroes, On The Wrong Track, As Tears Go By, Running Out of Time, Full Throttle, Made in Hong Kong, A Fighter's Blues, Shaolin Soccer, Infernal Affairs, Protégé, Running on Karma, A Simple Life, etc.

 

 

13. Dylan Wang

 

 

 

Dylan Wang is a singer, actor, and model in China. He gained superstardom with his portrayal of Daoming Si in the TV series Meteor Garden.

 

He was the 16th-level flight attendant at the Sichuan Southwest College of Civil Aviation and became the spokesperson for flight attendants.

 

After his debut in Meteor Garden, Dylan Wang participated in many variety shows like Super Idol and emerged as the winner.

 

His most recent appearances have been in The Rational Life, Miss The Dragon, Cang Lan Jue, etc.

 

 

12. Yang Yang

 

 

 

Yang Yang is an actor who is well-loved and respected. He studied drama at the Central Academy of Drama for a while.

 

In 2007, Yang Yang got his big break when he was cast as the central character Jia Baoyu in Dream of Red Mansions.

 

The series was one of the most expensive television series made. After the success of that series, he was cast in Founding of an Army, The Lost Tomb, The Whirlwind Girl, Love O2O, Martial Universe, The King's Avatar, You Are My Glory, Who Rules The World, The Left Ear, I Belonged to You, Once Upon a Time, etc.

 

 

11. Hu Ge

 

 

 

Hu Ge is a Chinese actor and singer par excellence. He studied drama at the Shanghai Theater Academy, and while studying, he was invited to act in the series Chinese Paladin.

 

His performance and talent earned him multiple nominations at the Hundred Flowers Awards, the Flying AApsarass Awards, Huading Awards, and more.

 

He also won several more awards. The most prominent works of Hu Ge were The Little Fairy, The Young Warriors, The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Chinese Paladin 3, The Myth, Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky, Sound of the Desert, etc.

 

His film credits include 1911, The Disguiser, Nirvana in Fire, etc. They helped him win the Magnolia Awards and the Golden Eagle Awards for his works.

 

 

10. Simu Liu

 

 

 

Liu Simu is a Chinese-Canadian actor. He was five years old when he immigrated to Ontario with his parents.

 

He studied Business Administration and worked in Deloitte before he decided to follow his passion for acting and stunt work.

 

He worked in Canadian and American TV series and music videos like Kim’s Convenience, Blood and War, Star Wars: Visions, Taken, Orphan Black, Pacific Rim, etc.

 

In 2021, we got to see Liu Simu in his best martial arts form ever with Marvel’s Shang-Chi: and The Legend of The Ten Rings.

 

He is set to be back with the sequel to Shang-Chi shortly.

 

 

9. Stephen Chow

 

 

 

Stephen Chow is the English name of Chiau Sing-chi. He is an acclaimed Hong Kong actor and filmmaker with a long list of hits.

 

For his outstanding work, Stephen Chow won many international awards, including three Golden Horse Awards, five Hong Kong Film Awards, a Boston Film Critics Association Award, etc.

 

His acclaimed films include Justice, My Foot, Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle, A Chinese Odyssey, Final Justice, The Mermaid, From Beijing With Love, CJ7, etc.

 

For his work on Kung Fu Hustle, Stephen Chow received a Golden Globe Nomination, as well as a BAFTA nomination.

 

 

8. Tzi Ma

 

 

 

Tzi Ma is a Hong Kong actor. He was born in Hong Kong and later moved to America with his parents.

 

He has worked in several Hollywood productions, in films and TV series. He collaborated with the playwright David Henry Hwang in several plays while playing supporting roles in films.

 

The most prominent roles that Tzi Ma portrayed over the years include Mulan, Tiger wall, The Farewell, Arrival, Dante's Peak, Rush Hour, Rush Hour 3, Kung Fu, etc.

 

He is well-known for his roles in The Man in The High Castle and 24.

 

 

7. Jiang Wen

 

 

 

Jiang Wen is a highly respected Chinese actor, director, and screenwriter. He gained an international reputation with his role in the Red Sorghum with Gong Li.

 

He played Baze Malbus in Rogue One; A Star Wars Story in 2016. Jiang Wen appeared in several critically acclaimed Chinese films like Let The Bullets Fly, The Sun Also Rises, The Devils on The Doorstep, The Soong Sisters, In The Heat of The Sun, Hibiscus Town, A Woman For Two, etc.

 

Throughout his career, Jiang Wen has received rave reviews and praise. Some of his awards include two Hundred Flowers Awards, four Golden Horse Awards, two Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, a Hong Kong Film award, etc.

 

 

6. Donnie Yen

 

 

 

Donnie Yen Ji-Dan is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director, producer, and martial arts, choreographer. He is one of the highest-paid actors in Asia and is credited for bringing Mixed Martial Arts to Films in Asia.

 

Donnie Yen’s most famous movie role has been Ip Man, and he is credited for making Wing Chun popular in China.

 

Donnie Yen has worked in all four Ip Man movies and was the action director in them as well.

 

His other prominent roles have been in XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Mulan, Kung Fu Jungle, The Monkey King, Special ID, The Lost Bladesman, Dragon, Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen, etc.

 

 

5. Chow Yun-Fat

 

 

 

Chow Yun-Fat is a Hong Kong actor and singer. He rose to fame and international renown for his role in Ang Lee's film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

 

He has also appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: At The World’s End as Sao Feng. Apart from this, Chow Yun-fat has worked in several John Woo action flicks like A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard-Boiled, etc.

 

He also worked in City On Fire, All About Ah-Long, Hong Kong, An Autumn's Tale, The Bund, etc. For his extensive work, he won awards like multiple Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Horse Awards, Chinese American film festival awards, etc.

 

 

4. Tony Leung

 

 

 

Tony Leung Chiu-wai is a Hong Kong actor and singer. He is a member of the Five Tiger Generals of TVB who ruled Hong Kong and Asian cinema for years.

 

Tony Leung had a tough childhood and entered show business after meeting Stephen Chow, his longtime friend. With encouragement from Stephen Chow, Tony Leung took up acting classes at TVB and started to work there.

 

Some of his most memorable films are Chungking Express, Happy Together, In the Mood for Love, 2046, The Grandmaster: A City of Sadness, Cyclo, Lust, Caution, Hero, Infernal Affairs, Hard Boiled, Red Cliff, etc.

 

His most recent film was Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Tony Leung won several accolades for his work.

 

A few of these are a Cannes Film Festival Award, seven Hong Kong Film Awards, three Golden Bauhinia Awards, three Golden Horse Awards, and more.

 

 

3. Jet Li

 

 

 

Jet Li is the professional name of Li Lianjie. He is a former Wushu champion, martial artist, actor, and film producer.

 

At the young age of eight years, Jet Li discovered his natural talent for Wushu and began to practice in earnest.

 

By the age of 12, he competed in Wushu competitions and won gold medals. Due to his knee injury, Jet Li retired from competitive Wushu but continued as an assistant coach.

 

At this time, he was offered a chance to act in martial arts films. His most memorable roles were in Shaolin Temple, its sequels, Hero, Fist of Legend, Once Upon a Time in China series, etc.

 

He also worked in many Hollywood films like Lethal Weapon 4, Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon, Unleashed, The One, War, The Forbidden Kingdom, The Expendables, etc.

 

 

2. Bruce Lee

 

 

 

Bruce Lee was a Hong Kong American martial artist, actor, director, screenwriter, and philosopher. He was born in the USA when his parents visited for an opera performance.

 

He returned to Hong Kong after a few months. He began his martial arts training under Ip Man and learned Wing Chun, Tai-chi, Boxing, Street Fighting, etc.

 

Bruce Lee combined all his learning and philosophies from martial arts to create Jeet Kune Do. He is credited for paving the way for Mixed Martial Arts.

 

Bruce Lee worked in classic Kung Fu Films like The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon, The Game of Death, etc.

 

 

1. Jackie Chan

 

 

 

Jackie Chan is the most recognizable actor, martial artist, film director, producer, and stuntman in China.

 

He is known across the world for his innovative stunts, gravity-defying fighting style, and comedic timing.

 

Jackie Chan has worked in over 150 films as an actor and also made many Chinese films and did stunt direction for them.

 

Some of Jackie Chan’s most famous films are Drunken Master, Police Story, its sequels, Wheels on Meals, Armor of Gods, Rumble in The Bronx, Rush Hour, Its sequels, Shanghai Noon, The Forbidden Kingdom, The Spy Next Door, The Karate Kid, Kung Fu Panda, etc.