Nicky Li (厉嘉琪)

Li Jiaqi first captured public attention with her fresh, sweet appearance as the shy and lovable Jiang Xiaoyou in the 2018 remake of Meteor Garden. Dubbed a "sweet tea girl" for her sunny and approachable vibe, she quickly established herself as a familiar face in youthful romantic dramas. Her early training in ballet, ballroom dancing, and painting, combined with her naturally lively on-screen persona, positioned her as a promising new talent. After a series of supporting and leading roles across both modern and period settings — including The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion, Two People’s Little Forest, and Lan Gui Happy Events — she earned a nomination for the 2023 Movie Channel “Stars and Seas” Young Actor Program.

Breakthrough Role While Li’s first significant role was Jiang Xiaoyou in Meteor Garden, her breakthrough came with a series of lead roles in online dramas that showcased her versatility. In 2019, she starred as Su Cancan in the youth campus drama Wait, My Youth, marking her first time carrying a full series. She followed this with the title role in Xiao Nü Nixia (2021) and a notable supporting performance as Li Tiantian in the 2022 hit Two People’s Little Forest. In 2023, she took on the lead in the short-form fantasy romance Wind and Moon Like Snow, which sparked significant online discussion. By 2025 and 2026, she had secured roles in high-profile productions including The Untamed, Wuyou Crossing (as Xingxian), and the upcoming Yage (as Chan’er), demonstrating her continued momentum.

Public Perception Li Jiaqi currently occupies a complex space in the public eye. She is recognized as a dedicated, steadily working actress with a substantial body of work spanning youth dramas, romantic comedies, and period pieces. Industry observers have noted her progression from sweet secondary roles to leading parts, and her nomination for the “Stars and Seas” program signaled growing professional recognition. However, public opinion is sharply divided regarding her screen presence. Critics have argued that her soft, rounded features and petite frame — while well-suited to modern youthful roles — can appear less convincing in period dramas, especially in fantasy settings where a more ethereal or commanding presence is often expected. Some viewers have described her side profile and overall look as lacking the “immortal aura” needed for certain costume characters. Nonetheless, she also maintains a loyal audience that appreciates her natural, relatable charm and “healing” smile. Her ability to consistently land roles in major productions suggests that while her public perception remains mixed, her career trajectory continues to rise steadily.