Sun Li (孙俪)

Sun Li has cemented her status as a "National TV Empress" and the first post-80s actress to achieve the Grand Slam of China's top three TV awards (Feitian, Golden Eagle, and Magnolia), she is revered as an acting powerhouse who dominates the screen with her transformative performances in epic historicals like Empresses in the Palace and critically-acclaimed modern dramas like A Lifelong Journey. Breakthrough Role While her debut in the drama Jade Goddess of Mercy won her early acclaim, the 2012 historical epic Empresses in the Palace was the defining role that catapulted her to superstardom. Her multi-layered portrayal of Zhen Huan, evolving from an innocent young girl to a cunning and powerful empress, became a cultural phenomenon that redefined Chinese period drama. Known for her meticulous approach, Sun spent hours memorizing scripts and pouring over the character's psychological depth, turning what could have been a simple villain into a complex, empathetic figure and forever earning her the nickname "Her Royal Highness" among fans. Public Perception Now in the third decade of her career, Sun Li remains the gold standard for leading actresses in China. She has successfully transitioned from historical epics to modern roles, earning accolades including the "National Best Actress of the Year" at the 4th CMG China TV Series Annual Ceremony in 2026 for her performance in A Wonderful Life. Off-screen, she is seen as a rare "outsider" in the flashy entertainment industry – a private, family-oriented figure married to actor Deng Chao. Although a 2026 on-set incident briefly created public backlash that cast a shadow over her carefully crafted public image, her decades-long track record of professional dedication, zero scandals, and quiet charity work has built a reservoir of goodwill that makes her one of the most respected and beloved figures in Chinese entertainment.