Li Qin (actress)

Li was born in Bacheng Town of Kunshan, Jiangsu, China. At the age of 11, Li studied Chinese traditional opera in Shipai Central School.^[4]

She graduated from the Affiliated Chinese Opera School of Shanghai Theatre Academy in 2008, majoring in kunqu.^[5]

Li first rose to prominence in 2010 for playing Xue Baochai in the television series The Dream of Red Mansions, based on the novel by the same name by Cao Xueqin.^[6][7] She won the Best New Actress award at the TVS Award Ceremony for her performance.^[8]

In 2011, Li made her film debut in The Founding of a Party, playing Yang Kaihui.^[9] She was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the 31st Hundred Flowers Awards.^[10] She again played Yang Kaihui in China in 1921, another patriotic tribute production.^[11]

In 2012, Li starred in the romantic melodrama television series The Watchful Sky,^[12] which won the Gold Angel Award at the 9th Sino-US Film Festival.^[13] In 2013, Li starred in romance dramas Shining Days and The Return of a Princess, both of which attained high ratings during their respective runs.^[14][15]

In 2014, Li starred in romance drama If I Love You,^[16] and was named the Most Promising Actress at the China TV Drama Awards for her performance.^[17] In 2015, Li starred in her first historical drama My Amazing Bride, playing a quirky and adorable heiress.^[18]

In 2017, Li starred in the television adaptation of the classic novel White Deer Plain.^[19] Her performance as Tian Xiao'e^[20] was a "pitch-perfect illustration of a rural woman's miserable life" according to critics, and stood in sharp contrast to her previous performances as youthful and innocent characters.^[21] Li was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award at the Magnolia Awards for her performance.^[22] The same year, Li starred in the historical action drama Princess Agents, playing a princess of a befallen kingdom.^[23] The drama was a major success and led to increased popularity of Li.^[24] That year, Li entered Forbes China Celebrity 100 list for the first time, ranking 100th.^[25]

In 2018, Li was nominated at the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Yang Kaihui in the patriotic film The Founding of an Army.^[26][27] The same year, she played the role of Fragrant Concubine in the palace drama Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace.^[28] Forbes China listed Li under their 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 list which consisted of 30 influential people under 30 years old who have had a substantial effect in their fields.^[29]

In 2019, Li played the female lead Lu Xueqi in the film adaptation of the xianxia novel Zhu Xian, titled Jade Dynasty.^[30][31] She then co-starred in the aviation disaster film The Captain as a flight attendant,^[32] and received the Best Supporting Actress award at the Gold Crane Awards held by the Tokyo International Film Festival.^[33] The same year, she starred in the historical political drama Joy of Life,^[34] and gained attention for her role as the drumstick lady.^{[citation needed]}

In 2020, Li appeared in CCTV New Year's Gala for the first time, performing the song item "Hello 2020".^[35] The same year, she starred in the historical drama The Song of Glory as the daughter of a military family.^[36] She also starred in the comedy film Warm Hug.^[37] She ranked 72nd on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2020.^[38]

In 2018, Li was selected as brand ambassador for cosmetics brand SK-II.^[39]

Since 2021, Italian luxury leather goods brand Furla has announced that Li will serve as the brand's spokesperson.^[40] In 2021, she was also become the first brand spokesperson for Laura Mercier Cosmetics in the Asia-Pacific region.^[41][42] Since 2021, Li has been named as brand spokesperson for Forevermark, a luxury retail subsidiary brand of De Beers Group.^[43]

In September 2023, American clothing brand Tommy Hilfiger announced that Li would officially serve as brand ambassador in China, alongside Greg Hsu.^[44]