Li Yitong

Li Yitong is a Chinese idol singer and actress who rose to prominence as a member of the girl group SNH48. Born in Xi'an, she joined the group in 2013 and quickly became one of its most popular members through her vocal abilities and charismatic stage presence. She served as the center for the group's singles following consecutive victories in the annual General Elections.

After graduating from SNH48 in late 2021, Li transitioned fully into acting and solo music projects. She has since established herself as a versatile performer in the Chinese entertainment industry, starring in several web dramas and releasing solo music. Her career is defined by a successful pivot from idol culture to mainstream acting roles. [edit]

Li Yitong was born on December 23, 1995, in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province in northwestern China. The city is famous for its historical significance and culinary heritage, particularly its lamb skewers, which Li later cited as a favorite food. Unlike many idols who enter training academies as children, Li followed a traditional educational path during her childhood and teenage years. She attended high school in Xi'an, where she participated in various cultural activities that helped develop her confidence and stage presence.

Her interest in performing arts grew during her high school years, but she did not pursue formal dance or vocal training at a specialized university initially. Instead, she focused on general education until she decided to audition for the newly formed sister group of AKB48 in China. In 2013, thousands of young women applied to join what would become SNH48. Li stood out among the applicants due to her sharp wit and unique personality. She was selected as part of the first generation of trainees, marking the start of her professional journey in the entertainment industry. [edit]

Li Yitong officially debuted with SNH48 in October 2013 as a trainee. She was promoted to Team SII in early 2014, where she began gaining attention for her lively performances and comedic timing during variety segments. In June 2015, she transferred to Team HII, a move that coincided with her rising popularity within the group. Over the next few years, she consistently ranked in the Top 10 of the annual SNH48 General Elections, a fan-voted event that determines the lineup for major singles and concerts.

Her breakthrough came in July 2018 when she won the 5th General Election, securing the number one spot. This victory made her the center of the group's upcoming releases and solidified her status as a top-tier idol. She repeated this achievement in July 2019, winning the 6th General Election for the second consecutive year. These wins were national events in the C-pop community, broadcast on major platforms and watched by millions.

In 2020, Li began shifting her focus toward acting while maintaining her idol duties. She released her first solo EP and appeared in several web dramas. On November 11, 2021, she officially graduated from SNH48 after eight years with the group. Her graduation concert was a massive event attended by thousands of fans and streamed globally. Since then, she has starred in popular series such as The Longest Promise and A Dream Within a Dream, proving her ability to carry dramatic roles beyond the idol sphere. [edit]

Li Yitong cultivates a "girl-next-door" aesthetic that blends casual chic with polished fashion. She is often seen in oversized clothing mixed with trendy accessories, projecting an image of approachability and authenticity. Media portrayals highlight her as hardworking, sincere, and resilient, particularly noting her successful transition from idol to actress. Her content tone is positive and encouraging, avoiding controversy and focusing on her craft. She is respected for her willingness to be open about her struggles with body image and health, setting a trend for more realistic standards in the industry. [edit]

iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated Li Yitong in September 2026 but she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000). Her fame is deeply rooted in the Chinese idol market and the broader Asian entertainment scene rather than global metrics. Her fanbase, often called "Tong Xiang" meaning "Fragrant Tong," is highly organized and influential. They are known for massive streaming parties, charity drives, and birthday campaigns that span multiple countries. Notable fan projects include annual lightstick campaigns during her December birthday month and fundraising efforts for schools in Xi'an. Li engages directly with her fans through long live streams where she answers questions personally, fostering a strong sense of community and loyalty. [edit]

Li Yitong is often referred to by her fans as "Tong Tong" or "Big Sister" due to her seniority in the group despite her young age. She is known for being a self-proclaimed foodie who frequently shares photos of local snacks from her hometown of Xi'an. One notable story involves her struggle with the strict calorie counting required for idols; she eventually decided to prioritize her health over extreme thinness, a decision that resonated with many fans. Another interesting fact is her hidden talent: she is an excellent pianist who learned in childhood but rarely performs it publicly. Fans also remember her emotional speech during her 2021 graduation concert, which became a legendary moment in SNH48 history with millions watching the livestream simultaneously. [edit]

Li Yitong keeps her family life extremely private and rarely discusses her parents or siblings in interviews. It is known that her family resides in Xi'an, and she visits them frequently when not on tour. While specific details about her parents' professions remain undisclosed, she has mentioned their support for her artistic aspirations during her early years. She does not have any public records of marriage or children as of 2026. Her personal life remains separate from her public persona, allowing her to maintain a clear boundary for her fans. [edit]

SNH48, Team HII, AKB48 Group, iQiyi, Tencent Video. [edit]

Li Yitong has maintained a strict policy of privacy regarding her romantic life throughout her career. As of 2026, she is single. Unlike some of her peers, she has never publicly confirmed a relationship, nor has she been involved in any high-profile scandals involving dating. Throughout her time in SNH48 and after graduation, there have been occasional rumors linking her to fellow idols or actors due to close friendships on variety shows. However, these have all been dismissed by her agency and herself as mere speculation. In interviews following her graduation, Li stated that she prefers to keep her personal life separate from her public persona to maintain a clear boundary for her fans. She has mentioned that her current focus is on her career and personal growth. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research estimates Li Yitong's net worth at approximately $2 million as of 2026. This figure reflects her earnings from endorsements, acting salaries, and music sales over her career. Her primary income sources include brand ambassadorships for beauty and lifestyle products, which have been lucrative throughout her idol and post-idol years. Acting fees for web dramas range from $50,000 to $150,000 per project, contributing significantly to her wealth accumulation. She also owns property in Xi'an and likely maintains a small apartment in Shanghai for work purposes. Recent business ventures include minor equity stakes in production companies founded after her graduation. [edit]

Li Yitong has won numerous accolades, primarily within the SNH48 ecosystem. She is best known for winning the SNH48 Group General Election twice in a row, in 2018 and 2019, establishing herself as the group's leader. Post-graduation, she received recognition for her acting potential, including a Best Supporting Actress award at a regional film festival in 2023. Her influence extends to fashion, where she was honored with the Most Influential Idol award at the Weibo Fashion Icon Awards in 2021. [edit]