Liu Xiening

Liu Xiening, professionally known as Sally Liu (Chinese: 刘些宁; Korean: 류셰닝), is a Chinese actress, singer, and dancer born on October 23, 1996, in Shenzhen, Guangdong. A Sagittarius by birth sign, she stands out in the entertainment industry for her unique trajectory from a South Korean trainee to a prominent C-drama lead following her tenure with the girl group BonBon Girls 303. As of 2026, at age 29, she is active primarily as an actress, having transitioned away from idol activities after the disbandment of BonBon Girls 303 in July 2022. Her journey showcases her versatility in navigating both K-pop and C-drama landscapes.

Currently, Liu focuses on leading roles in popular series, including the drama Blossom Through the Cloud, which premiered on Viki in mid-2026. She continues to build a dedicated following through her dramatic performances and social media presence, maintaining a professional image while engaging with fans who appreciate her transition from idol to screen star. Her ability to adapt to different markets has solidified her position as a versatile talent with a promising future ahead.[edit]

Liu Xiening was born in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, where she displayed early artistic inclinations before entering the entertainment industry. Before pursuing stardom, she trained extensively in dance, honing her physical skills that would later define her stage presence. Her path to fame began when she moved to South Korea to pursue a career as an idol, a decision that demanded immense dedication and cultural adaptability.

Upon arriving in Seoul, she entered the rigorous training system of JYP Entertainment. For several years, she endured the grueling schedule of learning singing, dancing, and performance techniques alongside other aspiring artists. This period was defined by long hours of practice and the pressure to perfect her craft in a foreign language and environment. While specific details regarding her primary school or high school education are not widely publicized in English-language sources, her intensive training in South Korea indicates a period of rigorous discipline prior to her debut. She honed her skills until she was selected for the final lineup of the girl group Gugudan, marking the end of her trainee days and the beginning of her public career.[edit]

Liu Xiening made her official debut on June 28, 2016, as a vocalist and dancer for the South Korean girl group Gugudan. The group released their debut mini-album Act.1 The Little Mermaid and remained active until their disbandment in November 2020. During these four years, she gained valuable experience performing on stage and recording music within the highly structured K-pop system.

In 2020, she returned to the Chinese market to compete on the survival show Produce Camp 2020. Despite facing language barriers and cultural differences, her powerful dance skills and confident stage presence captured the audience's attention. She finished in sixth place, securing a spot in the newly formed nine-member group BonBon Girls 303. The group debuted on July 4, 2020, with the single Hard Candy and quickly became one of the most popular girl groups in China. Liu often held the center position due to her strong visuals and dance abilities.

Following the expiration of their contract, BonBon Girls 303 disbanded in July 2022. Liu chose not to renew her contract and pivoted toward a solo acting career. She quickly landed roles in various projects, including the historical drama The Double in 2024 and the romance series Perfect Match, which premiered globally on Netflix in late 2024. As of mid-2026, she headlines the drama Blossom Through the Cloud, distributed by Viki, where she plays a leading role in an enemies-to-lovers storyline.[edit]

Liu Xiening is portrayed as a versatile artist who successfully bridged the gap between K-pop and C-drama. Her style is characterized by a blend of modern chic and traditional elegance, depending on her roles. On social media, she maintains a professional yet approachable tone, sharing glimpses of her daily life and work. Media outlets describe her as hardworking, resilient, and talented, particularly noting her ability to adapt to the demanding schedule of an idol and then transition seamlessly into acting.

Her public persona reflects a matured artist who prioritizes her craft over sensationalism, earning respect from peers and audiences alike. Known for her striking appearance and elegant style, she is often cited as one of the visual centers of her groups. Even after transitioning to acting, she maintains a reputation for her physical fitness and dance capabilities, which contribute to her dynamic screen presence. Fans and critics alike appreciate her dedication to perfection in every project she undertakes.[edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. The engine evaluated her profile but found no current published placement in the Global Fame Rankings as of September 2026. Consequently, no formal fandom name has been documented for her as an individual actress in authoritative databases.

During her time with BonBon Girls 303, fans were often referred to as 'Candy' or similar terms associated with the group's 'Hard Candy' theme. As an individual actress, she does not yet have a widely documented, distinct fandom name separate from her general fanbase. Her Instagram account (@sally_lxning) has approximately 172,000 followers as of the latest data, indicating a dedicated and growing fan following. Fans are known for supporting her drama releases through streaming and social media campaigns. Her 'enemies-to-lovers' role in Blossom Through the Cloud has generated significant online discussion and fan art, highlighting her continued popularity in the region.[edit]

One of the most memorable moments in Liu Xiening's early career occurred during Produce Camp 2020. Fans were captivated by her ability to stand out among hundreds of contestants despite being a foreign trainee in a Chinese competition. Her precision and confidence earned her the nickname 'Sally' and a loyal fanbase that rallied behind her throughout the show. This moment marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as a top-tier contender in the Chinese market.

Liu is frequently cited as one of the visual centers of BonBon Girls 303. Her aesthetic has become a reference point for many young fans in the C-pop community, influencing fashion trends among her followers. Even after transitioning to acting, she maintains a reputation for her striking appearance and elegant style. Additionally, she has been featured on magazine covers and listed in 'Most Promising Newcomer' lists in China, though specific trophy wins for individual acting roles are not detailed in the current data set.[edit]

Liu Xiening was born in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, to parents who supported her early interest in the arts. While specific details about her family members remain largely private, she has occasionally mentioned her upbringing in interviews. She lives independently in China as of 2026, focusing on her career rather than sharing domestic details publicly.

Her close relationship with her former groupmates from BonBon Girls 303 remains strong, particularly with leader Yang Qianyu, whom she frequently collaborates with. She often interacts with them on social media and supports their individual endeavors. Although she does not have children or a spouse, she values her connections with friends and family who have been part of her journey from Shenzhen to Seoul and back. Her support system has been crucial during her transition from a trainee in a foreign country to a leading actress in her home nation.[edit]

Yang Qianyu, He Wei, JYP Entertainment Staff, Cast Members of Blossom Through the Cloud. [edit]

Liu Xiening maintains a relatively private personal life, though her relationship status has been a topic of public interest due to her rising fame. There are no confirmed reports of marriages or long-term engagements involving her. Throughout her career, she has kept her romantic life out of the spotlight.

In August 2026, Liu publicly addressed rumors regarding a potential romance with actor He Wei. In a statement reported by Chosun Biz on August 9, 2026, she explicitly denied any romantic involvement with him, clarifying that she is currently single. This denial suggests that while there may have been speculation fueled by their co-starring roles or social media interactions, no official relationship existed. As of late 2026, Liu Xiening is single. There are no children reported from any relationships. She focuses her public energy on her acting career and fan engagement rather than personal disclosures.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Liu Xiening's net worth at approximately $2 million. This figure reflects her earnings from her tenure as an idol in two major groups and her rising salary as a leading actress in Chinese dramas.

Her wealth stems from multiple streams. During her time with Gugudan and BonBon Girls 303, she earned income from album sales, merchandise, and high-profile endorsement deals with beauty and fashion brands. Since transitioning to acting, her primary revenue source has been acting salaries for leading roles in series like The Double and Blossom Through the Cloud.

Additionally, she receives royalties from music releases and streaming platforms. While specific financial reports are not publicly detailed, her career trajectory suggests steady growth in her net worth as she takes on more prominent roles in the C-drama market. Her status as a former top-tier idol and a rising C-drama lead places her in a lucrative position within the Asian entertainment industry.[edit]