Liu Yifei

Liu Yifei is a Chinese-American actress and singer who has become one of the most recognizable faces in global entertainment. Born An Feng in Wuhan, she adopted her mother's surname early in life and later legally changed her name to Liu Yifei. Her career spans over two decades, marked by leading roles in some of China's highest-rated television dramas and a historic transition into Hollywood blockbusters. She first gained widespread fame for her ethereal portrayal of Wang Xiang in The Story of a Noble Family, which earned her the nickname Fairy Sister. This persona defined her early career, establishing her as a top-tier talent in the wuxia genre.

Her international profile surged significantly after starring opposite Matt Damon and Zhang Ziyi in The Great Wall and subsequently headlining Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan. These projects made her the first Chinese actress to lead a major Disney live-action film, bridging cultural divides on a massive scale. In recent years, she has returned to domestic television with acclaimed performances in A Dream of Splendor and Meet Yourself, proving her versatility beyond fantasy roles. As of 2026, she remains a dominant force in Asian cinema and a sought-after ambassador for luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Bulgari. [edit]

Born An Feng in Wuhan, Hubei Province, Liu Yifei was raised primarily by her mother, Song Zhongjie, a professional dancer, after her parents divorced when she was young. Her father, Liu Xu, worked as a diplomat but was less involved in her daily upbringing. The family relocated to Washington, D.C., when she was ten years old, where she attended Sidwell Friends School. During her time in the United States, she immersed herself in music and dance, taking up piano lessons at age four and beginning formal dance training shortly after. She also worked as a translator and interned at the American embassy, gaining fluency in English alongside her native Mandarin.

Despite opportunities to continue her education abroad, Liu returned to China in 2003 to pursue acting full-time. She enrolled at the prestigious Central Academy of Drama in Beijing but left in 2005 before graduating to focus on her rising career. Before her breakthrough, she had already begun modeling at age eight, appearing in local commercials that showcased her classical beauty. Her pivotal moment arrived in 2002 when she was cast as Wang Xiang in the TV series The Story of a Noble Family. The show became a massive hit, instantly transforming her from a student living between two cultures into a household name in China. This role required intense preparation in martial arts and classical dance, skills she had honed since childhood, and it cemented her reputation as an actress capable of embodying ethereal, otherworldly characters. [edit]

Liu Yifei's rise to stardom accelerated rapidly after her debut in The Story of a Noble Family. In 2003, she starred as Wuya in the highly successful wuxia series Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, further solidifying her status as a leading actress in the genre. By 2004, she took the lead in Chinese Paladin, an adaptation that became one of the most-watched dramas in Chinese history. Her ability to blend physical prowess with emotional depth made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike.

Transitioning to big-budget cinema, she appeared alongside Jackie Chan in The Myth in 2006 and Jet Li in The Forbidden Kingdom in 2008. These films introduced her to international audiences and demonstrated her capability in action-heavy roles. In 2009, Tencent Entertainment named her one of the New Four Dan actresses, a title reserved for the top four female leads in Chinese television. Her career continued to expand with critical hits like So Young in 2013, showcasing her range in modern romantic dramas.

A major milestone occurred in 2017 when she joined the cast of The Great Wall, working alongside Matt Damon and Zhang Ziyi. This role brought her significant global attention. In 2020, she achieved another historic feat by starring as the titular heroine in Disney's live-action Mulan. Despite the pandemic delaying its release, the film premiered globally, marking a significant moment for Asian representation in Western cinema. Since then, she has focused on selective projects, returning to television with A Dream of Splendor in 2022 and Meet Yourself in 2023, both receiving critical acclaim for their nuanced storytelling and her commanding performances. [edit]

Liu Yifei is portrayed as a high-end, exclusive, and authentic figure in the entertainment industry. Unlike many idols who engage in constant social media interaction, she maintains a mysterious aura, posting sparingly and focusing on high-fashion imagery. Media frequently compares her to classic Hollywood stars, describing her as a queen of elegance. Her tone is professional, and she avoids gossip, reinforcing her image as a serious artist. She is known for her distinct style, often favoring minimalist yet sophisticated looks that highlight her natural beauty. Her refusal to engage in typical idol culture banter has only enhanced her allure, making her a symbol of independence and artistic integrity. [edit]

Liu Yifei commands a global following defined by its organized sophistication and deep reverence for her artistic integrity rather than manufactured intimacy. Her supporters, often identifying as Crystal Fans or simply Yifei Fans through monikers like Fairy Sister derived from her iconic roles, distinguish themselves through high-impact campaigns that blend luxury marketing with genuine social advocacy. This community has been instrumental in elevating her profile during major transitions, coordinating streaming efforts for Mulan and funding substantial billboard and subway advertisements across Beijing and Shanghai while aligning their support with her high-fashion endorsements. They champion her perceived authenticity and refusal to engage in the casual banter typical of idol culture, viewing her independence and single status over the last eight years as a core component of her appeal. Their loyalty is expressed not through chaotic crowds but through digital virality and sustained financial backing for educational initiatives and disaster relief in her name. This unique dynamic creates a fanbase that operates with the precision of a professional agency yet remains deeply devoted to her personal evolution. The scale of this influence is captured in the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. Liu Yifei currently stands as the 74th most famous person in China, a position down from 26th last cycle, and holds steady at the 22nd most famous person from China among all origins. [edit]

Her stage name, Liu Yifei, translates to "beautiful and virtuous," while her birth name, An Feng, means "peaceful wind." She is fluent in English, Mandarin, and speaks basic Japanese. Before becoming an actress, she was a child model and dancer, often described as a prodigy in her hometown of Wuhan. The nickname Fairy Sister originated from her performance in The Story of a Noble Family, where her ethereal beauty and classical training created a lasting cultural mythos. Fans often describe her as having a non-human perfection, a term used affectionately in fan communities. Her casting as Mulan in 2017 caused a global stir and is now considered a legendary moment in Asian cinema history. In 2026, she sparked debate after allegedly cropping Vietnamese actress Ho Ngoc Ha out of a shared photo, a story that became part of her recent lore regarding celebrity etiquette. [edit]

Liu Yifei is the daughter of Liu Xu, a former diplomat, and Song Zhongjie, a professional dancer. Following her parents' divorce when she was young, she lived primarily with her mother in Wuhan and later in Washington, D.C. She maintains a close relationship with her mother, who is often praised for her elegance and support. Liu holds dual citizenship in China and the United States. She lives in Beijing and has no children. Her family background has influenced her artistic development, particularly through her mother's dance training and her father's diplomatic exposure to international cultures. [edit]

Zhang Ziyi, Matt Damon, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Gong Li, Zendaya, Catherine Deneuve. [edit]

Liu Yifei has maintained a notably low-profile romantic life, with few confirmed relationships. Most reports are based on public sightings or unconfirmed rumors. In 2017, she was widely rumored to be dating South Korean actor Song Seung-hun. The two were spotted together in Seoul, and sources indicated they met through industry circles. The relationship ended amicably around 2018, with reports citing busy schedules and differing career paths as the primary reasons for the split. A 2026 news report mentioned Song Seung-hun's life after breaking up with Liu Yifei, confirming the timeline.

Rumors also surfaced in 2019 regarding a relationship with Taiwanese actor Eddie Peng following their collaboration in various projects. However, neither party confirmed the relationship, and recent articles suggest these were likely unfounded or short-lived flings without serious commitment. As of September 2026, there are circulating rumors in Vietnamese and Chinese media suggesting she is dating senior leaders of large corporations, though these reports lack concrete evidence. Currently, Liu Yifei is single. There is no confirmed partner as of late 2026. While rumors persist, she has not publicly announced any new engagements or marriages. She remains focused on her career and is described by fans as independent and dedicated to her craft. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Liu Yifei's net worth at approximately $24 million. This figure reflects her diverse income streams spanning acting salaries, high-value endorsements, and strategic real estate holdings. Her earnings have fluctuated based on project selection, with reports suggesting she commanded around $1.5 million for her role in Mulan and similar figures for peak-era television episodes. Endorsement deals with major luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Bulgari reportedly contribute $2 to $5 million annually combined. Real estate investments in Beijing and Shanghai add another $5 to $8 million to her portfolio. While she has taken a more selective approach to roles in recent years, her status as a global icon ensures continued revenue from licensing and brand partnerships. The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of her earnings, ventures and assets points to roughly $24 million as of 2026. [edit]

Liu Yifei has received numerous accolades throughout her career, particularly within the Chinese entertainment industry. Notable wins include the Best Actress Award at the China Television Arts Festival in 2004 for The Story of a Noble Family and the Audience Choice award at the Golden Eagle Awards in 2005. She was recognized as one of the New Four Dan Actresses by Tencent Entertainment in 2009, a prestigious industry honor. In 2014, she won Best Actress at the Huading Awards for So Young. More recently, she received the Asia Icon Award at the Asia Artist Awards in 2022 and the Most Popular Actress award at the Weibo Night Awards in 2023. Her performance in Meet Yourself earned her the Best Actress award at the Golden Phoenix Awards in 2024. [edit]