Ryan Cheng

Ryan Cheng, professionally known as Cheng Lei (Chinese: 丞磊), is a prominent Chinese actor born Yang Huixiang (杨辉翔) on December 18, 1993, in Dongguan, Guangdong Province. A Sagittarius by birth sign, he stands at approximately 186 cm (6'1") and has rapidly ascended from an architectural student to one of the most sought-after leading men in the C-drama industry. His career gained significant momentum in 2022 with the short drama A Familiar Stranger, but it was his portrayal of the complex antagonist Gong Shangjue in the 2023 historical romance My Journey to You that cemented his status as a top-tier talent. Viewers praise his ability to convey deep emotion through subtle expressions rather than relying on flashy stunts.

As of November 2026, Cheng continues to expand his portfolio with lead roles in high-profile productions. He recently starred as Marshal Yu Changxuan in the republic-era war drama The Lament of Autumn, where he played a morally ambiguous character that sparked intense debate among audiences. His upcoming projects include the role of Xiahou Dan in the series How Dare You!?. At 32 years old, he remains active and healthy, focusing on building a diverse filmography that showcases his range across genres. He has not yet won major industry awards such as the Golden Eagle Awards or Magnolia Awards, though his accolades are reflected in viewer ratings and trending rankings. [edit]

Before entering the entertainment world, Ryan Cheng pursued a completely different path. He graduated from the Hebei Academy of Fine Arts with a degree in Architectural Design between 2013 and 2015, a background that would later influence his meticulous approach to character construction and set design. Unlike many of his peers who trained extensively in drama conservatories, Cheng entered the industry with a discipline honed by architecture studies. His transition to acting began around 2018 when he started working as a model, participating in fashion weeks in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

The road to success was far from smooth. Between 2018 and 2021, Cheng attended over 30 unsuccessful auditions for acting roles. These rejections were frequent enough that he seriously considered quitting the industry entirely. He often recalls this period as a time of near-despair, noting that he almost gave up after the thirtieth failed attempt. "I almost gave up after the thirtieth audition. But I realized that if I stopped now, I would regret it forever," he stated during a 2023 press conference. It was only his realization that stopping now would lead to lifelong regret that kept him going. This persistence eventually paid off when he secured the role of Xiao Hansheng in the short drama A Familiar Stranger in 2022, marking the end of his struggle and the beginning of his rise to fame. [edit]

Cheng's breakthrough arrived in 2022 with the short drama A Familiar Stranger, where his performance as Xiao Hansheng caught the attention of industry producers. This role served as a catalyst, paving the way for more substantial opportunities. In 2023, he achieved widespread recognition for portraying Gong Shangjue in the historical romance series My Journey to You. His depiction of a stoic, complex antagonist-turned-protagonist solidified his reputation as a leading man capable of handling period pieces with emotional depth. The role earned him a dedicated fanbase that frequently praises his unique acting style, particularly his famous bathtub scenes which went viral across Chinese social media platforms.

Following this success, Cheng expanded his filmography with lead roles in major productions. In 2024, he signed an exclusive contract with a major talent agency and launched his first brand endorsements. In 2025, he starred as Xiao Jue in the fantasy-historical epic Legend of the Female General. His most recent high-profile project, released in late 2026, is The Lament of Autumn, where he plays Marshal Yu Changxuan opposite Xu Ruohan. The drama premiered in October 2026 to a hot start but faced criticism for its controversial ending and forced intimacy scenes, though Cheng's performance as a "red-flag marshal" was widely discussed for its intensity and complexity. He is also slated to play Xiahou Dan in the 2026 series How Dare You!?, further demonstrating his range in handling antagonistic and morally ambiguous characters. [edit]

Cheng Lei's public image is characterized by a "quiet intensity" and a sophisticated aesthetic often described as "architectural elegance." Media portrays him as a serious, hardworking actor who avoids controversy, contributing to his reputation as a reliable leading man. He is often noted for his "husband-vibe charm," a term used by fans to describe his protective and mature demeanor on screen. His content tone is generally professional, with social media posts focused on behind-the-scenes glimpses and promotional material. He is often cited for his acting philosophy: "I don't rely on flashiness. I try to make the audience feel the silence between my lines." Unlike some celebrities who engage heavily with fans online, Cheng maintains a boundary between his public and private life, preferring to let his work speak for itself. [edit]

Cheng Lei is currently not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list, reflecting that iFANN has not yet collected comprehensive fame data for him. Despite this lack of formal ranking, his standing within the C-drama community is undeniable. He commands a highly organized and vocal fanbase, often referred to simply as the "Lei Family" or "Little Chengs." This group is known for its digital activism, frequently driving streaming numbers on platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video.

Fans have launched notable campaigns such as the "Bathtub Challenge" following his viral scenes in My Journey to You, creating art and edits that celebrate his unique acting style. The fandom is influential enough to impact casting decisions and script adjustments in some instances. While Cheng himself rarely interacts directly with fans on social media, maintaining a professional distance, the support from his audience remains a defining feature of his career trajectory. His growing international reach is evident in his Instagram following, which exceeds 74,000 followers on reels alone. [edit]

Cheng Lei holds a unique distinction in the C-drama community as the "King of Bathtub Scenes." This unofficial title stems from his viral performance in My Journey to You, where fans created countless edits celebrating his ability to convey vulnerability without dialogue. Before acting, he studied architecture, a fact that informs his meticulous attention to costume and set details during filming. Despite his rising popularity, he keeps his family life strictly out of the public eye, rarely mentioning parents or siblings in interviews. He is also known as a foodie, often sharing photos of local dishes he discovers while filming in various locations. Another notable aspect of his persona is his "quiet intensity," a trait media often describes as architectural elegance due to his structured and serious demeanor. [edit]

Cheng Lei maintains a notably private profile regarding his personal life. While there is significant public interest in his background, he rarely shares details about his family. Reports indicate he has not publicly mentioned specific family members or their professions. He lives in Beijing or Shanghai, maintaining standard residential properties without widely publicized real estate holdings. He keeps his family life strictly out of the public eye, rarely mentioning parents or siblings in interviews. His social media presence focuses primarily on professional content rather than personal updates, allowing him to keep his private life separate from his public career. [edit]

Xu Ruohan, The Lament of Autumn Team, My Journey to You Producers[edit]

Ryan Cheng maintains a notably private profile regarding his romantic life. Despite intense public interest and frequent searches regarding his marital status, there are no credible reports confirming any marriages, engagements, or long-term romantic partnerships as of late 2026. All available data indicates he is currently single. While tabloid rumors occasionally surface regarding potential flings or secret relationships, none have been substantiated by multiple credible outlets or confirmed by the actor himself. He has not publicly addressed specific dating history, choosing instead to focus on his craft. Consequently, there are no children reported from any relationship, and he remains unmarried. His social media presence is professional, focusing primarily on promotional content for his dramas rather than personal updates. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of Cheng Lei's earnings, ventures and assets points to roughly $2.5 million USD as of 2026. This estimate reflects his rapid ascent from a struggling model to a top-tier leading man. His wealth sources include per-episode salaries for television dramas, estimated at $50,000–$80,000 per episode for lead roles, endorsement deals with lifestyle and beauty brands, and merchandise sales tied to his popular characters. Estimates vary by source: Celebrity Net Worth projects a figure closer to $2.5 million based on his lead roles in three major 2025–2026 productions, while Forbes China estimates his earnings from The Lament of Autumn alone contributed significantly to a $1.8 million total. Asian Entertainment Weekly suggests a conservative $1.5 million due to his relatively short tenure as a star compared to veteran actors. He does not appear to have major real estate holdings outside of standard residential properties in Beijing or Shanghai, nor does he have a widely publicized production company at this stage of his career. [edit]