Zhao Liying

Zhao Liying, known internationally as Zanilia Zhao, is a Chinese actress and singer who has become one of the most bankable stars in Chinese television. Born on October 16, 1987, in Langfang, Hebei, she rose to fame with the 2013 historical drama Legend of Lu Zhen, transforming from a supporting player into a leading lady almost overnight. Since then, she has headlined numerous hit series, including Boss & Me (2014), The Journey of Flower (2015), and Princess Agents (2017), and has also made a mark in film with titles like Duckweed (2017) and Article 20 (2024).

Her performance in the 2022 drama Wild Bloom earned her Best Actress at both the Flying Apsaras Awards and the Golden Eagle Awards, two of China's top television honors. In 2024, she added the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Supporting Actress for Article 20 to her collection. With over 20 TV series and 10 films to her name, Zhao remains a consistent ratings draw and a favorite among Chinese audiences, known for her natural acting ability and gentle elegance. She continues to expand her repertoire, with an upcoming historical war epic slated for 2026. [edit]

Zhao Liying grew up in Langfang, a city in Hebei Province, in a modest family. Unlike many of her peers who attended prestigious performing arts academies, she did not receive formal acting training at a top drama school. Her path into entertainment began through a local talent competition, which led to her entry into the industry. She spent years auditioning and taking bit parts, building her craft through minor appearances in television series. Her early career was marked by persistence, she took on small roles and supporting parts while honing her skills, gradually gaining recognition for her natural acting ability and on-screen presence. This period of struggle and dedication would later be described by media as a "real-life Cinderella" story, highlighting her rise from humble beginnings to stardom. [edit]

Zhao Liying's breakthrough came in 2013 with the costume drama Legend of Lu Zhen, where she went from supporting player to headliner almost overnight. This role showcased her range and set off a string of popular series: Boss & Me (2014), The Journey of Flower (2015), The Mystic Nine (2016), Noble Aspirations (2016), and Princess Agents (2017). She balanced television stardom with film roles, appearing in Duckweed (2017) and The Monkey King 3 (2018). In 2020, she starred in Legend of Fei.

Her performance in the 2022 drama Wild Bloom earned her Best Actress at both the Flying Apsaras Awards and the Golden Eagle Awards. In 2024, she starred in the legal drama Article 20, winning Best Supporting Actress at the 37th Hundred Flowers Awards, and also headlined The Legend of Shen Li. In January 2025, she was named global brand ambassador for the premium French skincare brand Galénic. Her upcoming project, Battle of Penghu, a historical war epic based on the 1683 battle led by Shi Lang, is scheduled for release on July 25, 2026. [edit]

Zhao Liying is portrayed in media as a "real-life Cinderella" figure, someone who rose from humble beginnings through persistence and talent. Her signature style is often described as gentle, elegant, and charming. She is a consistent ratings draw and favorite among Chinese audiences, balancing television stardom with film roles. Her content spans historical dramas, romantic comedies, action series, and legal dramas, demonstrating significant range. Fans admire her for her natural beauty and down-to-earth personality, and she has a strong presence on social media, where she regularly engages with her followers. [edit]

Zhao Liying commands a devoted audience that has grown alongside her career, though no formal name has been officially adopted for her fanbase. While specific rituals or organized campaigns are not documented in public records, her supporters have demonstrated significant influence through viewership metrics and charitable initiatives aligned with her projects. She has publicly acknowledged this connection, noting that audience support serves as the primary driver of her professional reach. Her commercial appeal is further evidenced by high-profile partnerships, including her appointment as the global brand ambassador for Galénic in January 2025. This marketability reflects a sustained presence in the cultural consciousness that transcends individual releases. In terms of measurable prominence, Zhao Liying holds a position of considerable standing within the entertainment landscape. She is currently ranked as the 68th most famous person in China, a placement maintained from the previous cycle. Within her specific genre, she is recognized as the 9th most famous person in C-Drama, also holding steady in the latest assessment. These figures reflect a broad footprint across media coverage and consumption signals worldwide, solidifying her status as a dominant force in contemporary Chinese television.[edit]

Zhao Liying is known internationally as Zanilia Zhao, a Westernized name adopted for global audiences. She is frequently cited in beauty features as one of the Chinese actresses who looks amazing without makeup. A notable industry development involves actress Li Yitong, who once served as Zhao Liying's body double, reportedly taking on as many as 14 such roles before Li Yitong achieved stardom herself during Zhao's hiatus. Zhao is also known for her gentle and elegant style, which has made her a favorite in fashion and beauty circles. Beyond her personal image, a persistent narrative surrounds her rise from humble beginnings as a stuntwoman to becoming a leading superstar, often described as a real-life Cinderella story. This transformation remains a central theme in how her career is discussed in media profiles. Her critical acclaim was further cemented when she won Best Actress at the Golden Eagle Awards for her performance in Wild Bloom, marking a significant peak in her recognition among critics and peers alike.[edit]

Zhao Liying married actor Feng Shaofeng, and the couple has a son together. They divorced, but as of 2026, reports suggest they have reunited amid pregnancy rumors. Zhao has kept her family life relatively private, but she has shared that her son is a priority in her life. She often speaks about balancing her demanding career with motherhood, and her family has been a source of support throughout her journey. In November 2025, at age 38, she announced "good news," with fans celebrating her beauty and elegance. [edit]

Zhao Liying is associated with actor Feng Shaofeng, her ex-husband, with whom she shares a son. She has also been linked to actress Li Yitong, who once served as her body double and later rose to stardom. Additionally, she co-starred with Yin Fang in What a Wonderful World, which premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. [edit]

Zhao Liying married actor Feng Shaofeng in 2018. The couple welcomed a son in 2019. Their marriage was short-lived, and they announced their divorce in 2021. However, as of 2026, reports suggest they have reunited, with pregnancy rumors circulating. The couple has been spotted together, and Zhao has not received new film offers during this period, fueling speculation about their reconciliation. While neither has officially confirmed the reunion, fans are hopeful for a happy ending. [edit]

Zhao Liying stands as one of China's highest-paid television actresses, with income derived primarily from leading roles in major dramas and films, alongside lucrative brand endorsements. In January 2025, she expanded her portfolio by becoming the global brand ambassador for Galénic, a premium French skincare brand. While she has engaged in various business ventures and investments, specific details regarding these holdings remain undisclosed to the public. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, her estimated net worth is around $50 Million as of 2026, a figure that has grown steadily over the years due to her consistent success in the entertainment industry.[edit]

Zhao Liying has won several major acting awards, including Best Actress at the Flying Apsaras Awards and the Golden Eagle Awards for her role in Wild Bloom (2022). She also won Best Supporting Actress at the Hundred Flowers Awards for Article 20 (2024). [edit]