Chen Yuqi
Chen Yuqi (Chinese: 陈钰琪; born July 29, 1992), also known as Yukee Chen, is a Chinese actress recognized for her roles in historical and wuxia television series.[1] Born in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Chen graduated from the Department of Arts at Jincheng College of Sichuan University and entered the entertainment industry in 2016 with a supporting role as the spirited Ninth Princess Tuoba Di in the popular historical drama The Princess Weiyoung, marking her acting debut under Tang Yan's production studio.[2][3] Her career gained significant momentum in 2019 when she portrayed the cunning and charismatic Zhao Min in the wuxia adaptation Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre, a role that earned her critical acclaim and four major awards, including Best Actress in a Web Series at the 6th The Actors of China Award Ceremony and Breakthrough Actress of the Year at the Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival.[2][3] Since her breakthrough, Chen has expanded her portfolio with lead roles in diverse genres, often emphasizing strong female characters in period settings. Notable subsequent works include the romantic suspense drama I've Fallen for You (2020), the fantasy epic Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities (2021) opposite Li Yifeng, and the palace intrigue series Forbidden Love (2023) alongside Dylan Wang, where she played the clever concubine Bu Yinlou.[4] In recent years, she has continued to star in high-profile projects, such as the war drama Our Homeland (2025) and the xianxia romance Love in Pavilion (2025), solidifying her status as a prominent figure in Chinese television.[2]Early life
Birth and family
Chen Yuqi was born Chen Qian on July 29, 1992, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.[2][5] She was raised in an ordinary family in Chengdu, though details about her siblings, if any, remain limited in public records.[6] Her father initially opposed her pursuit of a career in the performing arts, while her mother provided encouragement that helped sustain her early ambitions.[6] Chen spent her formative years in Chengdu. From a young age, Chen displayed a keen interest in the performing arts, participating in school and community performances.[6] To improve her posture for acting, she began intensive dance training during her freshman year of college, which became a foundational part of her physical preparation.[7]Education
Chen Yuqi enrolled in 2011 at Jincheng College of Sichuan University (now Chengdu Jincheng College), where she majored in performance within the Art Department.[8] Recognizing the uncertainties of an acting career, she later obtained an accounting certificate as a precautionary measure, encouraged by her mother.[9] Throughout her studies, Chen balanced her performance coursework with practical experiences that honed her skills. In May 2014, she starred in the college's graduation drama The Last Struggle, taking on the challenging role of a sixty-year-old matriarch in a revolutionary family, which demonstrated her versatility and received positive feedback from her instructors.[10] She later earned a teacher qualification certificate during her early acting career.[11] Following her 2015 graduation, Chen heeded advice from her performance teacher and relocated to Hengdian World Studios, where she initially worked as an extra to gain hands-on industry exposure and bridge her formal training to professional opportunities.[10]Career
Beginnings and debut (2015–2018)
Chen Yuqi began her career in the entertainment industry as an extra at Hengdian World Studios, enduring 16-hour workdays for as little as 35 yuan per day—often less than her transportation costs—while struggling to secure meaningful roles. In 2015, while working as an extra on the set of the film A Chinese Odyssey Part Three, she was discovered by actress Tang Yan, who recognized her potential and signed her as the first artist to her newly established studio, Sunlight Media. This pivotal moment marked a turning point, transitioning her from obscurity to structured professional opportunities.[12] Her official debut arrived with a minor bit part in A Chinese Odyssey Part Three, released in 2016. That year, Chen gained significant visibility through her supporting role as the quirky and endearing ninth princess, Tuoba Di, in the historical drama The Princess Weiyoung, a production under Tang Yan's studio. The character's sassy demeanor and the drama's popularity helped elevate her profile, earning her the Annual Emerging Drama Star award in February 2017.[2][5][13] In 2017, Chen secured her first leading role as the determined Xing Hui in the fantasy web drama Private Shushan Gakuen, opposite Wang Yibo; however, the series remains unreleased as of 2025. She also took on a supporting role as the student Chen Lin in the campus comedy Fresh Teachers, providing a brief departure from period pieces. Her early film work included a lead turn as Yu Jia in the wuxia web film Man Hunter, where she portrayed a key figure in a tale of martial intrigue.[2][14][15] By 2018, Chen further solidified her presence with the role of Liu Ying, the bold and heroic demon princess of Bian City, in the hit fantasy romance Ashes of Love, a character known for her cheerful warrior spirit and tragic romance. As a newcomer in a highly competitive field, she navigated challenges like financial instability and exhaustive schedules from her extra days, while her initial projects frequently typecast her in fantasy and historical genres, limiting early diversification.[16][17][12]Breakthrough roles (2019)
In 2019, Chen Yuqi landed her breakthrough lead role as Zhao Min, the cunning and charismatic Mongolian princess, in the wuxia drama Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre, a highly anticipated adaptation of Jin Yong's renowned novel The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber. Aired on Tencent Video from February 27 to April 17, the 50-episode series marked the first web-exclusive version of the story, featuring elaborate martial arts choreography and historical intrigue set during the late Yuan Dynasty. Yuqi's performance captured Zhao Min's multifaceted personality—from a pampered schemer to a devoted romantic—drawing on her prior supporting roles to deliver nuanced expressions and emotional depth.[18][19] The drama's success propelled Yuqi's career forward, significantly expanding her fanbase and attracting widespread media attention in China's competitive entertainment industry. Her portrayal resonated with audiences, positioning her as a rising star in wuxia genres and leading to increased endorsements and interview opportunities. This surge in visibility transformed her from an emerging actress into a household name, with online discussions and fan communities highlighting her chemistry with lead actor Zeng Shunxi.[2][20] To promote the series, Yuqi participated in various activities, including in-depth interviews where she shared insights on embodying the iconic character and the month-long martial arts training she underwent despite Zhao Min's limited fight scenes. Promotional materials, such as couple posters featuring her alongside Zeng Shunxi, were released in February 2019, generating buzz ahead of the premiere. She also made public appearances at industry events tied to the drama's launch, further engaging fans through social media teasers and behind-the-scenes content.[19][21] Initial critical reception praised Yuqi's acting as a standout element, with reviewers noting her ability to convey Zhao Min's mischief and vulnerability as the series' emotional core. The drama garnered strong viewership on Tencent Video, achieving an average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from over 2,700 users on major platforms, reflecting its appeal as a faithful yet fresh take on the classic tale. This positive response underscored the project's impact, solidifying Yuqi's reputation for versatile period roles.[18][20]Expansion and recent projects (2020–2025)
Following her breakthrough in 2019, Chen Yuqi expanded her career by taking on lead roles in a variety of genres, showcasing her range from fantasy epics to modern comedies. In 2020, she starred as Chong Xue Zhi in the wuxia romance drama And the Winner Is Love, portraying a resilient martial artist navigating love and rivalry in a turbulent world. Later that year, she led The Love Lasts Two Minds as Yuan Qing Li, a character entangled in a fantastical tale of reincarnation and enduring affection across lifetimes. By 2022, Chen diversified further into high-fantasy with her dual role as Bai Ying and Bai Wei in Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities, a sprawling epic about intertwined destinies in parallel realms, which highlighted her ability to handle complex, ethereal characters.[22] That same year, she headlined the time-travel romance See You Again opposite Hu Yitian, playing Jin A Yin, a screenwriter whose life intersects with a Republican-era star, blending humor and heartfelt emotion. She also took the lead in the historical palace drama Unchained Love as Bu Yin Lou, a concubine caught in schemes and forbidden romance, further demonstrating her prowess in intricate period pieces. In 2023, Chen ventured into cinema with her role as A Ju in the action wuxia film Sakra, directed by and starring Donnie Yen, adapting Jin Yong's classic novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and marking her entry into martial arts cinema with intense fight sequences and dramatic depth.[23] On television, she starred as Yu Chun Yang in the espionage thriller Thin Ice, set in 1940s Shanghai, where her character uncovers secrets amid wartime intrigue, expanding into suspenseful narratives.[24] She also led the sports comedy Never Give Up as Fan Si Si, a determined employee in a corporate underdog story, infusing the role with comedic timing and resilience. That year, she debuted in reality television as a regular member on Shu Yu Wo Men De Xia Tian Season 2, a variety show focused on summer activities and personal growth.[25] Chen's versatility continued into 2025 with supporting roles in major fantasy productions, including Mo Yan Xia (White Phoenix) in The Journey of Legend, a wuxia adventure exploring martial arts lore and protection quests, and Du Niang Zi in Love in Pavilion, the Zhu Ye arc of the Fox Spirit Matchmaker series, delving into human-spirit romances.[26] She returned to leading roles as Liu Zhu Mei in the historical war drama Our Homeland, depicting a county magistrate's daughter joining the Communist Party during the 1937–1945 resistance against Japanese invasion, emphasizing themes of patriotism and sacrifice.[27] These projects, often streamed on platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video, underscored her growing presence in diverse, high-profile productions, including international releases like Sakra in North American theaters, solidifying her status as a multifaceted actress. As of November 2025, she has several upcoming projects including lead roles in Maybe This Is Love, Shadows of Desire, and The Wind and the Waves Will End.[28]Filmography
Films
Chen Yuqi made her screen debut in films with small roles in short and independent productions before taking on supporting and lead parts in genre films, particularly wuxia. Her contributions to cinema highlight her versatility in romantic comedies and action-oriented narratives, often portraying strong female characters amid ensemble casts.| Year | Title | Role | Director | Key Co-stars | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Hold Our Love (Hold住我们的爱情) | Fan Baobei | Not specified | Not specified | Short film marking her early minor role in a romantic comedy. [5] |
| 2014 | Love Montage (被错过的那些年) | Dong Jiani | Not specified | Not specified | Supporting role in a romantic drama exploring missed connections in youth. [29] |
| 2016 | A Chinese Odyssey Part Three (大话西游3) | Niu Xiangxiang's subordinate | Jeffrey Lau | Han Geng, Tang Yan, Wu Jing | Bit part in the fantasy comedy sequel, which grossed approximately $53 million worldwide, contributing to the film's ensemble of mythical characters. [30] [31] |
| 2016 | Man Hunter (侠捕) | Yu Jia | Not specified | Sun Zujun | Lead role in the wuxia web film involving mystery and martial arts intrigue; her performance as the central female protagonist showcased early action skills. [15] [32] |
| 2023 | Sakra (天龙八部之乔峰传) | Azhu | Donnie Yen | Donnie Yen, Cya Liu, Kara Wai | Supporting role as the kind-hearted Azhu in the wuxia adaptation of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils; critics noted her adequate portrayal but limited chemistry with the lead, amid the film's focus on martial arts spectacle that earned mixed reviews for action sequences. [33] [34] [35] |
Television series
Chen Yuqi's television career primarily consists of roles in Chinese dramas spanning historical, fantasy, romance, and wuxia genres, often broadcast on major streaming platforms like Tencent Video and iQiyi. She began with supporting parts in web series and progressed to leading roles in high-profile productions. The following lists her key television series appearances in chronological order by release year.| Year | Title (Chinese) | Role | Genre | Episodes | Network/Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Tian Tai Meng Zhu (天台萌主) | Fu Yanyue | Romance | Unknown | Tudou |
| 2016 | The Princess Weiyoung (锦绣未央) | Tuoba Di | Historical, Romance | 54 | Youku, Tencent Video |
| 2017 | Private Shushan Gakuen (私蜀山学院) | Xing Hui | Fantasy | 30 | Youku |
| 2017 | Fresh Teachers (老师刚刚) | Chen Lin | Comedy | 24 | Unknown |
| 2018 | Ashes of Love (香蜜沉沉烬如霜) | Liu Ying | Fantasy, Romance | 63 | Tencent Video |
| 2019 | Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre (倚天屠龙记) | Zhao Min | Wuxia | 50 | Tencent Video |
| 2020 | And the Winner Is Love (琉璃) | Chong Xue Zhi | Fantasy, Romance | 48 | Tencent Video |
| 2022 | Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities (双城记) | Bai Ying / Bai Wei | Fantasy | 43 | Tencent Video |
| 2022 | Unchained Love (锦心似玉) | Bu Yin Lou | Historical, Romance | 36 | Tencent Video |
| 2022 | See You Again (超时空罗曼史; also known as Macross Romance) | Jin A Yin / Jin Zi | Romance, Fantasy | 30 | iQiyi |
| 2022 | Never Give Up (公诉) | Fan Si Si | Legal, Drama | 40 | CCTV |
| 2023 | Thin Ice (冰面之下) | Yu Chun Yang | Suspense, Thriller | 40 | iQiyi |
| TBA | Changfeng Polang Zhong You Shi (长风破浪中还有诗) | Tian Xiao Wan | Youth, Romance | 34 | iQiyi |
| 2025 | Love in Pavilion (淮水竹亭) | Du Niang Zi | Xianxia, Fantasy, Romance | 36 | iQiyi |
| 2025 | Our Homeland (我们的河山) | Liu Zhumei | War, Drama | 40 | CCTV, iQiyi |