Liu Yifei, a Chinese American actress and singer, rose to prominence as one of China's most celebrated young stars before captivating a global audience with her leading role in a major Disney production. Known for her ethereal beauty and versatile performances, she was officially named one of the New Four Dan actresses of China in 2009, cementing her status in the industry. Her career, spanning acclaimed television dramas and international film, showcases a journey from a beloved domestic star to an icon recognized worldwide.

Born An Feng on August 25, 1987, in Wuhan, Hubei, China, she later took her mother Liu Xiaoli's surname. Her early life included a period in the United States, and she holds American nationality. Displaying artistic talent from a young age, she studied dance and returned to China to pursue acting, enrolling at the Beijing Film Academy. Her career began in television, where she quickly gained attention for her leading roles in popular series. She starred as Bai Xiuzhu in The Story of a Noble Family and her portrayal of Wang Yuyan in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils earned her widespread popularity. This was followed by her iconic role as Zhao Ling'er in the fantasy series Chinese Paladin, which solidified her as a top-tier actress in the early 2000s.

Transitioning to the big screen, Liu Yifei appeared in various Chinese and international co-productions, including The Forbidden Kingdom alongside martial arts legends Jackie Chan and Jet Li. She also demonstrated her vocal talents by releasing a self-titled Mandarin pop album in 2006. However, her career reached a new international zenith when she was cast as the titular warrior in Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan. The role demanded extensive physical training and placed her at the forefront of a major Hollywood production, significantly expanding her global fanbase.

Following Mulan, Liu Yifei continued to balance projects with broad appeal and nuanced dramatic work. She returned to Chinese television with great success, starring in the historical drama A Dream of Splendor and the modern series Meet Yourself, both of which were critically and commercially popular. She also filmed the romantic drama The Tale of Rose. Her consistent presence on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list underscores her enduring influence. Liu Yifei remains a formidable figure in entertainment, seamlessly navigating between Eastern and Western markets while captivating audiences with her depth and grace.