Zhao Liying, born on October 16, 1987, and also known as Zanilia Zhao, stands as one of China’s most accomplished and beloved actresses, having risen from humble beginnings to dominate the small screen and earn top acting honors. Her journey from a provincial contestant in a talent search to a Best Actress winner at both the Flying Apsaras and Golden Eagle Awards exemplifies a remarkable career built on versatility and resilience. Zhao first captured widespread attention with her breakout role in the historical drama Legend of Lu Zhen in 2013, where her portrayal of a strong-willed woman navigating court intrigue showcased her emotional depth and established her as a rising star in Chinese television.
Following that success, Zhao became a household name through a string of commercially and critically acclaimed dramas. She captivated audiences with the romantic comedy Boss & Me in 2014 and achieved massive popularity with the fantasy epic The Journey of Flower in 2015, a role that cemented her status as a leading actress in the xianxia genre. She continued her momentum with appearances in The Mystic Nine and Noble Aspirations in 2016, before delivering a powerful performance in the action-packed Princess Agents in 2017. Her portrayal of the resilient Sheng Minglan in the period drama The Story of Minglan in 2018 earned her critical acclaim for its nuanced depiction of a resourceful woman in feudal society, further solidifying her reputation for choosing complex roles. She later starred in Legend of Fei in 2020 and returned to the fantasy genre with The Legend of Shen Li in 2024.
Zhao’s career reached a new peak in 2022 with her performance in Wild Bloom, a drama that showcased her range as an actress. Her compelling work earned her the Best Actress award at both the prestigious Flying Apsaras Awards and the Golden Eagle Awards, marking a historic double recognition that placed her among the elite of Chinese television. In addition to her television triumphs, Zhao has made notable strides in film, appearing in Duckweed in 2017, The Monkey King 3 in 2018, and the critically lauded Article 20 in 2024, where she worked alongside director Zhang Yimou. Throughout her career, Zhao Liying has maintained a reputation for dedication to her craft, often performing her own stunts and immersing herself fully in each character. Her journey from a small-town girl in Hebei Province to a national icon continues to inspire fans, and she remains a dominant force in Chinese entertainment, consistently choosing projects that challenge both her and her audience.