In this Chinese name, the family name is Yang.

Yang Yang (actor)

Yang Yang is a popular Chinese actor, born on September 9, 1991. He started his acting career in 2010 with a role in the Chinese television drama, The Dream of Red Mansions.


Over the years, he has gained fame for his performances in various television dramas such as The Lost Tomb (2015), The Whirlwind Girl (2015), Love O2O (2016), Martial Universe (2018), The King's Avatar (2019), You Are My Glory (2021), Glory of Special Forces (2022), and Who Rules The World (2022). He has also starred in movies like The Left Ear (2015), I Belonged to You (2016), and Once Upon a Time (2017). 


Yang Yang's popularity has led to him being ranked 5th on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2017, 27th in 2019, and 44th in 2020. In addition to his acting career, he was selected as China's first Olympic flame torchbearer for the Rio Olympic Games, held in Greece on April 22, 2016. 

Early life

Yang Yang's artistic journey began at the young age of 11 when he got enrolled in the Department of Dance at the People's Liberation Army Arts College in China. He honed his skills there and gained significant experience in performing arts. Later, he also studied at the prestigious Central Academy of Drama for a certain period, which further helped him to refine his craft and develop his acting skills.

Career

Yang Yang's career started in December 2007 when he was chosen by director Li Shaohong to play the lead role of Jia Baoyu in the TV series, The Dream of Red Mansions. This was one of the most expensive Chinese TV series produced, with a budget of RMB118 million (US$17.55 million), and it premiered on July 6th, 2010, gaining him recognition and popularity. 


In 2011, he appeared in the patriotic tribute film, The Founding of a Party, which depicted the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party. Yang continued to add to his filmography by featuring in various genres such as war dramas like The War Doesn't Believe in Tears (2012) and Ultimate Conquest (2013) and romance series like Flowers of Pinellia ternate (2013). 


After seven years with his company, Rosat Entertainment, Yang Yang ended his contract with them on April 29th, 2014, marking a new chapter in his career. 


Yang rose to fame in 2015-2016 for his notable performances in various projects. He gained recognition for his role as Xu Yi in the film The Left Ear, which was his breakthrough performance. He also appeared in the travel-reality show Divas Hit the Road and topped the "2015 Chinese Reality Show Star Ranking". 


Yang continued to impress audiences with his role as Zhang Qiling in the action-adventure web drama The Lost Tomb, which became the most-watched web drama of the year. He also played the male lead in the popular youth sports drama The Whirlwind Girl and released his first single, "Tender Love". Yang won several awards at the end of the year, including the Most Popular TV Actor of the Year at iQiyi All-Star Carnival Night 2016 and the Most Anticipated Actor and Most Influential Actor awards at the China TV Drama Awards. 


In 2016, Yang's popularity skyrocketed with his appearance at the CCTV New Year's Gala, where his song performance "Father and Son" alongside Tong Tiexin was voted the most popular program. He starred in the hit youth romance drama Love O2O, based on the popular novel by Gu Man, which became the most viewed modern drama in China. He released the song "Love is Crazy" to thank his fans for their support. 


Yang also starred in the successful romance film I Belonged to You, which broke the box-office sales record for mainland-produced romance films. He was named one of the Top 10 Chinese celebrities with the most commercial value by CBN Weekly. Overall, Yang Yang's impressive performances and rising popularity during this period established him as one of the most sought-after actors in China's entertainment industry. 

 In 2017, Yang Yang appeared in the romantic fantasy film Once Upon a Time, where he starred alongside Liu Yifei. 


In 2018, Yang starred in the fantasy action-drama Martial Universe, which further established him as a leading actor in the entertainment industry. He was also listed by Forbes China under their 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 list, recognizing influential individuals under 30 who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. 


In 2019, Yang played the leading role of Ye Xiu in the eSports drama The King's Avatar, which received positive reviews and further showcased his acting range. 

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In 2020, Yang starred alongside Jackie Chan in the action movie Vanguard. He also starred in the highly anticipated drama You Are My Glory alongside Dilraba Dilmurat, which gathered a total of 4 billion views worldwide. Later in the year, he played the lead role in the military-themed drama Glory of the Special Forces, directed by Xu Jizhou. 


In 2022, Yang Yang starred in the fantasy romance drama Who Rules the World, based on the novel by Qing Lengyue. He played the lead role opposite Zhao Lusi, and the drama was well-received by audiences. With his impressive acting skills and diverse range of roles, Yang Yang has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. 

 

 

Other activities

In January 2016, Yang Yang made history as the first artist to be featured on a China Post postage stamp, cementing his status as a beloved public figure. 


In February 2017, Yang was honored with a wax figure display at Madame Tussauds Shanghai, and in July of the same year, his second wax figure was showcased at Madame Tussauds Beijing, further solidifying his status as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry. 


In December 2020, luxury goods brand Dunhill announced Yang Yang as its newest Global Brand Ambassador, recognizing his influence and popularity not only in China but on a global scale. 

In September 2021, Yang was appointed as the newest spokesperson for the luxury brand Bulgari, a testament to his widespread appeal and influence in the fashion and beauty industry.


Yang Yang's popularity and impact have transcended the entertainment industry, making him a prominent figure in various fields. 

Endorsements

Year 

Brand 

Title 

2016 

Guerlain 

Brand Spokesperson 

2020 

Dunhill 

Global Brand Spokesperson 

2020 

Fantasy Westward Journey PC Version 

Brand Spokesperson 

2020 

Purjoy 

Brand Spokesperson 

2021 

Bvlgari 

Brand Spokesperson 

2021 

Chandon 

Brand Spokesperson 

2021 

Xilinmen / Sleemon 

Brand Spokesperson 

2021 

Moon Shadow Home 

Brand Spokesperson 

2021 

Fantasy Westward Journey Web Version 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

L'Oreal Hair 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Jin Chen Tea 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Coca Cola 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Caltrate 

Action Ambassador 

2022 

Panasonic Fresh Air System 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Fantasy Westward Journey 3D Edition 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Pejoy 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Nutro 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

Tsingtao 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

L'Oreal Men Expert 

Brand Spokesperson 

2022 

CeraVe 

Brand Spokesperson 

2023 

Bvlgari Fragrance 

Asia-Pasific Spokesperson 

 

 

Filmography

Year 

English title 

Chinese title 

Role 

2011 

The Founding of a Party 

建党伟业 

Yang Kaizhi 

2012 

Joyful Reunion 

饮食男女2012 

Shizhe (young) 

2015 

暴走神探 

Zhanshi Wu 

The Left Ear 

左耳 

Xu Yi 

2016 

I Belonged to You 

从你的全世界路过 

Mao Shiba 

2017 

Once Upon a Time 

三生三世十里桃花 

Ye Hua 

2020 

Vanguard 

急先锋 

Lei Zhen Yu 

 

Television series

Year 

English title 

Chinese title 

Role 

Notes 

2010 

The Dream of Red Mansions 

红楼梦 

Jia Baoyu 

 

2011 

青春旋律 

Ning Hao 

 

2012 

The War Doesn't Believe in Tears 

战争不相信眼泪 

Du Changyou 

 

Refresh 3+7 

刷新3+7 

He Tianze 

 

2013 

Legend of Goddess Luo 

新洛神 

Cao Zhi 

 

Ultimate Conquest 

武间道 

Bai Niansheng 

 

Flowers of Pinellia Ternata 

花开半夏 

Lu Yuan 

 

2014 

Lanterns 

花灯满城 

Fei Yu 

 

Tiny Times 

小时代之折纸时代 

Neil 

 

2015 

少年四大名捕 

Wu Qing 

 

The Lost Tomb 

盗墓笔记 

Zhang Qiling 

 

旋风少女 

Ruo Bai 

Season 1 

2016 

Love O2O 

微微一笑很倾城 

Xiao Nai 

 

My Adorable Husband 

我的蠢萌老公 

Yang Kang 

 

2018 

茧镇奇缘 

Huang Moru 

 

武动乾坤 

Lin Dong 

Season 1–2 

2019 

The King's Avatar 

全职高手 

Ye Xiu / Ye Qiu 

 

2020 

Together 

在一起 

Yue Bin 

Segment: "Peers" 

2021 

You Are My Glory 

你是我的荣耀 

Yu Tu 

 

2022 

The glory of Special Forces 

特战荣耀 

Yan Poyue 

 

Who Rules The World 

且试天下 

Feng Lanxi / Hei Fengxi 

 

TBA 

My Fireworks on Earth 

我的人间烟火 

Song Yan 

 


Short film

Year 

English title 

Chinese title 

2016 

Searching for the Legend of Nian 

寻年传说 

Be and Cherry Eating Show 

百草味演吃会 

Healing Island 

治愈之岛 

Jasmine Flowers 

茉等花开 

My VR Boyfriend 

我的VR男友 

I Am Your Yang Yang Phone 

我是你的咩咩phone 

The Smile of Yi Q 

衣q博士的微微一笑 

2017 

Travel Through an Alluring Smile 

穿越笑倾城 

2017 

The Magical Journey of Liliput 

小人国奇幻之旅 

Love of Jasmine 

茉莉之恋 

Love Toward and Death and Reborn 

爱向死而生 

Protect and Never Let Go 

守护不放 

2018 

Music For Jasmine True Love Confession 

音为茉莉 真情告白 

2019 

Star Picked 

摘星者 

1970, I Am The Main Character 

70年,我是主角 



Awards and nominations

Year 

Event 

Category 

Nominated work 

Result 

2009 

4th BQ Celebrity Score Awards 

Newcomer Award 

 

Won 

2010 

The Mango TV Fan Festival 

Best Couple 

The Dream of Red Mansions 

Won 

2011 

China Power Awards 

Most Beautiful New Star 

 

Won 

Sohu Entertainment Awards 

New Face 

Won 

2015 

Baidu Tieba Fans' Carnival 

Best Trending Artist 

Won 

Bazaar Men of the Year Awards 

Most Attractive Star of the Year 

Won 

Chinese Campus Art Glory Festival 

Most Popular Actor 

The Four 

Won 

4th iQiyi All-Star Carnival 

Popular TV Actor Award 

The Lost Tomb 

Won 

8th China TV Drama Awards 

Most Talked About Actor 

 

Won 

Most Influential Actor in the Media 

Won 

2016 

L'Officiel Night 

Most Popular Actor 

Won 

Baidu Moments Press Conference 

Most Commercially Valuable Male Artist 

Won 

13th Esquire Man At His Best Awards 

Most Commercially Valuable Artist 

Won 

Sohu Fashion Awards 

Most Popular Male Celebrity 

Won 

Youku Young Choice Awards 

Artist of the Year 

Won 

2016 UC Headlines Figure 

Won 

2017 

2nd China Television Drama Quality Ceremony 

Most Popular Quality Actor 

Love O2O 

Won 

Chinese Communist Youth League (CCYL) 

May 4 Medal 

 

Won 

14th Esquire Man At His Best Awards 

Man of the Year 

Won 

Artist of the Year 

Won 

11th Tencent Video Star Awards 

VIP Star of the Year 

Won 

2018 

12th Tencent Video Star Awards 

Won 

Youku Choice Awards 

Most Valuable Star 

Won 

China Youth Day Gala 

Outstanding Young Actor 

Won 

Chinese Communist Youth League (CCYL) 

Outstanding Youth 

Won 

15th Esquire Man At His Best Awards 

Outstanding Mainland Artist 

Won 

Golden Data Entertainment Award 

Most Commercial Endorsement Male Artists 

Won 

2019 

China Entertainment Industry Summit 
(Golden Pufferfish Awards) 

Most Commercially Valuable Artist 

 

Won 

Golden Bud - The Fourth Network Film And Television Festival 

Best Actor 

The King's Avatar 

Nominated 

China Newsweek 

Person of the Year 

 

Won 

Tencent Video All-Star Awards 

VIP Star 

 

Won 

TV Actor of the Year 

The King's Avatar 

Won 

2020 

7th The Actors of China Award Ceremony 

Best Actor (Web series) 

 

Nominated 

Tencent Video All-Star Awards 

VIP Star 

 

Won 

2022 

13th Macau International TV Festival 

Best Actor 

Who Rules the World 

Nominated 

2023 

The Annual Ceremony of Cultural Responsibility & Influence 2023 

Screen Influential Male Character 

The glory of Special Forces 

Won