Early Life and Education
Zhao Liying, also known as Zanilia Zhao, was born on October 16, 1987, in Langfang, Hebei, China. Raised in a village, she attributes her strong will and tenacious personality to her experiences of rural life. Zhao graduated from the Langfang School of Electronic Information Engineering, a secondary professional training school.
Career Beginnings (2006-2012)
Zhao Liying entered the entertainment industry in 2006 when she won the Yahoo Search Star Game, subsequently signing with Huayi Brothers. Her acting debut came in 2007 with the family drama “Golden Marriage” directed by Zheng Xiaolong.
She ventured into historical drama in 2009 with “The Firmament of The Pleiades,” which garnered critical acclaim, especially after being broadcast on Japanese channel NHK.
Rising Popularity and Breakthrough (2013-2015)
In 2013, Zhao starred in the historical drama “Legend of Lu Zhen,” portraying an ordinary girl who rises to become the first female prime minister. The series was a hit both domestically and internationally, leading to numerous newcomer and popularity awards for Zhao.
The following year, 2014, brought even more success with the romantic comedy “Boss & Me,” based on the popular novel “Shan Shan Comes to Eat.” This series solidified Zhao’s popularity, topping ratings in China and gaining significant popularity overseas.
Her role in “The Journey of Flower” in 2015 further propelled Zhao’s career. This xianxia romance drama was a massive success in China, breaking online viewing records and earning Zhao accolades such as Best Actress at the China TV Golden Eagle Award.
Mainstream Recognition (2016-present)
In 2016, Zhao starred in the action adventure drama “The Mystic Nine” and the wuxia drama “Noble Aspirations.” Both series were highly popular, with “Noble Aspirations” setting a record for online views. Zhao won the Best Actress award for “The Mystic Nine.”
2017 was a notable year for Zhao, with roles in the successful film “Duckweed” and the historical action drama “Princess Agents.” The latter was a significant hit, becoming one of the most-watched Chinese television series at the time.
The following years continued to see Zhao in high-profile projects. In 2018, she starred in the historical drama “The Story of Minglan,” which received critical acclaim and topped ratings. She was also cast in the fantasy adventure film “The Monkey King 3.”
In 2019, Zhao was announced as the female lead in the wuxia drama “Legend of Fei,” based on the novel by Priest.
Other Activities
Beyond acting, Zhao Liying has been involved in various activities. She was named the tourism ambassador of Hebei in 2016 and became the Vice President of Yi Xia Technology the same year.
Zhao has also ventured into brand endorsements, becoming a brand ambassador for Dior in China. Her wax figure was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Beijing in 2017.
Personal Life
Zhao Liying announced her marriage to actor Feng Shaofeng on October 16, 2018, on Sina Weibo. They welcomed a son on March 8, 2019. However, the couple announced their divorce on April 23, 2021, ending their two-year marriage.
Throughout her career, Zhao Liying has risen to become one of China’s most popular and acclaimed actresses, known for her versatile roles and impressive performances across various genres.