30 Most Famous People from China: From Ancient Icons to Modern Stars

China has produced many remarkable individuals across various fields, from historical philosophers to contemporary celebrities and athletes. Here’s a list of the top 30 most influential Chinese people in 2024, divided into different categories, with a focus on modern and emerging figures in recent years.

Content Table:

Ancient Philosophers and Thinkers

1. Confucius (孔子) (551-479 BCE)
One of the most influential philosophers in world history, Confucius founded Confucianism, a system of ethical teachings that continue to influence Chinese society and beyond.

2. Laozi (老子) (circa 6th century BCE)
The founder of Taoism, Laozi is best known for his work Tao Te Ching, a foundational text of philosophical Taoism. His teachings emphasize harmony with the Tao, or the natural order.

Historical Leaders and Revolutionaries

3. Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) (259-210 BCE)
The first emperor of a unified China, Qin Shi Huang is famous for his role in creating the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army. His centralization of power set the foundation for future dynasties.

4. Mao Zedong (毛泽东) (1893-1976)
The founding father of the People’s Republic of China, Mao Zedong led the Communist Party to victory in the Chinese Civil War and was a dominant figure in 20th-century Chinese politics.

5. Sun Yat-sen (孙中山) (1866-1925)
Known as the “Father of Modern China,” Sun Yat-sen was a revolutionary who played a key role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and establishing the Republic of China.

6. Deng Xiaoping (邓小平) (1904-1997)
Deng Xiaoping was the paramount leader who opened China to economic reform and modernization in the late 20th century, paving the way for China’s rapid economic rise.

Modern Political Figures

7. Xi Jinping (习近平) (1953-)
As the President of China and General Secretary of the Communist Party, Xi Jinping has continued to shape the country’s domestic and international policies, making him one of the most powerful figures in the world.

8. Zhou Enlai (周恩来) (1898-1976)
Zhou Enlai was the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China, known for his diplomatic efforts in establishing China’s global relationships during the Cold War.

Sports Heroes

9. Yao Ming (姚明) (1980-)
Standing at 7’6″, Yao Ming is one of the most famous Chinese athletes in history. A former NBA All-Star who played for the Houston Rockets, Yao helped bridge the gap between Chinese and American basketball. He is now an influential sports administrator, serving as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

10. Quan Hongchan (全红婵) (2007-)
A teenage diving sensation, Quan Hongchan captured the world’s attention when she won gold in the 10m platform diving event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with near-perfect scores. Her success continues to inspire a new generation of athletes in China.

11. Su Bingtian (苏炳添) (1989-)
Su Bingtian is the first Chinese sprinter to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters. His historic performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he set an Asian record in the semifinals, made him a national hero.

Entertainment: Film, TV, and Music

12. Zhang Yimou (张艺谋) (1951-)
An internationally acclaimed film director, Zhang Yimou continues to make his mark in the film industry with movies that beautifully blend Chinese tradition and modern storytelling. He also directed the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics.

13. Jackie Chan (成龙) (1954-)
Jackie Chan is one of the most recognizable faces in action cinema, known for his unique blend of martial arts and slapstick humor. His films, including Police Story and Rush Hour, have gained worldwide popularity.

14. Bruce Lee (李小龙) (1940-1973)
A martial artist, actor, and filmmaker, Bruce Lee is an iconic figure in global popular culture. His films, such as Enter the Dragon, brought martial arts to the world stage.

15. Gong Li (巩俐) (1965-) A legendary actress who has worked in many of Zhang Yimou’s iconic films such as Raise the Red Lantern and Farewell My Concubine. Gong Li is internationally recognized for her acting prowess and has been a key figure in bringing Chinese cinema to global prominence.

16. Zhang Ziyi (章子怡) (1979-) Best known for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha, Zhang Ziyi is one of China’s most famous actresses internationally. Her exceptional performances have earned her recognition in both Chinese and Western cinema.

17. Jackson Yee (易烊千玺) (2000-)
A member of the popular boy band TFBoys and a successful solo artist, Jackson Yee has also made a name for himself in acting, starring in films like Better Days. He is considered one of the biggest stars of his generation.

18. Cai Xukun (蔡徐坤) (1998-)
Cai Xukun, a singer, songwriter, and producer, rose to fame after winning the talent show Idol Producer. He is known for his musical talent and fashion-forward image, quickly becoming one of the top stars in the Chinese entertainment industry.

19. Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) (1981-)
Despite her tax scandal in 2018, Fan Bingbing has re-emerged in the entertainment world and continues to be one of China’s most recognizable actresses, known for her roles in films like X-Men: Days of Future Past.

20. Dilraba Dilmurat (迪丽热巴) (1992-)
A rising star in China, Dilraba Dilmurat is an actress and model known for her roles in TV dramas like Eternal Love. Her Uyghur heritage and striking beauty have also made her a fashion icon.

Business Leaders and Innovators

21. Jack Ma (马云) (1964-)
The co-founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma is one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs. Although he stepped down from his leadership role at Alibaba, his influence in China’s tech and business scene remains significant.

22. Pony Ma (马化腾) (1971-)
The founder of Tencent, Pony Ma has overseen the growth of China’s tech giant, which operates WeChat and plays a dominant role in gaming and social media.

23. Lei Jun (雷军) (1969-)
Lei Jun is the founder of Xiaomi, one of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers. His leadership and vision have made Xiaomi a major player in global tech.

24. Ren Zhengfei (任正非) (1944-)
As the founder of Huawei, Ren Zhengfei has been at the center of international attention, particularly regarding the company’s role in the global 5G network race and ongoing tensions with the U.S.

Science and Medicine

25. Tu Youyou (屠呦呦) (1930-)
A Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Tu Youyou discovered artemisinin, a drug that has saved millions of lives by treating malaria. Her groundbreaking work continues to be celebrated globally.style and practical health advice made him a trusted voice in the crisis.

26. Yuan Longping (袁隆平) (1930-2021)
Known as the “Father of Hybrid Rice,” Yuan Longping’s agricultural innovations helped prevent famine and feed billions of people worldwide. His legacy in Chinese science remains unparalleled.

Writers and Cultural Figures

27. Mo Yan (莫言) (1955-)
A Nobel Prize-winning author, Mo Yan is known for his works such as Red Sorghum, which combine magical realism with deep insights into rural Chinese life and history.

28. Yu Hua (余华) (1960-)
A prominent contemporary Chinese novelist, Yu Hua is best known for his novels To Live and Brothers, which explore modern Chinese society and its historical traumas.

29. Li Bai (李白) (701-762)
One of China’s most famous poets, Li Bai is known for his romantic and imaginative poetry. His works often celebrate nature, friendship, and the joys of life.

Art and Architecture

30. I.M. Pei (贝聿铭) (1917-2019)
I.M. Pei was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, blending modernist architecture with traditional design elements. His notable works include the iconic glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Pei’s minimalist and functional designs have left a lasting impact on the global architectural landscape.

Culture to Know