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Fran Lu

Chinese actor Yan Yikuan is renowned for his striking looks, often described as “god’s work”.
However, he has never been preoccupied with his appearance and has rejected the label of “beauty”.
Yan, 45, has turned down numerous opportunities that could have propelled him to superstardom, choosing instead to prioritise his family life and embrace a more fulfilling, grounded lifestyle.
He chose not to play the leading man in favour of more diverse and challenging roles.
Born Yan Kuan in Shanghai, he had aspirations of becoming a musician when he was young.

In 1998, at the age of 18, he enrolled in the Shanghai Theatre Academy, setting the stage for his acting career. His television debut came in 1999 with the Chinese series Love Letter, in which he portrayed a divorced father and playboy.
Despite his striking good looks capturing the attention of audiences, Yan has consistently prioritised substance over style.
Over the years, fans and media have crafted various nicknames to describe his features, calling him “god’s work” and noting the precision of his “3D modelled face”.
He was later known for his roles in Taiji Prodigy (2002) and The Prince of Qin, Li Shimin (2005). His appearances in costume dramas, usually playing noblemen, were especially popular.
Yan also became known as one of the “Four Beauties of Tianya” by users of China’s once-popular internet forum of the same name. The three other actors allotted the title were Wallace Chung Hon-leung, Wallace Huo Chien-hwa and Qiao Zhenyu.
Yan rejected the accolade in a Weibo post, saying he had never agreed to the title.

He has made some surprising career choices, such as when he refused the main part in the phenomenally successful 2011 Chinese television drama Palace because he did not want to shave his head for the show, which was set in the Qing dynasty era.
He has also chosen to play supporting roles, occasionally unfavourable antagonists, rather than leading roles because he found them more challenging.
Yan married Chinese actress Du Ruoxi in 2013, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Rourou, in 2018.
Du previously suffered two miscarriages as well as postpartum depression, and Yan turned down job offers to be by her side throughout her recovery.
When their relationship became public in 2013, there were many detractors who made it clear they thought Yan could have made a better choice, but he defended his wife saying: “It is my duty to protect her.”
On his Weibo account, boasting 6 million followers, Yan shares his love of nature, particularly flowers, when he is not actively promoting his work.

He made a memorable appearance on this year’s hit reality show Call Me by Fire Season 4, carrying a striking giant pot of flowers he had purchased at the market.
During the show, Yan described himself as a “vase”, a term often used to characterise individuals who are attractive to look at but are perceived as shallow, yet he imbued it with his own interpretation.
“I look after and protect my family as if they are flourishing flowers. Compared to other male stars on the show, I feel like I am a vase that breaks easily,” he expressed.
His comment was well received, with one online observer noting: “It’s wonderful that he has remained true to his own philosophy and has not become conceited due to fame or fortune. After all, he could pursue anything he desires with a face like that.”


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Why China actor Yan Yikuan opts for supporting roles over leading parts despite striking looks

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Yan Yikuan often prioritises substance over style, opting for challenging supporting roles instead of leading parts. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo


Yan Yikuan prioritises family over stardom, choosing diverse, challenging roles for a more grounded acting approach. Photo: QQ.com

Yan was recognised as one of the “Four Beauties of Tianya” by users of a popular forum of the same name, a title he never embraced. Photo: QQ.com

Yan is admired for being a protective and loving husband and father, a quality that resonates with his 6 million social media followers. Photo: QQ.com

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Child influencers in China whose popularity is on par with that of leading mainland movie stars. 
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“Bo Ge Wei Wu” showcases brothers Wang Jianbo, 10, and Wang Yibo, 8, from Heilongjiang, delighting netizens with their daily life. Photo: ixigua.com

With her big eyes and adorable face, Xiao has also become a beloved star in various mainland TV shows. Photo: Douyin

Liu has gained a strong fan base with her powerful jazz dance performances that contrast with her sweet looks. Photo: Douyin

Teenager Wang gained fame by sharing a child’s perspective on parenting strategies, aiming to provide unique insights. Photo: Xiaohongshu

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The recent performance by Chinese “square dancing aunties” at a martyr’s cemetery has sparked criticism. Photo: SCMP composite/Xinhua/Douyin

The cemetery, covering 46,700 square metres, honours those who sacrificed their lives in Zhaxi during the Red Army’s Long March. Photo: Weibo/中国新闻周刊

Despite a sign at the entrance stating that square dancing is not allowed, employees often have to disperse dancing groups. Photo: Weibo/中国新闻周刊

Chinese law bans actions that harm memorial sites for heroes and martyrs, with offenders facing detention and fines. Photo: Weibo/中国新闻周刊

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A human tooth is found in a mooncake by a Chinese woman from a mainland branch of US supermarket chain Sam’s Club, prompting a police probe. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

The manufacturer confirmed that all meat is minced and checked with an X-ray machine for bone fragments, making it very unlikely for a human tooth to go undetected. Photo: Douyin

Mooncakes are a popular treat for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on September 17 this year. Photo: Douyin

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A Chinese KOL confronted Japanese tourists at a historic site in Beijing, asserting that they “don’t deserve to be there,” sparking significant debate. 
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The Old Summer Palace was once one of China’s most magnificent royal gardens until it was ravaged by a fire ignited by invading British and French troops in 1860. Photo: Shutterstock

As the Japanese tourists and their interpreter tried to leave, Asianman (foreground) followed, filming and making derogatory remarks. Photo: Weibo

The group sought help from a security guard at the site, who sided with the Chinese influencer. Photo: Weibo

Another alarming near-miss for Hong Kong singer Andy Lau at China concert raises concerns

Andy Lau narrowly escaped serious injury at a Shenzhen concert after falling into an open trapdoor. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com

Andy Lau’s near injury at a recent Shenzhen concert raised concerns about stage safety and management. Photo: Baidu

In response to the incident, Lau expressed his gratitude to fans and assured them he would take better care of himself. Photo: Baidu

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Fans and media have nicknamed him ‘god’s work’, highlighting the precision of his ‘3D modelled face’


Fans and media have nicknamed him ‘god’s work’, highlighting the precision of his ‘3D modelled face’.


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Profile | Why China actor Yan Yikuan opts for supporting roles over leading parts despite striking looks

Fans and media have nicknamed him ‘god’s work’, highlighting the precision of his ‘3D modelled face’