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Alice Yan

Famous Chinese actress Jiang Xin’s advocacy for celibacy has struck a chord on mainland social media, with her comments on the subject being viewed 130 million times on one platform alone.
Jiang’s remarks came on February 17 when a netizen asked her why she had not married.
“Why act against yourself?” the actress replied.
The 41-year-old star is a top-tier actress in China and has a huge fan base.
Many people respect her extraordinary acting skills, straightforward personality and dedication to her craft.
Jiang has appeared in numerous television series and her best known character is Concubine Hua, a leading part in the drama Empresses in the Palace that was broadcast in 2011.

Audiences said Jiang played Concubine Hua so vividly that it is hard for them to hate the character despite its dark personality.
She also starred in the love series Ode to Joy in which she depicts a self-deprecating but independent character.
In the period drama Romance in the Alley, a televison hit last year, Jiang’s acting won her a nomination for the best actress category at The Magnolia Award in Shanghai.
Jiang was born in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in northwestern China and grew up in central Henan province. Her acting journey started when she was only seven years old, playing in an ancient costume TV series.
She graduated from Henan Vocational Institute of Arts, a little-known institute. Jiang often faces criticism for her humble background.
“People often ask me which school I graduated from,” Jiang once told the state media CCTV.
“My response is, why do you care about this so much? A hero is not judged by his origins. Why not test me on my acting? Give me some lines and I will play for you,” she said.
Jiang has so far only acknowledged one romantic relationship, with actor Ye Zuxin. She announced they were dating in November 2013 but said in March 2015 that they had split up.

Her recent attitude towards marriage earned praise from online observers.
“What Jiang Xin said is perfectly right. Marriage is not a must choice in life. She uses her work and efforts to prove her values, rather than being defined by marriage. Well done!” one internet user said.
Another person said: “I totally agree with her. Everyone is an independent individual and should live in a way he or she feels comfortable.”
Last year, a total of 6.1 million couples registered for marriage in China, a decline from 7.68 million in 2023, statistics from the Ministry of Civil Affairs showed.
Both figures show a remarkable drop from the 13.5 million newlywed couples in 2013.


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Trending in China

Chinese actress Jiang Xin has eschewed marriage in favour of celibacy, earning her praise on social media. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo


Jiang Xin has been praised for her dedication to acting and her independent mind. Photo: Weibo

Jiang often faces questions and criticism over her humble background. Photo: Weibo

An online influencer in China with five million fans has faced criticism after she claimed to be earning US$41,000 a day by doing nothing. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Sohu

The influencer, who uses the online alias Gu Xixi, has millions of followers. Photo: Douyin

Gu, who admits to a criminal past, has boasted about buying expensive property. Photo: Douyin

Gu even live streamed herself washing her buttocks in a bid to boost online traffic. Photo: Douyin

Woman in China fears hotel hidden cameras, creates makeshift tent to shield bed

A woman in China, concerned about hidden cameras in her hotel room, fashioned a makeshift tent to protect her bed. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin

Dang opted for a dust sheet as a makeshift tent for hotel stays, avoiding the high cost and limited space of a real tent. Photo: Baidu

Online users commended Dang’s concept for its creativity, affordability, and effectiveness in protecting privacy. Photo: Baidu

China ‘qipao superwoman’ saves drowning girl while relaxing by hotel pool with treatment mask

A woman in China has been dubbed “qipao superwoman” on social media after she saved a drowning girl while relaxing by a hotel pool wearing a facial treatment mask and a traditional Chinese dress. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Peng Lingmin performs CPR on the “lifeless” little girl as she lies beside the hotel pool. Photo: NetEase Hao

Peng’s prompt actions helped the stricken youngster start to breath again. Photo: NetEase Hao

China student burns ‘inflatable girlfriend’, sparks fire after roommate returns early

A university student in China who was startled by the early return of his roommate to the dorm, torched his “inflatable girlfriend” in a panic, sparking a fire. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Temu

A trending online video shows the inflatable doll blazing in the dormitory. Photo: Weibo

Firefighters were sent to the male dormitory to tackle the blaze which caused no casualties. Photo: Shutterstock

Japan firm offers hangover sick leave, time off for news about favourite celebrities

A company in Japan is offering its staff sick leave for hangovers and time off for negative news about employee’s favourite celebrities. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

One woman said two or three hours more sleep after a night out drinking helped her be more productive when she got to the office. Photo: Weixin

The company also allows staff to drink alcohol at a special bar in the office. Photo: Weixin

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Independent-minded television star who has only had one short-lived romantic relationship wants to be defined by her acting prowess


Independent-minded television star who has only had one short-lived romantic relationship wants to be defined by her acting prowess.


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Independent-minded television star who has only had one short-lived romantic relationship wants to be defined by her acting prowess