Chinese Actor/Actress
Profile of Qin Junjie
Name: Qin Junjie (秦俊杰)
Date of Birth: September 1, 1991
Place of Birth: Huli District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
Occupation: Actor
Height: 180 cm
Education: Central Academy of Drama
Years Active: 2006–present
Early Life and Education
Born in Xiamen, Fujian, Qin Junjie showed an early passion for acting. He attended elementary and middle school in Xiamen before pursuing acting full-time. His career began at the young age of 15 when he was cast in Zhang Yimou’s Curse of the Golden Flower (满城尽带黄金甲) in 2006, marking his debut in the entertainment industry.
In 2010, Qin was accepted into the prestigious Central Academy of Drama, which helped solidify his skills and introduced him to the competitive world of Chinese cinema. His education at the academy was instrumental in shaping his future acting career.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Qin Junjie’s career breakthrough came early, in 2006, when he played the role of the sinister third prince Yuan Cheng in Curse of the Golden Flower, alongside industry heavyweights such as Chow Yun-fat, Gong Li, and Jay Chou. This role showcased his talent for playing complex characters at a young age and opened the door for future opportunities.
In 2008, Qin took on the lead role of Long Ma in the youth sports drama Prince of Tennis (网球王子), adapted from the popular Japanese manga series. This show brought him to the attention of younger audiences and allowed him to further demonstrate his versatility in acting. Qin’s portrayal of a genius tennis player earned him praise, setting the stage for his transition into more mature roles.
Rising Stardom: Television and Film Roles
Qin Junjie’s success continued to build with a series of notable performances in both television and film. In 2012, his role as Yin Nanfang in the emotional drama Sunny Days (风和日丽) helped him gain recognition for his ability to portray more subtle and layered characters. That same year, he appeared in Painted Skin II (画皮 II), playing the younger version of Huo Xin, further solidifying his place in the Chinese film industry.
His television career flourished with roles in historical dramas and fantasy series. In 2014, he appeared in The Legend of Ancient Sword (古剑奇谭), where he played Prince Changqin, the first musician of the Heavenly Realm. This role showcased his affinity for costume dramas, a genre that would define much of his later work.
Breakout Roles in Historical and Fantasy Dramas
In 2016, Qin starred in The Legend of Chusen (青云志), one of his most iconic roles, playing Zeng Shushu, a carefree and charming character. The show, which aired on Hunan TV, became immensely popular, garnering over 11.5 billion views online, propelling Qin to new heights of fame. His performance earned him awards, including the Tencent Video Starlight Award for “Most Promising Artist.”
The following year, Qin took on more complex roles, including Prince Li Tan in The Glory of Tang Dynasty (大唐荣耀) and its sequel, where he portrayed a skilled archer and prince during the Tang Dynasty. His portrayal of the multifaceted character earned him further acclaim and solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling a wide range of emotions and storylines.
In 2017, he played Emperor Kangxi in the period drama Legend of Dragon Pearl (龙珠传奇之无间道), further demonstrating his strength in historical dramas. His nuanced portrayal of a young emperor balancing love, power, and political intrigue was widely praised.
Diversifying into Different Genres
Although best known for his roles in historical dramas, Qin Junjie began to diversify his portfolio with contemporary roles. In 2018, he starred in the romantic drama Summer’s Desire (泡沫之夏) as Ou Chen, a cold yet deeply emotional CEO. His charismatic yet tortured performance struck a chord with audiences, and during the show’s run, Qin became a frequent presence on trending lists, highlighting his growing popularity.
In addition to romance, Qin ventured into the martial arts genre with his lead role as Xiao Yiqing in Listening Snow Tower (听雪楼) in 2019. The series followed his character’s journey as the head of a martial arts sect. His portrayal of the cold yet passionate sect leader, struggling with illness and love, resonated with audiences and continued his strong presence in period dramas.
That same year, Qin shifted gears, starring in the spy thriller Cliffhanger (天衣无缝), where he played Zili Ping, a covert Communist operative. This was a departure from his typical roles in fantasy and historical dramas, showcasing his versatility as an actor capable of taking on more intense and dramatic characters.
Continued Success and Recognition
Between 2019 and 2022, Qin continued to expand his acting repertoire. He took on more complex roles in spy dramas like Hengshan Hospital (衡山医院), where he portrayed Ma Tianming, a Communist spy embedded in an enemy hospital during wartime. His performance received acclaim for its depth and intensity.
He further broadened his appeal with roles in modern-day romantic dramas like The Summer of Love (恋爱的夏天), in which he plays a warm-hearted, intelligent man navigating the complexities of relationships in urban China. In 2022, he starred in the suspense drama Tower of Babel (通天塔), portraying a police captain investigating a series of murders, marking a successful turn into crime thrillers.
Qin Junjie’s ability to transition between historical, fantasy, and contemporary genres has made him one of China’s most sought-after young actors. His dedication to his craft, combined with his evolving choice of roles, continues to solidify his reputation as a rising star in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Recent Works and Future Prospects
In 2024, Qin Junjie starred in The Heaven Path (天行健), a period drama set at the end of the Qing Dynasty. His portrayal of the character Men Sandao added yet another complex, multifaceted role to his growing filmography. As of 2024, Qin continues to be a major player in both film and television, frequently appearing in highly anticipated projects.
Qin’s versatility is showcased by his ability to play both heroes and anti-heroes, protagonists and supporting roles, in genres as diverse as wuxia, historical epics, crime thrillers, and romantic dramas. He is also increasingly recognized for his willingness to take on emotionally challenging roles that require depth and maturity, a testament to his growth as an actor.
Personal Life
Qin Junjie’s personal life has been the subject of media attention, particularly his past relationship with actress Yang Zi, which was publicly confirmed in 2017. The two became one of the most talked-about celebrity couples in China before announcing their amicable breakup in 2018. In 2023, Qin was rumored to be dating actress Mao Xiaohui, but they reportedly parted ways soon after.
Qin also has a close relationship with his older sister, Li Yue, an actress who has supported him throughout his career. Li Yue played a crucial role in helping Qin break into the industry, often guiding his early career choices.
Legacy and Influence
Qin Junjie has become one of the most prominent actors of his generation. With a career spanning nearly two decades, he has managed to captivate audiences through diverse and challenging roles, continually evolving his craft. His impressive body of work, ranging from fantasy epics to contemporary thrillers, demonstrates his remarkable versatility as an actor.