Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Top Models

Dead or Alive Online promotional models, ChinaJoy 20080717c.jpg
The showgirl for the game “Dead Or Alive Online” at China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference (ChinaJoy) 2007, Shanghai, China. Photo by WeI-Chieh Chiu from Taipei, Taiwan – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Top Models

The modeling market in China more than ten years ago started with just several arrived model agencies. This kind of business was so lucrative and easy to make money, with highly reputed agencies on the Chinese mainland quickly appeared hundreds of local enterprises.

Chinese model agencies, apart from their western colleagues, didn’t care very much for living accommodations or good English-speaking managers to communicate with their models. However, for arrived westerners, apart from local inconveniences and everyday misunderstandings, it was really possible to make good money during their contracts. For 3 months “on ease,”  westerners could make 6-12 k$ and go home.

Demand for western faces was huge. Chinese clients weren’t very intelligible, their consumers weren’t very demanding. That all created a mess: many agencies appeared and disappeared, and a lot of its managers and models started to work on their own.

1. Liu Wen was the first East Asian model to appear on Forbes magazine ‘Highest-paid Model List’.

Chinese fashion models. Photo by Kevin Dooley from Chandler, AZ, USA – Wikimedia Commons

Dubbed ‘China’s First Bona Fide Supermodel’, Liu Wen is a professional fashion model, famously known for being the first East Asian model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Liu Wen is also the first East Asian model to appear on Forbes magazine ‘Highest-paid Model List’. In 2017, she hit another milestone in her career when she became the first Chinese model to appear on the cover of Vogue Magazine US edition.

 Liu Wen began modeling in 2005 after she took part in the ‘New Silk Road World Model Contest.

2. Ju Xiao Wen began gaining attention in the modeling scene in 2010 

Jing Wen at the Paco Rabanne Fall Winter 2019-20 show. Photo by Paco Rabanne – Wikimedia Commons

Ju Xiao Wen is a Chinese model famous for being the first Chinese descent model to become the face of Marc Jacobs. Xiao Wen began her modeling carer after signing with IMG Models in 2010.

Ju Xiao Wen began gaining attention in 2010 after she made an appearance on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar China May. She made her debut in 2011 at the New York City Honor Fall Show.

3. Li Zhenying represented China at the Miss Universe 2016

Tao Huang at the Fashion Kode on July 16, 2014. Photo by Jeon Han for the Republic of Korea – Wikimedia Commons

Li Zhengying, also known as Joyce Li, is a model and the beauty pageant titleholder of Miss Universe China 2016. Li Zhengying was crowned by Jessica Xue, the titleholder of Miss Universe China 2015.

She had also represented China at the Miss Universe 2016.

4. Ming Xi made her official modeling debut at the Givenchy Haute Couture Show

Uncle peach in fashion style. A middle-aged Chinese common style by myself is taking at home. Photo by Geoffreyrabbit – Wikimedia Commons

Ming Xi is a Chinese model. Her first notable public appearance was a television competition called ‘Go! Oriental Angels’ in 2008. Ming Xi participated in the Elite Model Management organized competition, The Elite Model Look and ranked third in the final lineup.

Her popularity soared after participating in the competition, and she was offered a contract with Givenchy. Ming Xi made her official modeling debut at the Givenchy Haute Couture Show. Since 2018, Ming Xi has been an honorary Victoria’s, Secret Angel.

5. Sun Fei Fei became the first Asian model for the Italian brand, Valentino and also became the face of the company

Asian model in denim. Cut a pair of jeans into shorts and the rest of the materials became the camisole without sewing!  Photo by Sherry Zhang – Wikimedia Commons

Sun Fei Fei is a Chinese professional model who made her international debut in 2009, at the London Fashion Week, for Mulberry. Sun Fei Fei first came into the limelight in 2008 on the International circuit. Sun had represented China in Elite Model Look.

In 2012, she became the first Asian model for the Italian brand, Valentino and also became the face of the company. Sun Fei fei has since walked for several international brands and designers such as Dior, Céline, Jil Sander, Van Noten, Hermès, and Dries Van Noten.

6. Jing Wen grew to be known  internationally after appearing on the cover of Elle China and Vogue

Honda F1 Model 2. Honda F1 Roadshow 2008 Location: Sunway Pyramid (Malaysia) Model: Franklene Camera: Nikon D80 w/50mm lens, 1/160t f/2.5, ISO 400 Software: Adobe Photoshop CS 3. Photo by Nguyen Thanh Lam – Wikimedia Commons

Jing Wen is a celebrity model hailing from China. She grew internationally after appearing on the cover of Elle China and Vogue.

She had also appeared in the editorials for Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Italia, i-D, Self Service, and Teen Vogue, among many others.

7. Ge Hui Jie is famous for being the winner of the 2002 NICE Cup

Luo Yunxi modeling for C China in 2015. Photo by C China – C Fashion – Wikimedia Commons

Ge Hiu Jie is a professional model. She is famous for being the winner of the 2002 NICE Cup. In 2004, she was the runner-up at the Pierre Cardin International Model Contest.

Ge Hui Jie has also acted in quite a few productions and had also previously appeared on the cover of Marie Claire magazine.

8. Luo Zi Lin is the beauty pageant titleholder of the 2011 Miss Universe China competition

Hanbok-Ao Dai Fashion Show..Models walk the runway to show the beauty of Hanbok and ao dai at the fashion show held at Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower in Hanoi, Vietnam, on September 8…2013. Photo by Creative Commons – Wikimedia Commons 

Luo Zi Lin is a fashion model and the beauty pageant titleholder of the 2011 Miss Universe China competition. In 2011, she also participated in Sao Paulo’s Miss Universe and ranked 4th Runner Up in the final lineup.

Luo Zi Lin has been modeling professionally since 2003, after getting inspired after reading a biography about Cindy Crawford.

9. Du Juan well known for her editorials in Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, and Elle magazines

A fashion model (Yuki Chiu) on the runway. Photo by Guy K.T.Heah – Wikimedia Commons

Du Juan, also known as Jennifer Du, is a fashion model and is said to be China’s first supermodel. She is the first and the only East Asian model to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris. Du Juan has appeared on the cover of Vogue China a record of 18 times, surpassing any other model or celebrity.

She is well known for her editorials in Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, and Elle magazines. She made her runway debut in 2006 after walking for renowned designers such as Valentino, and Jean-Paul. Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, and Gaultier.

10. Sui He was also the second Chinese descent model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Zhang Zilin, Miss Monde 2007. Photo by Huy Anh – Wikimedia Commons

Sui, He is a model and an actress, famous for being the first East Asian model to open a Ralph Lauren runway show. Sui, He was also the second Chinese descent model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

She has also previously appeared on the cover of W Magazine. Her first campaign was the 2011 Bruno Cucinelli Spring/Summer. Sui He’s first major campaign was the 2011 Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter campaign.