WU JINYAN
吴谨言
Anglicised Name:
Yan Yan and Nai Yan
Birthdate:
August 16, 1990
Star Sign | Chinese Zodiac:
Virgo | Tiger
Birthplace | Nationality:
Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province | Chinese
Height | Weight:
Civil Status:
Occupation:
Married - Hong Yao
Actress
1.65 cm | 49 kg
Wu Jinyan born on August 16, 1990, in Dujiangyan City, Sichuan Province, also known as Yan Yan and Nai Yan, is a Chinese actress best known for her role as Wei Yingluo in the hit 2018 TV series "Story of Yanxi Palace," who began her career trained as a ballerina before flourishing in film and television. She started studying ballet from the age of 3 and moved to Beijing in 2000 to attend the Dance School Affiliated with Beijing Dance Academy, training intensively over seven years. Wu joined the National Ballet of China, but recurring foot fractures prompted her to change career paths. In 2009, she shifted to acting and enrolled in the Beijing Film Academy, majoring in acting.
Wu Jinyan made her acting debut in 2010 with the unaired period drama Ancient and Modern Six Travelers, later appearing in minor roles in films and television. She gained recognition in 2013 for her dual role in Beauties at the Crossfire, earning a nomination for Most Popular Actress at the Shanghai Television Festival. She also appeared in the film Mr. Six and several television dramas, gradually building her career. Her association with producer Yu Zheng in 2016 led to her joining Huanyu Entertainment, further advancing her acting opportunities.
Wu rose to wide recognition with Story of Yanxi Palace (2018), playing Wei Yingluo. The series was a cultural phenomenon in China and Asia, streaming over 15 billion times, and made Wu a household name. She starred in The Legend of Haolan as Li Haolan/Zhao Ji and participated in the variety show Youth Periplous on Zhejiang Television. Her acting performances earned her several awards, including the Huading Award for Best Actress (Ancient Drama) and recognition on Forbes China Celebrity 100 List.
Wu Jinyan’s career trajectory illustrates a transition from aspiring ballerina to leading actress, marked by enduring dedication, resilience, and versatility. With iconic roles in historical and contemporary dramas, she has become one of China’s most influential actresses in the modern entertainment industry.