Top 10 Richest Chinese Artists in 2026: Xiao Zhan Joins the List

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chinese entertainment industry remains a massive hub for wealth. Beyond success in dramas and films, many of the wealthiest Chinese celebrities earn substantial income from brand ambassadorships, personal businesses, property investments, and music royalties. It is no surprise that the list of the richest Chinese artists in 2026 is dominated by globally renowned names.

Income for these celebrities is no longer strictly tied to acting projects. Many top idols and actors now generate high profits from luxury brand endorsements, international fashion weeks, and their own entertainment ventures. Some of the wealthiest artists are reported to have fortunes reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.

Here is a list of the top ten richest Chinese artists in 2026:

1. Jackie Chan

When discussing the wealthiest Chinese actors, Jackie Chan remains at the top. The action film legend is estimated to have a fortune of around $400 million. His wealth stems from international film projects, royalties, entertainment businesses, and property investments.

Despite his age, Chan remains active in the industry and continues to be one of the highest-paid Chinese artists, supported by lucrative global advertising contracts.

2. Andy Lau

Andy Lau maintains an exceptionally stable career. Beyond his status as a legendary actor, he is a successful singer, film producer, and businessman. His wealth is estimated to reach hundreds of millions of dollars, with significant income generated from his own production company and consistently sold-out music concerts across Asia.

3. Xiao Zhan

Xiao Zhan remains one of the wealthiest idols and popular actors through 2026. The success of dramas like The Untamed continues to propel his career, alongside a series of contracts with luxury brands. Backed by a loyal fan base, his income continues to rise, particularly through high-end collaborations in the fashion and beauty sectors.

4. Wang Yibo

Wang Yibo has masterfully crafted an image as a versatile polymath. In addition to acting and music, he is a prominent figure in motorsports and fashion. This multifaceted career has made him one of the wealthiest young-generation Mandarin artists today.

Reports suggest he is among the highest-paid stars thanks to his ubiquitous presence in advertisements and global luxury house collaborations, having secured the most endorsements in China in 2025.

5. Yang Mi

Among the wealthiest Chinese actresses, Yang Mi remains a top name among the richest Chinese actresses in 2026. Known as the "queen of endorsements," Yang Mi’s popularity ensures her advertising contracts remain voluminous, further consolidating her wealth. She is frequently cited as one of the most influential and affluent figures in Asian fashion.

6. Fan Bingbing

Despite her past tax controversies, Fan Bingbing remains one of the world's richest Chinese artists. Her name still carries significant weight in the international fashion and entertainment circuits. Before her legal challenges surfaced, she was the highest-earning female artist in China, and her global fame has allowed her to maintain a remarkably high commercial value.

7. Yang Yang

Yang Yang’s aesthetic appeal and string of major drama projects have secured his place on this year’s list. His fantasy and romance titles almost always capture the Asian market's attention. Beyond acting fees, his wealth is driven by fashion contracts and brand ambassadorships, as he remains a preferred face for luxury brands targeting both Chinese and global consumers.

8. Dilraba Dilmurat

Dilraba remains a significant influence in the entertainment and fashion industries. Her iconic look has made her a staple for international premium brand campaigns. Beyond her success in romantic and fantasy epics, Dilraba’s commercial appeal on Chinese social media is unparalleled, leading to a consistent year-on-year increase in her earnings.

9. Jay Chou

Better known as a musician, Jay Chou’s financial empire earns him a spot in the 2026 richest Chinese artists list. His income is diversified across music, world tours, fashion labels, restaurants, and technology investments. Decades into his career, his influence in Asian pop culture remains relevant among Gen Z and millennials.

10. Liu Yifei

Liu Yifei has successfully maintained her status as one of the most influential and affluent Mandarin actresses. Following the global reach of Mulan, her commercial value reached new heights. Industry reports confirm she remains one of the highest-paid stars for both drama projects and premium endorsements.

While the Chinese government has imposed restrictions on artist salaries, top-tier actors still command millions of dollars per series. This underscores the fact that the Chinese entertainment market remains one of the largest in the world, where stars successfully build massive business empires alongside their creative careers.