Chinese actor Chen Zheyuan had a birthday bash to remember on 29 October 2025, and honestly, lad’s living the dream.
The 29-year-old was filming in Hangzhou when crowds of fans showed up near the set of Jiang Shan Wei Pin, banners and all.
True to form, he popped out for a quick wave, grinning ear-to-ear and thanking everyone who braved the autumn chill just to celebrate him.
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| Chen Zheyuan Turns 29: Worldwide Fans Celebrate as “Fated Hearts” Smashes 900 Million Views (Photo: iQIYI) |
But it wasn’t just the local lot — fans from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and all over the world joined in online, projecting birthday messages and fan-made videos that lit up social media.
Even streaming giants iQIYI and Youku jumped on the train, dropping heartfelt posts praising his standout work in Hidden Love and teasing upcoming dramas like The White Olive Tree.
His sponsors weren’t about to miss the fun either.
Master Kang Iced Tea and a few other big brands sent cheeky tributes, while Chen’s team arranged a mini on-set surprise with cakes, lights and a fan-organised setup that’d melt anyone’s heart.
“Fated Hearts” Finale Smashes Records
And as if that weren’t enough to top off his big day, his latest drama Fated Hearts (一笑隨歌) hit a massive milestone — 900 million views in China and top rankings in 12 countries.
Talk about timing, eh?
The historical romance, adapted from Chi Yi Qian Yu’s novel Smile, stars Li Qin opposite Chen Zheyuan.
It’s full of palace politics, tragic love and emotional rollercoasters, and the finale had everyone sobbing.
The most talked-about moment?
Chen Zheyuan’s character, memory lost and sword in hand, facing Li Qin’s Fu Yixiao — only for her to stab herself, triggering his memories and tears.
Viewers said it was one of the most powerful scenes in any costume drama this year.
Behind the Scenes: Grit, Pain, and a Bit of Banter
Chen Zheyuan admitted the shoot was no walk in the park.
Earlier this year he had collarbone surgery, yet he still returned to set before fully healing — performing all his own stunts.
“My muscle trembling in that scene wasn’t acting,” he laughed in an interview, “it was pure pain — but I wanted it to feel real.”
He also talked about the effort to film using his own voice rather than dubbing.
“I’ve got a southern accent from Shenzhen, and correcting it nearly broke me,” he said.
“But hearing fans praise it after, it was worth every sleepless night.”
As for his co-star Li Qin, she was equally candid.
“Filming under 40-degree heat on that ship scene — I was sweating buckets,” she joked.
Chen Zheyuan couldn’t help but praise her as the “destined Fu Yixiao,” saying her mix of grace and power carried the whole story.
When asked about their romantic scenes, Chen Zheyuan sheepishly revealed their first kiss was during an argument scene.
“We were shattered, it was midnight, and our lips were so dry we swapped foundation by accident,” he said.
Li Qin couldn’t stop laughing, adding that Chen Zheyuan was obsessed with keeping his jawline visible.
“I tried touching his face once to make it softer,” she said, “but he pulled back straight away — can’t mess with that perfect chin!”
The moment went viral online, with fans loving their easy chemistry both on and off camera.
From Gentle Boy to Power-Packed Prince
Known for his calm and youthful charm, Chen Zheyuan’s taken a bold leap with Fated Hearts — stepping into a darker, more commanding role as Prince Feng Suige.
“The joy of acting,” he reflected, “is being someone you admire. This character gave me strength I didn’t know I had.”
As Fated Hearts continues its global climb and his birthday tributes keep flooding in, it’s safe to say Chen Zheyuan’s not just ageing like fine wine — he’s becoming one of the most reliable stars in Chinese entertainment.
All episodes of Fated Hearts are now streaming on iQIYI International.
Source: Upmedia