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| Who Is Cheng Lei? 9 Surprising Facts About the Star Everyone’s Talking About (Photo: Sohu) |
Chinese actor Ryan Cheng Lei isn’t just your usual heart-throb from dramas like Legend of the Female General and Shadow Love (与晋长安) — he’s an actor, painter, traveller, and motorbike nut with a poetic streak that’d melt anyone’s heart.
Even though his romantic series alongside Song Yi and Bi Wenjun wrapped up a while ago, Cheng’s name is still buzzing across social media for all the right reasons.
In an exclusive chat with Sohu Entertainment, he showed fans a deeper side of himself — reflective, creative, and a bit philosophical too.
From painting gifts for his mates to cruising solo under Hengdian’s night lights, here are nine fascinating facts about Cheng Lei that prove he’s way more than just another handsome face on screen.
1. He’s Proper Mad About Travelling
Cheng Lei’s got that wanderlust spirit.
He once said he’d love to be a travel blogger — just roamin’ about, telling stories in his own words.
“It’s like learning while wandering,” he laughed.
And fair play to him, he’s even played a real tour guide in the show Random Tour (旅行任意门).
The lad was buzzing about it but reckoned the trip was too short.
“Could’ve stayed longer in each city,” he sighed.
Sounds like someone who genuinely lives for the journey, not just the snaps.
2. He’s a Bit of a Fish in Water
Turns out Cheng Lei’s been smashing it in swimming pools since he was a kid.
From primary to junior high, the lad’s been racking up medals like it’s no big deal.
No wonder he’s got that chilled vibe — must be all that time floating about, eh?
3. He Got Stage Fright Singing His Own OST
When Shadow Love’s team asked him to sing the drama’s OST, Cheng Lei nearly bottled it.
“I thought, seriously? Me?!” he chuckled.
But after a few patient lessons, he nailed it.
He’s even hoping to learn from vocal legends like Liu Yuning — though for now, he’s practising solo.
That’s some proper humble graft right there.
4. He Sees Photography as a Time Machine
Cheng Lei’s got this deep way of looking at photos — not just frozen moments, but living memories.
He dreams of dropping a photobook one day, starting it with a quote from Proust’s In Search of Lost Time.
“Proust writes like he’s unfolding memories — softly, one frame after another,” he said.
“That’s how I want my photos to feel.” Deep, innit?
5. He’s Got a Motorcycle Crew… with No Name
He and his mates in Hengdian have a bike group that doesn’t even have a proper name — just motorcycle emojis.
“We all wear helmets, so you never really know who’s who,” Cheng grinned.
“That’s the fun bit.” Imagine a bunch of incognito actors just tearing through the streets at night — cinematic, that.
6. He’s a Painter Who Gives All His Art Away
When Cheng Lei’s not filming, he’s painting — but good luck finding one of his pieces.
“I used to gift them all to my mates,” he said, laughing.
“Now I’ve not got a single one left at home.”
One lucky pal?
Actor Zeng Shunxi, who mentioned his wall looked bare — and boom, Cheng Lei whipped up something special for him. Proper wholesome stuff.
7. His Motorbike Is His Therapy
Cheng’s obsession with motorcycles goes way back to when he was a lad drooling over mini sports bikes.
These days, he rides at night when the roads are quiet.
“It’s peaceful,” he said. “Just me and the bike — no noise, no fuss. It’s my way of thinking.”
No posing, no showing off — just soul-cleansing rides under the stars.
8. He Dresses for Comfort, Not the Cameras
Even though he always looks sharp, Cheng Lei swears by comfort first. “I like simple clothes,” he shrugged.
“But I’ve got a few suits, just in case.”
When the interviewer joked that fans wanted to dress their boyfriends like him, ChengLei cheekily replied, “If they’re comfy, go ahead. I’m comfy in mine — can’t say the same for their boyfriends!”
Smooth and self-aware — dangerous combo.
9. He’s a Quiet Poet in His Own Way
Every word Cheng Lei says feels thoughtful — like he’s painting with sentences.
“The things I love all become emotional companions,” he mused.
“Painting, photography, motorcycles — they’re my ways of talking to myself.”
You can tell this isn’t just an actor chasing fame; he’s someone who feels deeply, observes quietly, and turns everyday life into art.
Final Word
Whether he’s splashing paint, snapping photos, or hitting the road at night, Cheng Lei’s just built different.
Beneath that calm charm is a poetic, creative soul who finds beauty in stillness — and that’s exactly why fans can’t stop talking about him.
Source: Sohu