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| Ten Years On, Lin Yi Says His Acting Journey Is Only Getting Started (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese actor Lin Yi has officially hit a major career landmark, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his debut in the entertainment industry — but instead of looking back with nostalgia alone, he’s choosing to see it as the start of something new.
On 22 December 2025, Lin Yi shared a heartfelt long post on social media from Chongqing at 6:59 PM local time, deliberately matching the exact date and timing of his industry debut a decade ago. The timing wasn’t accidental — it was his way of quietly honouring a moment that changed his life.
In his message, Lin Yi reflected on why he first chose to become an actor.
Rather than framing it as a grand ambition, he admitted it began with something much simpler: admiration.
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He spoke about being deeply moved by the works he loved and the idols he looked up to, joking that in the beginning, he just wanted to be a fan who could stand a little closer to the world he admired.
Even now, that debut day remains something he holds onto with genuine gratitude.
Looking back on the past ten years, Lin Yi acknowledged how much he has changed.
Once someone who was curious about everything and unsure of his place, he now feels that each role he has played has helped him slowly piece together his own story.
He described this growth as something he never could have imagined when he first started out, and took a moment to thank everyone and everything that has walked alongside him throughout the journey.
He also shared his evolving view of time. As a child, ten years felt endlessly long. As an adult, he now realises that ten years can also mark a fresh starting line. For Lin Yi, this anniversary isn’t about closure — it’s about recognising that there is still space to challenge himself, to grow, and to explore new directions both professionally and personally.
In earlier interviews, Lin Yi has openly discussed the idols who shaped his decision to enter the industry.
Veteran actor Hu Ge was one of the first figures who inspired him, particularly during his early days when he had no formal acting background.
Lin Yi once shared that seeing Hu Ge’s photo displayed at Tangren Media left a strong impression on him and influenced his choice to sign with the agency.
Meanwhile, Liu Yifei has long been described as his childhood idol, someone whose performances allowed him to truly feel the emotional power of storytelling.
Lin Yi’s breakthrough came in 2019 with the romantic drama Put Your Head on My Shoulder, where he portrayed Gu Weiyi, a calm, intelligent university student.
The series quickly gained popularity and became a defining turning point in his career, introducing him to audiences far beyond China and cementing his position as a rising name in the industry.
As he steps into his second decade as an actor, Lin Yi shows no signs of slowing down.
He currently has several upcoming projects lined up, including When I Meet the Moon, a novel adaptation where he stars alongside Lu Yuxiao, and A Chan, a newly announced drama that once again places him at the centre of the story.
Both projects reflect his desire to explore a wider emotional and character range, in line with his hopes of becoming more mature — not just as an actor, but as a person. Ten years on, Lin Yi isn’t counting achievements. Instead, he’s choosing curiosity, growth, and possibility — treating this milestone not as an ending, but as a quiet reset for whatever comes next.