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| Top Chinese Actors and Actresses from Hui and Uyghur Ethnic Groups (Photo: Weibo) |
China’s entertainment industry is home to stars from a wide mix of cultural backgrounds, and among them are several well-known names who come from Muslim ethnic groups such as Hui and Uyghur. While their heritage is often mentioned in profiles and interviews, these celebrities are largely recognised for their talent, professionalism and chart-topping works rather than their religious roots.
Their journeys reflect the broader cultural diversity shaping modern C-Entertainment. From music charts to prime-time historical dramas, these artists have built solid careers across genres.
Top Chinese Stars from Hui and Uyghur Backgrounds
Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular Chinese celebrities from Muslim ethnic backgrounds, arranged through the lens of their career growth and milestones.
Ma Tianyu – From Humble Beginnings to Music and Drama Fame
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Ma Tianyu, also known as Ray Ma, is a mando-pop singer and actor of Hui background. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, he first stepped into the spotlight in 2006 after finishing sixth in the talent competition My Hero.
In 2007, he released his debut album Beautiful Light, which topped the Asia Music Chart for Mandarin albums. The project earned him two newcomer awards at the China Billboard Award Ceremony, alongside recognition at the Southeast Music Chart Awards and Tencent Star Awards.
He later transitioned into acting, appearing in the film Evening of Roses before gaining wider popularity through the 2011 wuxia drama The Vigilantes in Masks.
His performance earned him the Breakthrough Actor award at the Youku Television Index Awards. Over the years, Ma Tianyu has remained a steady presence in both music and television, admired for his consistency and versatility.
He Yu – A Hui Actor Focused on Craft Over Labels
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Born in Yinchuan, Ningxia, He Yu comes from the Hui community. Rather than leaning into background narratives, he has built his image around acting skills and production work.
He studied architecture at Chongqing University and later continued his education at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. After training at the Liu Tianchi Performance Workshop, he entered the industry with a strong foundation.
In 2018, he co-produced the CCTV documentary China Business Card alongside Jiang Yi Yan. That same year, he made his acting debut in the web series Lovely Swords Girl.
Although media profiles occasionally mention his Hui roots, He Yu rarely addresses it publicly. Instead, he lets his performances and steady career choices speak for themselves.
Dilraba Dilmurat – Xinjiang Star Turned National Icon
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Dilraba Dilmurat aka Dilireba, born in Urumqi, Xinjiang, is one of the most recognisable Uyghur celebrities in China today. An actress, dancer and singer, she studied at the Xinjiang Arts Institute before furthering her education at Shanghai Theatre Academy.
She debuted in 2013 with the drama Anarhan and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2015, she won Best New Actress at the 7th China TV Drama Awards for Diamond Lover.
The real breakthrough came in 2018 when she received the Golden Eagle Goddess title and Best Actress at the Golden Eagle Awards. Since then, Dilraba has remained a leading face in television, film and fashion, frequently topping popularity charts and brand influence rankings well into 2026.
Her Uyghur heritage is often celebrated as part of Xinjiang’s cultural richness, adding a distinct charm to her public image without defining her entire career.
Gulnazar Bextiyar (Gulinazha) – Ethnic Elegance Meets Fantasy Drama
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Gulnazar Bextiyar aka Gulinazha, also from Urumqi, Xinjiang, is another Uyghur actress who carved out a space in historical and fantasy dramas. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, she first gained attention in 2011 through Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky.
Her performance opened doors to larger projects, including Chinese Paladin 5, for which she received a Best Actress nomination at the Huading Awards in 2017. She also starred in Fighter of the Destiny, a series that achieved strong national ratings at the time of its broadcast.
Known for her elegant visuals and background in Uyghur dance, Gulnazar’s cultural roots are often presented as an artistic influence rather than a religious label.
Li Landi – Young Hui Actress with a Steady Rise
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Her popularity grew significantly in 2017 through dramas such as Wu Xin: The Monster Killer 2 and My Huckleberry Friends. Audiences quickly recognised her as one of the most promising young actresses of her generation.
In 2018, she was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama after ranking second in the national entrance examination.
She graduated in 2022 and has continued to secure leading roles. Like her seniors, Landy Li is primarily known for her acting range and youthful screen presence, with her Hui heritage forming part of her broader cultural identity.
Discussions about celebrities from Hui and Uyghur backgrounds often spark varied reactions online. Many fans praise the industry’s cultural diversity, saying it reflects the broader social landscape of China today.
On platforms like Weibo, comments frequently highlight how these stars bring different aesthetics, languages and artistic traditions into mainstream entertainment.
Some netizens appreciate that these artists focus on professionalism rather than personal identity narratives. Others feel proud seeing representation from regions like Xinjiang on national television.
At the same time, there are viewers who prefer to keep conversations centred purely on acting skills and music achievements rather than background details.
Overall, the majority of fan discussions tend to circle back to performances, ratings, and upcoming projects rather than ethnic identity.
What is the Hui ethnic group in China?
The Hui are one of China’s officially recognised ethnic groups. They have cultural traditions linked to Islam and are spread across regions such as Ningxia, Beijing and other provinces.
Which Chinese celebrities are from Xinjiang?
Dilraba Dilmurat and Gulnazar Bextiyar were both born in Urumqi, Xinjiang, and are of Uyghur ethnicity.
Is Ma Tianyu from a Muslim ethnic background?
Yes, Ma Tianyu is from the Hui ethnic group.
Do these celebrities highlight their religious identity?
Publicly available information suggests they tend to focus on their artistic work and professional achievements, with cultural heritage mentioned mainly in biographical context.
Which of these celebrities have you followed the longest? Do you think cultural background adds a unique layer to their screen presence, or should talent be the only focus?