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| Li Sitong's Rise Continues as Actress Graduates and Receives Special Campus Culture Honour. (Credits: Instagram) |
Maxiana Li Sitong has added another milestone to an already remarkable year, graduating from Guangdong University of Finance while standing on stage as the official representative of the university's undergraduate class of 2026. Fresh from earning widespread recognition through the hit Chinese film Dear You, the rising actress proved that balancing lecture halls and film sets is not just a movie plot after all.
The graduation ceremony took place on 26 June 2026 at the university's campus in Guangzhou, where Li Sitong was chosen to deliver the commencement speech on behalf of all bachelor's degree graduates.
Representing the Faculty of Finance, the young actress reflected on her four-year academic journey, sharing stories of personal growth, challenges and lessons learned before stepping into the next chapter of her career.
During her speech, Li Sitong encouraged fellow graduates to hold on to their passion, sincerity and ideals as they enter the professional world.
She reminded students that success should never come at the expense of their values, adding that the knowledge gained during university should become a foundation for making meaningful contributions in their chosen fields.
A graduation speech with actual life advice? That certainly makes a refreshing change from the usual "the future starts today" clichés.
Her achievements did not stop there. Alongside representing the graduating class, Li Sitong was also honoured as the Liuyuan Cultural Promotion Ambassador, recognising her efforts in promoting campus culture and raising the university's profile.
It marked another achievement that reflects her growing influence beyond the entertainment industry. The recognition comes as Li Sitong's popularity continues to soar following her breakout role as Xie Nanzhi in the Chinese film Dear You.
The emotional drama received warm praise from audiences and also introduced many viewers to the cultural heritage of Chaoshan Qiaopi.
Critics and cinema-goers alike highlighted Li Sitong's heartfelt performance, with many saying her expressive acting gave the story its emotional depth and left a lasting impression long after the credits rolled.
What has impressed many fans even more is that, while becoming one of the year's most talked-about young actresses, Li Sitong was quietly completing her studies in Financial Engineering at the Faculty of Finance.
Before her sudden rise to fame, she was simply another university student preparing assignments and examinations. It turns out deadlines can arrive from both professors and film directors.
Public attention surrounding Li Sitong has also grown following a subtle but meaningful update to her social media presence.
Observant fans recently noticed that she changed her Weibo account name to "Actress Li Sitong", a move many interpreted as a sign that she is officially embracing a long-term career in the entertainment industry while proudly closing the chapter on university life.
Online, fans and netizens have been celebrating the news with plenty of admiration. Many praised Li Sitong for proving that academic excellence and a successful acting career do not have to compete with each other.
Others described her story as something straight out of a television drama, where an outstanding finance student unexpectedly becomes one of Chinese cinema's newest breakout stars.
Some joked that while most graduates leave university with a degree and a job search, Li Sitong walked away with a diploma, a hit film and a growing fanbase. Not everyone gets that kind of graduation package.
For many young people, Li Sitong's journey represents more than celebrity success. It is a reminder that steady effort often outlasts fleeting online attention, a message she echoed in her graduation speech by encouraging graduates to protect their original ambitions and move forward with confidence.
As her acting career gathers momentum, audiences will now be watching closely to see what comes next. Do you think Li Sitong is one of China's brightest rising stars, and which of her future projects are you most looking forward to?