In modern China, 演员 (yǎnyuán) are not just performers; they are major cultural figures and celebrities (明星, míngxīng). Their status has shifted dramatically from historical times when performers held a lower social standing. Today, successful actors wield immense influence, particularly online. They are often referred to as “流量明星 (liúliàng míngxīng)” or “traffic stars,” meaning their popularity can drive enormous traffic to social media platforms like Weibo, endorse products, and guarantee box office success. This phenomenon is similar to Hollywood celebrity culture but arguably more intense and digitally focused. A unique cultural term related to this is “小鲜肉 (xiǎo xiān ròu),” or “little fresh meat,” used to describe young, handsome, and often wildly popular male actors. This highlights the strong connection between an actor's public image, appearance, and their professional success in the contemporary Chinese entertainment industry. The government also plays a role, occasionally launching campaigns to regulate celebrity culture and promote “positive energy.”
演员 (yǎnyuán) is a standard, neutral term used in everyday conversation, news media, and on social media.