Not everyone would dare to attend an important event with almost no makeup. But Li Sitong did it and looked absolutely radiant.
Li Sitong has recently become one of the most talked about young faces in Chinese cinema, thanks not only to her hit film Love Letter to Grandma but also to her rare and pure beauty. Unlike many actresses of her generation who rely on glamorous style or striking features, Li Sitong stands out with a gentle, innocent charm reminiscent of the female protagonists of coming-of-age novels. At the recent Weibo Movie Night, she once again surprised the audience by appearing with such minimal makeup that many viewers described her as practically bare-faced.
In close-up shots of the event, the actress wore a simple dress and let her long black hair fall naturally without any elaborate updos. Her clear, flawless skin, light eyes and soft facial features allowed her to stand out in her own way among the celebrities who wore heavy style for the occasion. Without bold makeup or dramatic beauty enhancements, Li Sitong seemed to glow effortlessly in front of the cameras.
What makes her beauty particularly captivating are her qualities of youthful purity and freshness that are difficult to replicate. The more you look at it, the more pleasant and comforting its appearance becomes, like the first morning sun or a flower still covered in dew. In an age where elaborate makeup has become almost mandatory on red carpets, Li Sitong’s confidence in embracing a natural look has made her images even more memorable. Just one close-up was enough to remind audiences why she is considered one of the most visually captivating actresses of the new generation.
Some comments from netizens included:
- “Is she really wearing almost no makeup? She’s so beautiful.”
- “I wish my skin was this healthy and glowing.”
- “He needs to get enough sleep, eat lots of vegetables and drink lots of water.”
- “She’s exactly my type, the perfect girl next door.”
- “She’s wonderful. Surprised she’s not more famous. She needs better promotion.”
Li Sitong was born in 2004 in Jieyang, Guangdong Province, China. Before becoming one of the most promising new faces in Chinese cinema, she was a student of Financial Engineering at Guangdong University of Finance and Economics. Unlike many young actresses who graduate from prestigious performing arts academies, Li entered the entertainment industry by accident and had no formal acting training.
A major turning point came in 2024, when the production team behind Love Letter to Grandma launched a nationwide search for its female lead. Director Lan Hongchun reportedly discovered Li through everyday videos posted on social media and was immediately drawn to her natural beauty and quiet charm that perfectly suited the spirit of the film. After a long selection process involving more than a thousand candidates, Xie Nanzhi was chosen as the protagonist despite having no professional acting experience.
Released during the Chinese Labor Day holiday in May 2026, Love Letter to Grandma quickly became a box office phenomenon. In the film, Li Sitong played Xie Nanzhi, the central figure in a story full of family themes and nostalgia. His performance received widespread praise for its authenticity, emotional depth, and ability to convey the character’s internal struggles. The film’s success transformed her from an unknown college student into one of the most talked-about new releases in Chinese cinema in 2026.
After the success of Love Letter to Grandma, Li Sitong has consistently appeared in trending search rankings and has become a favorite topic of Chinese entertainment media. Industry observers have praised her for possessing a fresh, classic beauty rarely seen among today’s younger actresses, while also highlighting her potential to become a respected artist rather than a mere popularity-driven celebrity.
May 2026 marked another significant milestone when Li officially changed her Weibo account name to “Actress Li Sitong,” signaling her commitment to pursuing an acting career full-time. Around the same time, Chinese media reported that he had signed with Hu Jing Entertainment, a management company in the Alibaba Pictures ecosystem. The move is widely seen as an important step in securing the resources and support needed for long-term growth in the entertainment industry.
Thanks to her impressive debut, Li Sitong also received the “Breakthrough Actor of the Year” award at Weibo Movie Night 2026. Although she has only one film credit to her name so far, she is already considered one of the most promising actresses of the post-2000 generation in China.
Sources: K14
