Zhang Yimou, Jackie Chan: most loved celebrities

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-28 14:29

China's most loved celebrities were announced Saturday, with director Zhang Yimou and veteran Kung Fu star Jackie Chan sharing the top prize. It was the first time two people shared the honor.

Veteran folk singer Song Zuying was the most popular female performer, overtaking last year's winner Peng Liyuan.

Zhang Yimou, general director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games, meets the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 12, 2008. [Xinhua]

Andy Lau, Jay Chou, Jet Li, Li Youbin as well as late director Xie Jin were in the top 20. Mainland pop singer Zang Tianshuo, who was arrested for allegedly helming a criminal gang this November, and Hong Kong entertainer Edison Chen, who was involved in a nude photo scandal, finished in second last and last place respectively in the list of about 700 celebrities.

Veteran actress Deng Jie fell to the third-last position in the ranking. Her public standing was greatly jeopardized by her connection to the tainted milk scandal in the past few months.

The survey also ranked CCTV presenter Bai Yansong as number one on the hosts' list.

Movie star Jackie Chan visits the "Lucky Cloud House" of Hong Kong in the Olympic Green in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2008. [Xinhua]

Budding actor Wang Baoqiang, who rose to fame through the hit TV sitcom, Soldiers Sortie, was honored as the best new actor.

The survey, conducted by the Lian Xin Power Survey company, focused on five categories: professional ethic, performance, public welfare activity, social influence and commercial value.