Tong Liya

Tong Liya, born on August 8, 1983, in Chabuchaer County, Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang. She comes from an artistic family, with both parents engaged in arts education. From a young age, she demonstrated a strong interest and passion for the arts, especially in dance and performance.

In 1989, Tong Liya joined the Xinjiang Yining Children's Art Troupe to receive dance training and performances. In August 1995, she traveled with the Yining Children's Art Troupe to Kunming for a performance, where she performed the dance "Xibo Girl." In September 1996, she entered the Dance Department of the Xinjiang Art Institute's affiliated secondary school to study dance performance. In July 1997, she participated in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's artistic evening celebrating Hong Kong's return. In September 1999, she went to Beijing to participate in the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, performing in the Xinjiang float show and was awarded the Excellent Contribution Award.

In 2000, she graduated with excellent grades from Xinjiang Art Institute and was assigned to the Xinjiang Song and Dance Troupe as a dancer. She also enrolled in the Dance Education major at the Dance College of Xinjiang Art Institute, working as a television commercial model and teaching dance at various youth cultural and educational institutions in her spare time. She was also certified as a Level 4 dance training instructor by the Xinjiang Dancers Association.

In 2001, she was temporarily transferred to the Malan Base for artistic performances by the General Armament Department and subsequently interned and performed in Shandong Weifang for three months. She participated in promotional videos for Hong Kong TV and served as the female lead dancer for the Xinjiang ethnic dance "Happiness Sits on Eyebrows" at the National Minority Arts Performances, winning third place for her performance.

In 2002, Tong Liya participated in the Xinjiang Miss Beauty Contest and won second place. She then received the gold award in the National Newcomers Film and TV Talent Competition and participated in programs such as CCTV's "Same Song." In August 2002, she was temporarily transferred to the China National Song and Dance Troupe's First Troupe to perform in "Journey to the Secret Realm."

In 2003, she took part in CCTV's special Spring Festival program "Charming Western China," performing multiple dances. During the same period, she performed in Hong Kong and received a scholarship for dance from Xinjiang Art Institute.

In 2004, Tong Liya was recruited into the China National Song and Dance Troupe as a dancer. She performed ethnic dances on the Spring Festival cultural evening and was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama's acting department with excellent results, becoming the first Xinjiang Xibo student admitted to that school. That year, she also appeared in a music video by Wang Hongwei.

In 2005, her story was featured in a documentary special produced by Fuji Television in Japan.

In 2006, Tong Liya began to venture into film and television, playing Li Zai'ai in the modern emotional drama "New Unbearable Love" directed by Eric Tsang. She also completed her first film, "Sunflower." In 2007, she starred in the modern play "Butterflies Are Free" and played the female lead in the youth love drama "Empty Alley." She also appeared in several other dramas, including "Red Scorpion."

In 2008, she made her debut in a period palace drama "Mother of the Empress," playing Zhao Feiyan, which marked her emergence in the TV industry. She continued to act in many works, including "I Am a Little Grass" and "Yuan Yang River."

In 2009, she starred in the Republican era drama "Daughter and Wife" and played Su Wenhui in the period drama "Servant Girl at the Big House." She also appeared in several influential TV dramas such as "Slanting Sun in the Smoke" , "Flower Waist Girl Red," and "Rose Fragrance."

In 2010, she played Jing Ruyi in the costume martial arts drama "Strange Hero Yi Zhi Mei," depicting a clever and empathetic woman full of tragic beauty. She also starred in multiple urban dramas, showcasing her versatile acting.

In 2011, Tong Liya gained popularity with her role as "Nian Suyan" in the palace drama "Gong Suo Xin Yu," which achieved high ratings, earning her several awards. During the same period, she also appeared in "Happy Granny and Sharp Daughter-in-Law" and "Purple Residence."

In 2012, she played Shen Bing in "Beijing Love Story" and starred in multiple urban romance dramas. She also released a single titled "Singing Only for You."

In 2013, she starred in the earthquake-themed drama "Tangshan Earthquake," receiving a nomination for the Huading Award for Best Actress. During the same period, she played in multiple series, demonstrating her diverse acting skills.

Since then, Tong Liya has continued to steadily develop her career in film and television, starring in numerous movies and series, and earning numerous industry honors. She actively participates in social公益 and charitable activities, including poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and caring for women and children.

Regarding her family, her father is named Tong Jisheng, who served as Executive Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Musicians Association. She publicly announced her relationship with Chen Sicheng on Hunan Satellite TV on March 17, 2012. The couple married in January 2014 and have one child. In 2021, she announced her divorce from Chen Sicheng.

Tong Liya is a well-respected actress in China's film and television industry, known for her versatile roles and solid acting skills.