By Larissa Wong - published
Few actors have captured the hearts of C-drama fans quite like Bai Jingting. The C-drama scene has given us no shortage of leading men to obsess over, but for the better part of a decade, Bai has remained a name firmly in the conversation. With his insane visuals, towering frame, undeniable talent and an ever-growing repertoire of roles, the actor has proven that there’s far more to his appeal than meets the eye.
Whether he’s got us all swooning in front of our TVs or winning over fans with his off-screen personality, Bai has grown a following that extends well beyond China. With more than a whopping 37 million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo and over four million on Instagram, his star power is hardly up for debate. But how much do you really know about the actor behind those fan-favourite roles?
From his early beginnings to his biggest career milestones, here’s everything you need to know about Bai Jingting.
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1. He Was Born In Beijing, China
Born on 15 October 1993 in Huairou, Beijing, Bai Jingting comes from an only-child household. His father worked as a taxi driver, while his mother was a homemaker, and the family spent much of his childhood pursuing his interest in music, particularly the piano. He began learning the piano at a young age, eventually earning a Grade 10 certificate in China’s amateur piano proficiency assessment, and later went on to study Recording Arts at Capital Normal University’s College of Music.
2. He Made His Acting Debut In 2014
Before becoming one of China’s most crushed on leading men, Bai made his acting debut in 2014 with the youth romance web drama Back in Time. Based on Jiu Yehui’s popular novel, the series follows a group of high school friends as they navigate the ups and downs of high school, first loves and simply growing up. Bai played Qiao Ran, a gentle and thoughtful teenager whose unrequited feelings for his friend Fang Hui made him an instant fan favourite.
3. He Landed His Breakout Role in 2017
Bai’s appearance in the 2017 coming-of-age series Rush to the Dead Summer was the role that introduced him to a much wider audience, as the second lead role. He played Lu Zhi’ang, the charismatic, warm-hearted and loyal friend who was often the emotional anchor of the high school friend group. Beneath his character’s playful exterior, there was a more vulnerable side as the character faced heartbreak and personal tragedy.
The series won over audiences for its nostalgic enactment of youth, relatable friendships and the emotional storyline of a teenager. The star’s portrayal of Lu Zhi’ang completely won over viewers, establishing him as one of the young actors to watch in China’s television scene.
4. He Became a Global Phenomenon After Starring in The First Frost
The majority of his projects were hits after his breakout role in 2017, but if there was one drama that took his global popularity to an entirely new level, it was 2025’s The First Frost. Bai played the lead male, Sang Yan, a charming yet guarded young man who reunites with his former high school classmate, Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan), years after their paths first crossed. The slow-burn trope follows the pair as they navigate unresolved feelings, unexpected cohabitation, and a second chance at love.
Bai’s portrayal of Sang Yan, coupled with the leads’ undeniable on-screen chemistry, had people glued to their screens—surpassing 1.5 billion views across all streaming platforms and ranking in Netflix’s top 10 shows globally at the time of its release. With these stats, it’s safe to say that post The First Frost was a global hit and Bai was a global phenomenon.
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5. He Is a Certified Fashion Boy
Bai Jingting’s fans don’t just love him because of his acting chops, he’s also quite the fashion boy. As seen in his fit pics on Instagram, the actor has an eye for a good outfit and typically sports a baggy streetwear look on his off days or a tailored suit when he’s attending work commitments.
He has been a familiar face at Louis Vuitton events, while also representing prestigious names including Cartier and Versace Fragrances. According to fans on social media, Bai is also a big sneakerhead, and is often spotted rocking the newest and most coveted kicks on the market.
6. He Has His Own Brand
For Bai Jingting, fashion has always been more than just a hobby. In 2021, the actor turned his passion for fashion into a business venture by founding Goodbai, his very own clothing and lifestyle label. He also brought in his close friend and fashion designer Zhe Shangguan, founder of the avant-garde label Sankuanz, as Goodbai’s creative and design director.
Goodbai’s aesthetic is preppy at its core, with collections that often incorporate sporty and streetwear elements. Since its launch, the label has grown a massive following, with physical stores in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Aranya, and is stocked in department stores like Lane Crawford. More recently, the brand collaborated with Salomon on the XT-Ridge Goodbai sneaker.
7. He Can Sing
While most fans know Bai for his hit dramas, there’s another talent worth adding to his repertoire: singing. A music enthusiast and trained pianist from a young age, the star has never let go of his passion for music. Over the years, he has lent his vocals to several drama soundtracks, but one of his most memorable musical moments came with The First Frost. He recorded a rendition of Stefanie Sun’s “The Invisible Man” for the drama’s soundtrack, proving that he can really do it all!
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8. He’s A Basketball Fan
When he’s not busy filming his next C-drama, chances are you’ll find Bai keeping up with his favourite basketball teams or getting a game in himself. His love for the sport goes all the way back to his school days, when he was actively involved in basketball teams and played frequently. He’s also posted pics on his Instagram, posing beside NBA legends like the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.