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Lin Gengxin
Lin Gengxin
Lin Gengxin
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Lin Gengxin (Chinese: 林更新; pinyin: Lín Gēngxīn, born on February 13, 1988), also known as Kenny Lin, is a Chinese actor.[1] Lin rose to fame for his role in Scarlet Heart (2011), and has starred in movies such as Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013), My Old Classmate (2014), The Taking of Tiger Mountain (2014) and Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back (2017) as well as television series Princess Agents (2017) and The Legend of Shen Li (2024).

Key Information

Lin ranked 77th on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2015,[2] 43rd in 2017,[3] and 84th in 2019.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Lin was born in Shenyang, Liaoning, China. He enrolled in the Shanghai Theatre Academy in 2007. During his college years, Lin appeared in low-budget films, television shows, short films and advertisements.[5]

Career

[edit]

2011–2013: Rising popularity

[edit]

In 2011, Lin rose to fame with the hit drama Scarlet Heart, playing the role of 14th Prince Yinti.[6] In 2012, Lin co-starred in xianxia drama Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky,[7] which was extremely popular during its run and raised his profile.[8] In 2013, Lin successfully made his crossover to film with his role in Tsui Hark's Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon.[9] He was nominated for the Best New Actor award at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards.[10]

2014–present: Commercial success

[edit]

In 2014, Lin starred in youth romance film My Old Classmate with Zhou Dongyu.[11] The film was a commercial success, and won the Jury Prize at the 21st Beijing College Student Film Festival.[12] The same year, he starred in crime action film Black & White: The Dawn of Justice;[13] and reunited with Tsui Hark in the period action film The Taking of Tiger Mountain.[14] The Taking of Tiger Mountain was a success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time in China with US$150 million.[15]

In 2015, Lin was cast in Chinese historical drama God of War, Zhao Yun, based on the Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He plays General Zhao Yun, who falls in love with a girl named Xiahou Qingyi (played by Girls' Generation's Im Yoona).[16] The drama premiered in April 2016, and reached viewership ratings as high as 2%, and recorded more than 10 billion hits through various Chinese online videos sites.[17][18] The same year, Lin headlined action comedy For a Few Bullets and martial arts film Sword Master.[19][20] He also featured in Zhang Yimou's historical fantasy epic The Great Wall.[21]

In 2017, Lin starred in Stephen Chow's Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, playing Sun Wukong.[22] The film grossed $239.5 million,[23] becoming the highest-grossing film among the Journey to the West novel adaptations.[24] The same year, he starred in historical action drama Princess Agents.[25] The drama was a massive hit, and Lin gained renewed recognition for his portrayal of the male lead, Yuwen Yue.[26]

In 2018, Lin reprised his role as Shatuo Zhong in Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings, the third installment of the Detective Dee film series by Tsui Hark.[27]

In 2019, Lin was cast in the crime suspense drama Lost and Love as a policeman.[28]

In 2022, Lin starred in the romance and fantasy drama The Legend of Shen Li, which was aired on March 18, 2024, on Hunan Television, Tencent Video, and Mango TV.[29] This drama was also Lin and Zhao Liying's second collaboration after their first drama Princess Agents in 2017.[30]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Notes Ref.
2009 The Immemorial Magic 玩命魔术 Tong Xing
2011 The Blue Cornflower 蓝色矢车菊 Nan Haitian
2013 Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon 狄仁杰之神都龙王 Shatuo Zhong [9]
2014 Just Another Margin 大话天仙 Lin Chong Cameo [31]
My Old Classmate 同桌的你 Lin Yi [11]
Black & White: The Dawn of Justice 痞子英雄2 Chen Zhen [13]
The Taking of Tiger Mountain 智取威虎山 Shao Jianbo [14]
2015 Jian Bing Man 煎饼侠 Himself Cameo [32]
2016 For a Few Bullets 快手枪手快枪手 Xiao Zhuang [19]
Sword Master 三少爺的劍 Hsieh Shaofeng / Ah Chi [20]
The Great Wall 長城 General Chen [21]
2017 Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back 西游伏妖篇 Sun Wukong [22]
What A Day! 有完没完 Xiao Xin Cameo [33]
2018 Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings 狄仁杰之四大天王 Shatuo Zhong [27]

Television series

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Network Ref.
2011 Scarlet Heart 步步惊心 Yinti Hunan TV [6]
2012 Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky 轩辕剑:天之痕 Zhang Lie [7]
Drama Go! Go! Go! 姐姐立正向前走 Tong Shaotian [34]
2013 Dancing Legend 舞乐传奇 Burmese Prince Shu Nanda CCTV [35]
2016 God of War, Zhao Yun 武神赵子龙 Zhao Zilong Hunan TV [16]
2017 Princess Agents 楚乔传 Yuwen Yue [25]
2020 Lost and Love 最初的相遇，最后的别离 Yan Jin Youku [28]
2021 My Bargain Queen 我的砍价女王 Sheng Zhening [36]
2022 Master of My Own 请叫我总监 Lu Jiming Youku
Dragon TV
2024 The Legend of Shen Li 与凤行 Xing Zhi / Xing Yun Tencent [37]

Variety show

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Ref.
2015 Challenger Alliance 挑戰者聯盟 Cast member [38]
2017 Baby, Let me go 放开我北鼻第二季 [39]
2017 Three Yard 三个院子 [40]
2018 Clash Bots 机器人争霸 [41]
2022 The New Journey 新游记 [42]
2024 Mystery in the Box 盒子里的猫 [43]
Natural High 现在就出发 Recurring member [44]

Discography

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Album Notes Ref.
2017 "Love In A Life Time" 一生所爱 Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back OST with Yao Chen [45]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Results Ref.
2011 Sohu Internet TV Festival Best New Actor Scarlet Heart Won [46]
2012 Sohu TV Drama Awards Best Newcomer Won [47]
6th Tencent Video Star Awards Newcomer of the Year Won [48]
8th Huading Awards Best New Actor Nominated [49]
1st iQiyi Award Ceremony Best Newcomer Won [50]
Most Popular Actor Won
2014 12th Huading Awards Best Supporting Actor Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon Nominated
33rd Hong Kong Film Awards Best Newcomer Nominated
14th Chinese Film Media Awards Most Anticipated Performance Nominated
9th Chinese Young Generation Film Forum Awards Best New Actor My Old Classmate Won [51]
11th Guangzhou Student Film Festival Most Popular Actor Won [52]
2015 15th Chinese Film Media Awards Most Anticipated Actor Nominated
2017 11th Tencent Video Star Awards Most Popular Actor Princess Agents Won [53]
2018 10th Macau International Movie Festival Best Supporting Actor Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lin Gengxin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lin Gengxin (Chinese: 林更新; born February 13, 1988), also known as Kenny Lin, is a Chinese and who rose to fame portraying the 14th Prince Yinti in the 2011 historical time-travel drama . Born in , Province, he enrolled at the Theatre Academy in 2007, majoring in drama, film, and television performance. Lin made his acting debut in a minor role in the 2009 film The Blue Cornflower, but his breakthrough came with , which propelled him to stardom across . He followed this with supporting roles in films like Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013), where he played Shatuo Zhong, and lead roles in box-office successes such as My Old Classmate (2014) and The Great Wall (2016), the latter a Hollywood co-production directed by in which he portrayed Commander Chen. In television, Lin has starred in several high-profile costume dramas, including the male lead Yuwen Yue in (2017), which earned him the Most Popular Actor award at the 11th Tencent Video Star Awards, and the romantic lead in To Love (2020). His recent projects include the fantasy drama The Legend of Shen Li (2024) as the immortal Xing Zhi and the modern family series The Story of Rose (2024) as Fang Xiewen, as well as the upcoming historical drama Liang Jing Shi Wu Ri (2025), for which he received a 2025 nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Series at the Shanghai Television Festival's Magnolia Awards. Throughout his career, Lin has been recognized on China's Celebrity 100 list, ranking 77th in 2015, 43rd in 2017, and 84th in 2019, reflecting his sustained popularity in the Chinese entertainment industry. In 2024, he was admitted to the doctoral program in drama and film performance creation at his alma mater, the Shanghai Theatre Academy, marking a return to academia alongside his acting pursuits.

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Lin Gengxin was born on February 13, 1988, in , Province, , into a civil servant . His father worked as a in the government system, while the household was described as moderately prosperous yet modest, providing a stable but unremarkable upbringing typical of many in during that era. Standing at 186 cm tall, Lin grew up in the Tiexi District of , where the region's harsh winters and communal lifestyle shaped his early years. As a , Lin was notably shy and introverted, often keeping to himself and avoiding social interactions, a trait influenced by his family's structured environment. He received ample care and warmth from his parents, which helped foster a sense of security amid his reserved nature. During high school, however, he began to open up gradually, becoming more outgoing as he navigated teenage life in Shenyang's urban setting. Lin's formative years included simple hobbies reflective of Northeast Chinese childhoods, such as playing video games, though he has candidly admitted to lacking proficiency in them, often joking about his poor skills in interviews. These early experiences in , marked by family support and personal growth from shyness to confidence, laid the groundwork for his later development away from home.

Academic pursuits and training

Lin Gengxin completed his high school education in his hometown of , Province, after which he decided to pursue a career in to build confidence in front of the camera. In 2007, he enrolled at the Theatre Academy, majoring in Drama, Film, and Television Performance, and graduated in 2011. During his college years, he gained initial practical experience through participation in low-budget films, short projects, and advertisements, which helped him develop his skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. These academy experiences also played a key role in overcoming his childhood . In June 2024, Lin advanced his academic journey by gaining admission to the PhD program in Drama and Film Performance Creation at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, achieving the second-highest entry score of 277.05 out of four admitted candidates.

Career

Debut and early roles (2007–2010)

Lin Gengxin began his acting journey while studying at the , where he enrolled in 2007 to pursue a degree in performance. During his college years, he took on various low-budget projects, including short films, television shows, and advertisements, to build practical experience and confidence in front of the camera. These early endeavors were primarily student-oriented or small-scale productions that offered limited exposure but allowed him to hone his skills as a newcomer in the competitive Chinese entertainment industry. His first screen appearance came in the 2009 film The Blue Cornflower (蓝色矢车菊), directed by Chen Mingzhang, in which he portrayed Nan Haitian, a hotel sales manager in a supporting role. Filmed during his third year of studies, the drama explores themes of love and loss amid a corporate backdrop, providing Gengxin with his initial opportunity to perform in a feature-length production. Although the film received modest attention upon its 2011 release, it marked a foundational step in his career, showcasing his ability to embody everyday characters despite the challenges of working with established actors like Fann Wong and Chang Chen. In 2010, Gengxin secured a more prominent role as Tong Xing, the lead character, in the action-thriller The Immemorial Magic (玩命魔术), a centered on a young magician entangled in dangerous illusions and rivalries. This part allowed him to demonstrate versatility in a high-stakes narrative involving suspense and physical performance, co-starring with veterans like . As a relative unknown, he navigated the typical hurdles of early career obscurity, such as sparse promotional opportunities and reliance on word-of-mouth within industry circles, which restricted his visibility ahead of more substantial breakthroughs.

Breakthrough in television (2011–2013)

Lin Gengxin's career gained significant momentum with his portrayal of the 14th Prince Yinti in the 2011 historical romance drama (), a time-travel series adapted from Tong Hua's novel that aired on . The production, which premiered in September 2011, achieved extremely high viewership ratings in , captivating audiences with its intricate palace intrigue and emotional depth, and marking Lin's transition from supporting roles to national prominence. His depiction of Yinti as a steadfast, selfless prince amid the Kangxi Emperor's succession struggles resonated widely, drawing praise for his sincere and impetuous performance that highlighted the character's loyalty and bravery. Building on this success, Lin took on lead roles in 2012 dramas that further showcased his versatility. In the urban comedy Drama Go! Go! Go!, he played Tong Shaotian, a charismatic entertainment industry figure navigating romance and ambitions, contributing to the series' lighthearted appeal. He also starred as Zhang Lie in the epic : Scar of Sky, embodying a vengeful warrior in a fantastical tale of ancient artifacts and rivalries; the drama's broadcast run was notably popular, solidifying his rising profile in the genre. In 2013, Lin expanded into film with a supporting role as Shatuo Zhong, a resourceful Uighur doctor and apprentice to the imperial physician, in Tsui Hark's action-mystery Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon. The film, a to the Detective Dee series starring , featured Lin assisting the titular detective in unraveling a involving monstrous sea creatures and , earning acclaim for its elaborate visuals and his chemistry with the ensemble. His performances during this period garnered early accolades, including the Newcomer of the Year award at the 6th in 2012 for . He was also nominated for Best New Actor at the 8th that year, recognizing his breakout impact. The surge in visibility from sparked substantial media coverage and fanbase expansion, positioning Lin as an emerging talent in Chinese entertainment.

Transition to film and rising stardom (2014–2018)

Building on the popularity gained from his television role in Scarlet Heart (2011), Lin Gengxin transitioned to film in 2014, taking on lead roles that showcased his versatility in both romantic and action genres. In the youth romance My Old Classmate, directed by Frant Gwo, he portrayed Lin Yi, a charming and persistent high school student navigating first love alongside Zhou Dongyu's character; the film became a commercial hit, grossing over 300 million yuan at the box office and earning Lin a nomination for Favorite Actor at the 2015 Tencent Video All-Star Awards. Later that year, he starred as Captain Shao Jianbo in Tsui Hark's epic action film The Taking of Tiger Mountain, a 3D adaptation of a revolutionary opera where his character leads a daring mission against bandits; the movie topped China's box office with 1.1 billion yuan in earnings and received multiple technical nominations at international festivals. Lin's international profile rose in 2016 with a supporting role in Zhang Yimou's Hollywood-Chinese co-production The Great Wall, where he played Commander Chen, a disciplined leader of the elite Eagle Troop defending against monstrous invaders alongside and ; the film, budgeted at $150 million, grossed $334 million worldwide and highlighted Lin's ability to perform in English-heavy scenes. This exposure contributed to his rising stardom, as evidenced by his 77th ranking on the 2015 list, reflecting earnings from endorsements and projects exceeding 100 million yuan annually. Returning to television in 2017, Lin took on the complex role of Yuwen Yue, a stoic and strategic nobleman, in the historical action drama , which became one of the year's top-rated series with over 10 billion views online; his performance earned him the Most Popular Actor award at the 11th Tencent Video Star Awards. By 2017, his commercial momentum had propelled him to 43rd on the , with reported earnings of 100 million yuan from acting and brand deals. Earlier recognition included a nomination for Best New Performer at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards in 2014 for his work in Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013), underscoring his shift toward cinematic acclaim.

Leading roles in dramas (2019–2023)

Following a period focused on projects, Lin Gengxin returned to television in 2020, taking on leading roles that highlighted his versatility in romance and suspense genres. His performance in the 2020 drama To Love marked a significant comeback, where he portrayed Yan Jin, a former anti-narcotics policeman turned businessman entangled in a murder investigation and drug-trafficking case. The series, a suspenseful romance, follows Yan Jin as he goes undercover, forms a complex relationship with Ji Xiao Ou amid twists of fate and loss, and ultimately seeks justice for a friend's death. Critics praised Gengxin's portrayal for its depth, noting his ability to convey a mix of confidence, vulnerability, and intensity in modern settings, which contributed to the drama's overall rating of 8.1 on MyDramaList. In 2022, Gengxin starred as Lu Ji Ming in the workplace romance Master of My Own, a role that showcased his range in contemporary narratives. Lu Ji Ming is depicted as a demanding firm CEO who initially clashes with his ambitious Ning Meng but gradually reveals a supportive side through professional growth and budding romance. The drama, adapted from a , emphasizes themes of perseverance and mutual respect, with Gengxin's from aloof boss to empathetic partner earning acclaim for its realism and emotional nuance. Reviewers highlighted his subtle expressions of character development, enhancing the slow-burn dynamic and helping the series achieve an 8.0 rating on MyDramaList. Gengxin's television resurgence during this era was underscored by his 84th ranking on the 2019 list, reflecting sustained popularity amid his TV leads. His performances drew recognition for exploring character depth across modern scenarios, blending charm with introspective layers that resonated in both suspenseful and romantic contexts. This culminated in the 2023 All-Rounded Quality Drama Star award at the 8th Quality Television Drama Awards, honoring his multifaceted contributions to storytelling. His earlier experiences in subtly informed these roles, allowing Gengxin to infuse greater authenticity into his dramatic portrayals.

Recent projects and acclaim (2024–present)

In 2024, Lin Gengxin took on the lead role of Xing Zhi, also known as Xing Yun, in the fantasy romance drama The Legend of Shen Li, adapted from the novel Fenghuorenjian by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang. The series, co-starring , premiered on , , and in March 2024, achieving widespread popularity with high viewership ratings and topping online charts for several weeks, solidifying Lin's reputation for portraying complex immortal characters with emotional depth. Later that year, Lin appeared as Fang Xiewen in the urban drama The Tale of Rose, a supporting role that highlighted his versatility in modern settings alongside lead actress . The series, which explored themes of women's independence and relationships, garnered strong audience engagement and critical praise for its , contributing to Lin's continued visibility in contemporary narratives. Looking ahead to 2025, Lin is set to star as Ma Teng in the film Every Dog Has Its Day, a project anticipated for its blend of drama and humor, while also taking a lead role as Wu Ding Yuan in the Liang Jing Shi Wu Ri (translated as The Mysterious Case of Tang Palace). Additionally, he has guest appearances in variety shows including Become a Farmer (Season 3, Episode 12) and Sunny Mood (Episode 9), showcasing his lighter side amid a busy schedule. These upcoming works reflect his expanding range across genres. Lin's performances in 2024 earned him significant recognition, including the Quality Actor of the Year award at the 2024 Night ceremony held on January 11, 2025, where he shared the honor with actors , , and for their impactful contributions to Chinese television. He was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Series at the Television Festival's Awards in 2025 for his role in The Tale of Rose.

Filmography

Films

Lin Gengxin made his film debut in a supporting role and has since taken on a mix of leading and supporting parts in action, fantasy, comedy, and drama genres, often in high-profile Chinese productions directed by acclaimed filmmakers.
YearTitleRoleNotes
2010The Immemorial MagicTong XingLeading role in mystery thriller. Directed by Shi Yichu.
2011The Blue CornflowerNan Haitian (hotel sales manager)Supporting role in romantic drama; his acting debut. Directed by Han Jie.
2013Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea DragonShatuo ZhongSupporting role in action-mystery film; part of Tsui Hark's Detective Dee series. Directed by Tsui Hark. Grossed approximately $99 million internationally.
2014My Old ClassmateLin YiLeading role in romantic comedy-drama about youthful love and reunion. Directed by Xu Jinglei. Topped Chinese box office with $73 million worldwide.
2014Black & White: The Dawn of JusticeChen ZhenLeading role in action thriller sequel. Directed by Yao Zhaolong and Tsai Yueh-Hsun.
2014The Taking of Tiger MountainShao JianboLeading role as a People's Liberation Army captain in historical action epic. Directed by Tsui Hark. Grossed over $150 million in China.
2016For a Few BulletsXiaozhuangLeading role as a con man in action-comedy western. Directed by Fuhai Pan.
2016Sword MasterThird Master Hsiao Feng / Ah ChiLeading role as a disguised swordsman in wuxia martial arts film. Directed by Derek Yee. Remake of 1977 Shaw Brothers classic.
2016The Great WallCommander Chen (General of the Eagle Army)Supporting role in international fantasy-action film. Directed by Zhang Yimou. Co-starring Matt Damon; grossed $334.9 million worldwide.
2017Journey to the West: The Demons Strike BackSun Wukong (The Monkey King)Leading role in fantasy adventure sequel. Directed by Tsui Hark. Produced by Stephen Chow; grossed $239.5 million worldwide.
2018Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly KingsShatuo ZhongSupporting role reprising character in action-mystery sequel. Directed by Tsui Hark. Part of the Detective Dee series.
2021Daily FantasyHua NiuGuest role.
2025Every Dog Has Its Day (Ma Teng Ni Bie Zou)Ma TengLeading role in drama about cross-generational friendship. Directed by Yue Yang. Released November 15, 2025, in China.
Lin Gengxin's film work often features him in dynamic supporting roles within ensemble action films by director , transitioning to leads in comedies and fantasies that highlight his versatility.

Television series

Lin Gengxin's television career began with a breakout supporting role in the historical drama , where he portrayed the 14th Prince Yinti across 35 episodes, which aired on Hunan TV from September 10 to 29, 2011, co-starring and .
YearTitleRoleNotes
2012Drama Go! Go! Go!Tong ShaotianLeading role in romantic comedy, 28 episodes. Aired on Hunan TV.
2012Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of SkyZhang LieSupporting role in fantasy adventure, 36 episodes. Aired on Hunan TV.
2013Legend of Southwest Dance and MusicShu Nan TuoLeading role in historical drama, 42 episodes. Aired on Jiangsu TV.
2016Chinese Hero: Zhao Zi LongZhao YunLeading role in historical wuxia, 49 episodes. Aired on Jiangsu TV.
2017Princess AgentsYu Wen YueLeading role as the noble and conflicted Yu Wen Yue in the action-packed historical series, spanning 67 episodes and broadcast on Hunan TV, iQiyi, and Mango TV from June 5 to August 1, alongside Zhao Liying and Shawn Dou.
2018Worry Not the Future of the Pub 3Lin Nian TianLeading role in short-form urban drama, 6 episodes. Aired on iQiyi.
2020To LoveYan JinLeading role as the determined former police officer Yan Jin in the thriller, a 40-episode series that premiered on Tencent Video on November 21, exploring themes of romance and undercover operations.
2021My Bargain QueenSheng Zhe NingLeading role in romantic comedy, 40 episodes. Aired on iQiyi.
2022Master of My OwnLu Ji MingLeading role as the ambitious investment director Lu Ji Ming in the romantic drama, with the 32-episode production airing on Youku and Tencent Video from April 29 to May 18, co-starring Tan Songyun.
2024The Legend of Shen LiXing Zhi / Xing YunLeading role as the immortal deity Xing Zhi in the fantasy romance, a 39-episode series that debuted on Tencent Video, WeTV, Mango TV, and Hunan TV on March 18, achieving widespread acclaim.
2024The Tale of RoseFang XiewenGuest role as Fang Xiewen, the husband of the protagonist Yi Mei, in the modern family drama, which ran for 38 episodes on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video from June 8 to 26.
TBALiang Jing Shi Wu Ri (Fifteen Days Between Two Capitals)Wu Ding YuanLeading role in historical mystery drama, Youku production co-starring Cheng Yi. Filming in progress as of 2025; no episode count or release date announced.

Variety shows and guest appearances

Lin Gengxin has made several guest appearances on variety shows, showcasing his humorous and relatable off-screen persona through unscripted interactions and challenges. In 2018, he served as a team captain on the reality competition Clash Bots, a program centered on robot-building and battles featuring global teams, where he led participants in strategy sessions and eliminations, contributing his quick wit to team dynamics and commentary. In 2024, Lin appeared as a guest on Sunny Mood, a Tencent Video talk show hosted by Xie Na that blends celebrity chats with light-hearted games, where in episode 9 he participated in comedic segments involving food challenges and personal anecdotes, highlighting his playful side alongside co-guests like Yang Di. He also featured in one episode of Heart Acceleration Package (心动加速包), a Mango TV reality series combining outdoor games, music performances, and stand-up elements aimed at young audiences, joining fixed hosts like Xue Zhiqian in high-energy activities that emphasized teamwork and improvisation. Extending into 2025, Lin made a two-episode guest stint on Become a Farmer season 3 (种地吧3), an rural lifestyle where celebrities engage in farming tasks, appearing in episodes 11 and 12 to assist with planting crape myrtle trees and other manual labor at the Houdoumen site, often humorously expressing exhaustion while bonding with the cast over the physical demands. In 2025, he appeared as a regular member in Mystery in the Box season 2 (episodes 5-20), an involving mystery-solving challenges. Earlier in his career, Lin ventured into voice work with a dubbing role in the 2014 Chinese release of How to Train Your Dragon 2, providing the Mandarin voice for the protagonist , bringing a youthful and adventurous tone to the animated character's dialogues in this DreamWorks film. These appearances have allowed Lin to connect with fans beyond scripted roles, leveraging his established popularity from dramas to engage in lighthearted, authentic formats.

Discography

Soundtrack contributions

Lin Gengxin has occasionally contributed vocals to original soundtracks for his acting projects, often in collaborative duets that align with the emotional depth of his characters. A prominent example is his duet with co-star Ge Yuexi on "最初的相遇，最后的别离" (Chūchū de Xiāngyù, Zuìhòu de Biélí; The First Encounter, The Last Parting) for the 2020 romantic drama To Love, in which he portrayed the male lead Yan Jin. Released as the Chinese theme song in the drama's OST album, the melancholic ballad captures the protagonists' turbulent romance and was integrated into promotional videos, episode endings, and pivotal scenes depicting their initial meeting and eventual separation. In the fantasy adventure film Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back (2017), where Lin Gengxin played the iconic Sun Wukong, he partnered with on a cover of "一生所爱" (Yīshēng Suǒ Ài; Love in a Lifetime). This poignant track, originally from the 1995 film , served as part of the movie's soundtrack, appearing in trailers and end credits to emphasize themes of enduring yet tragic love amid the story's mythological chaos. While Lin Gengxin's early breakthrough dramas like Scarlet Heart (2011) and Princess Agents (2017) featured acclaimed OSTs that enhanced their narrative impact, his vocal contributions during that era were limited, with no official singles recorded for those productions.

Solo releases

Lin Gengxin's solo musical output remains limited, with no full albums or extensive singles catalog to date. His most notable independent musical effort came in 2017 with a solo performance and recording of "一生所爱" (Love in a Life Time), a cover originally popularized as a duet for the film Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back. This rendition, shared during promotional activities, showcased his baritone vocals and emotional depth, earning praise from fans for its melancholic tone and personal touch. The track did not chart commercially but highlighted his versatility beyond acting, influenced briefly by his variety show experiences where he occasionally performed covers. No further solo releases have followed as of 2025, with Gengxin prioritizing his screen career.

Awards and nominations

Major wins

Lin Gengxin's major award wins highlight pivotal moments in his career, particularly his breakthrough roles and sustained popularity in Chinese television. 2012
Lin Gengxin earned the Newcomer of the Year award at the 6th Tencent Video Star Awards for his performance as the 14th Prince in the Scarlet Heart. He also received the Best Newcomer award at the TV Drama Awards for the same role. Additionally, he won Best Newcomer and Most Popular Actor at the 1st iQiyi Award Ceremony for Scarlet Heart. 2017
For his portrayal of Yuwen Yue in the action drama , Lin Gengxin won the Most Popular award at the 11th Tencent Video Star Awards. 2023
Lin Gengxin was awarded the All-Rounded Quality Drama Star at the 8th Quality Television Drama Awards, recognizing his versatile contributions to television. 2024
Lin Gengxin won the Trendy of Adaptations at the Yuewen Global IP Awards. He also received the VIP Star of the Year at the All Star Night. 2025
At the Night awards ceremony (2024 edition, held January 2025), Lin Gengxin received the Quality Actor of the Year honor, shared with peers , , and , affirming his ongoing influence in the industry.

Nominations and rankings

Lin Gengxin has garnered several nominations for his performances, underscoring his consistent presence in award considerations within the Chinese film and television industry, even if victories have been selective. In 2014, Lin was nominated for Best New Performer at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards for portraying Shatuo Zhong in Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon, a fantasy action film directed by . That same year, he earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 12th for the same performance. More recently, in 2025, Lin was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Series at the Magnolia Awards (Shanghai Television Festival) for his role as Fang Xiewen in the family drama The Tale of Rose. Beyond individual award nods, Lin has been featured in prominent industry rankings that measure celebrity influence, earnings, and media presence in . He appeared on the list, which evaluates top entertainers based on income, visibility, and market endorsements.
YearRankingNotes
201577thFollowing increased visibility from television roles, with estimated earnings contributing to his placement.
43rdPeak ranking amid rising stardom from films like : The Demons Strike Back, with reported income of 100 million yuan.
201984thReflecting sustained popularity despite fluctuating project outputs.
These rankings highlight Lin's commercial appeal and enduring relevance in the competitive Chinese entertainment landscape.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5341380/
  2. https://mydramalist.com/people/1598-lin-geng-xin
  3. https://www.cpophome.com/kenny-lin-gengxin-profile/
  4. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/lin-gengxin.html
  5. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/lin-gengxin-c-drama-list-143307853.html
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5341380/awards/
  7. https://koalasplayground.com/2025/06/12/cheng-yi-and-lin-geng-yin-in-casting-talks-for-dual-male-lead-period-political-c-drama-fifteen-days-between-two-capitals/
  8. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202407/02/WS66835823a31095c51c50bd50.html
  9. https://www.sohu.com/a/548980972_121145349
  10. https://www.sohu.com/a/766790624_121894854
  11. https://www.sohu.com/a/191493271_145183
  12. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/lin-gengxin-23328.php
  13. https://ent.ifeng.com/c/7fzwNo7Rvvs
  14. https://www.sohu.com/a/665932319_121145821
  15. https://www.naijanews.com/buzz/people/lin-gengxin-biography-films-and-series-of-the-chinese-actor/
  16. https://inf.news/en/entertainment/94aabef13c85e1cddf4b888f400d149f.html
  17. https://en.sta.edu.cn/c2/57/c3891a115287/page.htm
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2471308/
  19. https://mydramalist.com/25415-the-immemorial-magic
  20. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1254211?language=en-US
  21. http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2014-04/07/content_32005194_2.htm
  22. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/37681-scarlet-heart/cast
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2992146/characters/nm5341380
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2992146/
  25. https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Lin_Geng_Xin
  26. https://variety.com/2014/film/asia/film-review-my-old-classmate-1201172369/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3950078/
  28. https://deadline.com/2014/12/taking-of-tiger-mountain-china-film-open-january-2-well-go-usa-1201328384/
  29. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/311324-the-great-wall/cast?language=en-US
  30. https://www.legendary.com/legendary-announces-cast-for-the-great-wall-3/
  31. https://mydramalist.com/19464-princess-agents/cast
  32. https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2017/09/22/2017-forbes-china-celebrity-list-full-list/
  33. https://www.hkfaa.com/winnerlist33.html
  34. https://mydramalist.com/35849-first-meeting-last-farewell
  35. https://mydramalist.com/60407-please-call-me-ceo
  36. https://news.mydramalist.com/article/zhao-li-ying-chen-zhe-yuan-bai-lu-dylan-wang-and-more-win-at-weibo-awards-2024
  37. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Di-Renjie-zhi-shendu-longwang-%282013-China%29
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3956312/
  39. https://www.screendaily.com/classmate-tops-china-box-office/5071101.article
  40. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gengxin_lin
  41. https://mydramalist.com/12781-the-taking-of-tiger-mountain/cast
  42. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Taking-of-Tiger-Mountain-The
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5882704/
  44. https://mydramalist.com/19330-sword-master/cast
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5269396/
  46. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Great-Wall-The
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6869538/
  48. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38820860/
  49. https://letterboxd.com/film/every-dog-has-its-day-1/
  50. https://mydramalist.com/2969-scarlet-heart
  51. https://dramaforlife.fandom.com/wiki/Scarlet_Heart
  52. https://mydramalist.com/19464-princess-agents
  53. https://www.comingsoon.net/chinese-drama/news/1629734-lin-gengxin-c-drama-list-to-love-princess-agents-more
  54. https://mydramalist.com/733053-with-phoenix-xing
  55. https://mydramalist.com/740501-the-story-of-rose
  56. https://www.chasingdramas.com/reviews/currently-watching-the-tale-of-rose-2024-%25E7%258E%25AB%25E7%2591%25B0%25E7%259A%2584%25E6%2595%2585%25E4%25BA%258B/
  57. http://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201802/14/WS5a83807aa3106e7dcc13ca20_2.html
  58. https://mydramalist.com/687441-clash-bots
  59. https://wetv.vip/en/play/9304vhkk5h2v5g1-Sunny_Mood
  60. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/279104
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF6Ezsr9vgw
  62. https://www.iq.com/play/become-a-farmer-s3-2025-3-21-15v16yh2cf0?lang=en_us
  63. https://en.namu.wiki/w/%25EB%25A6%25B0%25EA%25B2%2585%25EC%258B%25A0
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjCqVtirCBw
  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT50gtFvvTQ
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgIQ0232VUg
  67. https://entertainment.trueid.net/detail/6WxzMBPlN6p5
  68. https://inf.news/en/entertainment/62287a0ab0647a8014276b30c64b91d5.html
  69. https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/nothing-do-feng-shui-chinese-star-lin-gengxin-important-things-travels-singapore-yuewen-global-ip-awards
  70. https://min.news/en/entertainment/9b10ecb72b7416c5b1a25f2b87e5c000.html
  71. http://www.china.org.cn/top10/2015-05/12/content_35547596.htm
  72. https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2019/08/29/2019-forbes-china-celebrity-100-list/?sh=3b3e4d5a6e0e
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