Zi Yu, born Zheng Peng on July 6, 2002, is a Chinese singer and actor known for his journey from idol survival programs to acting and music. He first gained public attention through We Are Young and Youth With You 3 before debuting with the boy group Guanghe Shaonian. His breakthrough came with the 2025 web drama Revenged Love, where he played the lead role Wu Suowei.
Early Life and Background
Zi Yu was born Zheng Peng in Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China. He developed an interest in entertainment at a young age and began pursuing opportunities in the Chinese entertainment industry in 2020. After being scouted online, he moved to Beijing to continue his career as a trainee.
His early experiences as a trainee helped him develop skills in singing, performance, stage presence, and entertainment production. These experiences eventually opened opportunities in both music and acting.
Zi Yu on We Are Young and Youth With You 3
Zi Yu made his first major public appearance in 2020 as a trainee on the Chinese male idol survival program We Are Young. Representing Huakaibanxia Culture, he competed for a place in the final group but was eliminated in 33rd place.
In 2021, Zi Yu joined Youth With You 3, an iQIYI produced boy group survival show. He initially ranked 22nd in the first elimination and 21st in the second before being eliminated in 31st place. Although he did not make the final debut lineup, the program increased his visibility and helped establish him as a promising young performer.
Guanghe Shaonian and Music Career
Following Youth With You 3, Zi Yu officially debuted on June 25, 2021, as the center of the C-Pop boy group Guanghe Shaonian, managed by Huakaibanxia Culture. The group released its first mini album, New Light, marking an important step in Zi Yu's professional music career.
Guanghe Shaonian later released several songs, with "Shake That" becoming one of the group's notable releases. Zi Yu's time with the group gave him valuable experience as a singer and performer.
However, his journey with the group eventually came to an end. After leaving the agency in 2023, Zi Yu moved toward acting and independent career opportunities.
Zi Yu's Acting Career
Zi Yu expanded into acting with the television series My Lady General (Jiang Jun Zai Xia), where he portrayed Xiao Jun. He also appeared in several short form dramas, including Why Did Secretary Duan Behave Like That? and The Tyrant's Reluctant Consort.
These projects allowed him to develop his acting skills and establish himself beyond the idol industry. His transition from singer to actor became a major part of his career development.
Revenged Love and Breakthrough Success
Zi Yu's biggest acting breakthrough came in 2025 with the web drama Revenged Love. Premiering on June 16, 2025, the series was adapted from a web novel and featured Zi Yu in the leading role of Wu Suowei.
The drama significantly increased Zi Yu's recognition among audiences in China and internationally. His performance introduced him to a broader audience and helped establish him as one of the rising young actors in Chinese web dramas.
Following the success of Revenged Love, Zi Yu's professional activities expanded considerably. He participated in music festivals, brand campaigns, public events, and other entertainment projects, demonstrating his growing popularity as both an actor and singer.
Zi Yu's Music and Live Performances
Music has remained an important part of Zi Yu's career. His discography includes several singles released between 2024 and 2026, including "Kiss me, and?", "Quagmire," "Too Deep," "I Can," "Stellar," "Say I Love You Before Sunrise," "Sunny Day After Rain," "Deep Sea Wandering Guide," and "Unwavering."
He also contributed to the soundtrack of Revenged Love with "Blooming Freely," which appeared on the drama's original soundtrack.
In 2025, Zi Yu performed at multiple Chinese music festivals, including Galaxy Left Bank Music Festival, Jump Park Music Festival, Mango Music Festival, Taihu Bay Music Festival, Weibo Big Eye Music Festival, and Oxygen Music Festival.
His growing popularity eventually led to his first major concert tour, You Dian Yi Si Concert Tour 2026, with performances scheduled across cities including Nanjing, Guiyang, Wuhan, and Xiamen.
Brand Partnerships and Media Recognition
Zi Yu's increasing popularity has also brought commercial opportunities. His brand ambassador partnerships have included Vita Young, Yaya, FUNCINATING, Baidu, NetEase, Kiehl's, uSmile, Serovyal, Charlotte Tilbury, and WuGuMoFang.
His media presence continued to grow in 2026. He appeared at a China Film Association event in Xi'an and was featured on the cover of Cosmopolitan China. His expanding presence across entertainment, fashion, music, and commercial campaigns reflects his development into a versatile Chinese celebrity.
Zi Yu's Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Beyond entertainment, Zi Yu has participated in several charitable initiatives. In 2025, he joined the Light and Health Public Welfare Tour, which supported rural education and children with hearing impairments.
He was also appointed as an Ear Care Project Love Ambassador for the China Hearing Medical Development Foundation. His charitable activities included supporting hearing impaired communities, visiting rehabilitation centers, and interacting with children and special education teachers.
Zi Yu also supported educational initiatives by donating the Little Fish Love Library to Sanjiang Central School in Rongjiang County, Guizhou. The project provided additional reading resources for hundreds of students.
He has additionally participated in public welfare projects focused on aesthetic education for rural children. In 2026, his charitable involvement continued through community activities and visits supporting elderly people and children.
Zi Yu's Career and Future
Zi Yu's career reflects a steady transition from trainee and idol group member to singer, actor, performer, and public figure. His appearances on We Are Young and Youth With You 3 provided his initial platform, while Guanghe Shaonian gave him professional experience in music.
His acting projects eventually opened a new chapter, with Revenged Love becoming a major turning point in his career. With new music, live performances, brand partnerships, acting projects, and public welfare activities, Zi Yu continues to expand his presence in the Chinese entertainment industry.
As his audience grows internationally, Zi Yu's combination of music, acting, and stage performance positions him as a rising name to watch in Chinese entertainment.
