LayarHijau – Sun Qian’s popularity has been on the rise following the success of The Early Spring (早春晴朗). Along with praise for her performance, the actress from Harbin has once again found herself being called the “Jun Ji-hyun of Northeastern China” (东北全智贤).
The nickname is partly a reference to Sun Qian’s roots. She is from Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, one of the major regions of northeastern China, commonly known as Dongbei. But it also stems from her tall frame, elegant features and effortlessly cool aura, which many fans believe resemble South Korean star Jun Ji-hyun — particularly her iconic Cheon Song-yi character in My Love from the Star.
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The comparison is hardly new for Sun Qian. Standing at around 172 cm, with a statuesque figure, sharp facial features and a relaxed, natural presence, she has long been compared to Jun Ji-hyun by Chinese netizens.
Sun Qian, however, has never seemed interested in turning that comparison into her identity.
When fans have called her the “Cheon Song-yi of Northeastern China” or the “Jun Ji-hyun of Northeastern China,” Sun Qian has previously responded with a short but telling remark:
“I’m Sun Qian.”
The simple response attracted attention because it perfectly captured her attitude toward the nickname. Rather than embracing the comparison or building her public image around it, Sun Qian chose to emphasize her own identity.
That approach also reflects how she views her career. Various profiles of the actress have noted that she does not want to be defined by beauty labels or comparisons with other stars. For Sun Qian, what matters more is proving herself through her work and allowing audiences to get to know her through the characters she plays.
In that sense, the “Jun Ji-hyun of Northeastern China” nickname appears to be something she accepts as a compliment from fans rather than a label she wants to claim for herself.
Her career choices also reflect that attitude. Rather than relying solely on her looks, Sun Qian has gradually taken on characters with different personalities and backgrounds. In The Early Spring, she plays Shang Zhi Tao, a workplace newcomer who gradually grows into an independent and capable director.
Her portrayal of Shang Zhi Tao has drawn attention because the character is not simply presented as a beautiful female lead. Instead, Sun Qian brings to life her gradual transformation from an inexperienced young employee into a woman who becomes increasingly aware of her own abilities, boundaries and worth.
That makes the comparisons with Jun Ji-hyun even more interesting. Cheon Song-yi is known for her confidence, sharp wit and spontaneous personality, while still possessing a softer side. Shang Zhi Tao, meanwhile, follows a more grounded journey of personal growth shaped by her experiences in the workplace.
Off-screen, Sun Qian is also known for her laid-back style and for not appearing overly concerned with always looking perfectly polished. That personality has further strengthened her image as a straightforward, easygoing woman from northeastern China who does not seem burdened by the expectations often placed on celebrities.
The nickname recently resurfaced after Sun Qian attended the red carpet at the FIRST International Film Festival.
Instead of following the usual red carpet formula of high heels and ultra-glamorous styling, Sun Qian wore a sleek black strapless top paired with trousers. But the biggest surprise was on her feet: a pair of sneakers.
With her 172 cm frame and long hair moving naturally as she walked, Sun Qian appeared relaxed and effortlessly confident. Her look broke away from the unspoken red carpet expectation that female celebrities should always wear high heels and present an overtly feminine image.
The topic of seeing a female celebrity walk the red carpet in German Army Trainers quickly gained traction on social media and reportedly surpassed 100 million views. Netizens praised her look as proof that a strong presence does not require a glamorous gown or towering heels.
Many once again called her “东北千颂伊,” or the “Cheon Song-yi of Northeastern China.”
Beyond the nickname, public interest in Sun Qian has also been fueled by her relaxed personal style and her refusal to appear overly concerned with looking perfect all the time. Her straightforward and natural personality has led many netizens to see her as someone with a strong sense of individuality rather than simply another actress known for her appearance.
Her background as a ballet dancer for around seven years has also helped shape her posture and fluid movements. That experience has become part of what gives Sun Qian a distinctive presence on screen.
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