Cheng Yi’s Homecoming Turns a Hunan Village into a Celebrity Spotlight, Showcasing the Rise of Rural Star Power

The sentiment behind the chant is unmistakable. Social‑media users across Weibo have flooded the platform with messages of pride, describing Cheng Yi’s rise as a classic self‑made success story. “He has no background or backing, only his acting skills,” one user wrote, echoing a chorus of admiration for the actor’s “thirteen years of hard work, one step at a time.” The posts repeatedly reference his early break in the fantasy drama Noble Aspirations (《青云志》) and his more recent lead roles in Love and Redemption (《琉璃》) and Mysterious Lotus Casebook (《莲花楼》). For many, the arc from a modest village boy to a household name feels both relatable and inspirational.

Cheng Yi’s visit to Chenxi was no ordinary celebrity cameo. He attended the “村BA” — a village basketball association tournament that doubles as a community gathering and a showcase of local culture. Fans traveled from across the country, packing the modest arena, chanting his name, and even joining him in a chorus of his new single “Dare to Be.” Reports indicate that the live‑stream of the event attracted more than 500,000 reservations, underscoring his magnetic pull and the fervor of his supporters, affectionately nicknamed “果果们.”

Beyond the immediate fanfare, Cheng’s return highlights a broader shift in China’s entertainment landscape. Rural narratives and hometown pride are gaining traction, challenging the industry’s long‑standing urban bias. Producers are increasingly courting stories that foreground grassroots life, while platforms such as Douyin (TikTok) enable “乡村网红” (rural internet celebrities) to amass followings without traditional gatekeepers. The commercial upside is clear: rural‑themed content can boost tourism, promote local products and inject fresh revenue streams into an industry that once relied heavily on city‑centric dramas.

The social impact is equally striking. By embodying a “star from the village,” Cheng Yi offers a new definition of success—one that does not hinge on elite connections but on perseverance and authenticity. Young people in China’s countryside see a tangible pathway to national recognition, a narrative that dovetails with the government’s “rural revitalization” agenda. The 14th Five‑Year Plan explicitly cites cultural influencers and online personalities as tools for promoting regional development, suggesting that stories like Cheng’s are not just popular but also politically resonant.

Nonetheless, commentators warn of potential pitfalls. The romanticization of rural life can lead to oversimplified portrayals, while commercial interests might dilute the authenticity that initially draws audiences. Balancing genuine representation with the profit motives of entertainment conglomerates will be a delicate act.

For Chenxi, the immediate benefits are hard to deny. The village basketball tournament, amplified by Cheng Yi’s presence, attracted media coverage from national outlets, sparked a surge in visitor numbers and placed the once‑obscure town on China’s cultural map. Residents described the experience as “a love for the city because of one person,” capturing the communal pride that follows a local hero’s ascent.

In sum, the phrase “村里出了个大明星” has evolved from a casual boast into a cultural touchstone, symbolizing the convergence of personal ambition, community identity and shifting media dynamics. Cheng Yi’s journey—from his first screen role to his celebrated return to Chenxi—illustrates how a single individual can bridge the gap between rural roots and national stardom, prompting both fans and policymakers to rethink where the next big star might emerge.