Li Sisi, the former “leading lady” of CCTV, suddenly announced her departure from CCTV in 2023, a news that, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, caused widespread discussion. She had worked at CCTV for 13 years, hosting 8 Spring Festival Gala, consistently performing without any mishaps. At 39, she was at the peak of her career, so why would she give up her “iron rice bowl”? Two years have passed, and she hasn’t been idle at all; instead, she has thrived, with a flood of commercial performances and a vibrant live streaming career, achieving sales of 2.5 million. Her choice makes one cannot help but think: life truly has countless possibilities!
In the past, Li Sisi’s name was almost synonymous with the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. In 2005, she was still a student at Peking University’s School of Journalism and Communication, participating in CCTV’s “Challenge the Host” program. With an agile face and quick wit, she won eight consecutive champion titles, immediately making the young woman in her early twenties memorable to the audience. She spoke gently yet powerfully, remained composed in unexpected situations, and gradually established herself at CCTV. In 2012, she made her first appearance on the Spring Festival Gala stage, standing beside Dong Qing, becoming the “new face” in everyone’s eyes. At that time, some people commented that her appearance was “national prosperity and peace,” perfectly fitting the atmosphere of the Spring Festival Gala, and predicted she would definitely take over the big banner of hosting for CCTV in the future.
From 2012 to 2021, Li Sisi gradually transformed from a newcomer on the Spring Festival Gala to a familiar face. She not only possesses solid hosting skills but also navigates high-pressure live broadcast environments with ease. In 2021, she officially took over the baton from Dong Qing, becoming a pillar of the female hosts at China Central Television (CCTV). Professionally, she is dynamic; personally, she has also been busy. Between 2014 and 2017, she successively became a mother to two children. Shortly after giving birth, she quickly returned to work, continuing to shine on stage under the title of the “Diligent Thirteen-Year-Old.” Who could have imagined that such a woman who excels in both career and family would make a bold decision in 2023: to say goodbye to CCTV!
After leaving CCTV, Li Sisi’s life was like switching to a different track, busy yet full of novelty. In just 40 days, she landed three commercial performances, handling everything from fashion galas to brand events with ease. On the red carpet, she wore a black square-neck gown, exuding elegance like a movie star from the old days, her gestures full of composure. Beyond commercial performances, she shared snippets of her life on social media—planting trees, working out, and spending time with her children, never missing a beat. Her account amassed over 10 million followers, with each video radiating her passion for life. Fans said she wasn’t “just coasting” but using her actions to show everyone: stepping out of the comfort zone can lead to a new kind of brilliance.
The most eye-catching aspect of Li Sisi’s transformation was her live-streaming e-commerce. During the 2025 618 shopping festival, she and her team were in full swing, with the office piled high with products from brands. From cosmetics to tea sets, she personally tried and selected everything. In her live streams, she introduced products with a professional yet approachable tone, selling 10,000 items in a single night, achieving a staggering sales of 2.5 million. Netizens couldn’t help but joke, “It turns out the pinnacle of a celebrity’s career is live-streaming!” But her dedication was truly admirable. When selecting products, she paid close attention to details, repeatedly confirming their quality; during live streams, she could clearly articulate the strengths of each item. Such a attitude naturally earned her the audience’s trust.
Looking back at Li Sisi’s career path, she has never been someone who relied on luck. In 2000, at the age of 14, she auditioned for Zhang Yimou’s *Happy Times*, though she didn’t land the lead role, that experience planted the seed of her dream in her heart. At 15, she appeared as a guest on Jilin TV Station, making her debut in the entertainment industry. During her time at Peking University, she balanced her studies with honing her hosting skills, ultimately breaking into CCTV through sheer talent. Even during her 13 years at CCTV, she never stopped learning, picking up tips from seasoned professionals like Dong Qing and Sa Beining, and always remained calm under pressure. Every step she took was solid and resolute.
After leaving CCTV, Li Sisi’s busy life is truly inspiring: she isn’t just “living off” her past glory but is using her strength to forge new paths. Whether it’s commercial performances, live streams, or public welfare activities, she tackles everything with enthusiasm. Some are curious about how much she earns per appearance. According to insiders, her base salary is reportedly 400,000 yuan. However, let’s set the truth aside for now—her condition is certainly impeccable. When attending events, she only eats two eggs and two sips of coffee in the morning, skips lunch, and still performs energetically. Such discipline is no wonder she maintains the same vitality at 39 as she did two years ago.
The story of Li Sisi is like telling everyone a simple truth: life doesn’t have a fixed script, and taking a step forward can lead to new directions. She moved from being a “golden brand” at CCTV to carving out her own “new track,” testing new possibilities with every step. When planting trees, she would smile and say to the camera, “Planting a tree is leaving a little hope for the future.” In her live streams, she would earnestly recommend products while also chatting with fans about parenting. These details make her seem not just like a host, but also a real, flesh-and-blood, hardworking ordinary person.
From CCTV to commercial performances and then live streaming e-commerce, Li Sisi has taken steady steps. She hasn’t been confined by past labels or affected by external doubts. She has shown everyone through her actions that life’s path is wide open! Her ability to carve out a niche in new fields relies on her dedication to work and her passion for life. Such an attitude shines brighter than any spotlight.
