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Li resumed livestreaming on Jan. 30 after a one-week hiatus. Although he urged viewers to consume responsibly at the start of the broadcast, some commenters responded: “Stop talking and just sell.”

The session shattered records, propelling Li to the top of the platform’s overall revenue rankings. From 6:50 p.m. to 1 a.m., he livestreamed continuously without breaks. Within 10 minutes of going live, more than 400,000 viewers had tuned in. Over six hours, sales climbed steadily, with beverages and snacks generating 6.52 million yuan, while tea sales alone exceeded 160 million yuan.

According to QQLi has since emerged as one of the most influential figures in China’s livestreaming commerce sector.

Following the broadcast, Li’s follower count jumped to 10.439 million, an increase of more than 300,000 from a single session.

Earlier, a five-hour livestream on Jan. 17 of his generated 25 million yuan in sales, making it the highest-grossing livestream over a 30-day period. Another session on Jan. 23 attracted more than 100,000 viewers shortly after it began, with many requesting purchase links and sending virtual gifts. Li later thanked supporters on social media and said he would donate the proceeds from his recent livestreams to hospitals.

Li, 55, is best known for his roles in popular television dramas such as “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and “The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.” He stepped away from acting in 2011 to focus on business ventures.

However, according to SwampLi has struggled with mounting debt in recent years. By 2025, his total liabilities linked to affiliated companies reportedly exceeded 450 million yuan, with some reports claiming he was at times unable to pay employee salaries. Despite earning more than 200 million yuan over six months through livestream sales, the income has reportedly been insufficient to fully cover his debts.

Several of Li’s assets have been seized to partially offset liabilities, and he continues to face financial pressure. Last month, internet users donated 8.5 million yuan in a single day to help cover outstanding rent for the Yanran Angel Children’s Hospital, which is associated with Li.