Tong Liya (Chinese: 佟丽娅; born August 8, 1984) is a Chinese actress. Her nickname is Ya Ya (Chinese:丫丫). She was born in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Yili State, Xinjiang, and is of the Xibo ethnicity. She is known for portraying Tong Suyan on the Chinese TV series Gong (Chinese: 宫).

Biography

Tong is a Xinjiang girl, whose talents include acting and dancing. She was born in a family of artists and performed in many theatrical shows. During 1996-2000, she majored in dancing in Xinjiang. In 2000, she found her first job in a song and dance ensemble. The same year, she attended a university in Xinjiang, then acquired the qualification to teach dancing. In 2002, she was the first runner-up for Miss Xinjiang. She has participated in the Spring Festival Show on CCTV in 2000 and 2004. In 2004, Liya performed in many Central Academy of Drama Department performances (Chinese: 中央戏剧学院）. She appeared on Derek Yee's TV series New Everlasting Love in 2006, which marked her screen debut. Liya played the mermaid in Mother Miriam world (TV series) for which she gained recognition and praise. Liya plays Nian Suyan, or Tong Suyan, on the 2011-broadcast TV show Palace.