Jackie Chan, Chinese astronauts win 2016 influence awards

The You Bring Charm to the World award ceremony was held in Beijing on March 31. The winners include actress Yao Chen. Provided To China Daily

Movie star Jackie Chan, architect I.M. Pei, astronauts of China's Shenzhou-11 space mission and other leading figures from various fields were honored on March 31 for being 2016's top influencers.

Martial artist and actor Chan said he would act until he is 70 years old after receiving a special award of You Bring Charm to the World, an annual honor given by Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV to those who have greatly influenced people in the country and beyond.

Chan said he once planned to retire at age 40 because he thought his body couldn't afford the tough action scenes in films. But with support from Chinese audiences and the country's growing movie market, he has also done other roles tailored for his age.

"I will act as long as I can move my body. I will try different roles rather than martial arts only, in my own style," he said while accepting the award at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Liu Changle, chairman and CEO of Phoenix TV, said Chan has created a brave and unbeatable Chinese on world screens.

"Chan is a special envoy who has spread Chinese culture in the world with his martial arts," said Liu.

Chan also sang a birthday song at the award ceremony for fellow winner Pei, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 26 in New York. The Chinese-American architect didn't attend the ceremony due to age but received the award at his house in New York.