Still images featuring Li Xuejian as the lead actor in the films Yang Shanzhou.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Aside from receiving critical acclaim for his portrayal of fictional characters, Li is also known for the biographical films Jiao Yulu and Yang Shanzhou, respectively based on the true stories of their titular roles-Jiao, the late Party secretary in Henan province's Lankao county, who led locals in the battle against famine and to improve the environment, and Yang, the former Party secretary of Baoshan in Yunnan province, who was devoted to the cause of afforestation.

When asked which character from his decadeslong career is his favorite, Li says: "For me, every one of these roles are like my children.

"But I always teasingly say that a person may care more for a child if they are not as good-looking as the others, or they struggle with physical defects. Similarly, sometimes I care more about the roles that drew less attention."

Starring as a variety of characters, from factory workers to warlords, Li has looked to experience to help him bring to life the distinctive and different personalities.

For tales set in modern times, he has attempted to experience a similar life to the character he is set to play. For example, he followed renowned photographer He Yanguang to the front line of a battle against floods in Hubei province. The trip was preparation for playing the role of a photographer in director Li Shaohong's 1992 movie Family Portrait.

"I was so impressed with the photographers' devotion and dedication to journalism. They risked their lives in order to get a bit closer to their subjects during the disaster to take photos," recalls Li.

Still images featuring Li Xuejian as the lead actor in the popular 1990 TV series Ke Wang (Yearning).[Photo provided to China Daily]

For the actor, to delve into roles for period costume dramas or historical movies, taking a trip to museums to admire the specific dynasty's paintings helps, as he believes those artistic works accurately showcase the charm and temperament of the ancient figures.

One of his latest ancient Chinese roles is in ethnic Mongolian director Wuershan's epic Fengshen Trilogy, in which Li plays Ji Chang, a subsidiary region's ruler who becomes the victim of Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) tyrant King Zhou. Additionally, Li reveals that another new historical TV series casts him as Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

"China's film and TV industries have developed quickly, in tandem with the country's economic development brought about by the country's reform and opening-up. At one time, foreign blockbusters were more popular than Chinese films, but now the situation is being reversed," says Li.

"I hope Chinese filmmakers and TV producers think more about how to attract a foreign audience," he says, adding that he believes tales featuring Chinese culture and history can expand to overseas markets.

Li himself enjoyed international attention earlier this year, with Day is Done, a 24-minute film in which he plays a grandfather, taking home the Silver Bear jury prize for Short Film at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival.

The jury statement from the Berlin festival says: "The intricately woven family dynamics and superb acting immerse us in a genuine moment in their lives ... (director)Zhang Dalei's rich cinematic language builds a sensitive family portrait that transcends the duration of the short film."