Forbes China has given its most prized award, the Star of the Year, to the multi award-winning actress, singer and TV star, Fan Bingbing, for her popularity, high press coverage and website hits in 2005.

Fan Bingbing was listed in the Top 10 Forbes Chinese Celebrities last year, following actresses Zhou Xun, Zhang Ziyi and Vicky Zhao, according to data released by the Chinese edition of Forbes on Thursday.

The "Super Girls" also won satisfactory scores as Li Yuchun and Zhang Liangying also edged in on this year's list.

Li Yuchun won the New Star of the Year Award while Zhang Liangying became the Most Potential Star of the Year.

The Chinese edition of Forbes announced its annual Top 100 Forbes Chinese Celebrities, with basketball star Yao Ming topping the power rankings for a third consecutive year, followed by dazzling actresses Zhou Xun and Zhang Ziyi.

The star hurdler Liu Xiang was listed number 5 in the rankings and "Super Girl" Li Yuchun, actress Fan Bingbing, director Chen Kaige, singer Sun Nan and film star Li Bingbing all fought their ways into the top 10 list for their high income and media coverage last year.

Director Feng Xiaogang fell to enter the top 10 list. He was beaten by Hong Kong star Carina Lau to be listed number 12. Director Zhang Yimou was ranked number 22.

To our surprise, action star Jet Li was off of the Top 100 Celebrities list this year.

(CRI March 10, 2006)