One of Chinese entertainment’s most celebrated celebrity couples, Deng Chao and Sun Li, have sparked speculation about marital troubles after footage from a recent family outing appeared to show the two stars keeping their distance from each other.
The rumors began after Chinese media outlet 163 reported on August 19 that the longtime couple may have had a heated argument while shopping with their two children.
According to reports, the couple recently took their two children to a shopping mall. Their 15-year-old son, who reportedly had an injured leg, was seen walking ahead with the assistance of crutches. Sun Li followed behind with their 12-year-old daughter, while Deng Chao appeared to walk separately behind the rest of the family. The footage attracted particular attention when the family left the shopping mall.
Deng Chao and Sun Li reportedly did not appear to exchange words or make eye contact as they walked outside. When it was time to leave, Sun Li reportedly waited near the vehicle for their son, while Deng Chao got into a separate car and left first. The unusual arrangement quickly fueled speculation that the couple had experienced a disagreement during their outing.
The footage has sparked heated discussion among Chinese netizens, with some expressing concern that the famous couple could be experiencing difficulties in their marriage. Some viewers interpreted their apparent lack of interaction and decision to leave in separate vehicles as signs that the pair had argued.
However, others have urged people not to draw conclusions based solely on a short clip. Fans pointed out that the couple’s son was reportedly injured and using crutches during the outing. They suggested that the parents may simply have been focused on taking care of him rather than engaging in conversation with each other.
Other photos from the same day have also been cited by fans as evidence against the divorce speculation. In those images, the couple’s daughter was reportedly seen walking closely with and affectionately holding onto her mother. Supporters argued that this behavior did not necessarily resemble that of a child who had just witnessed a serious conflict between her parents.
As of now, neither Deng Chao nor Sun Li has issued a public statement addressing the rumors of an argument or marital problems. Therefore, the claims remain speculation based on footage from their family outing rather than confirmed information. The couple’s fans are now watching closely for any response from the two stars, while others are urging the public to respect their privacy until either party provides clarification.
Deng Chao and Sun Li are among the most established couples in the Chinese entertainment industry. Sun Li is widely regarded as one of China’s most successful television actresses, earning recognition for hit dramas including “The Legend of Mi Yue,” “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” “An Jia,” “The Ideal City,” and “The Empresses in the Palace.” Her performance in The Empresses in the Palace in particular has become iconic, cementing her status as one of the most recognizable actresses in Chinese television.
Sun Li has also won China’s three major television acting awards the Feitian Award, Magnolia Award and Golden Eagle Award an achievement that has earned her recognition as one of the country’s elite television actresses.
Deng Chao, meanwhile, has built a successful career across television and film. He has received major acting nominations and awards and has also worked as a director and producer. The actor has additionally become a familiar face on Chinese variety shows, further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry.
Deng Chao and Sun Li met while working on the drama “Happiness as Flowers” and eventually began a relationship. The pair married in 2010 and have two children, a son and a daughter.
Both stars have previously spoken about their complicated views on marriage before meeting one another. Sun Li reportedly became wary of marriage after witnessing her parents’ divorce, while Deng Chao also grew up in a family affected by remarriage and once viewed avoiding marriage and children as the safer choice.
Their relationship eventually changed those perspectives. In 2025, when celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Sun Li shared a romantic message expressing her happiness and describing their enduring love. The couple’s long marriage and status as one of China’s most beloved celebrity families make the latest rumors particularly noteworthy.
For now, however, there is no confirmation that Deng Chao and Sun Li are separating or experiencing a marital crisis. Until either star addresses the speculation, the viral footage remains open to interpretation.
Sources: 163