So far, the ice bucket challenge has been most prominent among Chinese technology leaders, perhaps due to the campaign’s involvement of Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Tim Cook and other US tech stars. Those having participated in the challenge include Victor Koo of Youku, Zhou Hongyi of Qihoo 360, Lei Jun of Xiaomi, and Pet Lau of OnePlus.

But that was last week. Now, Chinese celebrities can’t wait to be called upon to take part in the challenge. Here’s a list of famous Chinese celebrities who have taken part in the ALS ice bucket challenge so far:

Zhang Ziyi, who had a news story written about her challenge:

Andy Lau, speaking in both Mandarin and Cantonese, performs his challenge on top of a building:

Donnie Yen speaks English during his challenge:

Jay Chou:

Wang Lee-hom, in the spotlight:

Joey Yung, who has Spider-Man help her for her challenge:

And Charlene Choi, whose elaborate video features music and graphics:

What is most notable is the showmanship. Each celebrity tries to outdo the previous one through better production values, shot locations, and camera techniques.

The ALS ice bucket challenge actually started nine months ago, but recently came to prominence through the efforts of US golfer Chris Kennedy. The goal of the challenge is to raise funds and awareness for ALS, (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

People who accept the challenge agree to have cold water poured onto their heads, after which they nominate others to take the challenge within a day. Those who turn down the challenge are asked to contribute at least US$100 to the ALS Foundation.

Photo: Xinhua

Called “China’s biggest journalist“, Rui has become a celebrity that is seen and read all around China. His television shows on CCTV-2 are watched by some 300 million viewers nightly. Rui has had the distinction of having interviewed some 300 high-level political leaders.

The anchor was conspicuously absent from the July 11 broadcast of his “Economic Information Broadcast” television show, and rumors began to spread online about why he was absent. Police still haven’t indicated why they are investigating Rui.

Rui came to prominence on social media when he wrote a post about a Starbucks located in the Forbidden City in 2006. His screed against the coffee chain being in the Forbidden City led to it eventually being removed. Rui was named “Blogger of the Year” in 2007 as a result of his efforts.

Rui is also well known for his controversial remarks. At a 2009 press conference with US President Barack Obama, Rui volunteered himself when the US President was instead seeking a question from the Korean press. As Rui explained at the time, “Unfortunately, I hate to disappoint you, President Obama, I’m actually Chinese. But I think I get to represent the entire Asia, part of the family on this side of the world.”

Photos: Sina, china files

After news of the two celebrity arrests broke yesterday, Yangcheng Evening News reported that Huizhou “conveniently” houses one of the most luxurious rehab centers for celebrities, entrepreneurs and government officials, the Huizhou Luofushan Patient’s Rehabilitation Center.

Yes, a puritan double standard may be held for China’s most famous, but it seems to be excused for certain people—people like Huang Haibo.

Huang was arrested by police after he was caught with a prostitute at a Beijing hotel. And despite the scandal, the media and netizens remain very loyal to him: one figure puts Huang’s support as high as 80% (if one can put the internet into a percentage).

Huang apologized immediately for his actions, and it’s been readily accepted. Friends of Huang have defended him by saying he was drunk at the time of the incident, while some Weibo comments have suggested Huang was framed, as someone as rich as him “won’t require to rent a hotel room for the solicitation of sex”.

We’re not quite sure if being drunk is an adequate excuse, but maybe any talk about Huang is presumptuous without talking about what he does for a living: being liked, and getting paid for it

If you’re not familiar with the popular actor, then you won’t be aware his fame originated from starring on Hey, Let’s Get Married as “Guo Ran”, the ideal perfect husband.

Readers would also not know that Guo Ran is considered the model husband by which men should pattern themselves after: a completely loyal, docile man who never expresses anger or really any personal opinions at all.

So is the scandal justified? Is it okay to excuse unmarried bachelors like Huang for having specific needs while ridiculing others?

As China’s equivalent of the Hugh Grant sex scandal (minus the transsexual and the smoking hot wife), we’re probably going to see more forgiveness awarded to this guy for every mistake that he makes. For our part, we hope Huang gives back in China’s upcoming versions of Four and a Half Weddings and Tropic Thunder.

Photo: Guan News, Baike, sohu