View source for Chun-Li

{{Short description|Street Fighter character}}
{{about|the Street Fighter character|other uses|Chun Li (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Chun-Li
| series = [[Street Fighter]]
| image = Chun-Li.png
| image_upright = 0.5
| caption = Chun-Li in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes]]''
| first = ''[[Street Fighter II: The World Warrior]]'' (1991)
| creator = [[Akira Nishitani]]
| designer = {{Plainlist|
* [[Akira Yasuda]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gigazine.net/news/20180206-akira-yasuda-akiman-illustrator/|title=ストII「春麗」の生みの親・安田朗さんが「絵を描くこと」について語るムービー|website=GIGAZINE|language=Japanese|date=6 February 2018 |access-date=2018-11-23|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180206044720/http://gigazine.net/news/20180206-akira-yasuda-akiman-illustrator/|archive-date=2018-02-06|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Eri "Erichan" Nakamura (''Alpha'')
* Daigo Ikeno (''SFIV'')}}
| lbl1 = Voiced by
| data1 = {{Collapsible list|title=[[Japanese language|Japanese]]
|Eri "Erichan" Nakamura (Games, 1991–1995)
|[[Yūko Miyamura]] (Games, 1995–2000)
|[[Atsuko Tanaka (voice actress)|Atsuko Tanaka]] (Games, 1999–2005)
|[[Michiko Neya]] (''Capcom vs. SNK'' series)
|Mari Jitsukawa (''SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom'')
|[[Fumiko Orikasa]] (Games, 2008–present)
|[[Yumi Tōma]] (''Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie'', ''Street Fighter II'' drama CD)
|[[Chisa Yokoyama]] (''Street Fighter II V'', ''Street Fighter Alpha'' drama CD)
|[[Miki Fujitani]] (''Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie'')
|[[Rica Fukami]] (Japanese dub of the ''Street Fighter'' film)
|[[Riisa Naka]] (Japanese dub of ''The Legend of Chun-Li'')}}
{{Collapsible list|title=[[English language|English]]
|Donna Yamamoto (animated series)
|[[Lia Sargent]] (''Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie'', ''Street Fighter II V'', Animaze, ''Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie'')
|Junie Hoang (''Street Fighter II V'', ADV #1)
|Tamara Lo (''Street Fighter II V'', ADV #2)
|Vanessa Prokuski (''Street Fighter - Round One: Fight!'')
|[[Laura Bailey]] (Games, 2009–2021)
|[[Ashly Burch]] (''Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite'', ''Teppen'')
|[[Jennie Kwan]] (''Street Fighter 6'', ''Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/story/jennie-kwan-chun-li-street-fighter-6-interview/ |title=Chun Li Finally Has an Asian American Voice Actor |first=George |last=Yang |magazine=Wired |date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2024}}</ref>}}
| lbl2 = Portrayed by
| data2 = {{Collapsible list|title=Various|
* [[Jackie Chan]] (''City Hunter'')
* [[Ming-Na Wen]] (''Street Fighter'' film, games)
* [[Kristin Kreuk]] (''Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li'')
* [[Callina Liang]] (upcoming film)
* [[#Promotion and merchandise|Various]] (promotion)}}
| fighting_style = [[Tai Chi]]
| origin = [[China]]
| nationality = [[Chinese people|Chinese]]
}}
'''Chun-Li''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Street-fighter-name-audio-chunli.ogg|tʃ|ʌ|n|'|l|iː}}; [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{lang|ja|チュンリー}}, [[Hepburn romanization|Hepburn]]: {{Transliteration|ja|Chun-Rī}}) is a character in [[Capcom]]'s ''[[Street Fighter]]'' video game series. She first appeared in ''[[Street Fighter II: The World Warrior]]'' in 1991 and is the first female playable character to appear in a [[fighting game]] to gain mainstream recognition. She is a [[martial arts|martial artist]] and [[Interpol]] officer who seeks revenge for the death of her father by the series' antagonist [[M. Bison]].

Since her debut, Chun-Li has become a pop culture icon, being widely notable beyond the games and among one of the series' most iconic characters. She has appeared in nearly all subsequent installments of the series and several other Capcom games, in addition to third-party games. She is also featured in ''Street Fighter''-related media, including two feature films, multiple anime and comic book productions, and other official series merchandise. She has earned much positive fan and critical reception for factors such as her backstory, athleticism and in-game playability, and she is considered a trailblazer for female characters in fighting titles and general video gaming.

==Development history==
===Design===
[[File:Chun-Li concept arts.png|thumb|[[Akira Yasuda|Akiman]]'s original, later (in Interpol uniform) and final concept art works for ''[[Street Fighter II: The World Warrior|Street Fighter II]]''. The text reads: "Our image for Chun-Li changed from the somewhat coquetteish 'Chinese Girl' version (left) to the strong, gallant Chun-Li (right)."<ref name=":2"/>|alt=|left]]

Chun-Li's design was primarily inspired by Tong Pooh, a female villain from ''[[Strider (arcade game)|Strider]]'', an earlier Capcom game.<ref>Capcom. Official ''Marvel vs. Capcom'' website (Japanese). [https://web.archive.org/web/19990129053800/http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/arcade/mvsc/support.html Support Characters Introduction]. Retrieved from Archive.org. Accessed July 31, 2020.</ref> [[Capcom]] designer [[Akira Nishitani]], recounting the creation of the character, said: "Previously there were no women in fighting games. In Chun-Li's case, I wanted a woman in the game. I determined what her fighting abilities would be. Then China just came up as a possible homeland."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Interview: The Men Who Make Street Fighter II!|date=June 1994|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|issue=59|page=32}}</ref> Capcom artist and designer [[Akira Yasuda|Akira "Akiman" Yasuda]] said the initial inspiration for Chun-Li came from the 1983 [[anime]] film ''[[Harmagedon (1983 film)|Harmagedon: Genma Wars]]'' (featuring early character design work by ''[[Akira (franchise)|Akira]]'' creator [[Katsuhiro Otomo]]), which had a Chinese female character called Tao.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistair |title=Former Capcom Developer Akiman On Designing The Iconic Characters Of Street Fighter II |url=https://www.siliconera.com/former-capcom-developer-akiman-on-designing-the-iconic-characters-of-street-fighter-ii/ |website=[[Siliconera]] |publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]] |access-date=2 October 2020 |date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810162654/https://www.siliconera.com/former-capcom-developer-akiman-on-designing-the-iconic-characters-of-street-fighter-ii/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Chun-Li was originally known as just 'Chinese Girl' among the development team. She had a [[Flip (acrobatic)|backflip]] attack that was popular among testers but deemed too strong, and unfortunately had to be cut from the game after they ran out of time.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|author=blackoak|url=http://shmuplations.com/streetfighterii/|title=Street Fighter II – 1991 Developer Interview with director/designer Akira Nishitani|website=shmuplations.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122215519/http://shmuplations.com/streetfighterii/|archive-date=2018-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref> Her name means 'beautiful spring' in Chinese<ref>{{Cite journal|date=December 1992|title=In a Nutshell: Chun Who?|journal=NForce|volume=6}}</ref> as Chūn (春) means 'the season of spring', and lì (麗) means 'beautiful' in [[Mandarin dialects]].<ref>Ben Reeves, "HELLO my name is: Exploring the Meaning of Your Favorite Character's Name". ''[[Game Informer]]'' 203 (March 2010): 25.</ref>

Yasuda recalled they only had five weeks to make Chun-Li in the game and he was deeply worried about the quality of her design and how she would be received. Chun-Li "was wearing pants right up until the very end [of the development]. When we made the [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] I thought she didn't look right, so I had them changed to tights instead."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column-112432?lang=en|title=ROUND 1: Akira Yasuda part 2 {{!}} Guests {{!}} Activity Reports {{!}} CAPCOM:Shadaloo C.R.I.|website=game.capcom.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122215604/https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column-112432?lang=en|archive-date=2018-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref> Akiman added that they "wanted ''[[Street Fighter II: The World Warrior|Street Fighter II]]'' to be more entertaining than [[Street Fighter (video game)|its predecessor]]. That also helps explain how Chun-Li came to be. Having a female character in the game completely changes the game's dynamic, she brightens up the entire palette. We needed a reason for her to fight, and so an evil empire [of M. Bison] came to mind."<ref name=":0"/> He also said: "To be honest, I spent some time worrying about putting Chun-Li, the heroine, into such a plain setting. Ordinarily, you don't see women participating in global martial arts tournaments. Just by adding her we were starting to push things to the 'fun' side. I didn't think about it at the time, but thinking about it now, from the moment we put Chun-Li into the game we were already pushing things towards the full-on entertainment side."<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/132595|title=Street Fighter II Developer's Interview|website=game.capcom.com|language=ja|access-date=2018-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220103/https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/132595|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chun-Li was designed with an exceptionally strong physique because she was the sole woman among a roster of powerful male characters in ''Street Fighter II''. To overcome this perceived imbalance, she was devised as a character who had mastered Chinese [[Kenpō|kenpo]] and really pushed her body to the limit so that she could compete with such a cast of large and imposing men.<ref>Daigo Ikeno,  [http://www.1up.com/previews/street-fighter-iv_6?pager.offset=0 "Capcom art director Daigo Ikeno discusses SF4's new visual style."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106185529/http://www.1up.com/previews/street-fighter-iv_6?pager.offset=0|date=2012-11-06}}, 1UP.com, 2007-12-24</ref> She was nevertheless the fastest but physically weakest character in her first game.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=February 1993|title=Streetfighter 2|journal=Amiga Format|volume=43}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=April 1993|title=Super Player's Guide: Street Fighter II|journal=SuperPlay|volume=5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=August 1992|title=Reviewed! Street Fighter II|journal=NForce|volume=2}}</ref> Capcom producer [[Yoshiki Okamoto]] said he wanted to also make the life bar for Chun-Li "shorter than for the other characters because women are not as strong. But Nishitani didn't want to do that. We both had legitimate reasons, but then we came to an agreement to not make it shorter."<ref name=":1"/>

Chun-Li is particularly well known for her very muscular legs, while depictions of the rest of her body are more variable. According to Capcom composer [[Yoko Shimomura]], Chun-Li's big thighs originated from Akiman's personal fetish.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/a/street-fighter-2-oral-history/chapter-2|title=Street Fighter 2: An Oral History|website=Polygon|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021235409/https://www.polygon.com/a/street-fighter-2-oral-history/chapter-2|archive-date=2018-10-21|url-status=live}}</ref> The size of Chun-Li's thighs massively increased in ''[[Street Fighter III]]''. Capcom producer [[Yoshinori Ono (game producer)|Yoshinori Ono]] commented on the issue. "I witnessed as her thighs made a sudden jump into gigantism in ''SFIII''. When we first put her in the game, her sprite was just an outline and her thighs weren't that big...but as the artists starting coloring her in, her legs got thicker and thicker." However, they all felt the larger legs increased the expressiveness of her animations. Regarding then-upcoming ''[[Street Fighter IV]]'', Ono said the "character designer, [Daigo] Ikeno, is kind of into thick girls, so as an artist he feels that the most beautiful thighs he can give Chun-Li would be of the wide variety."<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 2008|title=Thigh-deep in controversy|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|volume=224|pages=71}}</ref>

Chun-Li sprite's [[Panchira|panty-flashing]] animation frames have been censored for the home console releases by [[Nintendo]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=August 1992|title=Super NES ProReviews: Street Fighter II|magazine=GamePro}}</ref> In response to fans that were disappointed with Chun-Li's absence from ''Street Fighter III'', Capcom added her to the ''[[Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike|3rd Strike]]'' version of the game. Since her main designer, Akiman, was busy with other assignments, she was redesigned by other members from the staff; Chun Li the most time and effort out of all characters.<ref>{{cite web|author=blackoak|url=http://shmuplations.com/sfiii/|title=The Making of Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike|publisher=Shmuplations|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826193804/http://shmuplations.com/sfiii/|archive-date=August 26, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Her inclusion into ''[[Street Fighter EX]]'' was deemed natural by the studio [[Arika]], with producer Ichiro Mihara describing her as one of the three essential ''Street Fighter'' characters along with [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] and [[Ken Masters|Ken]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|title=Ninterrogation: Let's Talk About EX, Baby!|journal=[[Nintendo Magazine System (United Kingdom)|Nintendo Magazine System]]|volume=51}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|title=Arika CVG Interview|journal=CVG UK Freeplay|volume=8}}</ref>

In the ''[[Street Fighter Alpha]]'' games, where she was redesigned by Eri "Erichan" Nakamura,<ref name=":6"/> Chun-Li wears a sleeveless tight outfit, her arms and upper body were visibly much stronger than those of any other female character in the franchise,<ref name="gradar"/> however many artists choose to depict her as petite and slim, in official and unofficial artworks alike, drawing only her legs strong due to her emphasis on kicking moves. An early version of Chun-Li in ''Street Fighter IV'' was reworked following complaints from location tests that she was not "[[Kawaii|cute]]".<ref>{{Cite journal|date=November 2008|title=Cover Story: Street Fighter IV|journal=Play|volume=83}}</ref> Ono later announced Chun-Li's controversial face in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]'' would be also corrected based on a negative feedback from the fans.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://jp.ign.com/marvel-vs-capcom-4/15884/news/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite|title=「MARVEL VS. CAPCOM: INFINITE」で物議を醸していた春麗のデザインが見直しへ|date=2017-07-25|website=[[IGN|IGN Japan]]|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123070032/https://jp.ign.com/marvel-vs-capcom-4/15884/news/marvel-vs-capcom-infinite|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Costumes===
In the ''Street Fighter II'' sub-series and most of her later appearances, Chun-Li wears a usually blue [[qipao]], an early-20th-century Chinese dress, with golden accents, puffy sleeves, and a white waistband.<ref name="rjunk"/> The dress is modified to allow a far wider range of movement than a generic qipao. In ''[[Street Fighter II: The World Warrior]]'', Chun-Li was originally depicted wearing a red qipao instead of blue.<ref name="gradar">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/a-2008031412554863001|title=''Street Fighter'' Week: The Evolution of Chun-Li and Blanka|first=Tyler|last=Wilde|publisher=GamesRadar|date=March 18, 2008|access-date=April 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706180237/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/a-2008031412554863001|archive-date=July 6, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> It can be also either red or white<ref>{{Cite journal|date=September 1993|title=Import Review: Street Fighter II Turbo|journal=SuperPlay|volume=11}}</ref> within some games since ''[[Street Fighter II: Champion Edition]]'' and ''[[Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting]]'', respectively. In ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite]]'', the qipao has a very noticeable silky sheen. Her other ensemble includes a pair of white combat boots and brown tights. She usually wears her hair in "[[Bun (hairstyle)#Double bun|ox horns]]",<ref name="gradar"/> with silk brocades and ribbons in her hair. Another iconic part of her design are the large spiked bracelets she wears on her wrists.

In the ''Street Fighter Alpha'' games (set during the time period before ''Street Fighter II''), Chun-Li wears a Chinese acrobatic outfit consisting of an embroidered vest, a [[unitard]], and [[sneakers]]; she is wearing her ox horns unadorned, but kept in place with yellow ribbons. In ''Street Fighter IV'', Chun-Li's alternate outfit consists of black [[tabard]] with gold accents at the bottom, while her ox horns are unadorned, just like in her ''Alpha'' appearance, only this time it is held by red ropes with golden balls at the tip. This outfit is completed with red shoes, gold earrings and black and gold bracelets. Her alternative wardrobe in ''[[Super Street Fighter IV]]'' includes a costume inspired by [[Mai Shiranui]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://otapol.jp/2015/12/post-4914.html|title=「これ北米や欧州で買えるの？」 バトルコスの春麗が"めちゃシコ"すぎる『ストV』海外進出は大丈夫か｜おたぽる|publisher=Otapol.jp|language=ja|access-date=2016-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108010806/http://otapol.jp/2015/12/post-4914.html|archive-date=2016-01-08|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/street-fighter-iv-alternate-costume-showcase/1100-6234140/|title=Street Fighter IV: Alternate Costume Showcase|last=Anderson|first=Lark|date=2009-01-26|website=GameSpot|access-date=2014-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108010806/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/street-fighter-iv-alternate-costume-showcase/1100-6234140/|archive-date=2016-01-08|url-status=live}}</ref> and in ''Street Fighter V'' she has a Halloween [[downloadable content]] (DLC) appearing as [[Morrigan Aensland]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2018/09/18/83867.html|title=『ストリートファイターV』向け『ヴァンパイア』コスチューム第2弾が近日配信！ ハロウィンコスチュームも|website=Game*Spark - 国内・海外ゲーム情報サイト|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065817/https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2018/09/18/83867.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Gameplay===
Chun-Li's gameplay style changes notably from game to game, with for example ''Champion Edition'' restoring her flipping attacks that have been removed from the original version of ''Street Fighter II''.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://screenrant.com/street-fighter-chun-li-secrets-facts/|title=Street Fighter: 15 Things You Never Knew About Chun-Li|date=2017-05-07|website=[[ScreenRant]]|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123201037/https://screenrant.com/street-fighter-chun-li-secrets-facts/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike'' marked a strong departure from previous incarnations as it featured a large number of revamped moves.<ref name="gradar"/>  Chun-Li started as a weak and fast close-range fighter compared to the bigger male characters from ''Street Fighter II'' with the best aerial ability in the game, but she steadily gained an array of different moves through the games,<ref name="rjunk"/> such as a projectile attack or an anti-air defensive move, which steered her towards a more balanced type with an emphasis on poking and control of neutral game thanks to a rich set of non-special moves of relatively long range. She has been noted to be one of the most powerful characters in the game, alongside Ken and Yun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/street-fighter-iii-third-strike-online-edition/review.html|title=SFIII: Third Strike Review|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015045500/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/street-fighter-iii-third-strike-online-edition/review.html|archive-date=October 15, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=September 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.play-mag.co.uk/general/self-indulgent-street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-online-post/|title=Self-Indulgent SFIII: 3rd Strike Online Post|author=King, Ryan|publisher=Play|access-date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618012501/http://www.play-mag.co.uk/general/self-indulgent-street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike-online-post/|archive-date=June 18, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Street Fighter Alpha 2]]'' and ''[[Street Fighter Alpha 3|Alpha 3]]'' feature Chun-Li's original outfit from ''Street Fighter II'' as an alternate version of the character with alternate special abilities and Super Combos. ''[[Computer and Video Games|CVG]]'' opined she was "the most-improved character in ''Alpha 2'', and possibly the #1 character in the whole game."<ref>{{Cite journal|title=SFA2 Move List and Strategy Overview|journal=CVG UK Freeplay|volume=2}}</ref> She was considerably weakened in ''Street Fighter EX'', but has remained one of the fastest characters.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=November 1997|title=PlayStation strategy: Street Fighter EX Plus|journal=Tips & Tricks|volume=35|pages=20}}</ref> The development team for ''Street Fighter EX'' attempted to bring Chun-Li back to her roots as an agility-oriented character by, among other things, restoring her Spinning Bird Kick and removing the fireball attack she acquired in ''Street Fighter II Turbo'' as they felt the projectile attack had too radically altered her originally agile fighting style.<ref name=":3"/><ref name=":4"/><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Warren |last=Harrod |title=The Akira{{sic}} Interview|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=14 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=December 1996|page=92}}</ref> Her appearances in the ''Marvel vs. Capcom'' series are reminiscent of her early gameplay, featuring her as one of the fastest characters in the games.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=April 1998|title=Review: X-Men vs Street Fighter|journal=Official Sega Saturn Magazine (UK)|volume=30}}</ref>

==Appearances==
===Video games===
====''Street Fighter''====
Chun-Li was introduced in 1991 in the original version of ''Street Fighter II'' (''[[Street Fighter II: The World Warrior]]'') as the franchise's first playable female character, an undercover [[Interpol]] agent seeking to avenge the death of her father at the hands of [[M. Bison]] and his criminal organization. Chun-Li is an expert Chinese martial arts practitioner. Her profile indicates her training in several styles of Chinese kempo ("[[Chinese martial arts]]") at the age of five, especially [[tai chi]], which she would later complement with ''[[Sanda (sport)|sanda]]'' (combat [[Wushu (sport)|wushu]]) and fighting styles from all around the world, such as [[taekwondo]], [[full contact karate]], [[judo]] and [[capoeira]].<ref>ALL ABOUT Series Vol. 14: ALL ABOUT Street Fighter ZERO 2. {{ISBN|4-900700-23-1}} Pag.27. Publisher Dempa Shimbunsha. Release Date 6-30-1996</ref><ref name="rjunk"/> She has been noted in-universe for her fluent English, investigating skills, penetrating eyes, beauty and acting talent for deception.<ref>ALL ABOUT Series Vol. 21: ALL ABOUT Street Fighter ZERO 3. {{ISBN|4-88554-495-5}}. Pag.79. Publisher Studio Bent Stuff. Release Date 11-30-1998</ref> Chun-Li is presented as a woman with a strong sense of justice, and her motives for fighting crime range from avenging the death of her father to protecting innocents. She especially cares for kids, showing repulse for the use of brainwashed young girls in ''[[Street Fighter Alpha 3]]'' and the kidnapping of a girl in ''[[Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike]]''. In the latter game, she decides she will teach her fighting style and philosophy to children.<ref name="rjunk"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/arcade/a/streetchun.htm|title=Chun-Li's ending, Street Fighter II, VGMuseum|publisher=Vgmuseum.com|access-date=2013-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927132934/http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/arcade/a/streetchun.htm|archive-date=2014-09-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/arcade/a/sf3-3chu.htm|title=Chun-Li's ending, Street Fighter III: Third Strike, VGMuseum|publisher=Vgmuseum.com|access-date=2013-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825023226/http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/arcade/a/sf3-3chu.htm|archive-date=2013-08-25|url-status=live}}</ref> Chun-Li returns in ''[[Street Fighter IV]]'', where her in-game narrative shows her at crossroads in her life, eventually returning to both street fighting and law enforcement. She returns in ''[[Street Fighter V]]'', where she assists in stopping Shadaloo's Black Moons and first meets Li-Fen when she rescues her from the organization; in her prologue story, Chun-Li recalls how she learned of her father's death.

In ''Street Fighter 6'', Chun-Li continues to raise Li-Fen and train students in Metro City's Chinatown district, while also being promoted to become a director of Interpol. Li-Fen also acts as her eyes and ears during her Interpol work. Upon learning a terrorist group known as Amnesia attempts to assassinate Ken at Nayshall, Chun-Li tries to stop them from framing him for the crime he did not commit, but fails. Chun-Li then works hard on finding further evidences to clear her friend's name while hunting the terrorist group.<ref name="SF6 - Days of Eclipse">{{cite web|url=https://streetfighter.com/6/comics/en/|title=''Street Fighter 6: Days of Eclipse''|date=May 5, 2023|website=StreetFighter.com|access-date=May 18, 2023|archive-date=May 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514184521/https://www.streetfighter.com/6/comics/en/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Other games====
Besides the core ''Street Fighter'' series, Chun-Li has also made appearances in many other Capcom-produced fighting games, including all titles of the long-running series ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom (series)|Marvel vs. Capcom]]'' (ever since ''[[X-Men vs. Street Fighter]]'', including '''Shadow Lady''',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column-130858|title=キャラ図鑑番外編：シャドウレディ {{!}} キャラ図鑑 {{!}} 活動報告書|website=game.capcom.com|language=ja|access-date=2018-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134822/https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column-130858|archive-date=2018-11-26|url-status=live}}</ref> a dark version of Chun-Li that underwent harsh experiments on Bison's orders and was transformed into a brainwashed cyborg,<ref name=":5"/> ''[[Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000|Capcom vs. SNK]]'', ''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom]]'', and ''[[Street Fighter X Tekken]]''. She and [[Ryu (Street Fighter)|Ryu]] are the only ''Street Fighter'' characters to appear in every Capcom crossover title, including the ''[[SNK vs. Capcom (series)|SNK vs. Capcom]]'' fighting game series by SNK and the tactical role-playing games ''[[Namco × Capcom]]'', ''[[Project X Zone]]'' and ''[[Project X Zone 2]]'' by [[Namco]] (where Chun-Li is paired into a single unit with [[Morrigan Aensland]] from ''[[Darkstalkers]]''),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/1205/game120515a.shtml|title=Project X Zone Preview|date=2012-05-15|publisher=The Magic Box|access-date=2012-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519043434/http://the-magicbox.com/1205/game120515a.shtml|archive-date=2012-05-19|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as appearing as a boss in the platform game ''[[Street Fighter X Mega Man]]''. She was also planned to appear as a giant robot in [[Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness|''Cyberbots'']].<ref>{{Cite book|title=サイバーボッツ公式ガイドブック〜連合軍極秘ファイル〜|publisher=Capcom|year=1997|language=ja|trans-title=Cyberbots Official Guidebook: Alliance Army Secret Files}}</ref> Often, Chun-Li either continues her existing story from ''Street Fighter II'' or seeks to arrest the other characters in the game that she sees as suspicious.

Chun-Li is additionally playable in other Capcom games such as versus puzzle games ''[[Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo]]'', ''[[Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix]]'' (where she can turn into [[Jill Valentine]]<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=November 1998|title=Reviews: Pocket Fighter|magazine=Hyper|volume=61}}</ref>) and ''Street Fighter: Puzzle Spirits'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2014-10-13/capcom_announces_new_street_fighter_mobile_title_with_puzzle_element.shtml|title=Capcom Announces New Street Fighter Mobile Title with Puzzle Element|date=October 12, 2014|publisher=MMOsite|access-date=October 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015033106/http://news.mmosite.com/content/2014-10-13/capcom_announces_new_street_fighter_mobile_title_with_puzzle_element.shtml|archive-date=October 15, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and social games ''Capcom All-Stars''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/183/G018325/20121004047/|title=「みんなと カプコン オールスターズ」，限定SRカード「春麗（チュンリー）」がもらえる事前登録受付を本日スタート|website=[[4Gamer]]|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123154136/https://www.4gamer.net/games/183/G018325/20121004047/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Street Fighter Battle Combination.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamebiz.jp/?p=147273|title=カプコン、『ストリートファイター バトルコンビネーション』、春麗、キャミィ、いぶきの「水着アーツ」ガチャイベント開催！|website=Social Game Info|language=ja|access-date=2018-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220011/https://gamebiz.jp/?p=147273|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref> She has made guest appearances in a number of mobile games, including ''#Compass'',<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20170802_1104723/|title=『ストV』からリュウ＆春麗（チュンリー）参戦！『#コンパス』全ヒーロー使用率＆勝率ランキング|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022153404/https://app.famitsu.com/20170802_1104723/|archive-date=2018-10-22|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Destiny Child'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2018/03/14/113369.html|title=『デスチャ』に「春麗」「キャミィ」が登場！これはいいフトモモですね|website=Inside-Games.jp|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065853/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2018/03/14/113369.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Granblue Fantasy]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://granblue.gamepress.gg/character/chun-li|title=Chun-Li|website=Granblue Fantasy GamePress|language=en|access-date=2018-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135225/https://granblue.gamepress.gg/character/chun-li|archive-date=2018-11-26|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Power Rangers: Legacy Wars]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/street-fighters-ryu-chun-li-and-more-meet-the-powe/1100-6459101/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |title=Street Fighter's Ryu, Chun-Li, And More Meet The Power Rangers In Legacy Wars Crossover |first=Patrick |last=Faller |date=2018-05-29 |accessdate=2025-06-15}}</ref> and ''Valkyrie Connect''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.appbank.net/2017/11/27/iphone-application/1451650.php|title=リュウや春麗、キャミィが『ヴァルキリーコネクト』にコラボ参戦!|website=AppBank – iPhone|date=27 November 2017 |language=ja|access-date=2018-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065638/http://www.appbank.net/2017/11/27/iphone-application/1451650.php|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> She makes cameo appearances in various Capcom games including ''[[Asura's Wrath]]'',<ref name=":5"/> ''[[Breath of Fire (video game)|Breath of Fire]]'',<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=July 1996|title=S.W.A.T. Pro|magazine=GamePro|volume=094|pages=126}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=The RPG Revolution |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=106 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=May 1998 |page=82}}</ref> ''[[Final Fight 2]]'',<ref>''Super Play'' 9 (July 1993) p.9.</ref> ''[[Mega Man 9]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/09/23/chun-lis-mega-man-9-cameo/|title=Chun Li's Mega Man 9 Cameo|date=2008-09-23|website=[[Siliconera]]|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065911/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/09/23/chun-lis-mega-man-9-cameo/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[We Love Golf!]].''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2007/12/we-love-golf-to/|title=Classic Capcom Characters Cameo In We Love Golf|magazine=WIRED|access-date=2018-11-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222140525/https://www.wired.com/2007/12/we-love-golf-to/|archive-date=2016-12-22|url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, her costumes can be worn by player characters in Capcom's ''[[Breath of Fire 6]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://games.app-liv.jp/archives/187157|title=『ブレス オブ ファイア 6』で『ストリートファイター』とのコラボイベント！ リュウやチュンリーのセットコスチュームが登場|website=Appliv Games|language=ja|access-date=2019-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403091113/https://games.app-liv.jp/archives/187157|archive-date=2019-04-03|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Dead Rising 3]]'' (a [[Downloadable content|DLC]] costume for [[Frank West (Dead Rising)|Frank West]]),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/e3-2014-microsoft-wants-you-to-play-together|title=E3 2014: Microsoft Wants You to Play Together|website=USgamer.net|date=9 June 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014842/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/e3-2014-microsoft-wants-you-to-play-together|archive-date=2018-05-16|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Monster Hunter: World]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2018/04/06/113913.html|title=『モンハン：ワールド』×『デビルメイクライ』コラボDLC配信日が決定！受付嬢の「春麗コスチューム」も紹介|website=Inside-Games.jp|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065657/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2018/04/06/113913.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Monster Hunter Explore]]'',<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20180221_1244510/|title=【モンハンエクスプロア】『ストリートファイターV』コラボでリュウや春麗の★6装備をゲット！|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221223944/https://app.famitsu.com/20180221_1244510/|archive-date=2018-02-21|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams]]'' (as an alternate costume for Ohatsu), as well as in [[Square Enix]]'s ''Gunslinger Stratos 2'' (a costume for Mika Katagiri)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-13/gunslinger-stratos-2-arcade-game-street-fighter-iv-collaborate/.84419|title=Gunslinger Stratos 2 Arcade Game, Street Fighter IV Collaborate|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2018-11-26|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135154/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-13/gunslinger-stratos-2-arcade-game-street-fighter-iv-collaborate/.84419|archive-date=2018-11-26|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Sony]]'s ''[[LittleBigPlanet]]'' (a DLC for Sackgirl).<ref>Acevedo, Jay (2008-12-12). [http://www.gamefocus.ca/?nav=new&nid=3420 Weekly Playstation Store Update - December 12] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125185834/http://www.gamefocus.ca/?nav=new&nid=3420 |date=2009-01-25 }}. Game Focus. Retrieved on 2008-12-18</ref> A playable Chun-Li character skin has also been added to ''[[Fortnite]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wood|first=Austin|date=February 20, 2020|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/fortnite-street-fighter-cosmetics-leaked-online-as-new-portal-appears-in-game/|title=Fortnite gets Street Fighter's Ryu and Chun-Li|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226153735/https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/fortnite-street-fighter-cosmetics-leaked-online-as-new-portal-appears-in-game/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Knoop|first=Joseph|date=February 20, 2020|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/fortnite-street-fighter/|title=Fortnite is getting Street Fighter skins in latest crossover|publisher=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304210344/https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/fortnite-street-fighter/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chun-Li, under the name "Blue Phoenix Ranger", appears as a playable character in ''[[Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid]]'' via downloadable content.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.ign.com/articles/street-fighter-crossover-coming-to-power-rangers-battle-for-the-grid|title = Street Fighter Crossover Coming to Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid - IGN|date = November 2021|access-date = 2021-04-13|archive-date = 2021-04-13|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210413171323/https://www.ign.com/articles/street-fighter-crossover-coming-to-power-rangers-battle-for-the-grid|url-status = live}}</ref> Chun-Li is set to appear in ''[[Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves]]'' as part of the first season of downloadable content.<ref>{{cite web | last=Romano | first=Sal | title=Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves DLC characters Ken and Chun-Li from Street Fighter announced | website=Gematsu | date=September 26, 2024 | url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/09/fatal-fury-city-of-the-wolves-dlc-characters-ken-and-chun-li-from-street-fighter-announced | access-date=September 26, 2024}}</ref>

===Other appearances===
====Live-action====
{{Multiple image
| align = left
| image1 = Ming-Na Wen (28016346273) (cropped).jpg
| image2 = Kristen Kreuk Coat.jpg
| total_width       = 380
| footer = Chun-Li was portrayed by [[Ming-Na Wen]] (left) in 1994's ''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]]'' film and related games,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=December 1994|title=Kickin' Butt and Taking Names|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|volume=065}}</ref> while [[Kristin Kreuk]] (right) portrayed her in 2009's ''[[Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/5154795/whats-the-difference-between-kristin-kreuk--chun-li|title=What's The Difference Between Kristin Kreuk & Chun-Li?|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|website=[[Kotaku]]|access-date=2018-11-22|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065555/https://kotaku.com/5154795/whats-the-difference-between-kristin-kreuk--chun-li|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

[[Jackie Chan]] played a parody version of the character in [[Wong Jing]]'s live-action adaptation of ''[[City Hunter (film)|City Hunter]]'' in 1993. Both [[Chingmy Yau]] and [[Kingdom Yuen]] played a mother-daughter team of Chun-Lis in the final action set piece of Wong's [[parody]] film ''[[Future Cops]]''.

Chun-Li was a central character in the 1994 ''[[Street Fighter (1994 film)|Street Fighter]]'' film, played by [[Ming-Na Wen]]. Chun-Li was given a surname ("Zang Chun-Li") and posed as a television reporter working in Shadaloo in her personal quest to track down and kill Bison, who had murdered her father during a peasant uprising. Her relationship with [[Guile (Street Fighter)|Guile]] is acrimonious from the start, as he bluntly rejects her interview request and chides Chun-Li for his own inability to trace a signal broadcast by Bison. Chun-Li allies herself with [[E. Honda]] and [[Balrog (Street Fighter)|Balrog]], who work as her news crew and whose reputations were ruined by Bison's mafia connections, and later forms an initially uneasy alliance with Ryu and [[Ken Masters|Ken]] working with Guile in attempting to locate Bison's secret fortress. 

As the titular character in the 2009 film ''[[Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li]]'', she was played by [[Kristin Kreuk]], her last name was changed to "Xiang" as well as being a [[pianist]] turned fighter. Her father was named Huang Xiang and was a businessman Bison abducts and forces to work for him. While she was depicted as Chinese-American, her goal of avenging her father remained unchanged and she succeeds killing Bison with help from her mentor [[Gen (Street Fighter)|Gen]] and [[Charlie (Street Fighter)|Charlie Nash]]. The film was released in Japanese theaters as a double bill with a [[Studio 4°C]]-produced anime short that starred fellow ''Street Fighter'' character [[Sakura Kasugano]] and played after the movie.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-20/chun-li-film-double-billed-with-sakura-anime-in-japan |title=Chun-Li Film Double-Billed with Sakura Anime in Japan - News |website=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2009-02-20 |access-date=2014-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924182734/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-02-20/chun-li-film-double-billed-with-sakura-anime-in-japan |archive-date=2015-09-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Chun-Li was planned to appear in the second season of ''[[Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist]]'' titled ''Street Fighter: World Warrior'' in a significant role.<ref>{{cite web |author=Gillen McAllister |url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/articles/87514/Street+Fighter:+Assassin%27s+Fist+Interview/ |title=Street Fighter: Assassin's Fist Interview |publisher=Gamereactor.eu |date=2013-08-20 |access-date=2014-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217181024/http://www.gamereactor.eu/articles/87514/Street+Fighter:+Assassin's+Fist+Interview |archive-date=2014-02-17 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/comic-con-capcom-greenlights-street-fighter-sequel-series-world-warrior-1201269367/|title=Comic-Con: Capcom Greenlights 'Street Fighter' Sequel Series 'World Warrior'|magazine=Variety|access-date=July 25, 2014|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060153/https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/comic-con-capcom-greenlights-street-fighter-sequel-series-world-warrior-1201269367/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gemma Nguyen portrays Chun-Li in the official crossover between the Power Rangers and Street Fighter titled ''Power Rangers: Legacy Wars—Street Fighter Showdown''. In the short, Ryu morphs into the RyuRanger and Chun-Li teams with [[Tommy Oliver]], Ninjor and Gia Moran to battle M. Bison and evil Power Rangers.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 18, 2018|title=Power Rangers Legacy Wars: Street Fighter Showdown Short Film {{!}} Power Rangers Official|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luI0jRMUjFo|access-date=April 30, 2021|website=YouTube|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412212710/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luI0jRMUjFo|url-status=live}}</ref> Nguyen reprised her role in the fan film ''Street Fighter: Enter the Dragon'', intervening in the fight between [[Fei Long]] and [[Balrog (Street Fighter)|Balrog]] near the end.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 30, 2021|title=Street Fighter: Enter the Dragon Live-Action Short Film|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcioOciRZk4|access-date=April 30, 2021|website=YouTube|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430210624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcioOciRZk4|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Callina Liang]] will play Chun-Li in [[Kitao Sakurai]]'s upcoming live-action adaptation.

====Animation====
Chun-Li is a central character in the 1994 anime film ''[[Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie]]'', voiced by [[Miki Fujitani]] in the original Japanese version and by [[Lia Sargent]] (credited as Mary Briscoe) in the English dub. She is investigating M. Bison's Shadowlaw organization suspected of murdering several diplomats and requests to work with Guile; he initially balks at this as he wants to pursue Bison himself, but later they become inseparable. In a famous instance of [[fan service]], an explicit scene showed Chun-Li showering in her apartment as a Shadowlaw assassin, [[Vega (Street Fighter)|Vega]], arrives to kill her. The shower scene has been censored to varying degrees in versions of the English dub.<ref>Noah Davis. [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/film/reviews/street-fighter-ii-the-animated-movie-1994 ''Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie'' (1994)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404185749/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/film/reviews/street-fighter-ii-the-animated-movie-1994|date=2008-04-04}}. [http://www.popmatters.com/ PopMatters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410180838/http://www.popmatters.com/|date=2008-04-10}}. Retrieved on 2008-4-8.</ref> After a brutal fight, Vega is kicked through a wall and sent plummeting several stories to the ground, but Chun-Li succumbs to her injuries and slips into a coma until her recovery in the ending.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie |title-link=Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie |orig-year=1994 |others=Steven E. de Souza |type=back case |publisher=[[Animaze]] | year=1995}}</ref>

Chun-Li is a regular character in the 1996 American animated series ''[[Street Fighter (TV series)|Street Fighter]]'', voiced by Donna Yamamoto. The character reprises her film role as a reporter while she again seeks to avenge her father's death at the hands of Bison, which is shown in flashback in the second episode, "The Strongest Woman in the World".<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Strongest Woman in the World|date=October 28, 1995|series=Street Fighter}}</ref> In the 1997–1998 anime series ''[[Street Fighter II V]]'', Chun-Li is voiced by [[Chisa Yokoyama]] in the original Japanese version, while Lia Sargent reprises her role in the English dub. Chun-Li is introduced as the 15-year-old daughter of Inspector Do-Rai, a [[Hong Kong Police Force|Hong Kong police]] chief who has schooled her in the martial arts. While attempting to bring down a drug smuggling operation in the country, she works with Interpol to investigate a mysterious organization known as Shadowlaw. Chun-Li serves as the tour guide for Ryu and Ken when they pay a visit to work on their training.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Landing in Hong Kong – Sneaking In... The Invitation from Devil's Battle Cave|date=April 24, 1995|series=Street Fighter II V}}</ref>

Chun-Li appears in the 1999 anime OVA ''[[Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation]]'', voiced by [[Yumi Tōma]] in the original Japanese version and again by Lia Sargent in the English dub. There, she is as an Interpol agent who investigates a mad scientist called Sadler who works for Shadaloo. She believes the trail can lead her to her father, who at the time, was missing and presumed alive. She assists Ryu and Ken in finding a kidnapped boy named Shun who claims to be Ryu's younger brother. While tracking Sadler, she accompanies multiple fighters to Sadler's hideout She and Ken rescue the other fighters and end up in a tussle with Sadler's android enforcer, Rosanov, who beats them severely. Ryu ultimately manages to destroy both Rosanov and Sadler.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation |title-link=Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation |orig-year=2000 |type=back case |publisher=[[Manga Entertainment]] | year=2001}}</ref>

In the season 6 (2010) Halloween special of the cartoon series ''[[American Dad!]]'', Toshi's little sister Akiko goes trick-or-treating as Chun-Li.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom-europe.com/blog/2010/11/chun-li-kicks-off-in-american-dad/ |title=Chun Li kicks off in American Dad! |publisher=Capcom-europe.com |access-date=2013-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512030125/http://www.capcom-europe.com/blog/2010/11/chun-li-kicks-off-in-american-dad/ |archive-date=2013-05-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Chun-Li made cameo appearances in the animated films ''[[Wreck-It Ralph]]'' and ''[[Ralph Breaks the Internet]]'' alongside several fellow ''Street Fighter'' characters.<ref>Dexter Rodrigo Matilla, [http://www.philstar.com/movies/features/2012/06/08/815055/wreck-it-ralph-image-shows-chun-li-zangief 'Wreck-It Ralph' image shows Chun-Li, Zangief] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112172316/http://www.philstar.com/movies/features/2012/06/08/815055/wreck-it-ralph-image-shows-chun-li-zangief |date=2013-11-12 }}, philstar.com, June 8, 2012.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/11/21/ralph-breaks-the-internet-street-fighter-chun-li-tv-spot/|title='Ralph Breaks the Internet' TV Spot Features Chun-Li from 'Street Fighter'|work=WWG|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122143649/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/11/21/ralph-breaks-the-internet-street-fighter-chun-li-tv-spot/|archive-date=2018-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Comics====
In the 1990s ''Street Fighter II'' manga by [[Masaomi Kanzaki]], Chun-Li remains in her established role of an Interpol agent investigating Bison. As the story progresses, Chun-Li participates in a tournament arranged by Shadaloo, eventually coming up against Vega, portrayed here as her father's killer. She defeats him but is so exhausted that she pulls out from the tournament and her injuries prevent her from doing much when Ryu and Bison confront one another.<ref>{{cite book |title=Street Fighter II |publisher=Tokuma Shoten |year=1993 |isbn=4-19-793050-X |author=Kanzaki, Masaomi}}</ref>

Chun-Li also appears in Masahiko Nakahira's 1996–1997 manga ''[[Street Fighter: Sakura Ganbaru!]]'', in which she participates in a police raid to an illegal underground fighting circle, saving Sakura from human traffickers who operated in the place. Later on, she follows the trails that lead her to an assassin which turns out to be [[Gen (Street Fighter)|Gen]], from whom she suffers an utter defeat. She is last seen in Russia, parting ways with Sakura and Dan, with Cammy under her care. In the manga adaptations of ''Street Fighter Alpha'', Chun-Li is again an agent of the Interpol. She encounters Ryu, who has fallen from grace and had hired himself out as a bodyguard to drug smugglers, and winds up befriending him and Birdie as well as Ken, also rescuing Cammy from being captured by Sodom. Shadaloo is once again responsible for the death of her father, though the exact identity of the killer is not revealed.<ref>{{cite book |title=Street Fighter: Sakura Ganbaru! |publisher=Tokuma Shoten |year=1997 |isbn=4-88199-366-6 |author=Nakahira, Masahiko |volume=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Street Fighter Alpha, Vol. 1 |publisher=Udon |year=2007 |isbn=978-1897376508 |author=Nakahira, Masahiko |volume=2}}</ref> 

In [[Malibu Comics]]' short-lived ''Street Fighter'' series, Chun-Li is depicted as having known Ryu and Ken since her late teens, as well as having a romantic interest in Ryu, though both make their first appearances therein fighting each other after he sneaks up on her from behind.<ref name="SF#1">{{cite comic|writer=Len Strazewski|penciller=Don Hillsman|inker=Jeff Whiting|story=Street Fighter #1|title=Street Fighter|issue=|date=July 1993|publisher=Malibu Comics}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/malibu-s-street-fighter-comic-is-absolutely-terrible-72646.phtml|title=Malibu's Street Fighter comic is absolutely terrible|website=Destructoid|date=March 1, 2008|access-date=June 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625163903/http://www.destructoid.com/malibu-s-street-fighter-comic-is-absolutely-terrible-72646.phtml|archive-date=June 25, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Chun-Li is also one of several ''Street Fighter'' characters featured in [[Archie Comics]]' ''Worlds Unite'' event, which saw several Capcom and [[Sega]] franchises crossover in the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (Archie Comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]], [[Sonic Universe]], [[Mega Man (Archie Comics)|Mega Man]],'' and ''[[Sonic Boom (TV series)|Sonic Boom]]'' comic lines.

In [[UDON]]'s [[Street Fighter (UDON comics)|''Street Fighter'' comics]], Chun-Li is involved in the hunt for Bison and Shadaloo. However, in the comic, the killer of Chun-Li's father is Cammy, prior to her being freed from Bison's control. Chun-Li battles Cammy when they meet face to face for the first time and ultimately forgives Cammy and turns her sights on Bison himself. Eventually, she receives an invitation from Shadaloo to enter a tournament being held by Bison.<ref>{{cite book |title=Street Fighter issue 14|date=2013 |publisher=UDON |asin=B01LVXX7RE}}</ref> In 2008, UDON also released a four-issue special miniseries ''Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li'', which focuses on a younger Chun-Li and one of her first assignments for the Hong Kong police.<ref>{{cite book |title=Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li|date=2015 |publisher=UDON |isbn=978-1927925454}}</ref> She is working with her partner Po-Lin, a young policewoman who has a very personal score to settle with Shadaloo. In the ''Street Fighter vs. Darkstalkers'' crossover series, she is a rival turned and uneasy ally of [[Morrigan]].

==Promotion and merchandise==
There have been multiple Chun-Li lookalike contests in Japan, United States and elsewhere during the early 1990s, with valuable main prizes such as the [[Nissan 300ZX]] or the [[Honda CR-X]].<ref>{{Cite journal|date=May 1993|title=Chun-Li Lookalike Contests!|journal=SuperPlay|volume=7}}</ref> Later such contests have been performed on a much smaller scale.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/miss-chun-li-contest-has-an-unlikely-winner-1758683649|title=Miss Chun-Li Contest Has an Unlikely Winner|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|work=Kotaku|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123201007/https://kotaku.com/miss-chun-li-contest-has-an-unlikely-winner-1758683649|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Chun-Li's character was used to promote the film ''Ready Player One'' in Japan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20180418-618394/|title=現役ナースの桃月なしこ、セクシーな春麗コスプレで美脚あらわ|work=マイナビニュース|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725033145/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20180418-618394/|archive-date=2018-07-25|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Japanese company Onitsuka Tiger collaborated with Capcom for Chun-Li to wear their new Mexico 66 SD line of sports shoes,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/397/G039790/20180115048/|title=「ストリートファイターV AE」発売記念で「春麗」とオニツカタイガーのコラボが実現|work=4Gamer|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065707/https://www.4gamer.net/games/397/G039790/20180115048/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> and the 30th anniversary of ''Street Fighter'' collaboration between Capcom and Japan's [[Saga Prefecture]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.walkerplus.com/article/133597/|title=佐賀県が「ストリートファイターII」とコラボレーション!?サガットが「佐賀ット」に？|work=ニュースウォーカー|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065754/https://news.walkerplus.com/article/133597/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> featured singer and actress [[Kayo Noro]] dressed as Chun-Li.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0098011|title=深キョンに似てる？野呂佳代、春麗コスがかわいい - シネマトゥデイ|work=シネマトゥデイ|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065830/https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0098011|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Previously, actress [[Miki Mizuno]] also dressed as Chun-Li in another promotional event<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/5912556/chun-li-who-wore-it-best/|title=Chun-Li: Who Wore It Best?|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|work=Kotaku|access-date=2018-11-26|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126180740/https://kotaku.com/5912556/chun-li-who-wore-it-best/|archive-date=2018-11-26|url-status=live}}</ref> as did pop singer [[Maki Miyamae]] to perform Chun-Li's official song on the television.<ref>{{Citation|last=GODSGARDEN UNITED|title=Street Fighter Chun-Li Official Singing.|date=2009-03-07|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwiFLjoifeQ|access-date=2018-11-26|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060153/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwiFLjoifeQ|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1997, actress and pop star [[Rie Tomosaka]] played Chun-Li on television as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm6207649|title=【実写】 ストリートファイター STREET FIGHTER ～炎の戦い～ 【タシーロ】|date=2009-02-20|website=Niconico Video|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102022648/http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm6207649|archive-date=2012-11-02|url-status=live}}</ref>

A wide variety of Chun-Li figures have been produced by various manufacturers,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myfigurecollection.net/entry/3424|title=Chun-Li|website=myfigurecollection.net|language=en|access-date=2019-03-07|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060155/https://myfigurecollection.net/entry/3424|url-status=live}}</ref> including by Capcom itself,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201506/12080707.html|title=『ストリートファイター』春麗があのポーズでスケールフィギュア化！|website=ファミ通.com|date=12 June 2015 |language=ja|access-date=2018-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065846/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201506/12080707.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Ace Novelty,<ref>{{Cite journal|date=July 1994|title=Street Fighter Merchandisingmania|journal=Video Games: The Ultimate Gaming Magazine|volume=66}}</ref> BigBoysToys,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-01-08/new-street-fighter-chun-li-figure-shows-off-her-signature-move/.97331|title=New Street Fighter's Chun-Li Figure Shows Off Her Signature Move|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-22|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123022802/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-01-08/new-street-fighter-chun-li-figure-shows-off-her-signature-move/.97331|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Funko]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-gamerverse-unleashed|title=Marvel Gamerverse Unleashed {{!}} News {{!}} Marvel|work=Marvel Entertainment|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122215739/https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-gamerverse-unleashed|archive-date=2018-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref> Kotobukiya,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/08/28-1/chun-lis-legs-rise-up-in-street-fighter-battle-costume-bishoujo-statue|title=Chun-Li's Legs Rise Up In "Street Fighter" Battle Costume- Bishoujo Statue|work=Crunchyroll|access-date=2018-11-22|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123023019/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/08/28-1/chun-lis-legs-rise-up-in-street-fighter-battle-costume-bishoujo-statue|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Pop Culture Shock Collectibles,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-300-street-fighter-5-statue-helps-raise-money/1100-6441952/|title=This $300 Street Fighter 5 Statue Helps Raise Money for Breast Cancer Charities|last=Paget|first=Mat|date=2016-07-19|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123022728/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-300-street-fighter-5-statue-helps-raise-money/1100-6441952/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/another-900-street-fighter-statue-unveiled/1100-6449901/|title=Another $900 Street Fighter Statue Unveiled|last=Pereira|first=Chris|date=2017-05-09|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123022818/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/another-900-street-fighter-statue-unveiled/1100-6449901/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> S.H. Figuart,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/12/03/chun-li-and-ryu-are-ready-for-action-in-new-sh-figuarts-figures|title=Chun Li and Ryu are Ready for Action in New S.H. Figuarts Figures|work=Crunchyroll|access-date=2018-11-22|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123022514/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/12/03/chun-li-and-ryu-are-ready-for-action-in-new-sh-figuarts-figures|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> [[SOTA Toys]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/5021335/first-street-fighter-iv-product-announced|title=First Street Fighter IV Product Announced|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|work=Kotaku|access-date=2018-11-22|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065521/https://kotaku.com/5021335/first-street-fighter-iv-product-announced|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Storm Collectibles,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/09/storm-collectibles-street-fighter-v-chun-li-battle-costume-nycc-exclusive-action-figure-unveiled/|title=Storm Collectibles' Street Fighter V Chun Li (Battle Costume) NYCC exclusive action figure unveiled|date=2018-09-21|work=Flickering Myth|access-date=2018-11-22|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060206/https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/09/storm-collectibles-street-fighter-v-chun-li-battle-costume-nycc-exclusive-action-figure-unveiled/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tomy|Takara Tomy]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/preorder-listings-for-takara-tomy-mall-transformers-x-street-fighter-ii-sets/40109/|title=Pre-Order Listings for Takara Tomy Mall Transformers X Street Fighter II Sets|last=Seibertron.com|website=Seibertron.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123022923/https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/preorder-listings-for-takara-tomy-mall-transformers-x-street-fighter-ii-sets/40109/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}} {{Better source needed|reason=[[WP:FANSITE]]|date=December 2022}}</ref> and Tsume-Art,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.destructoid.com/tsume-art-s-chun-li-and-vega-figures-now-up-for-pre-order-268983.phtml|title=Tsume-Art's Chun-Li and Vega figures now up for pre-order|work=destructoid|access-date=2018-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815122759/https://www.destructoid.com/tsume-art-s-chun-li-and-vega-figures-now-up-for-pre-order-268983.phtml|archive-date=2019-08-15|url-status=live}}</ref> among many others. Artworks of her were also featured on an officially licensed [[lenticular printing|animated]] NubyTech/UDON joypad for the [[PlayStation 2]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00098Q0GQ|title=Street Fighter 2 Controller: Chun Li (PS2): Amazon.co.uk: PC & Video Games|author=NubyTech|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=2011-09-29|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060156/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00098Q0GQ|url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[Mad Catz]] wireless joypad for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001M244M0|title=Mad Catz PS3 Wireless Street Fighter IV FightPad - Chun-Li (PS3): Amazon.co.uk: PC & Video Games|author=Madcatz|publisher=Amazon.co.uk|access-date=2011-09-29|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060215/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001M244M0|url-status=live}}</ref> Other assorted merchandise included Diesel sneakers,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2017/10/09/diesel-street-fighter-sneaker-review/|title=Review: Diesel's 'Street Fighter' Sneakers Are as Awesome as They Look|work=WWG|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124054929/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2017/10/09/diesel-street-fighter-sneaker-review/|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref> women's lingerie,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/283/G028398/20170828096/|title=「ストリートファイター」，春麗とキャミィをイメージしたランジェリーが予約受付開始|work=4Gamer|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123113449/https://www.4gamer.net/games/283/G028398/20170828096/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> a figure-style flash drive USB stick,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://jp.ign.com/street-fighter-30th-anniversary-collection/25216/news/iikousb6|title=ストIIのKO負け姿を再現したUSBメモリーが6月中旬より発売決定|date=2018-05-28|work=IGN Japan|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123070146/https://jp.ign.com/street-fighter-30th-anniversary-collection/25216/news/iikousb6|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> a postage stamp from Japanese Philatelic Association came with its own collectible figure,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/11/16/110922.html|title=『ストリートファイター』が30周年を記念した切手セットに！春麗フィギュアも付属 {{!}} インサイド|work=インサイド|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065910/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/11/16/110922.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref> and a figurine that came with a DyDo drink.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ascii.jp/elem/000/001/122/1122295/|title=コーヒーを飲んで昇龍拳！ダイドー「ストリートファイターV」フィギュアのキャンペーン|work=ASCII.jp|access-date=2018-11-24|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124162520/http://ascii.jp/elem/000/001/122/1122295/|archive-date=2018-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also Chun-Li themed [[pachinko]] slot games such as ''Chun-Li Ni Makase China!'', which also marked her first starring role in a game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/27/capcom-created-a-video-game-starring-chun-li/|title=Capcom Created A Video Game Starring Chun-Li|date=2009-02-27|work=Siliconera|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065905/http://www.siliconera.com/2009/02/27/capcom-created-a-video-game-starring-chun-li/|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Cultural impact==
Cited as the first playable female fighting game character,<ref name="actionheroes"/> Chun-Li was positively received since her debut, dubbed the "first lady of fighting games" and the "original videogame super-babe".<ref name="rjunk">{{cite web|url=http://www.retrojunk.com/details_articles/569/|title=Chun-Li: The First Lady of Fighting Games|publisher=Retro Junk|date=2009|access-date=April 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608140803/http://www.retrojunk.com/details_articles/569|archive-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=September 2000|title=Street Fighter III: Fight for the Future|journal=Official Dreamcast Magazine UK|volume=11|pages=53}}</ref> The staff of ''[[GamePro]]'' called her the most iconic character of ''Street Fighter II'' and "everyone's favorite feminine fighter".<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=November 1992|title=Hot at the Arcades: Street Fighter II|magazine=GamePro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|date=August 2000|title=E3 Showstoppers|magazine=GamePro|volume=143|pages=78}}</ref> Her return in ''Street Fighter III: Third Strike'' was also heavily praised and seen as the best addition to the series.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/6942/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike/|title=Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike|magazine=GamePro |author=Watt, Kilo|date=October 5, 2000|access-date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304042255/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/6942/street-fighter-iii-3rd-strike/|archive-date=2009-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/078/078669p1.html|title=New Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Screens And Characters|website=IGN|date=April 28, 2000|access-date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330074133/http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/078/078669p1.html|archive-date=March 30, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=June 2000|title=Street Fighter III: Third Strike|journal=Official Dreamcast Magazine UK|volume=8|pages=83}}</ref> Meanwhile, the creation of ''Street Fighter II: Champion Edition'' was inspired by Capcom employee Jeff Walker witnessing an argument between two girls over which one of them would play as Chun-Li, with Walker suggesting to make a version that allowed both players to play the same character.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book|title=Undisputed Street Fighter|last=Hendershot|first=Steve|publisher=Dynamite|year=2017|pages=135–136}}</ref>

''Xbox 360 Official Magazine – Australia'' cited her and [[Nintendo]] character [[Samus Aran]] as examples of gaming's original [[sex symbol]]s prior to the advent of [[Lara Croft]]<ref>{{Cite journal|date=Christmas 2007|title=Xbox 360 Review: Tomb Raider Anniversary|journal=Xbox 360 Official Magazine Australia|volume=23}}</ref> According to the [[Smithsonian American Art Museum|Smithsonian Museum]]'s Chris Mellisinos, Chun-Li "was such an anomaly" due to the fact she was a strong female character in an arcade environment, adding that she was "drawn attractively, just like Ken and Ryu, but in no way was she a diminished character because she was female."<ref name=":7"/> Video game scholar Jennifer deWinter felt it was furthermore very "interesting and surprising to have such a strong Chinese character in Chun-Li coming out of a Japanese game."<ref name=":7"/> The character has also been cited as a popular subject of cosplay, with several idols and female bodybuilders dressing as the character.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1802/11/news026.html|title=戦闘力はゼロ？ 南明奈、春麗コスで衰え知らずのアイドル力を発揮する|work=ねとらぼ|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065749/http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1802/11/news026.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wingchunnews.ca/this-chinese-doctor-is-the-real-life-chun-li/|title=This Chinese Doctor Is The Real Life Chun Li|access-date=2020-09-23|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108060158/https://www.wingchunnews.ca/this-chinese-doctor-is-the-real-life-chun-li/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2016/04/26/98153.html|title=プロレスラー・棚橋弘至が"春麗コス"を披露！予想以上の着こなし、そのままコンビニへ|work=インサイド|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065654/https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2016/04/26/98153.html|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

Her character arcs have also received significant discussion. Author Gladys L. Knight in the book ''Female Action Heroes'' appreciated the revenge aspect of her character, and noted that while ''Legend of Chun-Li'' had been panned as a film it was the one media adaptation of her story that emphasized her in a primary role, with both the anime and first live-action film putting her in the role of a supporting character, especially the former.<ref name="actionheroes"/> Author Nicholas Ware meanwhile in his dissertation titled ''You Must Defeat Sheng Long to Stand a Chance'' stated that while her story had remained consistent throughout ''Street Fighter II'', he felt it had been usurped later in the series with the character [[Akuma (Street Fighter)|Akuma]] being established as the one to kill Bison.<ref name="ware">{{cite journal |last1=Ware |first1=Nicholas |date=2010-08-01 |title='You Must Defeat Sheng Long To Stand a Chance': Street Fighter, Race, Play, and Player |url=https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_olink/r/1501/10?clear=10&p10_accession_num=bgsu1277062605 |journal=OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center |pages=48, 62–64 |access-date=2023-02-27 |archive-date=2023-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228045756/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_olink/r/1501/10?clear=10&p10_accession_num=bgsu1277062605 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kevin Wong in an article for ''[[Kotaku]]'' praised how her character had evolved by the time of ''Street Fighter 6'', considering it the best version of her character as it now presented as a teacher and living a life of peace and fulfilling the ending presented for her in the original ''Street Fighter II''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/street-fighter-6-chun-li-juri-ryu-li-fen-how-old-is-age-1850613389|title=Street Fighter 6 Features The Best Chun-Li In 24 Years|website=Kotaku|date=7 July 2023 |first=Wong |last=Kevin |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref>

===Analysis===
Knight in her book described her as combining "brutal power, girliness, and sex appeal", and emphasized that while the character was known for her protruding thighs she also featured large breasts and a small waist, things she considered trademarks of female characters geared to appeal to male fantasies. However, at the same time she felt Chun-Li was also emphasized as youthful as well as an unconventional, powerful fighter through elements of her character design. Knight further stated Chun-Li transgressed "the pattern of the typical 1980s action woman" and reflected elements of [[third wave feminism]] by combining femininity and masculine toughness, using an emphasis of being sexually appealing as a source of strength. Knight also pointed out while muscular women were not a new concept in media, "her unusually large musculature unequivocally established her equality in terms of power" and served as a deviation from how one expected female characters to look. In combining these aspects, Knight felt Chun-Li not only helped change the view of female characters in video games, but also helped pave the way for other strong female leading women such as Lara Croft.<ref name="actionheroes">{{cite book |pages=57–69 |first=Gladys L. |last=Knight |title=Female Action Heroes |date=2010-06-08 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=9798216083764}}</ref>

University of Wisconsin professor Bryan J. Carr for the book ''100 Greatest Video Game Characters'' stated that Chun-Li acted as "a fundamental touchpoint in the aesthetic and ludic representation" of women in video games. While Carr pointed out she was designed around many of the same manner of cultural stereotype emphasis as other characters, unlike her male counterparts she was also intended to be shorter, faster and in ''Street Fighter II'' weaker than her male counterparts. He felt this helped define the representation of female characters going forward in video games, as many often shared these same traits afterward. Carr also observed that while her musculature and exposed legs were emphasized for the male gaze, they also made her unique in that they served to give her agency through her strength as well, a dichotomy further illustrated by Yasuda and Nishimura's stated efforts to retain cuteness and femininity in their art of her.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Banks |first1=Jamie |title=100 Greatest Video Game Characters |last2=Meija |first2=Robert |last3=Adams |first3=Aubrie |date=June 23, 2017 |publisher=Rowman and Littlefield Publishers |isbn=978-1442278127 |pages=35–36}}</ref>

===Legacy===
British academic and author [[Esther MacCallum-Stewart]] in a paper titled ''Real Boys Carry Girly Epics'' citing the character as having a lasting impact on fighting games and the [[beat 'em-up]] genre, particularly in how such games often featured at least one female character afterward. She further felt that characters such as ''[[Dead or Alive (franchise)|Dead or Alive]]''{{'}}s [[Leifang]], ''[[Tekken]]''{{'}}s [[Ling Xiaoyu]], and ''[[Virtua Fighter]]''{{'}}s [[Pai Chan]] were all directly descended from Chun-Li conceptually due to similarities in their designs.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=MacCallum-Stewart|first=Esther|date=2008-02-29|title=Real Boys Carry Girly Epics: Normalising Gender Bending in Online Games|url=http://www.eludamos.org/index.php/eludamos/article/view/vol2no1-5|journal=Eludamos. Journal for Computer Game Culture|language=en-US|volume=2|issue=1|pages=27–40|doi=10.7557/23.5970|s2cid=7456966|issn=1866-6124|access-date=2019-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322095000/http://www.eludamos.org/index.php/eludamos/article/view/vol2no1-5|archive-date=2019-03-22|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref> Media outlets have compared other characters to Chun-Li in this manner including ''[[Real Bout Fatal Fury 2]]''{{'}}s Li Xiang Fei,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=September 1998|title=Hot in the Arcades: RB2|magazine=GamePro|volume=120|pages=96}}</ref> ''[[Fighter's History]]''{{'}}s Liu Feilin,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=June 1994|title=ProNews|magazine=GamePro}}</ref> ''[[Double Dragon V]]''{{'}}s Sekka,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=October 1994|title=ProReview: Double Dragon V|magazine=GamePro}}</ref> ''[[Golden Axe: The Duel]]''{{'}}s Jamm,<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=July 1996|title=Next Wave: The Axe Strikes Back!|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|volume=84|pages=89}}</ref> and ''[[Raging Fighter]]''{{'}}s Miyabi.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=July 1993|title=Gaming on the Go|journal=Video Games & Computer Entertainment|volume=54|pages=86}}</ref>

Other outlets meanwhile compared Chun-Li to [[SNK]] character [[Mai Shiranui]], as both have been cited as the first two prominent female characters of fighting games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/king-fighters-xv-mai-shiranui-fatal-fury/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |title=King of Fighters: Who is Mai Shiranui |access-date=2024-06-06 |date=2021-04-10 |first=Robert |last=Curran |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410185833/https://www.cbr.com/king-fighters-xv-mai-shiranui-fatal-fury/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604052044/http://www.ali213.net/news/html/2014-3/100631.html |url=http://www.ali213.net/news/html/2014-3/100631.html |date=2014-03-31 |script-title=zh:80后90后的满满回忆！拳皇系列女性角色盘点 |language=zh|access-date=2024-06-06 |archive-date=June 4, 2014 |website=ali213.net |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kakuchopurei.com/2019/07/the-top-20-2d-fighting-game-characters-of-all-time-part-2/ |title=The Top 20 2D Fighting Game Characters Of All Time (Part 2) |date=2017-03-24 |first=Jeanne |last=Swee |website=Kakuchopurei |access-date=2024-06-06 |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607021626/https://www.kakuchopurei.com/2019/07/the-top-20-2d-fighting-game-characters-of-all-time-part-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Frederick Badlissi of ''Diehard GameFan'' jokingly called it the "question of 'anatomic supremacy' between Mai Shiranui’s breasts (the 'North') and Chun-Li’s thighs (the 'South')".<ref>{{cite web |first=Frederick |last=Badlissi |access-date=2024-06-07 |date=2003-06-29 |website=[[Diehard GameFan]] |title=The Gamer's Conscience 06.30.03 |url=https://diehardgamefan.com/2003/06/29/2369/ |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612013256/https://diehardgamefan.com/2003/06/29/2369/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Games Tribune Magazine'' writer Javier Bello felt the comparison was in part due to the visual appeal of both characters introducing "a sexy and pleasing touch to the eye" in contrast to a cast of "squads of fighters with plenty of testosterone and muscles", with Mai's emphasis on exposure pushing her popularity further in his opinion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamestribune.com/opinion/la-mujer-como-objeto-en-la-industria/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207002932/http://www.gamestribune.com/opinion/la-mujer-como-objeto-en-la-industria/ |date=2015-01-30 |access-date=2024-06-06 |archive-date=2016-02-07 |title=El sexo vende. Tal afirmación es indudable dentro de los cánones del mundo moderno. Es algo que vemos a diario en la televisión, en la publicidad, en el cine, y por supuesto, en los videojuegos |language=Spanish |first=Javier |last=Bello |website=Games Tribune Magazine}}</ref> French magazine ''Hardcore Gamers'' devoted a two-page spread to the characters to compare them, with the article emphasizing while Chun-Li was often the more interesting character, Mai was more consistently alluring, though no less influential on other characters in the fighting game industry.<ref name="hardcoreg">{{cite magazine |magazine=Hardcore Gamers |language=French |date=June 2002 |issue=7 |pages=52–53 |title=Select Your Fighter |issn=1628-8866}}</ref>

The character has also been homaged in film, such as by [[Jackie Chan]] in the 1993 film ''[[City Hunter (film)|City Hunter]]'' where Chan's character is briefly changed into Chun-Li, mirroring her ''Street Fighter II'' design.<ref name="ware"/> The 1992 film [[Hong Kong]] film ''Super Cop'' starring [[Cynthia Khan]] meanwhile referenced her directly by having the lead character be named Chun Li, while also utilizing several of her attacks such as the Spinning Bird Kick.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Super Lady Cop (1992) - Review - Far East Films |language=en-US |work=Far East Films |url=http://www.fareastfilms.com/?review_post_type=super-lady-cop |url-status=live |access-date=2018-11-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126135317/http://www.fareastfilms.com/?review_post_type=super-lady-cop |archive-date=2018-11-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Lady Cop (1992) |url=http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/super_lady_cop.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019121752/http://www.lovehkfilm.com/reviews_2/super_lady_cop.htm |archive-date=2018-10-19 |access-date=2018-11-26 |website=www.lovehkfilm.com}}</ref> In addition, she also makes cameo appearances in the 2008 Korean film ''[[My Mighty Princess]]'' and in the 2018 film ''[[Ready Player One (film)|Ready Player One]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=MY MIGHTY PRINCESS|url=http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/mymightyprincess/mymightyprincess.htm|access-date=2017-01-12|work=movieexclusive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603121133/http://www.moviexclusive.com/review/mymightyprincess/mymightyprincess.htm|archive-date=2016-06-03|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://jp.ign.com/ready-player-one/23800/promoted/ign-japan1pr|title=日本のオタクが世界のオタクに物申す！スピルバーグ監督の神っぷりが炸裂したIGN JAPAN主催『レディ・プレイヤー1』座談会レポ（PR）|date=2018-04-18|work=IGN Japan|access-date=2018-11-23|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123070049/https://jp.ign.com/ready-player-one/23800/promoted/ign-japan1pr|archive-date=2018-11-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}
{{Street Fighter II|state=Expanded}}
{{Street Fighter series}}
{{Fatal Fury}}

[[Category:Characters designed by Akira Yasuda]]
[[Category:Female characters in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional Chinese people in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional Hong Kong people]]
[[Category:Fictional Interpol officials]]
[[Category:Fictional police officers in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional reporters and correspondents]]
[[Category:Fictional Shaolin kung fu practitioners]]
[[Category:Fictional tai chi practitioners]]
[[Category:Fictional wushu practitioners]]
[[Category:Street Fighter characters]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1991]]
[[Category:Video game mascots]]