 In 2008, Li starred in the television film "Ultimate Rescue" where played a rough-edged taxi driver who is caught in the thick of a spontaneous rescue mission, and was widely praised for his realistic portrayal.Li was nominated at the International Emmy Awards for Best Actor, and won the Best Newcomer award at the China Movie Channel Media Awards.He continued his upward trajectory with several high profile films and television series including "My Chief and My Regiment" (2009) and "Aftershock" (2010); his performance in the latter resonated with the audience and earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Hundred Flowers Awards.