List of Famous people with last name Yan

Jin Yan, also known by his English name Raymond King, was a Korean-born Chinese actor who gained fame during China's golden age of cinema, based in Shanghai. His acting talents and good looks gained him much popularity in the 1930s. He was dubbed the "Film Emperor" and the "Rudolph Valentino of Shanghai".

Li Yan, courtesy name Zhengfang, also known as Li Ping, was a military general of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China. He climbed to the zenith of his career when he was asked by the Shu emperor Liu Bei to be the military paramountcy and co-regent alongside Zhuge Liang for his son and successor, Liu Shan. After the death of Liu Bei, Li Yan was given the rank of General of the Vanguard which was last held by Guan Yu back in 220. Li served most of his career in the mid and late 220s as the area commander for the Eastern Front centered in Yong An with Chen Dao as his deputy; he never faced any major battles in his position. However, during the 230s and the 4th of Zhuge Liang's Northern Expeditions, Li Yan was given a higher rank of General of the Agile Cavalry, below only Zhuge Liang. He was assigned to handle logistics, but he was unable to deliver supplies to Zhuge Liang's army in a timely manner. After his attempt to fraudulently cover his inability to follow commands, Li Yan was stripped from positions and power.

Liu Yan is a Chinese former competitive figure skater. She is the 2005 Karl Schäfer Memorial champion, the 2005 Winter Universiade bronze medalist, the 2009 Nebelhorn Trophy bronze medalist, and a five-time Chinese national champion. She placed 11th at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Xu Yan is a female Chinese judoka who competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in the Lightweight (52–57 kg) event.

Yao Yan is a retired Chinese badminton player from Nanning, Guangxi. She competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics.