Recently, the results of the 2025 Forbes China Top 100 Returnee Young Elites were announced. Gao Li, CEO of the music label Down To Top, founder of the Berklee College of Music Chinese Music Industry Club and the ChinaU.S. Music Industry Forum, has made the list. From a campus entrepreneur to a seasoned industry operator, he has spent nearly a decade building expertise across the entire music industry value chain. With a global vision, he has built bridges between Chinese and international music communities, driving collaborative growth through professionalism and passion.
Reflecting on his inclusion in the Forbes ranking, Gao Li stated that this honor is not only recognition of his own career but also encouragement for returnee professionals in the music industry. As a returnee entrepreneur dedicated to music, his core mission has been to connect China’s music industry with the world. He is committed to bringing mature international industry models to China while helping Chinese musical talent go global. He emphasized that this achievement belongs not only to him but also to his team and supportive partners in the industry, strengthening his resolve to deepen crossborder music exchange.
During his studies at Berklee College of Music, where he majored in Music Business, Gao Li identified a critical information gap between the Chinese and global music markets. Chinese students lacked effective access to domestic industry opportunities, and the Chinese music industry had limited exposure to top international resources. To break down these barriers, he founded Love Survive and the Berklee Chinese Music Industry Club, establishing professional platforms that laid the groundwork for efficient collaboration between Chinese and international music professionals. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey in the music industry. Later, he pivoted to launch the music label Down To Top, continuing to focus on integrating Chinese and global music development.
In his industry work, Gao Li has led numerous highprofile collaboration projects between Alist Chinese artists and international musicians, building comprehensive endtoend industry experience. He has served as production coordinator for hit records including Yu Shuxin – Gwalla, Ouyang Nana–nana 1 EP, and Liu Yuxin–Of Course, mastering the dynamics of the Chinese market, artist needs, and distribution strategies. He also oversaw mainland China social media operations for global stars such as DJ Snake, NeYo, and Iann Dior, gaining deep insight into international industry systems and building an extensive network of global partnerships. He excels at balancing market and cultural differences in crosscultural collaborations.
As a young entrepreneur, Gao Li lives by the philosophy: “Fear no lows; keep building.” His label Down To Top provides fullcycle music services and manages rising artists including Qian Runyu, Walter Kwan, and Echo Ding. It has also represented touring acts such as Fiji Blue in mainland China. With a focus on artist development, the label combines global thinking with local market insights to support sustainable longterm growth for its talent. The launch of the DoMeSo International Forum extends his Berklee vision: a permanent, global industry exchange hub that unites worldwide music resources to foster deeper collaboration and innovation across borders.
Gao Li has a clear view of today’s evolving music landscape. He notes that China’s music market is expanding, listener tastes are growing more diverse, streaming technology has simplified distribution, and international partnerships are more common than ever—creating unprecedented opportunities. At the same time, he acknowledges challenges: content homogenization, an incomplete copyright framework, and lingering crosscultural communication barriers. In response, the Down To Top team stays focused on highquality content, leverages its global network, and remains dedicated to connecting China and the world, empowering artists through specialized, differentiated growth paths.
Looking ahead, Gao Li says Down To Top will keep strengthening artist management and original content creation, staying true to its musical mission and professional standards. The label will continue to serve as a dedicated bridge builder between Chinese and global music. He also offers advice to young music professionals: Passion is your foundation; expertise is your strength. Broaden your global perspective, commit to the long term, and grow steadily through industry change. Only with dedicated effort can you create real value and move the industry forward.
