Taiwan superstar Jay Chou has clinched the top spot in the recently-released

Taiwan superstar Jay Chou has clinched the top spot in the recently-released 2012 Forbes China Celebrity List, after raking in an estimated 161.3 million yuan (S$31.8 million) and getting immense media exposure in the past 12 months for his film “The Viral Factor” along with his advertisement appearances.

The 32-year-old star had been among the top few celebrities on the annual ranking in recent years, which takes into account the income of the stars considered and the amount of media exposure they enjoy, but this is the first time he had topped the list.

Andy Lau took the second spot, raking in an estimated 96.5 million yuan (S$19 million) and receiving a lot of exposure after appearing in the award-winning, box office smash “A Simple Life”, as well as holding a number of concerts last year.

The third spot on the list went to Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing, who made an estimated 100.9 million yuan (S$19.9 million) last year on the back of her numerous endorsement deals and screen appearances.

But fourth-placed Chinese pop queen Faye Wong still made more than Fan did, with an estimated income of 136.1 million yuan (S$26.8 million).

Other notable stars on the list include Taiwan singer Jolin Tsai (in 7th place), Hong Kong action stars Jackie Chan (in 9th place) and Donnie Yen (18th), Taiwan supermodel Lin Chiling (10th place) as well as Taiwan singer Show Luo (17th place).