Although Chinese, in general, are making headlines more for buying and investing in art, there are quite a few artists who are "famous" for the works they have produced. That being said, I doubt if any of them are exhibiting at the Dashanzi Art District in Beijing, or any other of the current trendy sites. Of course, it also depends on what you mean by famous. According to your own criteria, it would have to be someone who has a worldwide audience.

What you have to remember before you enter a discussion about modern Chinese artists is that the field is relatively new, and has only been around in continuity for the last 30 years, thanks in part, to the Cultural Revolution. Any art that didn't support the ideas and aims of the party was deemed "counter-revolutionary" during that time, and generally, not tolerated. It took a few years after the CR ended (the date is ambiguous, but most will agree around 1976) for Chinese artists to start exploring their own vision, which didn't really happen until the early '80's. We are, of course, talking about mainland China here. Hong Kong is a different animal. But for the sake of answering your question, there are a few artists who are practicing today.

Immediately, Ai Weiwei comes to mind. Even though he helped design the Birds Nest for the 2008 Olympics in China, he is considered something of a pariah at home because of his political activism.

Yue Minjun, who does reside in Beijjing, is world famous. You have probably seen his work. He does the mantic,  brightly-hued Chinese men in various settings. He has had shows all over the world, from New York City to Australia.

Moving to someone a little older, Zhang Wen Xin (born in1928 in Tienjing) is known as the "people's painter."  He was named a world famous artist by the World Modern Artists Dictionary and the Judgmentation Committee of China. In 1996, he was awarded the status of World Famous Chinese Artist and Best of Show from the Oil Painters of America, from whom he has received the title of Master Signature Painter.

Another name that comes to mind is that of Jiang Guo Fang (born in 1951). Unsurpassed in realism, his depictions of rural and ancient Chinese people have earned him invitations to join painting societies the world over. In 1984, he returned to the Central Academy of Fine Arts and received his Masters Degree.

If traditional Chinese calligraphy is what floats your boat, look up the work of Wang Dongli. In the '80's and '90's, he lived and worked in the U.S. and Japan, and his writings are sought by collectors all over the world.

These are just a few of the famous artists that China has to offer. There are many, many others, all with various degrees of "fame." If you are not familiar with the artists listed above, just Image Google their work. I think you'll like what you see!

Ai Waiwai is something of a Pariah?

Does the pope wear a funny hat?