Yearender 2015: Ten most talked-about newsmakers

TV grab taken on July 29, 2013, shows a CCTV program on Chinese qigong master Wang Lin. [Photo/IC]

Fall: Wang Lin

Self-proclaimed qigong master Wang Lin was placed under investigation for allegedly being involved in the kidnapping and murder of his apprentice Zou Yong in July. Wang, 63, became well-known in the 1990s for practicing qigong - a system of prescribed physical exercises or movements performed in a meditative state - and allegedly having special abilities.

His other alleged unlawful activities were first reported more than two years ago, but he always managed to escape. Many assumed it was a result of his connections with important people, including senior officials and celebrities.