Blacklisted, Her Works Removed, Then Vanished... Chinese Superstar's Surprise Update After 5 Years

Chinese Superstar Zhao Wei Shares First Update Since Halting Her Activities
Winds Down Wine Business... Says Acting Comeback "Depends on Fate"

Actress Zhao Wei, who was known as one of "China's four great actresses" and enjoyed immense popularity across Asia, has spoken publicly about her life for the first time in about five years since abruptly stepping away from the spotlight. After effectively disappearing from the entertainment industry amid a blacklist controversy involving Chinese authorities, she made her first public appearance and described a more relaxed daily life and a changed outlook on life.

Zhao Wei. Zhao Wei's Instagram

According to Singaporean media outlet Zaobao on November 4, Zhao Wei recently attended a fashion show in Singapore by hairstylist Kim Robinson. It was her first public appearance in about five years since her works were removed from major platforms and her activities halted after the blacklist controversy involving Chinese authorities in July 2021.

Zhao Wei said that over the past five years, she had mostly spent time at home or traveled with friends, leading a peaceful life. "I think I'm probably happier now than I was before," she said. "I really enjoy living a relaxed and leisurely life like this."

She added, "I've come to find beauty and happiness in the little things and feel joy more easily." She explained that after stepping away from the glitzy entertainment industry, she had found contentment in small, everyday moments.

Zhao Wei said she had changed her lifestyle, including winding down her wine business and giving up alcohol herself. Rather than trying to live up to other people's standards, she said she was focused on experiencing life in her own way.

She was cautious about the possibility of returning to the entertainment industry. Asked about future acting plans, she replied, "That depends on fate," without indicating any specific intention to return. She said she currently has no plans to appear in a film, but has recently taken an interest in researching AI filmmaking technology.

She also spoke about her family. Zhao Wei announced her divorce from businessman Huang Youlong in 2024. Their daughter, now 16, is studying in Switzerland and reportedly visits her mother during school holidays.

Describing her relationship with her daughter, she said, "At home, my daughter is the boss and I'm the employee," adding that she respects her daughter's choices and decisions. She said she was worried about her son, who has started working, but also expressed hope that he would grow up to be a good person who does not harm others.

Zhao Wei first made a name for herself in 1996 when she was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy as the top-ranked student. She went on to establish herself as one of China's leading stars, appearing in the television series "My Fair Princess" and films including "Painted Skin" and "Shaolin Soccer." She was so popular that she was counted among the "four great actresses" of Chinese cinema. However, she disappeared from public events after the summer of 2021, and her works and related content were removed from major online platforms. At the time, Chinese authorities did not disclose specific reasons for the measures against Zhao Wei.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.