From Screen Debut to a Celebrated Star

Vicki Zhao, or Zhao Wei, gained her first experience in front of the camera in 1993 when she was chosen as an extra in 'Hua Hua', a film starring Gong Li. After that, Zhao decided to pursue an acting career.

In the years that followed, Zhao was finally given her first leading role in a series called 'Sisters in Beijing' after playing minor roles in various TV series and films. It was there that she was spotted by famous Taiwan romance writer Chiung Yao, who was looking for a lead in her TV series 'Princess Pearl', or known as 'Huanzhu Gege' in Chinese.

Vicki Zhao rose to stardom after landing the leading role in that popular series of Chiung Yao.

Following her role in 'Princess Pearl', Zhao became a prominent actress in China.

In 2008, Zhao was cast as Sun Shangxiang in John Woo's blockbuster 'Red Cliff' and its sequel. While in early 2009 she will play the role of Hua Mulan in Jingle Ma's film 'Mulan'.




Ruby Lin made her acting debut in a Taiwan TV commercial in early 1990's. She developed her passion for acting after her first minor role back in 1995.

In 1997, Lin took her breakout role as a leading actress in Chiung Yao's television series 'Princess Pearl', or 'Huanzhu Gege' and its sequel.

After the play, Lin rose to popularity.




Fan Bingbing rose to stardom when she played Jin Suo, a fragile maid, in the popular TV sitcom 'Princess Pearl', starring alongside Vicki Zhao and Ruby Lin.

The success of that TV sitcom propelled Fan to the big-screen where she played various roles in the years that followed.

The actress set up a work studio in her own name in 2007, which gives her more opportunity to play tailor-made roles.




It is no exaggeration to say actress Crystal Liu is one lucky girl.

While many others were still struggling for a camera exposure during their mid 20s, Crystal Liu had already risen to prominence following her screen debut at the tender age of 15 in 'The Story of a Noble Family', or 'Jin Fen Shi Jia' in 2002.

The former CCTV prime time show cast Crystal Liu into the spotlight where she has remained since then.

Shortly after, she was chosen to portray the role of Wang Yuyan in 'Semi-Gods and Semi-Devils' (or Tian Long Ba Bu), a drama based on the novel of the same title by acclaimed martial arts (wuxia) novel writer, Jinyong.

In 2006, Liu starred in another television production based on a book by Jinyong, 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' (or Shen Diao Xia Lv), and played the role of the young and innocent Xiaolongnv.

Her collaboration with action stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li in 'The Forbidden Kingdom', a martial arts thriller was a big box office hit last year.

What does this year have in store for Crystal Liu as she heads into her mid 20s?




Xu Jinglei, is a famous actress and director in China. Her directorial debut was 'My Father and I' in 2003.

Her last work, which she directed and starred in was 'Dreams May Come' following the acclaimed 'My Father and I' and 'Letter from an Unknown Woman'.

In mid-2006, her Chinese language blog had received the most hits of any blog in any language on the Internet, according to media reports.

As a versatile artist, Xu also launched her own e-magazine 'Kai La' in 2007 that reviewed areas of entertainment, current affairs, literature and the economy.




Zhang Ziyi is one of the best-known Chinese film actresses with a string of Chinese and international hits to her name.

Zhang is considered one of the 'Four Young Dan actresses' in China, along with Zhao Wei, Xu Jinglei, and Zhou Xun.

She made her name after starring in director Zhang Yimou's film 'The Road Home' in 1999. Since then she has worked with renowned directors such as Ang Lee, Wong Kar-Wai, Chen Kaige, Seijun Suzuki and Rob Marshall.

This award-winning actress is now one of the highest-paid Chinese actresses in the world.




Actress Li made her big-screen debut in 1994. She had been playing minor roles in various TV series and movies in the years following her graduation from Shanghai Drama Institute. Li Bingbing has become an accomplished actress.

It was not a rapid rise to stardom as she clambered her way into the limelight step by step.

In 2007, Li was named 'Best Actress' at the Huabiao Awards for her role in the movie 'The Knot'. She also collaborated with stars such as Jet Li and Jackie Chan in 'The Forbidden Kingdom', which was released in April 2008.