Liu Xiaoqing

Liu Xiaoqing’s path from farm labourer to Chinese cinema icon is marked by versatility and resilience. Early roles in propaganda films gave way to the critically acclaimed portrayal of Empress Dowager Cixi, earning her multiple Hundred Flowers Award wins. A brief hiatus from acting in the 1990s to pursue business ventures saw her amass significant wealth before returning to the stage and screen in the 2000s. Despite a high-profile arrest for tax evasion, Liu’s enduring influence is evident in her diverse body of work, from the controversial film "Plastic Flower" to her acclaimed stage performance in "The Beauty.