Live like Liu Yifei

Despite ongoing debate surrounding her acting ability, Liu Yifei has consistently displayed a professional approach, often performing her own physically demanding scenes.

During the filming of The Return of the Condor Heroes, she committed herself fully, enduring freezing water for extended takes and performing stunts suspended in flames. In A Dream of Splendor, she chose to shoot a near-drowning scene herself, resulting in injury to her cervical vertebrae. Though the pain was so intense it required late-night acupuncture and massage, she returned to complete the scene the following day.

She once reflected that even she had not expected to endure so much. Because of her delicate appearance, she shared, many assume she is fragile. It is partly for this reason she chooses to take on difficult scenes to prove her strength and quiet resilience.

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Actress Wan Qian, her co-star in The Tale of Rose, revealed that Liu Yifei never left the set unnecessarily, always mindful of the team’s efforts. She also refrained from using her phone during working hours, instead choosing to read between takes.

Liu Yifei not only approaches her craft with seriousness, but also with discernment. Rather than continually seeking screen time or appearing in reality TV to maintain visibility, she invests time in selecting scripts that are thoughtful and aligned with her personal direction.

In an interview, Liu Yifei shared that she is selective when it comes to choosing scripts, preferring roles that feel profound, genuine and emotionally resonant with the audience. This has been a guiding principle in her acting career for nearly two decades. To date, she has appeared in just seven television series and 20 films, a modest number given the length of her career. Even after the success of Rose Story, the actress has not confirmed involvement in any upcoming projects.

Looking at her three most recent series, A Dream of Splendor, Meet Yourself and The Tale of Rose, it is evident that she consistently favours diverse, thoughtful scripts that communicate meaningful messages. Her performances in these works have also received widespread praise from both audiences and critics.

Liu Yifei does not conform to the conventional beauty ideals often upheld in China. While many female celebrities strive to maintain a slender figure, she has frequently been the subject of appearance-related debate.

Yet, in the face of criticism, she has never publicly responded or altered her appearance to meet mainstream expectations. Some have mocked her preference for off-shoulder gowns, citing her naturally sloping shoulders and fuller arms. Still, Liu Yifei continues to grace high-profile events in off-shoulder designs, exuding confidence and poise, unfazed by whispers about her fuller figure.

Over time, many viewers have come to recognise that she has always embraced her body, including what others might consider flaws. In fact, her confidence has inspired some to stop criticising her and instead admire her self-assurance. In an industry saturated with slim silhouettes, Liu Yifei stands out, radiating beauty on her own terms.

Beyond her figure, some wonder why she has never undergone dental work to create a more conventionally perfect smile. Given her success, financial access is not a concern. Yet, over the years, the “fairy sister” has chosen not to have cosmetic procedures and continues to smile comfortably and candidly in public.

With this quiet confidence and self-acceptance, Liu Yifei has become a subtle but powerful advocate for more inclusive beauty standards. Her presence has helped ease the insecurities of many young women in China, offering a gentler perspective on self-image and reducing the temptation to resort to extreme methods in pursuit of unrealistic ideals.

Because of this, even though she may not align with traditional Chinese beauty norms, luxury fashion houses and publications—among them Vogue, BVLGARI, Chaumet and Louis Vuitton—consistently select her as an ambassador and campaign muse.

Beyond championing diverse beauty, Liu Yifei’s way of life also garners admiration.

Approaching 40, the “fairy sister” embraces a serene, single life alongside the stray cats she has adopted. Once, the term “cat lady” was used mockingly to describe older, single women who lived with pets. Today, when people look at Liu Yifei, there is no trace of pity; only admiration.

For single people in their 30s and 40s who have experienced romantic setbacks, her story is quietly empowering. Many find comfort in the thought that even someone like Liu Yifei has yet to meet the right partner, so cherishing one’s own company is nothing to be ashamed of.

Those who follow her are drawn to the simplicity and ease of her lifestyle. After wrapping up filming projects, she takes time to travel, recharge and restore balance. As an introvert, she enjoys slowing down, spending time with her pets, taking leisurely strolls, and enjoying the company of friends and family.

Liu Yifei is also deeply committed to developing her inner self. “I don’t want to rely on my appearance to make money. I want to broaden my knowledge. Reading helps me understand myself, improve my thinking, and solve many problems in life,” she once shared. The actress often recommends her favourite books to fans via her personal Weibo page.

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Thanks to her balanced lifestyle and regular reading, Liu Yifei consistently radiates a sense of calm and positivity. Her thoughtful presence in interviews has also led many to recognise her as someone with a high level of emotional intelligence.

When asked about death, she reflected: “Death is not scary. People’s fear of death comes from regrets about things they haven’t done or expressed. When they realise that there is no absolute safety in life, they will move past that fear.”

Now, like the ending of her character Huang Yimei in The Tale of Rose, Liu Yifei lives as a free and independent woman, able to pursue anything she chooses. Looking at her, many are reminded that it is not fame or romantic love, but rather confidence, self-acceptance, and the ability to nurture and share positive energy that matter most in a woman’s life.

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