Where is the cast of popular Chinese TV show My Fair Princess now?

Twenty years ago today, a cultural phenomena swept across Asia. Set in the 18th century and written by Taiwanese author Chiung Yao, My Fair Princess, also known as Return of the Pearl Princess or Princess Returning Pearl, told a Cinderella-esque story about Qianlong emperor. The emperor mistakenly adopted a girl who he believed was his illegitimate daughter. Season 1 of the television costume show was aired between April 28 and May 29 of 1998. Leading women, Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, and Fan Bingbing, portrayed lovable characters that endeared them to all viewers. It’s now 2018, so let’s take a look at where their lives have taken them. 

Zhao Wei

Starring as the hyperactive and often mischievous orphan Xiao Yanzi, Zhao left a deep impression on every viewer’s heart. My Fair Princess was her big break, and she won a Golden Eagle award, which is the Chinese equivalent of an Emmy. 

Zhao  has become one of the wealthiest actresses in China. She is not only an actress – she’s also a pop singer, director, model and a successful investor. 

Zhao married businessman Huang Youlong in 2008, and gave birth to a daughter in April, 2010. The couple successfully invested in stocks of Jack Ma’s Alibaba Pictures, which led to a huge increase in their net worth. The couple’s investment portfolio also includes a French vineyard, a Singaporean jewellery retailer, and real estate. Alibaba Group is the owner of the South China Morning Post.

However, in November 2017, Zhao and her husband were barred from China’s securities markets after “misleading the market” over a deal involving a little-known animation studio.

Ruby Lin

Taiwanese-born actress Ruby Lin was hand-picked for her breakout role by Chiung Yao to play one of the main characters in My Fair Princess – the emperor’s real illegitimate daughter, Xia Ziwei.