8 things to know about Zhao Liying, global brand ambassador for Givenchy Beauty
With a career that spans over a decade and a fanbase that stretches across Asia, Zhao Liying is no stranger to the spotlight. The Chinese actress, now the global face of Givenchy Beauty, brings both star power and a fresh kind of elegance to the French maison. Known for her versatility and low-key charisma, Zhao’s appointment signals Givenchy’s move toward deeper engagement with the Asian market. But beyond the campaign visuals, there’s much more to know about the star driving this strategic beauty play. Here are eight things to know about Zhao Liying.
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Zhao Liying is one of China’s most-watched TV actresses
Zhao Liying isn’t just famous—she’s a ratings phenomenon. Her breakthrough role in Legend of Lu Zhen (2013) turned her into a household name, but it was The Journey of Flower (2015) that solidified her status. The fantasy romance drew more than 20 billion online views, setting records in Chinese drama history. Since then, she’s consistently chosen lead roles that resonate with mainstream audiences while maintaining her credibility as a serious performer.
She stars in one of iQIYI’s most-watched thrillers
Zhao Liying returned to the small screen in 2024 with Unseen Sister, a suspense drama produced by iQIYI. In it, she plays a woman drawn into a psychological mystery involving her twin, in a role that sharply departs from her earlier romantic leads. The series has been praised for its tight pacing and atmospheric tension, quickly climbing the platform’s charts. For Zhao, it’s another reminder of her range—and a pivot toward darker, more layered storytelling.
She stars alongside Zhang Ziyi in ‘She’s Got No Name’
‘She’s Got No Name’ also stars Zhang Ziyi, Jackson Yee, Eric Wang (Chuanjun), Jiayin Lei and Mi Yang.
Zhao Liying takes on a leading role in She’s Got No Name, a historical suspense film directed by Peter Chan and co-starring Zhang Ziyi. The film reimagines the infamous 1945 Shanghai murder case involving a woman who dismembers her abusive husband, a story previously adapted by Chinese cinema icons. This version promises a more nuanced, female-driven take. For Zhao, it’s a high-profile entry into arthouse cinema, sharing top billing with one of China’s most acclaimed actresses.
Her career didn’t start in film school
Unlike many of her peers, Zhao didn’t attend a top arts university. She studied electronics and information engineering at a vocational college and entered the entertainment industry after winning a Yahoo-sponsored talent competition in 2006. Her trajectory, from background actress to leading star, has made her something of a rarity in the industry, especially one that tends to favour graduates from Beijing Film Academy or the Central Academy of Drama.
She keeps her private life tightly controlled
In an era of oversharing, Zhao Liying is surprisingly reserved. Her Weibo feed is mostly promotional, and her Instagram only has 11 posts. Her public appearances are highly curated, too. Even major life events—such as her marriage to actor Feng Shaofeng and subsequent divorce—have been addressed with brief, minimal statements. That level of discretion is partly why her Givenchy ambassadorship feels so intentional: she brings prestige without excessive tabloid noise.
She’s no stranger to fashion campaigns
Before Givenchy, Zhao had already been tapped by luxury brands. She has worked with Dior and Gucci, appeared in editorials for magazines and attended fashion week events in both Paris and Shanghai. Her style evolution—from girl-next-door looks to more structured, high-fashion silhouettes—mirrors her on-screen transformation from romantic heroines to more mature, complex characters.
She wears Givenchy Beauty’s Le Rouge Velvet Matte lipstick in the new campaign
In the campaign visuals for Givenchy Beauty, Zhao Liying wears the brand’s Le Rouge Velvet Matte lipstick, a hero product for the maison. The shades were selected to complement her pared-back styling—classic, controlled and quietly powerful. It’s a calculated image shift: Zhao has often been cast in softer, romantic roles, but here she appears sharp and self-assured. The campaign leans into her evolving persona while anchoring Givenchy’s identity in modern elegance.
Zhao Liying is also a global ambassador for Galénic
Her partnership with Givenchy isn’t her only tie to French beauty. Zhao Liying is also the global ambassador for Galénic, a luxury skincare brand known for its pharmaceutical-grade formulations and minimalist aesthetic. Announced in early 2024, the collaboration positions Zhao at the intersection of science-driven skincare and high fashion. It also reinforces her role as a trusted beauty figure, not just a celebrity face, but someone with influence in both treatment and cosmetics categories.
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