Zhao Wei

Zhao Wei is a leading figure in the Chinese entertainment world. She has an impressive net worth of $1 billion from her career as an actress, director, and producer. A household name in China, she has built a powerful brand that extends far beyond acting. She's leveraged her influence to become a successful businesswoman with ventures in various industries.

In this article, we will look into the key factors behind Zhao Wei's remarkable wealth. We'll explore her breakthrough roles in film and television and the strategic investments that have contributed to her status as one of the world's wealthiest actresses, though not in the top ten.

What Is Zhao Wei's Net Worth?

As of 2024, Zhao Wei's net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Zhao Wei, famously known as Vicki Zhao, is a celebrated Chinese actress, film director, and pop singer, recognized as one of the Four Dan Actresses in China. She gained widespread fame through her captivating performances in numerous hit TV series and films. As per Forbes, the 48-year-old movie actress has earned the nickname "China's show-business Buffett". She has been over three decades in the entertainment industry, with roles in 26 films and 13 TV dramas. Her popularity soared when she was ranked No. 3 on Forbes' 2004 List of Top Chinese Celebrities, and No. 4 on Forbes' 2006 List of Top Chinese Celebrities. Over the years, she continued to make waves, being ranked No. 7 in the years 2007/2008/2015 list of Top Chinese Celebrities from Forbes.

The Billionaire actress's breakthrough came with her iconic role in "My Fair Princess" (1998-1999), which launched her into pan-Asian stardom. Interestingly, she and her co-stars earned less than $5,800 for the series back in 1997. Her earnings significantly increased with her role in "Romance in the Rain" (2001), where she made around $12,000 per episode. She continued to build her fortune with blockbuster films like "Shaolin Soccer" (2001), which grossed approximately $42.8 million worldwide, although her earnings from that project remain undisclosed.

In "Red Cliff" (2008-2009), Zhao earned approximately $192,300 across its two parts as per the IMDB. Her financial success in films continued with "Mulan: Rise of a Warrior" (2009) and "Dearest" (2014), though exact figures earned for those roles are not publicly available. Notably, in the 2014 film "14 Blades," she earned approximately $488,622 as per IMDB, and for the series "Tiger Mom" (2015), her salary reached $6.88 million according to New Classic Media's IPO application.

Zhao Wei's directorial debut, "So Young," released in 2013, was a phenomenal hit, earning an impressive $118 million on a $5 million budget in mainland China alone, making it the 5th highest-grossing Chinese movie of all time at that point.

In 2014, tech giant Jack Ma acquired a 60% stake in a struggling Chinese production company and encouraged Zhao and her husband to invest as well. They purchased a 9.18% stake for a reported $400 million. This investment has played a very important role in her wealth accumulation, with that equity stake now valued at over $1 billion.

The Golden Eagle Award-winning actress has also made her mark in the music industry, releasing 7 studio albums between 1999 and 2009, featuring numerous chart-topping hits and selling over 3.7 million copies in Asia. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she has successfully ventured into investments, including real estate, a French winery, and a jewelry retailer in Singapore. Additionally, she has endorsed over 120 products, ranging from health and beauty supplies to luxury brands like Mercedes Benz, Dior, and Versace. As we look deeper, let’s explore her diverse endorsements in the section below.

What Is Zhao Wei's Claim To Fame?

Zhao Wei (Vicki Zhao) is a Chinese entertainer whose fame and recognition stem from her contributions to the entertainment industry who has also been featured on the cover of Elle China. Here’s a closer look at her rise to stardom which solidified her place:

• A Soul Haunted by Painting: The Billionaire actress's rise to fame began in 1993 when she landed her first acting role in the film "A Soul Haunted by Painting" (1994), directed by Huang Shuqin. In this film, she portrayed a young prostitute working in a brothel along with actress Gong Li. Although her appearance was brief and she had no dialogue, this experience marked the beginning of her career in acting.
• My Fair Princess: The Golden Eagle Award-winning actress is best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Xiaoyanzi in the hit television series "My Fair Princess" (1998-1999), a role that skyrocketed her to fame. This beloved series follows Xiaoyanzi, a spirited orphan in Beijing, who unwittingly becomes involved in the palace after befriending Xia Ziwei, the illegitimate daughter of the Qianlong Emperor. Their journey of friendship and secret identities captivated audiences and established Zhao as one of China's first "national idols".

The show's immense popularity led to several adaptations and sequels, including "My Fair Princess II". Zhao's performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Golden Eagle Awards in 1999, and she has since accumulated a remarkable 15 Best Actress awards for films and 9 for TV shows. Additionally, she was recognized as one of "People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People" in 2006.

• Awards: In 2005, she won the Golden Goblet Award for Best Actress at the Shanghai International Film Festival for her role in "A Time to Love." That same year, she shared the prestigious Huabiao Award with actress Zhang Ziyi. Her talent continued to shine, as she secured another Best Actress award at the 8th Changchun Film Festival in 2006.
• 2 years Break: The Billionaire actress took a two-year break from acting starting in mid-2010. On April 11, 2010, she welcomed her daughter, Huang Xin, with her husband, businessman Huang Youlong, whom she married in 2008. In June 2010, she made her return as a jury member at the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival.
• Award-Winning Directorial Success: Zhao Wei's influence extends beyond acting, she made a mark as a director with her debut film "So Young" (2013), which was both a commercial and critical triumph, grossing over $118 million against a budget of just $5 million. This success demonstrated her talent behind the camera and earned her several prestigious awards, including "Best Directorial Debut" at the Golden Rooster Awards in 2013 and "Best Director" at the Hundred Flowers Awards in 2014.
• Alibaba Investment: In 2015, she and her husband made headlines by purchasing a 9.18% stake in Alibaba Pictures Group for $400 million. This investment was important for Alibaba, helping the company regain value after an accounting scandal. However, in 2017, Zhao and her husband faced legal troubles when they were found by the China Securities Regulatory Commission to have misled the market regarding merger intentions, resulting in a five-year ban from China's securities markets and fines of approx. $45,454 each.
• Longwei Culture & Media: The 48-year-old movie actress established Longwei Culture & Media, a Chinese media company, in 2016, holding a 95% stake. In late 2016, the company aimed to buy a 29.1% stake in Zhejiang Wanjia which was then canceled in April 2017. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) investigated Longwei for various discrepancies, including misleading statements and falsified information. In November 2017, the CSRC fined Longwei with approx. $90,909.
• Mysterious Disappearance: Zhao Wei garnered a massive following on social media, with 86 million followers on Weibo before her sudden disappearance from the public eye. A controversial incident in 2001 involving a Japanese flag dress stirred significant backlash but inadvertently boosted her visibility. In 2021, however, her name and presence were mysteriously erased from the Chinese Internet, with her works removed from streaming platforms (Tencent Video and iQiyi) and a dedicated Weibo Super Talk online forum closed. The exact reasons are not out yet. After an absence for 19 months, Zhao resurfaced in March 2023, sharing heartfelt thanks to fans for their birthday well-wishes.

What Are Zhao Wei's Notable Businesses And Investments?

The Minority owner of Alibaba Pictures is a prominent figure in both the entertainment sector and in the business world. Here’s an overview of her notable businesses and investments:

• Alibaba Pictures Investment: In December 2014, Zhao Wei became the second-largest shareholder of Alibaba Pictures (the film division of Alibaba Group Holdings). As per Forbes, her husband, Huang Youlong, and Zhao acquired a 9.18% stake for $400 million through Gold Ocean Media (their investment firm). This investment has proven to be very profitable, with the stake now valued at over $1 billion.
• Winery: Billionaire actress has had a passion for winemaking, acquiring several prestigious vineyards in France. In 2011, she made headlines with her purchase of Château Monlot in the Saint Emilion region of France, a renowned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vineyard for $5.56 million (€4 million). Her enthusiasm for viticulture has further expanded her collection, including notable acquisitions like the Patarabet, a 9-hectare vineyard in AOC Saint-Émilion. A 57-hectare vineyard in Entre-Deux-Mers named Senailhac vineyard, A 12-hectare vineyard in AOC Fronsac, and Bordeaux named Château La Croix de la Roche vineyard. In October 2015, Zhao launched a Bordeaux wine brand in China that offers both high-end and affordable wines.
• SAS Cellar Privilege: This was founded in 2011 by the 48-year-old movie star after acquiring Château Monlot in Bordeaux, France. This négociant house specializes in exporting her exquisite wines back to China from vines (Héritage de Monlot and Château Monlot Cuvée Prestige) over 40 years old. The more affordable Monlot label gained popularity on Alibaba's Tmall.com. However, they have faced criticism for being overpriced OEM wines under the Monlot label. The business faced a setback in 2017 when she and her husband, Huang Youlong, were banned from Chinese securities markets due to market violations.
• Longwei Culture & Media: On November 2, 2016, Zhao Wei co-founded Longwei Culture & Media with Huang Youlong. The company drew attention for its ambitious bid to acquire a stake in Zhejiang Sunriver Culture Co (an animation firm) for $450 million (3 billion yuan). However, the venture faced turbulence when the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) determined that Zhao and Huang had "seriously misled the market" regarding their financial capabilities. Consequently, both were banned from trading on the mainland stock market for five years and imposed fines of approx. $45,454 (300,000 yuan) each.

What Brands Does Zhao Wei Endorse?

The Billionaire actress has captured the hearts of audiences and brands alike across various sectors. Here’s a look at some of her most significant partnerships.

• Fendi: Since 2020, One of China's most influential actresses (Zhao Wei) has been the face of Fendi, the renowned luxury fashion house known for its exquisite fur, leather goods, and accessories. Although the details of her endorsement deal remain under wraps. We currently have Lee Min Ho (Korean actor), Zhang Ruoyun (Chinese actor), and Ryoko Yonekura (Japanese actress and model) as the brand ambassadors. Irina Shayk (who dated Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo) has also endorsed Fendi.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3: From 2013 to 2014, the Billionaire actress served as the spokesperson for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, a role that boosted the device's visibility in China. Announced in September 2013, her participation in the advertising campaign helped solidify the phone's status among consumers, although the financial specifics of the endorsement were not disclosed.
• Jaeger-LeCoultre: Zhao Wei took on the official ambassador role for Swiss luxury watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre from 2012 to 2017. She featured prominently in the 2016/17 ad campaign for the iconic Reverso One collection. Her connection with the brand was further highlighted during her visits to their manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, where she engaged with the brand's CEO, Jerome Lambert, adding a personal touch to her endorsement.
• Dior: In September 2013, the 48-year-old movie actress made a splash at a Dior event in Hong Kong. She also graced the "Esprit Dior" exhibition in Shanghai, showcasing her ongoing relationship with this prestigious French luxury goods company. The financial aspects of her endorsement remain undisclosed. Rihanna, Travis Scott, and Jimin have also endorsed Dior.
• Burberry: Zhao Wei has been an official brand ambassador for Burberry since 2018, participating in their Chinese New Year campaigns with actress Zhou Dongyu. These campaigns celebrate family traditions and togetherness, showing the brand's commitment to cultural values with the audience in mainland China.
• Johnnie Walker Blue: In 2015, as a brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker Blue, Zhao Wei was in several high-profile campaigns, including the short film “The Gentleman's Wager II”. In this captivating 11-minute film alongside Jude Law, she plays an important role in a bet involving a vintage car journey from Italy to Monaco, also featuring cameos from famous Formula 1 drivers.

One of China's most influential actresses - Zhao Wei's impressive portfolio includes over 120 brands, such as Mercedes Benz, DeBeers, Versace, Zegna, and many more. However, there is limited information about the endorsements, which is why they are not included above.

How Does Zhao Wei Spend Her Millions?

The 48-year-old movie actress leads a life filled with luxury and excitement. The celebrated actress and entrepreneur invests her wealth in stunning real estate, high-end fashion, and lavish travels around the globe. She owns multiple properties in prime locations, including luxurious homes in Beijing and Shanghai. Zhao has multiple collections, including a wine collection and a music discography.

How Many Real Estate Properties Does Zhao Wei Own?

The Golden Eagle Award-winning actress has made a remarkable impact in the real estate market, investing over 50 million yuan (approximately US$7.6 million) since 2006 in prime properties, primarily in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The total estimated value of her properties as of 2020 is over 300 million yuan (US$45 million). Let's look in detail her impressive real estate portfolio:

• Beijing: Zhao Wei owns a luxurious property in Palais De Fortune, a Tangshan Villa that covers an impressive 16,150 square feet and costs her around $4.5 million. This villa is celebrated as one of the most opulent residences in the city. 
• Shanghai Lakeside: In 2006, she purchased another 3,200-square-foot villa in Shanghai's Lakeside Villa for $900,000. Moreover, she partnered with her close friend Faye Wong to acquire a Landmark Apartment in Beijing.

However, not all has been smooth sailing for the 48-year-old movie star. In August 2015, a peculiar incident unfolded when her driver impersonated her husband, Huang Youlong, fraudulently sold one of her properties in China for $2.41 million as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) website. This event exposed some weaknesses in the property transaction system and sparked discussions about the need for improved facial recognition technology among public notaries in Beijing.

• Singapore: The Billionaire actress and her husband made headlines in May 2020 when they purchased a stunning two-story penthouse in the prestigious Ardmore Park condominium for $28 million. This residence spans 8,740 square feet with 5 bedrooms, a private lift, and 2 open-air terraces.
• Bordeaux, France: In 2011, she invested heavily in the Bordeaux wine region, acquiring several properties, including Château Monlot for $5.56 million. Other notable estates in her collection include Château Patarabet, Château La Vue, Château Senailhac, and Château La Croix de la Roche.

How Big Is Zhao Wei's Car Collection?

There is no specific information about Zhao Wei's car collection.

What Are Zhao Wei's Charitable Contributions?

Founder of Longwei Culture & Media’s philanthropic efforts span a wide range of causes, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility. In 2011, the Billionaire actress received the China Charity Billboard Award for her contributions to charity. Below is a look into some of her most notable works:

• UNDP Goodwill Ambassador: In 2016, Zhao Wei was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Since then, she has actively engaged in field visits to observe poverty reduction initiatives and connect with local communities. Her inaugural visit took her to Guizhou, China, where she focused on promoting gender equality and raising awareness for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Zhao Wei Scholarship Fund: In 2004, Golden Eagle Award-winning actress established the "Zhao Wei Scholarship Fund", starting with an initial donation of approx $36,274 (CNY 300,000). Collaborating with the Wuhu Education Department in her hometown of Wuhu, Anhui province, this initiative aims to support underprivileged students in their pursuit of higher education.
• V-Love Foundation: Founded in 2014, the V-Love Foundation is dedicated to supporting children diagnosed with leukemia. Through this foundation, the minority owner of Alibaba Pictures provides medical assistance and raises awareness about childhood cancer. She hosted a charity event on December 26, 2016, where she raised over $2.41 million (16 million yuan) for leukemia research and support. The same year, she became an ambassador for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (a Non-Profit Organization with the support of the United Nations Foundation).
• Disaster Relief Initiatives: The 48-year-old movie star has consistently stepped up during times of crisis. Following the devastating 1999 Taiwan 921 earthquake, she donated approx. $12,077 (100,000 yuan) to support relief efforts. Her involvement continued during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake where she contributed about $80,645 (500,000 RMB) for recovery efforts. On April 17, 2010, the third day after the Qinghai Yushu Earthquake, she donated approx. $29,544 to the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.
• Support for UNICEF and China Red Cross: Zhao Wei's philanthropy extends to global organizations like UNICEF and the China Red Cross. The morning after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, she donated over $14,500 to the China Red Cross. Additionally, her 2005 single from the album "Double" served as the theme song for UNICEF's campaign focused on children affected by AIDS. Her role as a spokesperson and ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund and China Youth Concern Committee's "Awareness for Children Affected by AIDS" campaign.
• Donations to the Governments: On 29 March 2010, she gave approx. $29,412 to the Yunnan Government to assist Yunnan during a severe drought. In June 2016, the Billionaire actress donated $153,800 to the Anhui government, as Anhui was suffering from the worst flooding in the past decade. In July 2017, Zhao and her husband donated $128,205 to the Hunan government, as Hunan was suffering from flooding.

Beyond the major initiatives, Zhao Wei has also donated $71,942 to the China Children and Teenagers' Fund for the construction of a Spring Bude Building School.

What's Next For Zhao Wei?

As of December 2024, Zhao Wei's future in the entertainment industry is shrouded in ambiguity. Following her blacklisting by the Chinese government in August 2021, most of her on-screen appearances have been wiped from the Chinese digital landscape. This sudden change not only led to the removal of her films and shows but also saw her roles in ongoing projects handed over to other actors. Fans and industry insiders are left wondering what her next steps might be. Since her last public sighting in September 2021 in Wuhu, China, she has maintained a low profile. There have been no official announcements or credible rumors regarding her return to acting or any potential projects on the horizon.