Meet Liu Yifei: The New Mulan (and a True Marvel of the Entertainment World)
When Disney decided to remake Mulan, the world once again put a spotlight on a superstar who can juggle martial arts, singing, modeling—and a whole lot of charm. Liu Yifei, officially the star of the upcoming live‑action Disney tale, may surprise you with how many other high‑profile roles she’s already carved out under the Hollywood and Chinese lights. Below are ten cool nuggets that showcase why fans are buzzing about this “fairy sister” turned fierce warrior.
1. She clipped the crown from a pile of 1,000 hopefuls
Disney didn’t hand the role to just anyone. Over a thousand aspirants were called in from more than five continents, all having to meet 3 battle‑tested criteria: fluency in English, a star‑born aura, and solid martial‑arts chops. After rigorous screening, Liu Yifei emerged as the sharpest blade among them.
2. Her name has gone through a makeover
Born An Feng, she later took her mother’s surname after the family split—becoming Liu Ximeizi at one point—and eventually settled on the stage name that fans love. In English‑speaking gigs she even goes by Crystal Liu. If a name change is the thing, she did it with a touch of panache.
3. The “fairy sister” of China
She earned her “Fairy Sister” nickname back in 2005 after captivating audiences in Chinese Paladin. Recognized as one of China’s most beloved romantics, she even earned the coveted “four Dan” title in 2009, befitting her status as a true superstar of the new generation.
4. Language wizardry
Beyond Mandarin, Liu is fluent in English, courtesy of her time in New York. She can also handle basic Korean and Japanese. Talk about a linguistic groove—no language is impossible for her!
5. A seasoned Hollywood veteran
Putting The Mulan on her résumé wasn’t her first big Hollywood act. She starred in The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) with Jackie Chan and Jet Li, then followed up with Outcast (2014) alongside Dakota and Jason, and even had a film romance in 2017, The Chinese Widow. All this means she’s no stranger to the silver screen.
6. A modeling trailblazer
At 8, her runway days began—as a child model before walking the boards of Garnier, Pantene, and other big brands in China. Spot an ad featuring her—it’s on every corner.
7. The pop‑star has a voice to match
Signed by Sony Music Japan in 2005, Yifei brought two albums to life. Her hit Mayanoka no Door even served as the theme for the animated Powerpuff Girls Z. Raise your ear—she knows how to belt out a ballad.
8. Sword‑fighting extraordinaire
Stealing scenes in The Forbidden Kingdom and performing her own stunts, she’s carved out a niche as a martial‑arts star. Expect her to be a knife‑sharp combate force in the latest Mulan.
9. Once in love, now a fan‑favorite sidekick
Back in 2015, she dated Korean heartthrob Song Seung Heon, sharing the screen in The Third Way of Love. Their three‑year romance ended, but they keep the friendship salting with warmth.
10. Cat‑connoisseur on wheels
Friends say her real name is even “Mama Cat.” She and her mother volunteer with charity NGOs to rescue stray cats. At one point, her studio in Beijing was a bustling kitty haven that hosted 30 stray felines. Who wouldn’t clap for a queen who loves our furry companions?
Final Word
From ways to speak Korean without breaking a sweat, to wielding swords with a librarian’s grace, to sound starring one track after another, Liu Yifei is a star shining brighter than any boulder of steel. Keep your eyes peeled for the next thrilling chapter in her saga—we’re ready for the drama, the danger, and the dazzling transformation in the next Mulan. Stay tuned!
