Iconic actress makes stunning return to viewers' screens, Xing Wen reports.

Hong Kong singer Angela Hui, Taiwan actress Ivy Chen, model-turned actress Qu, Hong Kong actress Celina Jade, singer Sun Yue and singer-actress Wang Xiaomin perform in the show. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

After a period of absence from the public spotlight, Qu Ying, 52, has made a triumphant return that wows viewers in the music and reality show Riding the Wind 2023.

Stepping into the show with a powerful presence, she started with a confident, fluid catwalk and then grabbed the microphone to unleash her potent vocals, singing out her cherished hit single from the past, Acceleration.

Her choice of a black dress accentuated her suntanned complexion and highlighted her well-defined leg muscles, a testament to her longtime commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

Her well-honed physique, radiant appearance and confident aura amazed the audience, with many noting that Qu helps them dismiss age anxiety.

Age is merely a number for those who always embrace new experiences and challenges. Qu, a versatile artist who juggles roles as a model, actress, comedian, host and singer, undoubtedly falls into this category.

Qu's love for performing was nurtured from a young age, thanks to the environment of her family in which the mother was a dancer and the father was a performer of huaguxi, "flower-drum opera".

She decided to study theater at a local art academy in Hunan province. After graduating, she joined an art troupe as a theater actress.

However, her height of 1.75 meters posed a challenge in finding male actors who could match her onstage, which limited her opportunities.

She then explored modeling by posing for print advertisements and made the decision to move to Beijing in 1990 for better opportunities. Fortunately, the next year, she secured second place in a national modeling competition.

Model and actress Qu Ying debuts at the music and reality show Riding the Wind 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Following that, she became a regular presence on the covers of fashion magazines and also garnered opportunities in the film and television industry.

One of her notable appearances in the film industry was her role in Keep Cool (1997), a film directed by the world-acclaimed director Zhang Yimou and starring A-listers such as Jiang Wen and Ge You.

In the film, Qu portrayed An Hong, a city belle that the male protagonist pursues.

Qu was asked to choose An's outfits by herself. Then, after the film's release, the character became a symbol of urban chic with her sleek short hair, sunglasses and vibrantly colored miniskirts.

This film also provided her with the opportunity to participate in the Venice International Film Festival and other esteemed cinematic events.

During the period from 1994 to 2005, she also ventured into the music industry and released five albums. Among them were several catchy and popular songs that resonated with the audience, including the aforementioned Acceleration.

"The chance of becoming a singer came unexpectedly," Qu recalls.

"While gathering with friends at a karaoke party, a record company boss noticed my singing abilities and then offered me a contract."

That time was widely recognized by the public as the heyday of Qu's career, as she received a steady stream of sought-after opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Nevertheless, Qu herself has a different perspective.

Qu's healthy lifestyle and continuous passion for sports have made her look radiant at the age of 52. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Despite the industry's inclination toward shorter production cycles and quicker profitability, she personally prefers to adopt a more deliberate approach, valuing meticulous work over quantity.

"I reminisce about the days when I dedicated myself to my projects," she says.

To search for talented young musicians to write songs for her, she once immersed herself in the hutong communities in Beijing as she went grocery shopping and cooked for members of a young band.

They engaged in lengthy conversations to understand each other's musical ideas before deciding to collaborate.

However, in the fast-paced commercial landscape, it has become increasingly challenging to find songs that truly resonate with her.

She consciously avoids overwhelming herself with an excess of fast-paced projects. Starting from 2005, she has rekindled her passion for the theater and become actively involved onstage, gradually fading away from the screen.

In 2012, she was invited to be a judge on the TV show Your Face Sounds Familiar, where participants are required to impersonate celebrities.

However, she later made the transition from being a judge to becoming a contestant and ultimately emerged as the champion.

"The stage has always held a special allure for me," Qu says.

"Sitting as a judge was not enough. I wanted to be onstage, entertaining the audience and engaging with them, which brings me great fulfillment."

Her longing for the stage is also the reason for her recent appearance in the show, Riding the Wind 2023, which gathers 30-to-50-something female celebrities to practice singing and dancing together and perform onstage in groups, displaying diverse feminine charms and fostering cohesion among women from different countries.

Qu poses for a poster shooting. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Through this experience, she not only tried her hand at rap and dance, which were new to her, but also developed her resilience in handling pressure and maintaining a positive mindset.

"What truly took me was the process of connecting and bonding with other remarkable women, where I experienced a beautiful exchange and growth of energy among us," she says.

As the eldest participant in the show, Qu sincerely shared her life philosophy with younger participants.

For instance, Li Shaminzi, a 30-year-old participant, expressed her reluctance to pause and the desire to constantly fill herself with work. She revealed a deep concern for criticism. Qu encouraged her to relax and try to explore her inner self.

"There may be a prevailing misconception about celebrities: that if they are not constantly in the public eye, they are perceived as being at a standstill. However, I don't think so," says Qu.

"I live my life with great enthusiasm, and it is also a form of personal growth."

Over the past three years, she has been living a simple life in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She spent her time playing tennis, camping in nature and exploring local markets to experience the folk culture and customs of the area.

During that period, she has also taken up learning musical instruments, driven by the hope of composing her own heartfelt melodies that can truly express her innermost thoughts and emotions.

Contact the writer at xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn