:Zhao Wei

Born and brought up in Wuhu, Anhui, Zhao is the second child to Zhao Jiahai ({{lang-zh|c=赵家海|p=Zhào Jiāhǎi}}), an engineer, and Wei Qiying ({{lang-zh|c=魏启颖|p=Wèi Qǐyǐng}}), a primary school teacher,{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/f/zhaowei.html|title=赵薇|access-date=17 May 2017|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060601064803/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/f/zhaowei.html |archive-date=1 June 2006 }} She has an elder brother Zhao Jian ({{lang-zh|c=赵健|p=Zhào Jiān}}; born 1969), who is her business partner and a major shareholder of production company [https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hans/%E5%94%90%E5%BE%B7%E5%BD%B1%E8%A7%86 Zhejiang Talent]. Zhao Jian's ex-wife Chen Rong ({{lang-zh|c=陈蓉|p=Chén Róng|t=}}), whom he divorced in 2017, used to be Zhao Wei's manager.

After middle school, Zhao entered Wuhu Normal School, a secondary vocational school. She also received training in piano, dance, and Chinese ink wash painting.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/w/2014-01-08/01174076739.shtml|title=赵薇和马云挥墨画国画 笑称混搭风(图)|date=8 January 2014|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=8 March 2014|archive-date=8 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308062820/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/w/2014-01-08/01174076739.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 1993, while Zhao was a student at Wuhu Normal School, the movie A Soul Haunted by Painting (1994), directed by Huang Shuqin, starring Gong Li and Derek Yee, was filming in Wuhu. Zhao was cast in the role of a young prostitute in the brothel where Gong's character worked, her first acting experience. She appeared briefly at the beginning of the film and had no dialogue.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/06/06/chinas-billionaire-actress-zhao-wei/|title=China's Billionaire Actress Zhao Wei|date=6 June 2015|work=Forbes|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402180650/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/06/06/chinas-billionaire-actress-zhao-wei/|url-status=live}}

Zhao developed a strong interest in acting after this first experience, and decided to become an actress. In 1994, after graduating from the Wuhu Normal School, she gave up her job as an apprentice pre-school teacher. She moved from her hometown to Shanghai and enrolled in the Shanghai Xie Jin-Hengtong Star Academy, an acting school founded by the Chinese director Xie Jin, where she received acting training during 1994–1995.{{Cite web |title=第一届知名校友 |url=https://yscm.shnu.edu.cn/dyjzmxy/list.htm |access-date=24 February 2024 |website=yscm.shnu.edu.cn |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224161048/https://yscm.shnu.edu.cn/dyjzmxy/list.htm |url-status=live }} She was also selected by Xie to star in his movie Penitentiary Angel (1996), her first major role. "I am too young to understand the role," she said about working experience with Xie, "but if you've been cast in a film by a famous director, no matter how well you did, other less-famous directors will also want to cast you."{{cite magazine |date=29 March 2004 |title=Beyond Cute |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501040329-603270,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113043013/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501040329-603270,00.html |archive-date=13 January 2005 |magazine=Time}} The film landed her other roles in TV series including her first leading role in Sisters in Beijing (1996).

In 1996, Zhao was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy (BFA) with the highest entrance examination score nationwide. She graduated four years later with a bachelor’s degree in performing arts as one of the most outstanding graduates – Zhao scored five "A"s and nine "A−"s out of the 14 courses. Her graduation thesis scored 90 (out of 100).{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2008-04-29/12122008403.shtml|title=成绩单大检查 赵薇论文拿高分 (Zhao Wei report card gets high marks)|publisher=Sina Corp|date=29 April 2008|language=zh|access-date=28 May 2010|archive-date=2 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502232037/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2008-04-29/12122008403.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 1997, novelist and producer Chiung Yao was casting the TV series My Fair Princess, a joint production by mainland China and Taiwan adapted from Chiung Yao's own novel. She identified Zhao as a talent after watching Sisters in Beijing and offered Zhao the title role of Huan Zhu Ge Ge (Princess Pearl) a.k.a. Xiao Yanzi ("Little Swallow"), a rebellious and funny princess who dared to challenge authority and rules in the palace. Filming the series was an arduous task for Zhao and her co-stars; Zhao herself acknowledged the intensity of filming: {{blockquote|We shot 18 to 20 hours a day. There were two groups of actors. One shot during the day, one at night. Frequently I'd have to do both. A few times I worked so hard that I actually threw up from the exertion. But I was young then. I didn't get tired easily. And I never complained about the working conditions. I thought that's just how it was supposed to be. Now I know that's wrong. But at the time I had no clue. Whatever they'd give me, I'd do. And as soon as I was done working I could just fall asleep. They'd say, 'Go to sleep', and I'd go right to sleep.}}

The hard work of the cast yielded unexpected results. This comedic period drama quickly became a phenomenal sensation and swept TV ratings in Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Vietnam. Zhao rose to prominence and became a household name overnight.{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/99/0813/feat6.html|title=ASIANOW: PEOPLE-Zhao Wei|publisher=CNN|date=13 August 1999|access-date=5 April 2011|archive-date=1 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201155219/http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/99/0813/feat6.html|url-status=dead}} In 1999, she became the youngest actress to win the Golden Eagle Award for Best Actress. She is regarded by many as mainland China's first "national idol", and was named one of Taiwan's "Top Ten Most Outstanding Individuals in Television". However, alongside the phenomenal success were increasingly negative critics in mainland China, attacking the rebellious role as a "bad influence" over children. During the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in 2002, a member of the CPPCC submit a proposal to boycott the "little swallow".{{cite web|url=http://www.qzwb.com/gb/content/2002-03/08/content_426839.htm|title=全国政协明星委员提案：反对"小燕子"当偶像|work=Southeast Morning Post|date=8 March 2002|language=zh|access-date=8 March 2014|archive-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116095847/http://www.qzwb.com/gb/content/2002-03/08/content_426839.htm|url-status=live}}

Zhao once again worked with Chiung Yao for the 2001 television series Romance in the Rain, a costume drama set in the 1930s and 1940s. In this series, Zhao played a vengeful girl who tried to exact revenge against her parents. The series was a commercial success, and recorded the highest ratings of the year.{{cite web|url=http://www.bjweekly.com/archives/2425848.html|title=电视剧情深深雨蒙蒙曾获收视冠军 赵薇古巨基虐心相恋|date=20 September 2015|work=Bjweekly.com|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005100818/http://www.bjweekly.com/archives/2425848.html|url-status=live}}

Zhao soon felt that she had achieved all she could in television{{inconsistent}} and began to shift her career focus from TV to films.

Zhao went on to star in a few Hong Kong movies. In 2001, she starred in the comedy film Shaolin Soccer alongside Hong Kong actor and director Stephen Chow. Zhao played an ugly-duckling steamed bun-maker-cum-tai chi-master, a great contrast from the glamorous image she had established for herself in previous roles.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/cn/realtimenews/20131104001267-260404|title=赵薇演《少林足球》丑女阿梅 让琼瑤很失望|date=4 November 2013|work=China Times|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101258/http://www.chinatimes.com/cn/realtimenews/20131104001267-260404|url-status=live}} Zhao was nominated at the Chinese Film Media Awards for Best Actress.{{cite web|url=http://ent.163.com/edit/020228/020228_114528(1).html|title=第二届华语电影传媒大奖提名揭晓|date=28 February 2002|work=NetEase|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101506/http://ent.163.com/edit/020228/020228_114528(1).html|url-status=live}} This was followed by a supporting role in Chinese Odyssey 2002 as "Phoenix", for which she was nominated Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/2002-11-01/1726110341.html|title=第三十九届金马奖入围名单|publisher=Sina Corp|date=1 November 2002|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005102402/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/2002-11-01/1726110341.html|url-status=live}} In 2002, Zhao played an assassin in So Close, which also stars Shu Qi and Karen Mok.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2001-07-16/50167.html|title=角色大轮换 舒淇赵薇莫文蔚共做"夕阳天使"(图)|publisher=Sina Corp|date=16 July 2001|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=24 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224225224/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2001-07-16/50167.html|url-status=live}}

In 2003, Zhao starred in four films: My Dream Girl, Warriors of Heaven and Earth, Green Tea, and Jade Goddess of Mercy. After much speculation over who was cast for the female lead An Xin in Ann Hui's film Jade Goddess of Mercy, the role was finally offered to Zhao, and her performance was well received by critics. In 2004, the Chinese Association of Film Performing Arts presented her the Golden Phoenix Award for this role.{{cite web|url=http://www.1985byxh.com/awards10_xuehui.html|title=第十届表演艺术学会奖金凤凰奖 – 学会奖|access-date=17 May 2017|language=zh|archive-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050101/http://www.1985byxh.com/awards10_xuehui.html|url-status=live}} She was also nominated at the 27th Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress for her performance in Warriors of Heaven and Earth.{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com.cn/GB/yule/1080/2716925.html|title=27届大众电影百花奖开始投票|work=People's Daily|date=17 August 2004|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101017/http://www.people.com.cn/GB/yule/1080/2716925.html|url-status=dead}}

In 2004, Zhao was cast to dub the character Princess Fiona for when Shrek 2 was released in China.{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/1174/2004-8-5/64@138871.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012080605/http://english.cri.cn/1174/2004-8-5/64@138871.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2007|title=Mainland Pop Stars Dub for Shrek 2|date=8 May 2004|work=China Radio International}}

The year 2005 proved to be another successful year for Zhao. She won the Golden Goblet Award for Best Actress at the Shanghai International Film Festival and tied with Zhang Ziyi for the Huabiao Award.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/entertainment/2010-06/09/c_13340711.htm|title=Zhao Wei to judge Golden Goblet Awards|date=9 June 2010|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104908/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/entertainment/2010-06/09/c_13340711.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016}}{{cite web|language=zh|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2005-08-28/2324823309.html|title=第11届华表奖颁奖皆大欢喜 赵薇章子怡共享影后|publisher=Sina Corp|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420191530/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2005-08-28/2324823309.html|url-status=live}} Both awards were for her performance in A Time to Love. Zhao once again won Best Actress for the film at the 8th Changchun Film Festival in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/society/2006-08/25/content_5008131.htm|title=第八届长春电影节闭幕 赵薇获最佳女主角|date=25 August 2006|agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh}}{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

File:Zhaoweiredcarpet.jpg

After a four-year break from television series, Zhao starred as Yao Mulan in a remake of Lin Yutang's Moment in Peking (2005). The television series became Zhao's fourth TV drama (after My Fair Princess, My Fair Princess 2 and Romance in the Rain) to become the highest rated drama of the year.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/x/2005-11-29/0641910980.html|title=《京华烟云》成为"单打"冠军|date=29 November 2005|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005102358/http://ent.sina.com.cn/x/2005-11-29/0641910980.html|url-status=live}} Zhao was nominated at the 26th Flying Apsaras Awards for Outstanding Actress.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/v/m/2007-08-25/18191689242.shtml|title=第26届"飞天奖"单项奖提名名单|publisher=Sina Corp|date=25 August 2007|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=20 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120050926/http://ent.sina.com.cn/v/m/2007-08-25/18191689242.shtml|url-status=live}}

Following the success of Moment in Peking, Zhao starred in The Postmodern Life of My Aunt, which premiered at film festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/the-postmodern-life-of-my-aunt-1200513499/|title=Review: 'The Postmodern Life Of My Aunt'|work=Variety|date=12 September 2006|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005100823/http://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/the-postmodern-life-of-my-aunt-1200513499/|url-status=live}} Though Zhao only appeared for ten minutes in the film, her performance led her to be nominated at the 43rd Golden Horse Awards and the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress.{{cite web|url=http://screenanarchy.com/2006/10/the-43rd-golden-horse-awards-nominations.html|title=The 43rd Golden Horse Awards Nominations|work=Screen Anarchy|date=28 October 2006|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101508/http://screenanarchy.com/2006/10/the-43rd-golden-horse-awards-nominations.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hkfaa.com/winnerlist27.html|title=List of Nominees and Awardees of The 27th Hong Kong Film Awards|work=HKFAA.com|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705084030/http://www.hkfaa.com/winnerlist27.html|url-status=live}}

In 2006, Zhao made a surprising move by sitting for the national entrance exam for postgraduate studies. After passing, Zhao returned to her alma mater, the Beijing Film Academy (BFA) in September 2006 as a postgraduate student in the Department of Film Directing, where she studied under director Tian Zhuangzhuang. That year, Zhao was ranked No.4 on Forbes{{'}} 2006 China Celebrity 100 list.[http://www.karazen.com/news/2006/MAR/forbes_03_11.php Forbes 2006 China's Top 10 Celebrity Rankings List] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208213539/http://www.karazen.com/news/2006/MAR/forbes_03_11.php |date=8 December 2006 }} Karazen.com She was selected as the "Most Beautiful Woman" in China through a national vote by Sina.com & Sohu.com's users.{{cite web|url=http://lady.people.com.cn/GB/8223/53833/53834/3772621.html|title=赵薇当选"最能代表'中国美'"的美女|date=16 October 2005|work=People's Daily|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323050237/http://lady.people.com.cn/GB/8223/53833/53834/3772621.html|archive-date=23 March 2012}} People magazine also listed Zhao as "100 Most Beautiful People" in 2006.{{cite web|url=http://news.qq.com/a/20060510/000604.htm?pgv_ref=junshidao6|title=赵薇跻身全球最美丽百人榜|date=10 May 2006|work=Tencent|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101254/http://news.qq.com/a/20060510/000604.htm?pgv_ref=junshidao6|url-status=live}}

Zhao then portrayed a cabby in the 2007 film The Longest Night in Shanghai, starring alongside Masahiro Motoki and Dylan Kuo.{{cite web|url=http://www.scmp.com/article/662867/longest-night-shanghai|title=The Longest Night in Shanghai|date=7 December 2008|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005115634/http://www.scmp.com/article/662867/longest-night-shanghai|url-status=live}} The same year, Zhao starred in the television series Thank You for Having Loved Me. She reportedly received a salary of 100,000 yuan per episode.

From 2008 to 2009, Zhao starred in John Woo's historical epic Red Cliff.{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/02/09/63@194602.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012080615/http://english.cri.cn/3086/2007/02/09/63@194602.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2007|title=Zhao Wei to Join All-star Cast for "Battle of the Red Cliff"|date=9 February 2007|work=China Radio International}} Set in the Three Kingdoms period, the film is mainland China's most expensive production then.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/features/mega-film-red-cliff-makes-history-1117972838/|title=Mega-film 'Red Cliff' makes history|date=26 September 2007|work=Variety|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-date=16 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216172747/http://variety.com/2007/film/features/mega-film-red-cliff-makes-history-1117972838/|url-status=live}} She played Sun Shangxiang, the independent-minded sister of warlord Sun Quan, who disguises herself as a male enemy soldier to gather intelligence. Zhao received two nominations at the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She next appeared in Gordon Chan's horror-adventure film Painted Skin (2008). The film set a new milestone in Chinese film by grossing 100 million yuan in six days.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} Zhao's role as a general's wife was particularly acclaimed, and she received Best Actress nominations at the 27th Golden Rooster Award and 3rd Asian Film Award.{{cite web|url=http://xian.qq.com/a/20091015/000069.htm|title=第27届中国电影金鸡奖 评委会提名名单|date=15 October 2009|work=Tencent|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101215/http://xian.qq.com/a/20091015/000069.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://ent.ifeng.com/movie/zhuanti/yazhoudianying/xinwen/200903/0319_5986_1068682.shtml|title=《三个家伙》8项提名领跑亚洲电影大奖(图)|date=19 March 2009|work=ent.ifeng|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101418/http://ent.ifeng.com/movie/zhuanti/yazhoudianying/xinwen/200903/0319_5986_1068682.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 2009, Zhao played the legendary character Hua Mulan in Jingle Ma's Mulan.{{cite web | title=Zhao Wei is 'Mulan' | url=http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2009-02/11/content_17260967.htm | work=China.org.cn | date=10 February 2009 | access-date=12 February 2009 | archive-date=3 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210822/http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2009-02/11/content_17260967.htm | url-status=live }}

Ma called Zhao the "perfect fit" for the cross-dressing heroine.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/11/content_10802128.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213132357/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/11/content_10802128.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 February 2009|title=Director: Zhao Wei perfect for "Mulan"|date=11 February 2009|agency=Xinhua News Agency}} Zhao won the Best Actress Award at the 10th Changchun Film Festival, 30th Hundred Flowers Awards and 19th Shanghai Film Critics Awards for her performance in the film.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-30/15193069833.shtml|title=第十届长春电影节颁奖 赵薇夺影后公开谢爱人|date=30 August 2012|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050107/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-30/15193069833.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2010-10/17/c_12667351.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020042720/http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2010-10/17/c_12667351.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 October 2010|title=百花奖揭晓 陈坤称帝赵薇封后 《建国》获得最佳|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=17 October 2010|language=zh}}{{cite web|url=http://news.chinafilm.com/201006/1760173.html|title=第十九届上海影评人奖揭晓 赵薇荣获最佳女演员|date=18 June 2010|work=China Film News|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101026065453/http://news.chinafilm.com/201006/1760173.html|archive-date=26 October 2010}}

On 6 August 2009, she was elected vice-president of the China Film Performance Art Academy and executive member of the council of the China Environmental Society.[http://space.dianshiju.cctv.com/article/ARTI1249863752028909 赵薇当电影学会副会长 首次当干部很开心] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708130417/http://space.dianshiju.cctv.com/article/ARTI1249863752028909 |date=8 July 2011 }}. CCTV.com

After filming the wuxia film 14 Blades alongside Donnie Yen,{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/12/29/1261s538606.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101074516/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/12/29/1261s538606.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 January 2010|title=Zhao Wei's 'Blades' Wedding|date=29 December 2009|work=China Radio International}} starting in mid-2010, Zhao took a two-year break from acting. On 11 April 2010, she gave birth to a girl, Huang Xin, the only child of her and businessman Huang Youlong, whom she married in 2008.{{cite web|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90782/90875/6953520.html|title=Zhao Wei has a baby girl!|date=16 April 2010|work=People's Daily|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005151535/http://en.people.cn/90001/90782/90875/6953520.html|url-status=dead}}

In June 2010, she returned to the limelight as a jury member of the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.siff.com/a/2017-03-04/924.html|title=ZHAO Wei and Leos CARAX will serve as International Juries for GOLDEN GOBLET AWARD|date=19 May 2012|work=Shanghai International Film Festival|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005153122/http://www.siff.com/a/2017-03-04/924.html|url-status=dead}}

File:Zhaoweihandprints.jpg in Hollywood.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/justin-lin-chinese-stars-zhao-799992|title=Justin Lin, Chinese Stars Zhao Wei and Huang Xiaoming Honored With Handprint Ceremony|date=3 June 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222084355/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/justin-lin-chinese-stars-zhao-799992|url-status=live}}]]

Zhao returned from her extended parental leave in 2012, playing, incidentally, a single mother in Love, directed by Doze Niu. The film also achieved commercial success, and became the only film to gross 100 million yuan in both Taiwan and mainland China.{{cite web|url=http://tv.67.com/yingshi/2012/02/21/629309.html|title=《love》两岸票房皆破亿 创下华语电影史纪录|access-date=27 February 2017|language=zh|archive-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227064231/http://tv.67.com/yingshi/2012/02/21/629309.html|url-status=dead}} Critics call the solo performance of Zhao Wei as "the most amazing scene".{{cite web|url=http://ent.ifeng.com/movie/news/hk/detail_2012_02/03/12269180_0.shtml|title=钮承泽因失恋拍《LOVE》 全国首场观众试片好评爆棚]|work=ifeng.com|date=3 February 2012|language=zh|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206233442/http://ent.ifeng.com/movie/news/hk/detail_2012_02/03/12269180_0.shtml|url-status=live}} The same year she starred in Painted Skin: The Resurrection, the sequel to the 2008 film Painted Skin.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2011-03/22/content_12210503.htm|title=Stars return to 'Painted Skin 2'|work=China Daily|date=22 March 2011|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=16 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050340/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2011-03/22/content_12210503.htm|url-status=live}} The film grossed over 700 million yuan to become the highest grossing Chinese film then, before being beaten by Lost in Thailand.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2012/jul/31/painted-skin-2-china-storm|title=Why Painted Skin 2 has taken China by storm|website=The Guardian|date=31 July 2012|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227064035/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2012/jul/31/painted-skin-2-china-storm|url-status=live}}

In 2012, she graduated from the directing institute of Beijing Film Academy, with an MFA dissertation defense score of 99/100, ranking No. 1 out of all the graduates.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2012-06/16/c_123291901.htm|title=赵薇宣布研究生毕业 论文答辩获最高分心情雀跃|date=6 June 2016|agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421062723/http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2012-06/16/c_123291901.htm|archive-date=21 April 2013}}

Her directorial debut, So Young, opened on 26 April 2013 to 141 million yuan in its first weekend. She is the first female director whose debut film broke 100 million yuan in China.{{cite web|url=http://gb.cri.cn/27564/2013/04/29/1326s4100619.htm|title=《致青春》1.4亿 赵薇成首位处女作过亿女导演|work=China Radio International|date=29 April 2013|language=zh|access-date=29 April 2013|archive-date=1 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501221849/http://gb.cri.cn/27564/2013/04/29/1326s4100619.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/zhao-weis-young-breaks-record-060800237.html|title=Zhao Wei's "So Young" breaks record|website=Yahoo|date=30 April 2013 |access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=18 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518231545/https://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/zhao-weis-young-breaks-record-060800237.html|url-status=live}} In just one week, So Young garnered 350 million yuan,{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/6666/2013/05/03/1261s762872.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506072935/http://english.cri.cn/6666/2013/05/03/1261s762872.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 May 2013|title=Zhao Wei's Directorial Debut Gains Box-office Success|work=China Radio International|date=3 May 2013|access-date=17 May 2017}} with the final box office record in China being over 700 million yuan.{{cite web|url=http://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1258448/zhao-weis-box-office-smash-so-young-tale-lost-youth|title=Zhao Wei's box office smash 'So Young' is a tale of lost youth|work=South China Morning Post|date=13 June 2013|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=27 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327024406/http://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1258448/zhao-weis-box-office-smash-so-young-tale-lost-youth|url-status=live}} For the film, Zhao won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Directorial Debut, Hundred Flowers Award for Best Director and Hong Kong Film Award for Best Film from Mainland and Taiwan.{{cite web|url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2013-09/29/content_30167541.htm|title=Peter Chan, Zhao Wei among Golden Rooster winners|date=29 September 2013|work=China Radio International|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=21 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021060302/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2013-09/29/content_30167541.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.womenofchina.cn/womenofchina/html1/news/celebrity/1409/1416-1.htm|title=Zhao Wei Wins Best Directing of 32nd Hundred Flowers Award|date=29 September 2014|work=Women of China|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005152740/http://www.womenofchina.cn/womenofchina/html1/news/celebrity/1409/1416-1.htm|url-status=dead}}

File:Director Zhao Wei filming second feature.jpg

Zhao also became a judge for the 5th season of China's Got Talent alongside Liu Ye, Alec Su and Wang Wei Chun.[http://english.eastday.com/e/131113/u1a7772166.html 'China's Got Talent' promises more fun] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113031840/http://english.eastday.com/e/131113/u1a7772166.html |date=13 November 2013 }} Shanghai Daily 13 November 2013

Zhao returned to acting in 2014, playing a countrywoman in the film Dearest,{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peter-chan-takes-china-child-693604|title=Hollywood Reporter: Peter Chan Takes On China Child Kidnapping Theme In Latest Project|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=3 April 2014|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005100843/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/peter-chan-takes-china-child-693604|url-status=live}} directed by Peter Chan. The movie was selected by the 71st Venice International Film Festival in the Out-of-competition category, and Zhao's performance as a foster mother of a kidnapped child received international acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter called her the Chinese Juliette Binoche.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/dearest-qinai-de-venice-review-728447|title='Dearest' ('Qin'ai de'): Venice Review|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=27 August 2014|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207180911/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/dearest-qinai-de-venice-review-728447|url-status=live}} This movie also earned Zhao the Hong Kong Film Award and Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress.{{cite web |last=Chen |first=Vivian |date=5 November 2015 |title=Award-winning actress Zhao Wei to focus on film directing and new wine business |url=http://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1873763/award-winning-actress-zhao-wei-focus-film-directing-and-new-wine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428122632/http://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1873763/award-winning-actress-zhao-wei-focus-film-directing-and-new-wine |archive-date=28 April 2017 |access-date=17 May 2017 |work=South China Morning Post}}{{cite web|url=http://screenanarchy.com/2015/01/fruit-chans-the-midnight-after-tops-hong-kong-critics-poll.html|title=Fruit Chan's THE MIDNIGHT AFTER Tops Hong Kong Critics Poll|date=12 January 2015|work=Screen Anarchy|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502145800/http://screenanarchy.com/2015/01/fruit-chans-the-midnight-after-tops-hong-kong-critics-poll.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2015-06/01/content_20881924.htm|title=Zhao Wei wins best actress award for Dearest|date=1 June 2015|work=China Daily|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=24 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024230114/http://europe.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2015-06/01/content_20881924.htm|url-status=live}}

In 2015, she starred in the comedies Hollywood Adventures and Lost in Hong Kong, both of which were commercially successful.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/54975/20150624/watch-hollywood-adventures-starring-zhao-wei-huang-xiaoming-tong-dawei.htm|title='Hollywood Adventures' Starring Zhao Wei, Huang Xiaoming And Tong Dawei Set For Release on Friday; What Are Other Films Slated For China's Cinema 'Blackout'?|date=14 June 2015|work=China Topix|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005101413/http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/54975/20150624/watch-hollywood-adventures-starring-zhao-wei-huang-xiaoming-tong-dawei.htm|url-status=live |author1=Chinatopix }}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/sep/28/global-box-office-lost-in-hong-kong-the-intern-hotel-transylvania-2|title=China has last laugh as Lost in Hong Kong posts highest comedy debut ever|work=The Guardian|date=28 September 2015|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510155200/https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2015/sep/28/global-box-office-lost-in-hong-kong-the-intern-hotel-transylvania-2|url-status=live}} Forbes described Zhao as the "world's wealthiest working actress".{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/06/06/chinas-billionaire-actress-zhao-wei/|title=China's Billionaire Actress Zhao Wei|last=Cain|first=Rob|work=Forbes|access-date=3 December 2017|archive-date=3 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203154409/https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/06/06/chinas-billionaire-actress-zhao-wei/|url-status=live}} The same year, Zhao made her return to television in Tiger Mom.{{cite web|url=http://www.shanghaidaily.com/feature/people/Actress-takes-on-difficult-role-as-tiger-mom/shdaily.shtml|title=Actress takes on difficult role as 'tiger mom'|date=15 May 2015|work=Shanghai Daily|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132102/https://archive.shine.cn/feature/people/Actress-takes-on-difficult-role-as-tiger-mom/shdaily.shtml|url-status=live}} She was nominated at the Asian Television Award and Magnolia Award for Best Actress in a Television Series.{{cite web|url=http://luxesocietyasia.com/entertainment/20th-asian-television-awards-announces-this-years-nominees/|title=20th Asian Television Awards announces this year's Nominees|work=Luxe Society Asia|date=29 November 2015|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132100/http://luxesocietyasia.com/entertainment/20th-asian-television-awards-announces-this-years-nominees/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/v/m/2016-05-19/doc-ifxsktkp8996741.shtml|title=白玉兰公布提名 胡歌霍建华靳东竞争视帝|date=19 May 2016|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913151829/http://ent.sina.com.cn/v/m/2016-05-19/doc-ifxsktkp8996741.shtml|url-status=live}} On 20 October, Zhao elected as executive member of Executive Committee of China Film Directors' Guild.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2015-10-20/doc-ifxivscc0220690.shtml|title=导协冯小刚任副会长 徐峥赵薇任执行委员|date=20 October 2015|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=3 June 2017|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132103/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2015-10-20/doc-ifxivscc0220690.shtml|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Zhao played a doctor in Johnnie To's crime thriller film Three.{{cite web|url=http://www.scmp.com/culture/film-tv/article/1989386/film-review-three-louis-koo-zhao-wei-and-wallace-chung-converge|title=Film review: Three – Louis Koo, Zhao Wei and Wallace Chung converge in hospital-set thriller|work=South China Morning Post|date=13 July 2016|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132103/https://www.scmp.com/culture/film-tv/article/1989386/film-review-three-louis-koo-zhao-wei-and-wallace-chung-converge|url-status=live}} She also began the production for her second directorial work No Other Love.{{cite web|url=http://m.chinadaily.com.cn/en/2016-03/14/content_23859648.htm|title=Zhao Wei's second directorial work underway|date=13 March 2014|work=China Daily|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132112/http://cn.chinadaily.com.cn/|url-status=live}} In July, she was a member of the main competition jury for the 73rd Venice International Film Festival.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/festivals/laurie-anderson-joshua-oppenheimer-jury-venice-film-fest-1201821763/|title=Laurie Anderson, Joshua Oppenheimer, Zhao Wei Set For Venice Jury|last=Vivarelli|first=Nick|work=Variety|date=24 July 2016|access-date=24 July 2016|archive-date=25 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725141146/https://variety.com/2016/film/festivals/laurie-anderson-joshua-oppenheimer-jury-venice-film-fest-1201821763/|url-status=live}}

In February 2017, Zhao went back to her alma mater – School of Performing Arts, Beijing Film Academy – to be the finale round examiner/assessor of applicants for the 2017 intake.{{cite web|url=http://www.cankaoxiaoxi.com/ent/ylgd/20170221/1704956.shtml|title=赵薇担任北京电影学院考官|date=21 February 2017|language=zh|access-date=24 February 2017|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224215525/http://www.cankaoxiaoxi.com/ent/ylgd/20170221/1704956.shtml|url-status=dead}} In September, she was named as a member of the main competition jury for the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tommy-lee-jones-head-tokyo-film-festival-jury-1042917|title=Tommy Lee Jones to Head Tokyo Film Festival Jury|last=Blair|first=Gavin J.|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=25 September 2017|access-date=25 September 2017|archive-date=26 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926104603/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tommy-lee-jones-head-tokyo-film-festival-jury-1042917|url-status=live}}

In March 2018, Zhao was a member of the finale-round jury for the 9th China Film Directors Guild Award.{{cite web|url=http://ent.chinadaily.com.cn/2018-03/23/content_35903998.htm|title=中国导演协会2017年度奖提名揭晓 赵薇冯小刚助阵|work=China Daily|date=23 March 2018|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132105/http://ent.chinadaily.com.cn/2018-03/23/content_35903998.htm|url-status=live}} She was also appointed as official spokesperson of the 12th Xining FIRST International Film Festival.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2018-05-08/doc-ihaichqy4791473.shtml|title=赵薇透露今年要演新戏：导演与演戏我都还有潜力|work=Sina.com|date=8 May 2018|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-date=12 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512211735/http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2018-05-08/doc-ihaichqy4791473.shtml|url-status=live}} On 17 Oct, CCTV announced Zhao as the chief director of the documentary Starlight, presented by China Movie Channel.{{cite web|url=http://ent.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1018/c81372-30349512.html|title=电影频道启动纪录电影《星光》赵薇出任总导演|work=People's Daily|date=18 October 2018|access-date=21 October 2018|archive-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021113106/http://ent.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1018/c81372-30349512.html|url-status=live}}

As the protagonist Catherine, Zhao made her stage debut in a public theater production adapted from David Auburn's 2001 Broadway play Proof, directed by Tian Zhuangzhuang.{{cite web|url=http://ent.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1212/c1012-30462634.html|title=赵薇首部话剧《求证》 与田壮壮导演跨界合作|work=People's Daily|date=12 December 2018|access-date=14 December 2018|archive-date=12 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212142401/http://ent.people.com.cn/n1/2018/1212/c1012-30462634.html|url-status=live}} The play opened in Beijing at the Tianqiao Art Center on 23 January 2019 to critical acclaim.[http://ent.people.com.cn/n1/2019/0124/c1012-30588933.html 赵薇话剧《求证》首演 回归演员状态收获好评无数] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125065411/http://ent.people.com.cn/n1/2019/0124/c1012-30588933.html |date=25 January 2019 }}People.cn 24 January 2019

On 27 August 2021, all films and television dramas featuring Zhao disappeared from Chinese video streaming services like Tencent Video and iQiyi. Her Weibo Super Topic, an interest-based content community page, was deleted; her personal and studio Weibo accounts were spared, though references to her works in her Weibo profile were removed. No explanation was given by the Chinese government.{{Cite news | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/vicky-zhao-wei-1235004160/ | title = China Removes Actress Zhao Wei From Streaming Sites and Social Media | last = Rahman | first = Abid | work = The Hollywood Reporter | access-date = 27 August 2021 | archive-date = 27 August 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210827100821/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/vicky-zhao-wei-1235004160/ | url-status = live }}{{Cite news | url = https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3146681/no-explanation-chinas-billionaire-actress | title = No explanation as China's billionaire actress Zhao Wei blacklisted from Chinese internet | last = Zuo | first = Mandy | work = South China Morning Post | access-date = 27 August 2021 | archive-date = 27 August 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210827143627/https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3146681/no-explanation-chinas-billionaire-actress | url-status = live }}{{Cite news | url = https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/no-explanation-china-s-billionaire-actress-vicki-zhao-blacklisted-chinese-internet | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210828045128/https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/no-explanation-china-s-billionaire-actress-vicki-zhao-blacklisted-chinese-internet | url-status = dead | archive-date = 28 August 2021 | title = No explanation as China's billionaire actress Vicki Zhao blacklisted from Chinese internet | last = Zuo | first = Mandy | work = AsiaOne | access-date = 27 August 2021}}

On 28 August 2021, Zhao was reported to have left China for France, where she owned the Château Monlot.{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/internet/china-erases-billionaire-actress-zhao-wei-from-history/news-story/94100f6569377078cfeee411f5fc3538?amp|title=China erases billionaire actress Zhao Wei from history|last=Seidel|first=Jamie|date=31 August 2021|website=News.com.au|access-date=31 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830233417/https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/internet/china-erases-billionaire-actress-zhao-wei-from-history/news-story/94100f6569377078cfeee411f5fc3538?amp|url-status=live}} In a later deleted Instagram post from 29 August, Zhao claimed she was in Beijing, denying that she was in France.{{cite magazine|last=Rahman|first=Abid|date=29 August 2021|title=Chinese Actress Zhao Wei Denies Fleeing to France In Now Deleted Instagram Post|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/zhao-wei-france-1235004948/|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=31 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830075518/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/zhao-wei-france-1235004948/|url-status=live}} On 12 September, Zhao commented “Happy birthday” on director Queena Li's Weibo, before the comment was either deleted or hidden. On 14 September, photos of Zhao at a telecom customer service center in her hometown, Wuhu, surfaced online, with claims she had visited the center the previous day. However, some internet users speculated that the photos might have been taken earlier, as the center’s staff were not wearing masks, which were generally required in China during the Covid-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|date=15 September 2021|title=Zhao Wei emerges in hometown after Chinese government censored her|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3148877/zhao-wei-emerges-hometown-after-chinese|access-date=26 January 2022|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132108/https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3148877/zhao-wei-emerges-hometown-after-chinese|url-status=live}} In December 2021, Zhao was seen in Hong Kong.{{Cite web |last=Standard |first=The |title=Blacklisted actress Zhao Wei spotted in Hong Kong |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/185001/Blacklisted-actress-Zhao-Wei-spotted-in-Hong-Kong |access-date=22 September 2024 |website=The Standard |language=en}} In June 2022, Zhao revealed on Instagram Stories that her father had passed away. In the following years, she posted only occasionally on Instagram, which is banned in China, while sporadic updates about her appeared on Weibo through associates and fans.{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Ruey Yan |date=14 March 2023 |title=Actress Vicki Zhao appears on social media 19 months after her alleged blacklisting |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/actress-vicki-zhao-appears-on-social-media-19-months-after-her-alleged-blacklisting |access-date=26 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

From February 2024, some Chinese video and social media platforms began partially lifting restrictions on her content. Zhao's Weibo profile once again displayed her works Painted Skin and My Fair Princess, and Douban restored her photos. Videos on Bilibili featuring Zhao were no longer blurred, and streaming platforms restored the television drama Records of Kangxi's Travel Incognito 2, in which she plays a role in one of the multi-episode story arcs. However, a significant amount of her content remained censored or removed, and her other film and music works were not yet restored.{{Cite web |last=ETtoday新聞雲 |date=16 March 2024 |title=趙薇被封殺3年「瘋傳全面復出」！社群平台疑復甦 馬賽克消失了 {{!}} ETtoday星光雲 {{!}} ETtoday新聞雲 |url=https://star.ettoday.net/news/2701481 |access-date=2 January 2025 |website=star.ettoday.net |language=zh-Hant}}

In April 2024, the Beijing Fourth Intermediate People’s Court froze the shares of Zhao’s company, He Bao Entertainment Group Co., Ltd., totaling 5 million RMB. The freeze remains in effect until 10 April 2027. Zhao, who had been a shareholder in as many as 17 companies spanning industries, kept only one studio under her name by June 2024, with her investment and business footprint significantly reduced.{{Cite web |title=瘋傳將解封復出 趙薇突遇阻滯遭凍結540萬股權 {{!}} on.cc東網 {{!}} 繽FUN星網 | date=17 April 2024 |url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20240417/bkn-20240417000106773-0417_00862_001.html?eventsection=hk_entertainment&eventid=402883474d7616cc014d95c8e24229c2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624174454/https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20240417/bkn-20240417000106773-0417_00862_001.html?eventsection=hk_entertainment&eventid=402883474d7616cc014d95c8e24229c2 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |access-date=24 June 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=趙薇又出事？︱名下又有股權被凍結 涉金額500萬元 {{!}} 星島日報 |date=16 April 2024 |url=https://www.singtaousa.com/2024-04-16/%e8%b6%99%e8%96%87%e5%8f%88%e5%87%ba%e4%ba%8b%ef%bc%9f%ef%b8%b1%e5%90%8d%e4%b8%8b%e5%8f%88%e6%9c%89%e8%82%a1%e6%ac%8a%e8%a2%ab%e5%87%8d%e7%b5%90-%e6%b6%89%e9%87%91%e9%a1%8d500%e8%90%ac%e5%85%83/4826836#page5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722092821/https://www.singtaousa.com/2024-04-16/%E8%B6%99%E8%96%87%E5%8F%88%E5%87%BA%E4%BA%8B%EF%BC%9F%EF%B8%B1%E5%90%8D%E4%B8%8B%E5%8F%88%E6%9C%89%E8%82%A1%E6%AC%8A%E8%A2%AB%E5%87%8D%E7%B5%90-%E6%B6%89%E9%87%91%E9%A1%8D500%E8%90%AC%E5%85%83/4826836#page5 |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=24 June 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=趙薇又出事！名下部分所持股權被凍結 金額破2000萬 {{!}} 娛樂星聞 |date=16 April 2024 |url=https://star.setn.com/news/1454787 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624174449/https://star.setn.com/news/1454787 |archive-date=24 June 2024 |access-date=24 June 2024 |url-status=live}} In August, Douban allowed searches for her name again.

Zhao’s Weibo account remained inactive for more than three years until 4 December 2024, when she posted a tribute to Chiung Yao, the writer of the original novel of My Fair Princess, who had died by suicide earlier that day.{{Cite web |title=知名作家琼瑶离世 赵薇罕见发微博悼念 – DW – 2024年12月4日 |url=https://www.dw.com/zh/%E7%9F%A5%E5%90%8D%E4%BD%9C%E5%AE%B6%E7%90%BC%E7%91%B6%E7%A6%BB%E4%B8%96-%E8%B5%B5%E8%96%87%E7%BD%95%E8%A7%81%E5%8F%91%E5%BE%AE%E5%8D%9A%E6%82%BC%E5%BF%B5/a-70955099 |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=dw.com |language=zh}} Zhao’s return to Weibo trended on the platform’s hotlist until the main hashtag was removed. On 28 December, Zhao's divorce announcement trended on the hotlist, without the hashtag being removed. Hunan Economic Television, the original mainland Chinese producer and broadcaster of My Fair Princess before merging into Hunan Television as a subsidiary channel, held its New Year’s Eve Gala as an offline event at Changsha Window of the World, featuring footage of Zhao from the show on a large screen on stage.

Zhao and her then husband Huang Youlong, whom she has since divorced, invested nearly HKD 3.1 billion to acquire shares in Alibaba Pictures in 2014, becoming the company’s second-largest shareholder.

Zhao's company had been planning to acquire Zhejiang Sunriver Culture Co since late 2016, when it was then named Zhejiang Wanjia Co, a Shanghai-listed company. The acquisition fell through after Xiao Jianhua, Zhao's main financier, was abducted from Hong Kong to mainland China. The China Securities Regulatory Commission later found that Zhao and her company had violated disclosure rules by announcing and playing up merger and acquisition intentions at a time when they lacked sufficient resources, or support from financial institutions, for such a deal, “seriously misleading the market with fake information”. Zhao and her husband have been barred from China’s securities markets for five years and were given a 300,000 yuan ($45,180) fine each.{{Cite web |date=9 November 2017 |title=Actress Zhao Wei and husband banned from securities markets |url=https://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/2119207/actress-zhao-wei-and-husband-banned-securities |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

Zhao is a wine lover and has developed a passion for winemaking. On 21 December 2011, she finalised the purchase of the Château Monlot, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vineyard in France, for €4 million.{{cite news |url= http://www.sudouest.fr/2011/12/01/les-chinois-a-l-assaut-d-u-bordelais-568204-713.php |title= les Chinois à l'assaut du Bordelais |work= Sudouest |date= 1 December 2011 |language= fr |last1= Compadre |first1= César |access-date= 3 December 2011 |archive-date= 3 December 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111203203759/http://www.sudouest.fr/2011/12/01/les-chinois-a-l-assaut-d-u-bordelais-568204-713.php |url-status= live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/chinese-film-star-buys-st-emilion-property-48502/|title=Chinese film star Zhao Wei has bought a St Emilion chateau for an undisclosed price|date=6 December 2011|work=Decanter China|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806100917/http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/chinese-film-star-buys-st-emilion-property-48502/|url-status=live}} On 16 September 2012, Zhao was admitted into the Jurade de Saint-Émilion.{{clarify|date=November 2021}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sudouest.fr/2012/09/17/une-actrice-chinoise-intronisee-par-les-jurats-823170-713.php|title=Saint-Emilion : une actrice chinoise intronisée par les jurats|work=Sudouest|date=16 September 2012|language=fr|last1=Ciesielski|first1=Christine|access-date=6 August 2017|archive-date=6 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806102343/http://www.sudouest.fr/2012/09/17/une-actrice-chinoise-intronisee-par-les-jurats-823170-713.php|url-status=live}} Following four years of work, Zhao launched the Bordeaux wine brand in the Chinese mass market in October 2015. The online shop offers both high end and affordable wine selections.{{cite web |url= http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/chinese-film-star-zhao-wei-launches-bordeaux-wines-280761/ |title= Chinese film star Zhao Wei launches Bordeaux wines |work= Decanter China |date= 4 November 2015 |access-date= 31 August 2016 |archive-date= 12 September 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160912164328/http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/chinese-film-star-zhao-wei-launches-bordeaux-wines-280761/ |url-status= live}}{{cite web|url= https://www.decanterchina.com/en/knowledge/people/chinese-wine-celebrities/chinese-movie-star-zhao-weis-bordeaux-wine-passion|title= Chinese movie star Zhao Wei's Bordeaux wine passion|work= Decanter China|date= 3 November 2015|access-date= 17 May 2017|archive-date= 6 August 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170806101943/https://www.decanterchina.com/en/knowledge/people/chinese-wine-celebrities/chinese-movie-star-zhao-weis-bordeaux-wine-passion|url-status= live|author-first1=Mark|author-last1=Graham}}

Since her purchase of Château Monlot, she has expanded her wine interests in France by purchasing the nine-hectare Patarabet vineyard in AOC Saint-Émilion, the 57-hectare Senailhac vineyard in Entre-Deux-Mers, and on 29 March 2019, the 12-hectare Château La Croix de la Roche vineyard in AOC Fronsac and Bordeaux.{{cite web |url= https://www.vitisphere.com/news-90005-Chinese-actress-Zhao-Wei-buys-herself-a-fourth-chateau.htm |title= Chinese actress Zhao Wei buys herself a fourth chateau |work= Vitisphere |date= 25 July 2019 |access-date= 30 May 2021 |archive-date= 2 June 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213535/https://www.vitisphere.com/news-90005-Chinese-actress-Zhao-Wei-buys-herself-a-fourth-chateau.htm |url-status= live }} The Château La Croix de la Roche has an annual potential production of 82,000 bottles and is Zhao's first certified organic property. It was purchased from Isabelle Maurin, who had owned the château since 1982, and sold it due to lack of a family member willing to take over the property.

Zhao's first boyfriend is actor Fan Yulin. The two were among the first batch of students at the Xie Jin-Hengtong Star Academy in 1994. However, in 1996, Zhao was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, and the couple eventually parted ways due to the long-distance nature of their relationship. In 1999, when Zhao was answering a hotline interview for a Beijing newspaper, she was asked about romantic rumors with Fan. She dismissed the rumors and accused Fan of using her name for publicity. Fan sued Zhao for defamation, but later dropped the lawsuit.{{Cite web |title=赵薇初恋男友现身 肌肉男曾诉前女友毁坏名誉(图)-中新网 |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/yl/2012/03-22/3763589.shtml |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=www.chinanews.com.cn}}{{Cite web |title=范雨林心软不告赵薇_生活时报_光明网 |url=https://www.gmw.cn/01shsb/2000-01/28/GB/01%5E1237%5E0%5ESH1-2816.htm |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=www.gmw.cn}}

In 1997, Zhao's Beijing Film Academy classmate Huang Xiaoming, who had a crush on her, confessed his feelings but was rejected.{{Cite web |title=黄晓明节目现场抱赵薇 承认曾追求过女方(图)_娱乐频道_凤凰网 |url=https://ent.ifeng.com/idolnews/mainland/detail_2013_03/11/22964221_1.shtml |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=ent.ifeng.com}}

From 1996 to 2000, Zhao was in a four-year relationship with Chinese-Australian businessman Ye Maoqing, son of property tycoon Ye Lipei. In early 2001, Zhao confirmed their breakup, citing that she had grown tired of his domineering behavior. Following her breakup with Ye, Zhao traveled to New York for fashion shows and leisure, where she had a brief two-month relationship with a Chinese-American businessman surnamed Li.{{Cite web |title=名人访谈之赵薇：谈起前男友叶茂青(附图) |url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-11-20/64356.html |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=ent.sina.com.cn}}

In November 2003, Zhao was reported to be dating Wang Yu, son of Chinese politician Wang Daohan. The couple’s relationship was confirmed in July 2004 when photos of them vacationing in Hong Kong surfaced. On 11 April 2005, Zhao and Wang attended the funeral of artist Chen Yifei together. By July of that year, Wang was photographed holding hands with actress Huang Yi at a bar. Zhao admitted to her breakup with Wang at the end of July.{{Cite web |last=sina_mobile |date=30 July 2009 |title=赵薇人红绯闻多 出道十年恋情回顾(组图) |url=https://ent.sina.cn/star/tv/2009-07-30/detail-icesifvx7787626.d.html |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=ent.sina.cn}}

In 2007, Zhao was introduced to the Chinese-born Singaporean businessman Huang Youlong ({{lang|zh|黄有龙}}) through Wang Lin, a self-styled qigong master and later exposed fraudster who had extensive connections among Chinese celebrities. In December 2008, Zhao and Huang married in Singapore, where she obtained permanent residency through their marriage. Their daughter Huang Xin ({{lang|zh|黄新}}), aka April, was born in April 2010.{{Cite news |date=15 April 2010 |title=已成为新加坡永久居民 赵薇11日本地产女 |url=http://showbiz.omy.sg/Showbiz/E-News/Story/OMYStory201004150536-143892/2.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418180842/http://showbiz.omy.sg/Showbiz/E-News/Story/OMYStory201004150536-143892/2.html |archivedate=18 April 2010 |accessdate=15 April 2010 |publisher=omy |url-status=dead}}

Since their marriage, Zhao and Huang had established themselves as a business power couple through high-profile investments, notably in Alibaba Pictures, where they became the second-largest shareholders in 2014, until their reputation has been increasingly tarnished by business scandals. Huang, who had little publicly available information before marrying Zhao, has faced persistent speculation about the origins of his wealth, reportedly accumulated around 2000 or 2001 while working for a now-defunct company under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China in Shenzhen.{{Cite web |title=真富商还是白手套？揭秘黄有龙逆袭之路_手机凤凰网 |url=https://ifinance.ifeng.com/15799854/news.shtml?&back |access-date=10 January 2025 |website=ifinance.ifeng.com}} His wealth is often rumored to have been linked to his alleged role as a "driver" and "white glove" (bagman) for disgraced Shenzhen mayor Xu Zongheng.

In early 2017, Deng Shen Xian, a media outlet under China Business Journal, published a series of investigative reports about the couple, dismissing that Huang had been Xu’s driver but suggesting a connection between Huang's rise and Huang Liman, who had been Shenzhen's party chief from 2001 to 2005.{{Cite web |last=sina_mobile |date=13 April 2017 |title=赵薇黄有龙港岛资本路线图：与史玉柱许家印等多富豪存交集 |url=https://finance.sina.cn/stock/ssgs/2017-04-13/detail-ifyeimqc3251158.d.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=finance.sina.cn}}{{Cite web |last=sina_mobile |date=23 December 2017 |title=赵薇黄有龙与国际博彩业的隐秘交集 |url=https://news.sina.cn/2017-12-23/detail-ifypxmsq9671019.d.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=news.sina.cn}} In November 2017, Zhao and Huang were banned from China's securities market for five years for their failed 2016 takeover bid of Zhejiang Wanija, which “disrupted market order,” and were named in the Paradise Papers, which revealed their previously undisclosed $80 million investment.{{Cite web |date=6 November 2017 |title=香港01媒體參加調查 影星趙薇夫婿黃有龍在案 |url=https://www.rfi.fr/tw/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/20171106-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF01%E5%AA%92%E9%AB%94%E5%8F%83%E5%8A%A0%E8%AA%BF%E6%9F%A5-%E5%BD%B1%E6%98%9F%E8%B6%99%E8%96%87%E5%A4%AB%E5%A9%BF%E9%BB%83%E6%9C%89%E9%BE%8D%E5%9C%A8%E6%A1%88 |access-date=1 June 2024 |website=RFI - 法國國際廣播電台 |language=zh-Hant}} Soon after, Xia Ke Dao, a media outlet under the People’s Daily, repeated the claim that Huang had served as a "driver" for Xu,{{Cite web |title=侠客岛：赵薇夫妇被罚！整治金融乱象，监管层"不吃素"_10%公司_澎湃新闻-The Paper |url=https://m.thepaper.cn/kuaibao_detail.jsp?contid=1858057&from=kuaibao |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=m.thepaper.cn}} prompting Huang to refute it on Weibo, stating, "I have never been anyone’s 'driver'," emphasizing his "humble origins" and apologizing for the impact on his wife. Zhao reposted his statement in support.{{Cite web |title=真富商还是白手套？揭秘黄有龙逆袭之路_中证网 |url=https://www.cs.com.cn/xwzx/201711/t20171119_5578537.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=www.cs.com.cn}} In July 2024, a New York Times investigative report revealed that Zhao and Huang acted as agents for Xiao Jianhua, who funded the couple's investments in Jack Ma’s companies and their bid of Zhejiang Wanjia, which was thwarted after Xiao had been abducted in Hong Kong by Chinese security agents in 2017.

In March 2021, prosecutors in Dongguan issued a red notice through Interpol against Huang for his alleged involvement in the 2019 financial scandal of Tuandai.com, which was convicted in China of illegally absorbing public funds. On March 22, 2021, Huang was arrested upon landing in Bordeaux, France, after arriving on a private flight from Reykjavík, Iceland. Although detained, he was permitted to retain access to his mobile phone and received calls from several individuals, including Jack Ma, urging him to return to China. During a court appearance in France, Huang claimed that the Chinese authorities’ request for his return was tied to the case of Sun Lijun, the disgraced Vice Minister of Public Security, with whom his only connection was Sun's request in 2018 for him to invest approximately USD 5 million in a security company. On May 14, 2021, the Chinese Embassy in Paris formally submitted an extradition request to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In July, the Bordeaux Court of Appeal rejected the extradition request, stating that, based on evidence provided by Huang, the Chinese government’s request was not primarily related to the criminal charges against him but rather intended to secure his testimony against Sun. Interpol subsequently withdrew the red notice.{{Cite news |date=2025-04-29 |title=Interpol: A tool in China's arsenal of transnational repression |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/04/29/interpol-a-tool-in-china-s-arsenal-of-transnational-repression_6740746_4.html |access-date=2025-05-04 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=勞顯亮 |date=2025-04-30 |title=ICIJ調查：趙薇前夫黃有龍曾遭國際刑警通緝 2021年法國被捕 |url=https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/60234306/icij%E8%AA%BF%E6%9F%A5-%E8%B6%99%E8%96%87%E5%89%8D%E5%A4%AB%E9%BB%83%E6%9C%89%E9%BE%8D%E6%9B%BE%E9%81%AD%E5%9C%8B%E9%9A%9B%E5%88%91%E8%AD%A6%E9%80%9A%E7%B7%9D-2021%E5%B9%B4%E6%B3%95%E5%9C%8B%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95 |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=香港01 |language=zh-HK}}

Zhao and Huang secretly divorced on 23 July 2021. A month later, she was blacklisted in China.{{Cite web |title=今日信報 - 財經新聞 - 趙薇自揭順龍持股2021年中「清零」 |url=https://www1.hkej.com/dailynews/finnews/article/3983525/%E8%B6%99%E8%96%87%E8%87%AA%E6%8F%AD%E9%A0%86%E9%BE%8D%E6%8C%81%E8%82%A12021%E5%B9%B4%E4%B8%AD%E3%80%8C%E6%B8%85%E9%9B%B6%E3%80%8D |access-date=23 January 2025 |website=信報網站 hkej.com |language=zh-hk}} Zhao announced her divorce on 28 December 2024.{{Cite web |title=赵薇宣布已离婚 |url=https://news.ifeng.com/c/8fgIc4bTpj2 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=news.ifeng.com |language=zh}}

Zhao has been actively involved in charity and disaster relief work. Her notable charity work and donations include:

• In 1999, Zhao donated 100,000 yuan, after the Taiwan 921 earthquake.
• In 2004, with the local education authority, she set up a scholarship and study grant fund in Wuhu, her hometown. for students from families in financial difficulties.
• In 2005, she was appointed 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; she also performed the song "来得及的明天" ({{lang-zh|p=lái dé jí dè míng tiān|l=Still Time for Tomorrow}}) as the theme song for the campaign.{{cite web | url=http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2005-06-30/16346313809s.shtml | language=zh | title=关注受艾滋病影响儿童 (Attention for children affected by AIDS) | date=30 June 2005 | author=吴静 (Wu Jing) | publisher=Sina Corp | access-date=27 February 2009 | archive-date=13 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213004742/http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2005-06-30/16346313809s.shtml | url-status=live }}
• In 2006, Zhao supported fundraising events for the Smile Angel Foundation, a charity fund set up by Zhao's friend, pop diva Faye Wong, for children with clefts.{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/26/content_5535183.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012175151/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-12/26/content_5535183.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2007|title=Faye Wong gives charity banquet in Beijing|date=26 December 2006|agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh}}
• The morning following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, Zhao donated 100,000 yuan to the China Red Cross.{{cite web|title=红十字会搜狐发救灾倡议 赵薇积极响应捐款10万''|url=http://yule.sohu.com/20080513/n256824369.shtml|date=13 May 2008|work=Sohu|language=zh|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=7 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007135729/http://yule.sohu.com/20080513/n256824369.shtml|url-status=live}} Soon afterward, she donated 500,000 yuan to the China Children and Teenagers' Fund to construct a Spring Bude Building School.{{cite web|url=http://yule.sohu.com/20080529/n257160705.shtml|title=赵薇心系灾区学子 慷慨捐赠50万建春蕾小学|date=29 May 2008|work=Sohu|language=zh|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=18 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118112240/http://yule.sohu.com/20080529/n257160705.shtml|url-status=live}}
• On 29 March 2010, Zhao donated 200,000 RMB to the Yunnan government, as Yunnan was suffering from the worst drought during the past few decades.{{cite web|url=http://yule.baidu.com/news/star/2010-03-30/120904258375.html|title=赵薇向云南旱区捐献20万元 众星捐款不忘出示发票|date=30 March 2010|language=zh|work=Baidu|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=4 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404000918/http://yule.baidu.com/news/star/2010-03-30/120904258375.html|url-status=dead}} On 17 April, the third day after the Qinghai Yushu Earthquake, Zhao donated 200,000 yuan to the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2010-04-17/14032932581.shtml|title=韩红募捐第3天 赵薇表示捐20万支持|date=17 April 2010|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=17 August 2010|archive-date=20 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420093455/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2010-04-17/14032932581.shtml|url-status=live}}
• In 2011, Zhao received the China Charity Billboard Award for her contributions to charity.{{cite web|url=http://ent.cn.yahoo.com/ypen/20110427/331476.html|title=中国明星慈善排行榜揭晓 赵薇林心如同获该称号|date=26 July 2011|publisher=Yahoo!|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726044859/http://ent.cn.yahoo.com/ypen/20110427/331476.html|archive-date=26 July 2011}}
• On 22 April 2013, Zhao donated 500,000 RMB to the Sichuan Yaan Earthquake.{{cite web|url=http://ent.163.com/13/0422/11/8T2FS32N00032DGD.html|title=《致青春》取消所有宣传 赵薇带头捐款50万|date=22 April 2013|work=NetEase|language=zh|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=30 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430030029/http://ent.163.com/13/0422/11/8T2FS32N00032DGD.html|url-status=live}}
• In 2014, Zhao launched the V-Love Foundation for childhood leukemia.{{Cite web|url=https://passport.weibo.com/visitor/visitor?entry=miniblog&a=enter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fweibo.com%2Fu%2F5444801610&domain=.weibo.com&ua=php-sso_sdk_client-0.6.36&_rand=1607077656.2774|title=Sina Visitor System|website=passport.weibo.com|access-date=4 December 2020|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132220/https://weibo.com/u/5444801610|url-status=live}} Also in 2014, Zhao was named ambassador for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.{{cite web|url=http://english.sina.com/entertainment/p/2014/1123/757299.html|title=Zhao Wei named ambassador for Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves|date=23 November 2014|publisher=Sina Corp|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204120806/http://english.sina.com/entertainment/p/2014/1123/757299.html|url-status=live}}
• In June 2016, Zhao donated 1 million RMB to the Anhui government, as Anhui was suffering from the worst flooding during the past decade.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2016-07-05/doc-ifxtsatm1361109.shtml?_t_t_t=0.11870999664702147|title=安徽洪涝灾情严重 赵薇捐100万助家乡救灾|date=5 July 2016|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=5 August 2016|archive-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820203943/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2016-07-05/doc-ifxtsatm1361109.shtml?_t_t_t=0.11870999664702147|url-status=live}} The same year, Zhao was appointed ambassador for China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) "Ethnic Minority Women Empowerment and Development Project", aimed to promote sustainable human development with ethnic minority women through joint collaborations in social and economic development.{{cite web|url=http://www.cn.undp.org/content/china/en/home/presscenter/articles/2015/10/empowering-ethnic-minority-women-through-innovative-practices.html|title=Empowering Ethnic Minority Women Through Innovative Practices|work=UNDP.org|date=21 October 2015|access-date=6 August 2016|archive-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923134654/http://www.cn.undp.org/content/china/en/home/presscenter/articles/2015/10/empowering-ethnic-minority-women-through-innovative-practices.html|url-status=dead}} She was also named the ambassador for an Anti Child-trafficking campaign by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. On 20 November, UNDP appointed her as goodwill ambassador. On 26 December, Zhao held a charity party for her V-Love Foundation and raised donations more than 16 million yuan for childhood leukemia.{{cite web|url=http://www.china.com.cn/top/2016-12/27/content_39989806.htm|title=V爱两周年众星助阵募千万善款|work=China.com|date=27 December 2016|language=zh|access-date=29 January 2017|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202050307/http://www.china.com.cn/top/2016-12/27/content_39989806.htm|url-status=live}}
• In July 2017, Zhao and her husband donated 1 million HKD to the Hunan government, as Hunan was suffering from flooding.{{cite web|url=http://news.china.com/socialgd/10000169/20170710/30948660.html|title=湖南暴雨 赵薇夫妇捐款100万港币|date=10 July 2017|work=China.com|language=zh|access-date=13 July 2017|archive-date=10 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710032657/http://news.china.com/socialgd/10000169/20170710/30948660.html|url-status=live}}

In 2001, Zhao shot a group of photos for the August issue of fashion magazine L'Officiel China.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/19/content_366976.htm|title=Lady luck?|work=China Daily|date=19 August 2004|access-date=27 October 2006|archive-date=15 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060915063006/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/19/content_366976.htm|url-status=live}} In one photo, Zhao was wearing a designer dress (Heatherette NYC label, designed by Richie Rich). The dress assembled a pattern similar to the Japanese military's Rising Sun Flag during World War 2. Four months later, in December 2001, Xiaoxiang Morning Herald, a local evening newspaper in Hunan, questioned and criticized the photo, provoking a national outcry against Zhao. On 9 December, the newspaper Beijing Evening News and network Sina.com published Zhao's apology letter.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-12-09/66424.html|title=赵薇表示深切道歉|date=9 December 2001|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=6 August 2010|archive-date=27 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127055652/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-12-09/66424.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-12-10/66492.html|title=赵薇就"日本军旗装"事件发表的公开致歉信(全文)|date=10 December 2011|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=6 August 2010|archive-date=12 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012031620/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-12-10/66492.html|url-status=live}} On 17 December, Zhao again apologized on the television show Entertainment Live.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-12-19/67472.html|title=赵薇接受《娱乐现场》电视采访再次道歉(附图)|date=18 December 2001|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=6 August 2010|archive-date=27 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127074105/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2001-12-19/67472.html|url-status=live}} On 28 December 2001, during her performance at a concert in Hunan, Zhao was attacked and had feces thrown at her on stage by Fu Shenghua, a construction worker who claimed his grandparents had been killed during the Second Sino-Japanese War.{{cite web |date=13 August 2006 |title=Waiter, There's a Celebrity in My Shark Fin Soup |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/weekinreview/13barboza.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612222555/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/13/weekinreview/13barboza.html |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=28 February 2017 |work=The New York Times}} However, after a two-month investigation, Beijing Youth Daily concluded that Fu had lied to the media. The investigation revealed that no one in his family had been killed during the war and that Fu was not a construction worker but had been unemployed for several years.{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2002-04-03/78257.html|title=泼粪者另有其人--赵薇长沙遇袭事件再曝新闻(多图)|date=3 April 2002|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=6 August 2010|archive-date=27 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127135920/http://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/2002-04-03/78257.html|url-status=live}}

Due to Zhao’s "Japanese flag dress" controversy, Zou Xue, then editor of L'Officiel China, stepped down from the magazine. She later became a business partner with Zhao and they opened a bar in Beijing, until it went out of business due to mismanagement, leading to their disputes. On 28 July 2004, Zhao‘s driver, Wu Jue, led around 20 people into a Beijing restaurant where Zou, then eight months pregnant, was staying and assaulted her, allegedly saying it was a lesson on behalf of Zhao. Zou accused Wu of acting under Zhao’s orders and took her to court. In April 2005, the court found Zhao not guilty, holding Wu solely responsible. Wu was ordered to pay Zou medical expenses amounting to RMB 2,146 and an additional RMB 1,000 for emotional distress.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/21/content_401923.htm|title=Zhao Wei accused of beating pregnant woman|work=China Daily|date=21 December 2004|access-date=27 October 2006|archive-date=20 October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020122406/http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/21/content_401923.htm|url-status=live}}

On 25 April 2016, Zhao posted costume photos of the main cast members from her second directorial feature, No Other Love, on Weibo, including Taiwanese actor Leon Dai and Japanese actress Kiko Mizuhara. The post quickly sparked controversy on the Chinese internet. Dai was accused of supporting Taiwanese independence due to his participation in Taiwanese social movements such as the Sunflower Movement and the Anti-Black Box Curriculum Movement. Meanwhile, Mizuhara faced criticism for liking an "anti-China" Instagram photo, posted by a Japanese friend, of Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei flipping off Tiananmen Square—a like she retracted an hour later.

Zhao completed the film in June 2016. On 1 July, the Communist Youth League criticized Zhao for casting Dai and accused him of supporting Taiwanese independence in a Weibo post, which was initially removed by the platform. Weibo stated that the removal was automatically triggered by sensitive terms in the post, such as “Falun Gong,” and reinstated it on 6 July following an appeal by the Communist Youth League. However, given that Weibo is partially owned by Alibaba, where Zhao is the second-largest shareholder in its film division—the publisher of No Other Love—the removal of an official organ’s post intensified the online backlash against the film, fueling a storm of conspiracy theories accusing Zhao of manipulating public opinion through “capital” and labeling her an “American spy,” an “Illuminati member,” and a “secret murderer,” among other accusations. In early July, Dai, Zhao, and the production studio issued public apologies. On 15 July, the studio announced plans to replace Dai, while Mizuhara posted an apology video online. However, the film has since been indefinitely shelved.{{cite web |date=15 July 2016 |title=Taiwanese Star Fired From Alibaba-Backed Chinese Film Over Politics |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/taiwanese-star-fired-alibaba-backed-911451 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718034901/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/taiwanese-star-fired-alibaba-backed-911451 |archive-date=18 July 2016 |access-date=5 August 2016 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite web |date=25 July 2016 |title=一周观察：小粉红虐小燕子 |url=http://m.inewsweek.cn/news/news_3023 |work=China Newsweek |language=zh}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}

Zhao's company Longwei Media had been planning to acquire Zhejiang Sunriver Culture Co since late 2016, when it was then named Zhejiang Wanjia Co, a Shanghai-listed company. The acquisition was to be primarily financed by Xiao Jianhua’s Tomorrow Group. On 27 January 2017, Xiao was abducted from the Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong and taken to mainland China. Subsequent to this, the acquisition agreement underwent multiple changes, with Longwei Media failing to secure bank financing and reducing the acquiring stake, before eventually canceling the agreement entirely, with no penalties pursued by either party. In November 2017, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) investigated Longwei Media and found that its capital operations contained “false records, misleading statements, and material omissions.” The CSRC fined Zhao and her husband, Huang Youlong, 300,000 yuan each, with an additional 600,000 yuan fine for the company. Furthermore, the CSRC imposed a five-year ban on Zhao and Huang from participating in the securities market. The punishment against them was seen as a signal of a crackdown on the Tomorrow Group, given the couple's close association with Xiao.{{Cite web |date=13 November 2017 |title=赵薇案传涉肖建华疑有重罚 |url=https://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20171113-%E8%B5%B5%E8%96%87%E6%A1%88%E4%BC%A0%E6%B6%89%E8%82%96%E5%BB%BA%E5%8D%8E%E7%96%91%E6%9C%89%E5%90%8E%E7%BB%AD%E9%87%8D%E7%BD%9A |access-date=24 July 2024 |website=RFI - 法国国际广播电台 |language=zh-Hans}}

In July 2024, a New York Times investigative report revealed that Zhao and Huang acted as agents for Xiao in his investments in Jack Ma’s companies. The report indicated that Zhao and Huang used approximately $400 million provided by Xiao to acquire a 9% stake in Alibaba Pictures. Additionally, an employee of Xiao’s was identified as the largest single investor in a fund managed by Yunfeng Financial, comprising Ma’s associates and relatives, including Zhao's mother. This fund is one of the largest shareholders of Ant Group.{{Cite news |last1=Forsythe |first1=Michael |last2=Northrop |first2=Katrina |last3=Chen |first3=Eliot |date=21 July 2024 |title=7 Takeaways From Our Investigation Into a Secret Investor in Jack Ma's Companies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/21/world/asia/jack-ma-xiao-jianhua-takaeaways.html |accessdate=23 July 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite news |last1=Forsythe |first1=Michael |last2=Northrop |first2=Katrina |last3=Chen |first3=Eliot |date=21 July 2024 |title=The Billionaire Criminal Who Secretly Profited Off Jack Ma's Deals |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/21/world/asia/jack-ma-xiao-jianhua.html |accessdate=23 July 2024 |newspaper=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

{{Main|Zhao Wei filmography}}

{{Main|Zhao Wei discography}}

• 1999: Swallow (小燕子)
• 1999: Magic of Love (爱情大魔咒)
• 2001: The Last Separation (最后一次分手)
• 2004: Afloat (飘)
• 2005: Double (双)
• 2007: Angel's Suitcase (天使旅行箱)
• 2009: We're All Great Directors ({{lang|zh|我们都是大导演}})

• 2001 World University Games
• 2002 China Youth Development Foundation "Hope Project"
• 2002 All-China Environment Federation{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2002-11/28/content_643485.htm|title=赵薇巴特尔等七人担任中华环保基金会"绿色使者"|date=28 November 2002|agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124073633/http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2002-11/28/content_643485.htm|archive-date=24 November 2010}}
• 2004 China Farmers Games{{cite web|url=http://sports.dbw.cn/system/2003/11/30/014290229.shtml|title=第五届农运会邀请赵薇出任形象大使|date=30 November 2003|work=sports.dbw.cn|language=zh|access-date=19 November 2009|archive-date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707023612/http://sports.dbw.cn/system/2003/11/30/014290229.shtml|url-status=dead}}
• 2005 United Nations Children's Fund's "Orphan and Vulnerable Children, Children Affected by AIDS Awareness"{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/health/2005-06/23/content_3123443.htm|title="受艾滋病影响儿童"宣传活动启动 赵薇代言|date=23 June 2005|agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106170413/http://news.xinhuanet.com/health/2005-06/23/content_3123443.htm|archive-date=6 November 2012}}
• 2007 World Special Olympic Games{{cite web|url=http://mil.eastday.com/eastday/sports/node72135/node72473/node80509/u1a2378482.html|title=姚明赵薇莫文蔚携手助特奥 全球形象大使添新员|date=15 October 2006|work=Eastday|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720172518/http://mil.eastday.com/eastday/sports/node72135/node72473/node80509/u1a2378482.html|archive-date=20 July 2011}}
• 2007 China Foundation of Disabled Person "Lighting Activities"{{cite web|url=http://epaper.jinghua.cn/html/2007-05/20/content_110632.htm|title=爱心永恒启明行动启动|date=20 May 2007|work=epaper.jinghua.cn|language=zh|access-date=7 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707045442/http://epaper.jinghua.cn/html/2007-05/20/content_110632.htm|archive-date=7 July 2011|url-status=dead}}
• 2008 China Red Cross "Heart Project"{{cite web|url=http://music.yule.tom.com/2008-11-01/0009/07061045.html|title=赵薇秘密赴北川送棉衣 因具亲和力成爱心大使|date=1 November 2008|work=Yule|language=zh}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• 2009 China Flowers Expo{{cite web|title=赵薇获聘"中国花博会"形象大使 化身花仙子芬芳绽|url=http://qw.bjshy.gov.cn/show.aspx?id=6000&cid=4|date=15 March 2009|work=qw.bjshy.gov.cn|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707031734/http://qw.bjshy.gov.cn/show.aspx?id=6000&cid=4|archive-date=7 July 2011}}
• 2010 Changchun Film Festival{{cite web|url=http://www.jlsina.com/news/2010-08-16/109172.shtml|title=与长春电影节再续前缘赵薇出任形象大使|date=16 August 2010|work=jlsina.com|language=zh|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819152104/http://www.jlsina.com/news/2010-08-16/109172.shtml|archive-date=19 August 2010}}
• 2011 Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival{{cite web|url=http://365jia.cn/news/images/2011-06-07/1AF754701EAAD369_10.html|title=赵薇空降第20届金鸡百花电影节合肥新闻发布会|date=8 June 2011|work=365jia.cn|language=zh|access-date=15 February 2012|archive-date=1 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701110425/http://365jia.cn/news/images/2011-06-07/1AF754701EAAD369_10.html|url-status=dead}}
• 2013 Festival du Cinéma Chinois en France{{cite web|url=http://www.huaxia.com/zhwh/whxx/2013/07/3421441.html|title=第三届法国中国电影节：明星佳片吸引观众过万|date=11 July 2013|work=Huaxia.com|language=zh|access-date=14 April 2019|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414023547/http://www.huaxia.com/zhwh/whxx/2013/07/3421441.html|url-status=live}}
• 2014 China Sport Show{{cite web|url=http://sports.qq.com/a/20140605/041918.htm|title=体育文化博览会落户芜湖 形象大使许海峰赵薇|date=5 June 2014|work=Tencent|language=zh|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205032441/http://sports.qq.com/a/20140605/041918.htm|url-status=live}}
• 2014 United Nations Foundation's Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves{{cite web|url=http://english.sina.com/entertainment/p/2014/1123/757299.html|title=Zhao Wei named ambassador for Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves|date=24 November 2014|publisher=Sina Corp|access-date=27 November 2014|archive-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204120806/http://english.sina.com/entertainment/p/2014/1123/757299.html|url-status=live}}
• 2016 The Ministry of Public Security of China's Anti-kidnapping{{cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2016-06-01/doc-ifxsuypf4727634.shtml|title=公安部启动反拐宣传 赵薇等受聘为反拐义务宣传员|date=1 June 2016|publisher=Sina Corp|language=zh|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604003229/http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2016-06-01/doc-ifxsuypf4727634.shtml|url-status=live}}
• 2016 United Nations Development Programme's Goodwill Ambassador{{cite web|url=http://gz.people.com.cn/GB/n2/2016/1121/c194849-29341039.html|title=联合国开发计划署任命赵薇成为亲善大使|date=21 November 2016|work=People's Daily|language=zh|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201543/http://gz.people.com.cn/GB/n2/2016/1121/c194849-29341039.html|url-status=dead}}
• 2018 Xining FIRST International Film Festival{{cite web|url=http://k.sina.com.cn/article_2295091411_88cc50d3001002tyx.html|title=FIRST影展本命年，开年海报拉开征片大幕，赵薇接任大使|date=2 January 2018|work=Sina.com|language=zh|access-date=2 January 2018|archive-date=2 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102132304/http://k.sina.com.cn/article_2295091411_88cc50d3001002tyx.html|url-status=live}}
• 2019 Festival Croisements{{cite web|url=http://ent.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201904/12/WS5cafe528a310e7f8b157618b.html|title=赵薇任中法文化之春宣传大使|date=12 April 2019|work=China Daily|language=zh|access-date=14 April 2019|archive-date=14 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414023548/http://ent.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201904/12/WS5cafe528a310e7f8b157618b.html|url-status=live}}

From 2013 to 2014, Zhao was the spokeswoman of Samsung Galaxy Note 3. From 2012 to 2017, Zhao was the official ambassador of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Since 2018, Zhao has been selected as the official brand ambassador of Burberry.[http://fashion.sina.com.cn/s/fo/2018-12-27/1053/doc-ihqhqcis0698818.shtml 大牌继续抢占流量艺人 赵薇周冬雨成Burberry代言人] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132157/http://fashion.sina.com.cn/s/fo/2018-12-27/1053/doc-ihqhqcis0698818.shtml |date=4 September 2023 }} Sina Corp.com 27 December 2018 Since 2020, Italian luxury brand Fendi has announced that Zhao will serve as the brand's spokesperson in China.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/fendi/status/1305061325949853697|title=It marks 12 years since the very first #FendiPeekaboo took shape. Celebrating with us, Fendi China Brand Spokesperson #ZhaoWei with the new Fendi Peekaboo|publisher=Fendi on Twitter|access-date=25 January 2021|archive-date=4 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904132113/https://twitter.com/fendi/status/1305061325949853697|url-status=live}}

{{further|List of awards and nominations received by Zhao Wei}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://t.sina.com.cn/zhaowei Zhao Wei's official Weibo]
• [http://zhaoweispace.blog.sohu.com/ Zhao Wei's blog at Sohu]
• {{iMDb name|id=0955505|name=Wei Zhao}}

{{Zhao Wei}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards for Zhao Wei

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{{Beijing College Student Film Festival Best Actress}}

{{Changchun Film Festival Best Actress}}

{{Chinese Film Media Awards Best Actress}}

{{Golden Eagle Award (China) Best Actress}}

{{Golden Goblet Award for Best Actress}}

{{Golden Rooster Award Best Directorial Debut}}

{{Best Actress HKFA}}

{{Hong Kong Film Award for Best Film from Mainland and Taiwan}}

{{Best Actress HKFCSA}}

{{Huabiao Award Outstanding Actress}}

{{Hundred Flowers Award Best Actress}}

{{Hundred Flowers Award Best Director}}

{{Shanghai Film Critics Award for Best Actress}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Zhao, Wei}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century Chinese actresses

Category:21st-century Chinese actresses

Category:21st-century Chinese businesswomen

Category:21st-century Chinese businesspeople

Category:21st-century Chinese women singers

Category:Actresses from Anhui

Category:Beijing Film Academy alumni

Category:Businesspeople from Anhui

Category:Chinese film actresses

Category:Chinese television actresses

Category:Chinese Mandopop singers

Category:Chinese women film directors

Category:Chinese women film producers

Category:People from Wuhu

Category:Chinese Buddhists

Category:21st-century Buddhists

Category:Singers from Anhui