Zhao Wei, also known as Vicki Zhao, is a Chinese actress, director, producer, and pop singer with an estimated net worth of $500 million in 2025. Often referred to as one of China’s “Four Dan Actresses,” Zhao became a household name in the late 1990s and quickly established herself as one of the country’s most bankable stars. Beyond her prolific acting career, she secured immense wealth through business ventures, including a landmark investment in Alibaba Pictures. However, her journey has been marked by both dazzling success and dramatic controversy, making Zhao Wei one of the most intriguing figures in modern Chinese entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 12, 1976, in Wuhu, Anhui, China, Zhao Wei discovered her passion for acting while still in high school. She made her screen debut with a small role in the film A Soul Haunted by Painting. Determined to pursue her craft, Zhao studied in Shanghai before earning a spot at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy. She graduated with top honors in 2000 with a degree in Performing Arts and later completed a master’s degree in film directing.
Breakthrough Acting Career
Zhao Wei’s career breakthrough came in 1998 when she starred as Xiao Yanzi in the hit TV drama My Fair Princess (Huan Zhu Ge Ge). The show became a cultural phenomenon across Asia, catapulting Zhao into superstardom. She reprised her role in the sequel and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in Chinese entertainment.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Zhao appeared in blockbuster films and television dramas, including:
- Shaolin Soccer
- So Close
- Red Cliff I and Red Cliff II
- Painted Skin and Painted Skin: The Resurrection
- Mulan
- The Founding of a Republic
- Dearest
By the height of her career, Zhao commanded salaries between $10–20 million per film, cementing her position as one of the highest-paid actresses in Asia.
Directing Success and Music Career
Zhao transitioned to directing with her debut film So Young in 2013. The coming-of-age drama grossed over $100 million at the Chinese box office, breaking records for a female first-time director. This achievement reinforced her status as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry.
Her music career was also significant. Between 1999 and 2009, Zhao released seven studio albums, several of which went platinum. She earned awards from the MTV Asia Awards and Golden Eagle Awards, proving she could dominate both acting and music charts.
Endorsements and Global Influence
Zhao Wei’s star power extended into the business world through high-profile endorsements. Over her career, she represented more than 100 international brands, including Dior, Versace, Motorola, Samsung, De Beers, Mercedes-Benz, and Fendi. As the Chinese ambassador for Fendi, she bridged Eastern and Western fashion markets, further boosting her influence and wealth. read more
The Alibaba Pictures Investment
One of Zhao Wei’s most notable financial achievements was her investment in Alibaba Pictures. In 2014, Zhao and her then-husband, businessman Huang Youlong, invested approximately $400 million for a nearly 9% stake in the company, under the recommendation of Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
The valuation of Alibaba Pictures skyrocketed shortly after, briefly making their stake worth over $1 billion. Although market fluctuations reduced the value to around $330–350 million today, the deal remains one of Zhao’s defining financial moves and a major driver of her net worth in 2025.
Business Ventures and Wealth
Through her company Longwei Culture & Media, Zhao and Huang expanded into gaming, animation, and luxury assets. They also acquired Château Monlot, a French winery, strengthening their global portfolio. These ventures, combined with her acting and endorsements, built Zhao Wei’s vast $500 million fortune.
Controversies and Blacklisting
Despite her success, Zhao Wei’s career has been overshadowed by controversy.
- In 2018, Zhao and Huang were banned from China’s securities markets for five years over allegations of misleading investors in a failed acquisition deal.
- In August 2021, she was abruptly blacklisted by Chinese authorities. Her name was removed from film credits, TV shows were pulled from streaming platforms, and her social media presence was erased.
Speculation about her whereabouts ran wild, with reports suggesting she fled to France. Zhao later posted a message suggesting she was still in China, though it was quickly deleted.
Adding to the mystery, it was revealed in 2024 that Zhao and Huang had quietly divorced in 2021. That same year, courts froze millions in assets tied to her companies. Although some of her work and social media have reappeared in recent years, her full return to public life remains uncertain.
Zhao Wei Net Worth 2025 – Final Thoughts
With a career spanning acting, music, directing, and billion-dollar business investments, Zhao Wei stands as one of the most fascinating figures in Chinese entertainment. Despite setbacks, scandals, and political pressures, her estimated net worth of $500 million in 2025 reflects both her immense talent and business acumen. Whether she reclaims her place in the spotlight or remains in semi-exile, Zhao Wei’s story continues to captivate global audiences.