When mentioning the renowned Hoàn Châu Cách Cách, one cannot forget the image of the charming “little swallow” Zhao Wei – the actress who has become a top star across Asia. With her bright eyes and captivating personality, Zhao Wei has deeply imprinted herself in the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide.
Not only is she a successful actress, but Zhao Wei has also become a cultural icon associated with the youth of several generations. Many people firmly believe that her defining image has shaped the style of many actors who came after her.
Zhao Wei is not just a character but a well-rounded persona, yet few know that she was inspired by a real story involving a girl from a peasant family, who once caught the attention of Emperor Qianlong during his travels. During a visit to Beijing, Qianlong encountered this girl, believed to represent the essence of the Qing Dynasty, and later established a residence for her in the Fuheng region.
The tale recounts how this girl was the daughter of a farming family, who once brought her home as a tribute when he traveled. Touched by the deep bond between the father and daughter, Qianlong took her in as a foster daughter and raised her as a princess. Despite being granted high status, her life was still fraught with challenges and early demise due to illness. Her later identity was never publicly recorded, only referred to as “the princess.”
This moving story has inspired Zhao Wei to create the character of Hoàn Châu Cách Cách, where she plays the central role, bringing a vibrant and optimistic outlook to the character, much like a colorful flower blooming in a garden.
Through rare and authentic images, AI has recreated visuals that can be compared to Zhao Wei. Drawing from historical data and modern technology, these images have sparked widespread interest across social media platforms. In the AI-generated portrait, the girl embodies a delicate beauty, with an air of sorrow, contrasting sharply with the lively, cheerful persona of Zhao Wei as Hoàn Châu Cách Cách.
Some people believe that this very essence of the character evokes deep emotional responses. While Zhao Wei in the film embodies a fun-loving, strong character, the historical figure outside the screen reflects the tragic fate of a woman from a humble background.
