Zhao Wei’s first video release after being banned, short hair style is said to resemble Gao Xiaosong.

Chinese celebrity Zhao Wei, who has been banned for nearly 4 years, made her first appearance on Weibo on April 11 to promote the “Qiong Yao Classic Works Concert” scheduled for May 4 in Shanghai. In the video, she debuted a short hair look, sparking discussion among netizens who initially mistook her for a slimmer version of Gao Xiaosong.

The well-known Taiwan writer Qiong Yao, who was 86 years old, passed away by suicide at home on December 4 last year. Zhao Wei, who rose to fame through her role as “Xiao Yanzi” in Qiong Yao’s drama “Huan Zhu Ge Ge,” has been silent since August 2021 when she was officially labeled as a “bad influence artist” by the Chinese Communist Party. Despite the ban, she broke her silence on Weibo last year to mourn her mentor Qiong Yao, posting a photo of clasped hands with a message of remembrance. Netizens reacted with anticipation for the return of the “Xiao Yanzi.”

Apart from “Huan Zhu Ge Ge,” Zhao Wei also starred in Qiong Yao’s drama “Qing Shen Shen Yu Meng Meng.” With nearly half a year since Qiong Yao’s passing, her family is organizing a concert to commemorate her. Qiong Yao was not only a writer and playwright but also a lyricist, with many iconic songs from her dramas penned by her hand, some of which were performed by Zhao Wei.

On April 11, Zhao Wei recorded a video specifically to promote the “Love • Music Unbounded – Qiong Yao Classic Works Concert,” giving fans an update on her recent activities. In the video, the 49-year-old actress appeared with a middle-parted short hair look. Dressed in all black with only a subtle necklace, although her hairstyle may seem somewhat mature, her facial features have not changed significantly compared to the past, though she lacks the same vibrant aura as before. Additionally, Zhao Wei’s posture appeared reserved, possibly displaying a slight hunch. Some netizens commented that they did not recognize her at first glance and thought she resembled Gao Xiaosong.

Of note is that while other celebrities filming promotional VCRs for the “Qiong Yao Classic Works Concert” greeted the audience before introducing themselves, Zhao Wei immediately paid tribute to Qiong Yao at the beginning, ending with “I am Zhao Wei.” This unfamiliarity with the camera and appearance process seems to have diminished the confidence she once had as a leading star.

Since this is Zhao Wei’s first video release since being banned, excited fans expressed, “We have been waiting for ‘I am Zhao Wei’ for over three years.” Some supporters see this video as a precursor to Zhao Wei’s comeback, sparking discussions.

On August 26, 2021, Zhao Wei was suddenly banned across all Chinese online platforms. Her filmography was removed from various streaming services, and she was removed from cast lists. Her Weibo super topic was closed, and unreleased projects underwent recasting, leading to widespread fear in the entertainment industry. Even close friends in the industry distanced themselves from her on social media, seemingly fearing any association.

Following her “disappearance,” photos of Zhao Wei have surfaced in recent years, shared by netizens who claimed to have encountered her in places like Tibet and Anhui. The reasons for Zhao Wei’s sudden ban are varied, with some speculating it was due to her perceived closeness to Jack Ma, while others believe she became entangled in political struggles involving former Chinese leaders.

After Zhao Wei’s tribute post mourning Qiong Yao’s passing last year, her first in three years, she returned into the public eye. Subsequently, Zhao Wei clarified her marital status on Weibo, revealing her divorce from wealthy businessman Huang Youlong years ago and emphasizing that any reports about her ex-husband are unrelated to her.