China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 49 Week of 5 May 2025
(1) Alibaba Collaborates with Social Media Platform RedNote in Fresh Domestic E-commerce Push
Alibaba and RedNote’s enhanced partnership integrates social content with e-commerce, enabling direct purchases and data tracking to counter rivals like Douyin.
(2) Eason Chan’s Historic Tokyo Concert Sparks Hope for Kai Tak Stadium Finale
Eason Chan’s Tokyo concert, marked by nostalgic performances and tributes, sparks anticipation for a potential grand finale at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.
(3) Joey Yung Announces Kai Tak Mega-Concert, Urges Fans to “Sell Out the Stadium”
Joey Yung announces a year-end stadium concert at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, blending humor and determination to rally fans for a landmark event following Nicholas Tse’s success.
(4) Zhang Ziyi’s 4-Year-Old Son Steals Spotlight with Adorable School Pick-Up
Zhang Ziyi’s school pick-up with her impeccably mannered 4-year-old son, Xingxing, wins hearts online, highlighting her down-to-earth parenting and reigniting admiration for their family’s warmth.
(5) Singer Gou Wei Passes Away, Close Friend Zhang Jie Mourns
Singer Gou Wei’s death sparks emotional tributes from friend Zhang Jie and fans, celebrating his music and resilience amid a private health battle.
(6) Jimmy O. Yang Announces June Show in Hong Kong
Jimmy O. Yang will perform his first major stand-up comedy show in Asia at the Hong Kong Coliseum on 14 June, highlighting his unique perspective and popular roles in various films and series.
(7) Hu Ge Debuts White-Haired Look as Yang Zi Stars in Eco-Drama “Tree of Life”
Hu Ge’s white-haired debut and Yang Zi’s eco-warrior role headline “Tree of Life,” a drama promoting sustainability through a story of rural innovation and hope.
(8) Chinese Actor Hu Bing Reveals Team Member’s Bag Snatching Incident in Barcelona
Chinese actor Hu Bing’s hairstylist’s bag was snatched in Barcelona, prompting Hu Bing to share safety tips for handling such incidents.
(9) Zhao Wei’s 15-year-old Daughter Makes Rare Appearance on Social Media
Zhao Wei’s daughter April Huang Xin shares rare social media updates, sparking discussions about her future as a social media influencer.
(10) Shu Qi Discusses Progress on Her Directorial Debut “Girl”
Shu Qi’s directorial debut “Girl” is 70% complete, focusing on young women’s stories and set for a 2025 release.
(11) Angelababy Shares Rare Selfie with Son, Emphasizes Family Time
Angelababy shares a rare selfie with her son, focusing on family time and privacy, while also shifting her social media presence to more personal and relatable content.
(12) Wedding Plans in Doubt for Late Barbie Hsu’s Ex-Husband Wang Xiaofei and His Controversial Partner
Wang Xiaofei’s planned wedding to Mandy Na faces uncertainty due to controversies from Mandy’s past, but no official cancellation has been confirmed.
(1) Alibaba Collaborates with Social Media Platform RedNote in Fresh Domestic E-commerce Push
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
Alibaba has deepened its partnership with lifestyle platform RedNote, enabling Taobao and Tmall merchants to embed direct product links in social posts, allowing users to seamlessly purchase items without leaving the app. Announced on 7 May, the integration targets RedNote’s 300 million monthly active users to counter rivals like ByteDance’s Douyin, whose e-commerce growth challenges Alibaba’s dominance. The move expands a 2022 content-sharing deal, now adding real-time data dashboards for merchants to track engagement and sales across platforms—a “full-chain” first for RedNote.
The collaboration merges RedNote’s Instagram-like influence with Alibaba’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure. Joint merchant accounts will let sellers monitor metrics from post views to completed orders, while RedNote gains e-commerce muscle. Analysts note the platforms’ overlapping user demographics—affluent, young urbanites—create synergy. “This is a win-win,” said Alibaba’s market consultancy, highlighting Alibaba’s resources as key to RedNote’s monetization push amid its U.S. expansion, where it briefly topped App Store charts in January as TikTok faced bans.
Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall Group (TTG), led by CEO Jiang Fan, reported a 5% revenue rise to $18.8B last quarter. TTG now partners with over 200 platforms to build an “open digital ecosystem,” with RedNote joining WeChat and others. As Tmall president Liu Bo stated, blending RedNote’s content with Alibaba’s commerce aims to “drive incremental growth” for brands in 2025’s competitive market.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3309414/alibaba-collaborates-social-media-platform-rednote-fresh-domestic-e-commerce-push
(2) Eason Chan’s Historic Tokyo Concert Sparks Hope for Kai Tak Stadium Finale
(Photo Credit: BASTILLE Post)
Hong Kong icon Eason Chan captivated 10,000 fans at his debut solo concert in Tokyo’s K-Arena Yokohama on 3 May, blending career-spanning hits with heartfelt tributes during his “Fear and Dreams” world tour. The singer-songwriter performed a poignant bilingual medley of his 1995 debut track “Wandering Soul” and Tamaki Koji’s “Mr. Lonely,” while honoring late Japanese designer Seo Hideki with custom stage outfits crafted by his former team. Seo’s widow and family attended to fulfill his wish to “witness” the show, adding emotional depth to the milestone event.
Chan reminisced about his early days in Japan, recalling his first sushi outing and collaborations with composers like Nishiura Yukie, who surprised him backstage. While addressing rumors of a tour finale at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, Chan cryptically teased, “Updates come at the right time,” leaving fans hopeful. His soulful rendition of “Fuji San” and praise for the venue’s “temple-like acoustics” underscored the night’s magic, though he humorously dismissed earthquake safety fears: “If it happens, we’ll sing louder!”
The concert highlighted Chan’s enduring cross-cultural appeal, bridging Cantopop nostalgia and Japanese influences. Attendees praised his effortless stage presence and the show’s technical brilliance, with many urging him to confirm the Kai Tak finale. As speculation grows, Chan’s Tokyo triumph solidifies his status as a global music ambassador, blending personal history with artistic evolution.
News Source: https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/showbiz/latest/20250504/1746340023077/陳奕迅日本東京首開騷-回應會否選址啟德辦巡唱終站
(3) Joey Yung Announces Kai Tak Mega-Concert, Urges Fans to “Sell Out the Stadium”
(Photo Credit: Weibo @ 容祖儿)
Hong Kong pop icon Joey Yung has unveiled plans to headline a year-end concert at the 40,000-capacity Kai Tak Sports Park, capitalizing on the venue’s rising prestige following Nicholas Tse’s sold-out four-night residency. During her recent ETERNITY show in Macau, Yung teased the event, rallying fans with a spirited call to action: “If you don’t assist, the tickets won’t sell out!” The announcement has sparked fervent anticipation, with Yung vowing to deliver unforgettable performances that “leave memories” for attendees.
In a candid 10-minute chat at her Macau concert, Yung balanced humor and heartfelt gratitude. She joked with a fan who missed her show due to childbirth (“Having a baby is more important!”) while underscoring her reliance on fan support. Drawing a playful analogy to insurance sales, she likened concert tickets to “policies” and expressed hope for continued loyalty, quipping, “I aim to receive renewals.”
Yung’s Kai Tak gig marks her latest bid to cement her legacy in Hong Kong’s live music scene. Known for her vocal prowess and theatrical shows, she joins a growing list of A-listers leveraging the stadium’s scale. With her trademark blend of wit and sincerity, Yung’s appeal to fans—paired with Tse’s precedent—sets the stage for what could be one of 2025’s most electrifying concerts.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/joey-yung-announces-concert-at-kai-tak-sports-park-urges-fans-to-support/
(4) Zhang Ziyi’s 4-Year-Old Son Steals Spotlight with Adorable School Pick-Up
(Photo Credit: Sohu)
Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi recently sparked online buzz after being photographed picking up her 4-year-old son, Xingxing, from school in Beijing. Dressed casually in a baseball cap and mask, the Oscar-nominated star radiated low-key charm while holding hands with her son, who wore a school uniform and backpack. Netizens quickly praised Xingxing’s striking resemblance to his mother, dubbing him a “mini-Zhang Ziyi” for his delicate features and poised demeanor. Social media users flooded comments, marveling at his “strong genes” and applauding his polite, calm behavior during the outing.
The photos reignited admiration for Zhang’s parenting style. Fans highlighted her hands-on approach, recalling past instances where she shared moments of Xingxing’s thoughtfulness, such as carrying her bag and saying, “Mom, you’ve worked hard.” Zhang, who married musician Wang Feng in 2015, is also stepmother to Wang’s daughter, Apple, with their blended family often praised for its warmth. Despite her A-list status, Zhang’s commitment to everyday moments—like school pick-ups and homemade lunches—resonated deeply, showcasing her dedication to raising grounded, kind children.
While some argued that celebrity children benefit from privilege, many countered that Xingxing’s good manners reflect Zhang’s attentive parenting rather than wealth. The wholesome images of mother and son sparked calls for Zhang to publish a parenting guide, with fans joking, “We want to steal this kid!” The heartwarming scene underscored universal parental love, transcending fame and resonating with ordinary families.
News Source: https://i.ifeng.com/c/8j4UdCatgGX
(5) Singer Gou Wei Passes Away, Close Friend Zhang Jie Mourns
(Photo Credit: Sina)
Chinese singer Gou Wei, known for his iconic bandana style and musical collaborations, passed away on 6 May 2025, prompting an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry. Friends and colleagues, including fellow singer Zhang Jie, shared heartfelt tributes on social media. Zhang, who co-wrote the beloved hit “Love of the Big Dipper” with Gou in 2004, reminisced about their friendship, recalling their first meeting in 2004: “I knew this talented singer would become a lifelong friend.” He revealed that Gou had privately battled a long-term illness for years, a struggle only disclosed during their 2023 reunion on the music show “Time Concert.”
Zhang Jie’s emotional tribute highlighted Gou’s humor, passion for music, and stage presence: “I miss… deeply miss the ‘big brother’ who always joked boldly, laughed heartily at my antics, expressed himself loudly through music, and sang fiercely onstage wrapped in his bandana.” Fans flooded social media with memories of Gou’s music, particularly “Love of the Big Dipper,” now imbued with renewed poignancy. Many also urged Zhang to “stay healthy and safe,” reflecting broader concerns about artists’ well-being.
Gou Wei’s legacy as a vibrant, resilient artist resonates beyond his music. His private health battle, revealed posthumously, underscores the hidden struggles faced by public figures. The tributes celebrate not just his talent but his enduring spirit, leaving fans and peers alike to cherish the joy he brought through his art.
News Source: https://news.sina.cn/2025-05-07/detail-inevtina6467405.d.html?vt=4&pos=108
(6) Jimmy O. Yang Announces June Show in Hong Kong
(Photo credit: Dim Sum Daily)
Popular Hong Kong-born comedian Jimmy O. Yang will return to his birthplace for his first major performance in Asia. He will stage his stand-up comedy show, “Jimmy O Yang Live in Hong Kong,” at the Hong Kong Coliseum on 14 June. Tickets are priced at HK$780, HK$580, and HK$380, with priority booking for HSBC credit card holders starting on Friday.
Yang, who moved to the United States at age 13 and graduated from the University of California, San Diego, has gained popularity through his unique perspective shaped by his immigrant experiences and Asian heritage. He is known for his roles in “Interior Chinatown,” “Silicon Valley,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “Love Hard.” His comedy resonates particularly with the Asian community in the United States.
During a short trip to Hong Kong in March, Yang met with legendary comedian Dayo Wong Tze-wah and actor Chow Yun-fat, sharing that Wong inspired his career in comedy. Yang’s upcoming performance marks a significant milestone, bringing his humor and insights back to his hometown.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/301875/Jimmy-O-Yang-announces-June-show-in-HK
(7) Hu Ge Debuts White-Haired Look as Yang Zi Stars in Eco-Drama “Tree of Life”
(Photo Credit: Tencent News)
Chinese drama “Tree of Life” officially began filming on 3 May 2025, with director Li Xue and stars Yang Zi, Hu Ge, and Li Guangjie attending the launch ceremony. Hu Ge, in a special appearance, stunned fans with a white-haired look—a style first noticed during a 2024 fan encounter when his natural gray roots sparked online buzz. Lead actress Yang Zi shared a poignant behind-the-scenes photo, captioning it: “In the barren land blooms the tree of life, brimming with love and hope. Here, answers unfold on the journey, and miracles thrive.”
The series, a realist ecological tale, follows Bai Gegen’s family in Golmud, who adopt a lost girl, Bai Ju. As an adult, Bai Ju (Yang Zi) pioneers Qinghai’s first yak research base and processing plant, transforming her community from coal mining and poaching to eco-friendly livelihoods. The story champions sustainable development and grassroots empowerment, mirroring China’s rural revitalization policies.
Hu Ge’s striking transformation and Yang Zi’s heartfelt post have fueled anticipation for the show, which merges star power with environmental advocacy. Fans praised Hu’s bold embrace of aging naturally, while Yang’s role as a tenacious innovator aligns with her career shift toward socially conscious projects.
News Source: https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/6263469
(8) Chinese Actor Hu Bing Reveals Team Member’s Bag Snatching Incident in Barcelona
(Photo Credit: NTD TV)
Chinese actor Hu Bing recently shared on social media that his hairstylist’s bag was snatched by a cyclist gang while working in Barcelona. The bag contained important items such as a passport and wallet. Hu Bing detailed the incident during a live stream, explaining how the thief swiftly grabbed the bag and escaped, despite attempts by his team to chase them down. The local police indicated that recovering the stolen items was unlikely.
In addition to recounting the robbery, Hu Bing advised viewers on how to handle such situations. He emphasized the importance of staying calm, immediately canceling lost credit cards, reporting the theft to the police, and searching nearby areas for the stolen passport. If the passport cannot be found, he recommended going to the embassy to cancel it and apply for a temporary travel document. Hu Bing also stressed the need to keep important documents close and to avoid traveling alone.
This incident follows a similar experience shared by Chinese actor Sun Jian, who revealed that his bag was stolen twice in three days while in Barcelona. Sun Jian lost his passport, phone, and wallet, expressing his frustration over the repeated thefts.
News Source: https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2025/05/08/a103983562.html
(9) Zhao Wei’s 15-year-old Daughter Makes Rare Appearance on Social Media
(Photo Credit: Baidu / Nanyang)
On 9 May 2025, Zhao Wei’s daughter, April Huang Xin, shared glimpses of her life on Instagram, revealing her striking appearance at the age of 15. Many noted her resemblance to her father, Huang Youlong, while inheriting her mother’s distinctive large eyes. Speculation arose about April’s potential future as a social media influencer, diverging from her mother’s path in the entertainment industry.
Zhao Wei, a former top actress in mainland China, saw all her films and television dramas removed from Chinese video streaming platforms like Tencent Video and iQiyi on 27 August 2021. Her Weibo Super Topic disappeared, although her personal and studio Weibo accounts remained. The removal of her works was unexplained by Chinese authorities, marking a significant shift in her public presence.
Zhao Wei confirmed her divorce from Huang Youlong on 28 December 2024, after being labelled a discredited artist in August 2021. Since then, she has maintained a low profile. Their daughter, April Huang Xin, has rarely been seen in public but recently shared updates on social media, showcasing her life and appearance.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/zhao-weis-15-year-old-daughter-makes-rare-appearance-on-social-media/
(10) Shu Qi Discusses Progress on Her Directorial Debut “Girl”
(Photo Credit: cnBeta)
Recently, actress Shu Qi appeared at an event in Macau, where she discussed the progress of her directorial debut film, “Girl.” Shu Qi, dressed in a silver sequin dress with wavy hair, shared that the film is about 70% complete, with only minor adjustments remaining. The movie, which she wrote and directed, focuses on the stories of young women and is expected to be released in 2025.
The concept poster for “Girl” has been unveiled, featuring a mysterious image of a girl’s intertwined fingers, sparking curiosity and imagination. Shu Qi emphasized the film’s unique narrative and visual style. Born in 1976 in Fujian, Shu Qi is a renowned Chinese actress and model, known for her roles in films such as “If You Are the One,” “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons,” and “The Assassin.”
Shu Qi’s transition to directing marks a significant milestone in her career. She has been married to actor Stephen Fung since September 2016, after years of friendship and collaboration. Her directorial debut is highly anticipated, promising to bring a fresh perspective to Chinese cinema.
News Source: https://www.cnbeta.com.tw/articles/movie/1498114.htm#google_vignette
(11) Angelababy Shares Rare Selfie with Son, Emphasizes Family Time
(Photo Credit: Weibo @ Angelababy)
On 4 May, Angelababy (Yang Ying) shared a rare selfie with her son, Little Sponge, on social media. The photo, featuring Angelababy in casual attire interacting warmly with her son, sparked discussions among netizens about his appearance, particularly his high nose bridge and mixed-race features. Despite not showing his full face, the photo conveyed a festive atmosphere.
This selfie is one of the few recent instances of Angelababy sharing moments with her son. Historically, she has been protective of his privacy, only posting photos on special occasions like New Year and birthdays, often obscuring his face with stickers or showing only his back. For example, in a New Year photo from January 2025, Little Sponge was seen interacting with props, highlighting their playful daily life.
Since 2023, Angelababy has reduced her public appearances to spend more time with her family. In April 2025, she was frequently spotted at Hong Kong Disneyland with her son, appearing relaxed and enjoying life. Her social media now includes more personal content, such as fashion tips, reflecting a shift towards a more everyday, relatable image.
News Source: https://finance.sina.com.cn/wm/2025-05-05/doc-inevmpnp6979164.shtml?froms=ggmp
(12) Wedding Plans in Doubt for Late Barbie Hsu’s Ex-Husband Wang Xiaofei and His Controversial Partner
(Photo Credit: Dim Sum Dialy)
Wang Xiaofei, the ex-husband of late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, was planning to marry his new partner, Mandy Na, in Beijing on 17 May. However, recent reports on mainland social media suggest the wedding might be cancelled, leading to widespread speculation.
The controversy stems from Mandy’s past, with her ex-husband alleging infidelity during their marriage and neighbors complaining about excessive noise during intimate moments. Additionally, provocative photographs of Mandy from when she was 18 have surfaced online, fueling further discussion. Despite these issues, a friend of Wang Xiaofei has denied the wedding’s cancellation, stating, “There is no cancellation.”
Neither Wang nor Mandy has officially responded to the situation, leaving the public to speculate about the wedding’s fate. The unfolding drama has captivated netizens, with many debating the impact of Mandy’s past on the couple’s future.
