Yao Anna, often dubbed the “Huawei princess,” has become a hot topic online following her appearance in the historical drama Unveil: Jadewind. However, rather than praise, the young actress has faced a wave of criticism over her styling and performance.
According to Chinese media outlet Sina on February 11, Yao Anna’s debut in a costume drama quickly sparked heated discussions across social media, generating more than 20 million views on related topics. As this marks her first historical series, public reactions have been sharply divided.
In the drama, Yao Anna plays Pei Yu, a talented female physician known for her intelligence and strong-willed personality. Despite the character’s compelling traits, many viewers argued that Yao Anna’s appearance does not suit period styling. Critics pointed out that her facial features appear too modern, while the makeup and hairstyling failed to blend naturally with the Tang Dynasty setting. Even when her character wears a face veil, some viewers commented that her broad shoulders and overall silhouette made her look more masculine than the refined healer she portrays.
In real life, Yao Anna stands at 1.7 meters tall and typically sports a short haircut with a tomboy, gender-neutral style far from the traditionally delicate image associated with many historical drama actresses.
Beyond her appearance, her acting has also been compared unfavorably to co-stars Bai Lu, Wang Xingyue, and Zhao Qing. When sharing scenes with more experienced performers, critics noted a noticeable gap in emotional delivery and line expression. Many viewers felt that her portrayal lacked depth and polish.
That said, some fans have come to her defense, arguing that Yao Anna demonstrates genuine passion for acting. Despite being the daughter of Ren Zhengfei, founder and president of Huawei, she has not relied solely on her family’s influence. Instead, she has taken on supporting roles in several projects to build experience, which has earned her a degree of public sympathy.
Others, however, remain unconvinced. They argue that acting is her chosen profession and that after four to five years in the industry, she has yet to deliver a widely acclaimed performance. Critics believe that without clear improvement, her presence may negatively affect the overall quality of productions.
Previously, Yao Anna appeared in supporting roles in dramas such as Meet Yourself and Good Will Society, and played a lead role in The Hunter. In The Hunter, her portrayal of a police officer also drew controversy, particularly over her handling of firearms in certain scenes. In addition to acting, she has pursued singing, though she has yet to firmly establish herself musically.
Born in 1998, Yao Anna is the youngest daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei and his second wife, Yao Ling. She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Computer Science and Statistics. Trained in ballet since the age of three, she also studied piano, calligraphy, music, and painting from a young age. Despite her privileged background and well-rounded education, her journey in the entertainment industry continues to face intense public scrutiny.
Sources: TP
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