During her appearance at the Gold Gala, Esther Yu reaffirmed her pride in the global rise of Chinese dramas and the growing international reach of Eastern culture. In this interview, the Chinese actress reflects on the timeless beauty of Chinese aesthetics, her desire to bring stories from her country to global audiences, and the way acting, music, and fashion come together in an artistic identity defined by delicacy, strength, and representation.
You attended the Gold Gala, an event that celebrates Asian culture, creativity, and representation. What did it mean to you to be part of such a special evening?
It is a great honor and a meaningful responsibility for me to be part of the Gold Gala. This magnificent event brings together outstanding creators and talents from across Asia, celebrating Asian culture, creative power, and representation on a global stage. As a young Chinese artist, I am proud to stand here as part of this new generation. It gives me a precious opportunity to connect with peers from all over Asia, share our cultural confidence, and let the world feel the grace and strength of Asian creativity. For me, this is not only a glamorous evening but also a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual respect.
In your statement, you spoke proudly about the growth and global recognition of Chinese dramas. How do you see this moment for Chinese television on the international stage?
I believe Chinese dramas are now in a wonderful rising period with strong global momentum. Chinese series are no longer popular only at home. With their deep traditional heritage, unique oriental aesthetics, delicate storytelling, and sincere emotions, our productions have broken through language and cultural boundaries, winning over more and more audiences around the world. We have professional production teams, rich historical narratives, and authentic cultural charm. Right now, Chinese dramas have moved from being seen to being understood and loved internationally. I truly believe we will continue to bring high-quality, culturally rooted stories to global audiences and become an important part of worldwide cultural exchange.
Your work carries elements of Eastern culture, delicate emotions, and a very distinctive aesthetic. What inspires you most when representing those qualities in your projects?
What inspires me most is the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture, the genuine emotions found in everyday life, and the poetic beauty of oriental aesthetics. I have been deeply influenced by Chinese classics, traditional art, landscape aesthetics, and the subtle charm of Eastern culture since I was young. Meanwhile, the warmth, bonds, and growth between people are emotions that resonate across the world. When I interpret roles or create works, I naturally integrate the tenderness, inner strength, and classical elegance of Chinese aesthetics into every detail. Traditional culture gives me depth, and real life gives me warmth. That has always been the source of my creativity.
For the Gold Gala, you chose a look that combined traditional Chinese elements with modern haute couture. What was it like to shape that image, and what did you hope to express through it?
Wearing this look, I feel peaceful, confident, and incredibly proud. It perfectly blends traditional Chinese elements, classic cultural symbols, and modern high-end couture design. The outfit carries the grace of ancient Chinese aesthetics while embodying the independence and elegance of modern women. What I hope to convey is that traditional Chinese culture is never outdated—it can be modern, luxurious, and truly international. Oriental women possess both gentle grace and inner strength. I wish to help global audiences discover the diverse and timeless beauty of Eastern aesthetics.
You spoke about your wish to continue telling Chinese stories to the world. What kinds of narratives are you most interested in sharing with a global audience right now?
I am eager to share three kinds of Chinese stories with the world: stories rooted in traditional oriental aesthetics, stories about modern women’s growth, and warm, humanistic stories filled with tenderness. Historical and ancient-themed dramas carry our history, traditions, and romantic Eastern charm. Modern female growth stories show the courage, independence, and resilience of young Chinese women. Warm, realistic stories reflect the kindness, perseverance, and true lifestyle of the Chinese people. These stories carry cultural heritage and sincere emotions, and I believe they can build a gentle bridge between China and global audiences.
Your career brings together acting, music, and fashion, which are all powerful forms of expression. How do those different areas connect in the way you build your artistic identity?
For me, acting, music, and fashion are three expressive art forms that nourish and complete one another. Acting helps me understand emotions deeply and enriches my inner sensitivity, which gives my musical expression more depth. Music teaches me rhythm, atmosphere, and emotional tension, which helps me shape characters with stronger presence. Fashion refines my aesthetic taste, blends oriental charm with international style, and enhances my artistic temperament and stage presence. Together, they have shaped my personal style: soft yet powerful, lively yet elegant, with both Eastern purity and global confidence.
Looking at your career and the way your work is reaching audiences across different countries, what moves you most about that cultural exchange with international viewers?
What touches me most is that language has borders, but emotions and beauty do not. I have received so much love from audiences around the world. Even if they don’t fully understand the language, they can feel the characters’ tenderness, perseverance, and growth. Even without deep knowledge of Chinese culture, they are deeply drawn to oriental aesthetics and the unique charm of Chinese stories. This kind of resonance across countries and languages moves me deeply. It makes me even more determined to keep creating sincere works, share Eastern culture with kindness, and use my art to show the world a gentle, profound, and authentic China.
