The Chinese entertainment industry is rife with unspoken rules. Among them is the widely known but rarely acknowledged practice of celebrities attending banquets, entertaining powerful figures, and drinking with industry elites. While insiders claim it’s not mandatory, in reality, it’s almost impossible for female stars to reject invitations to these parties especially when wealthy and influential figures are involved behind the scenes.
Even top stars like Fan Bingbing, Liu Yifei, Gong Li, and Lin Chi-ling are said to have had to follow this unwritten rule, keeping powerful men happy even if it means their public image suffers or they face prostitution rumors.
The Dark Reality Behind the Glamour
According to Sina, more than 90% of female celebrities in Chinese showbiz have received invitations or have been pressured to attend dinners, parties, or share drinks with powerful men. Some are even generously compensated for these “diplomatic appearances” at the table.
An anonymous director shared that the ideal candidates for these engagements are beautiful women with alluring bodies, strong alcohol tolerance, good at pleasing others, and tolerant of close physical contact.
Young or lesser-known actresses are more vulnerable, as they are seen as fresh, easier to control, and more eager to please. Refusing such invitations often results in losing roles or being sidelined by production companies.
Years ago, photos leaked of Fan Bingbing pouring drinks and sitting on the lap of powerful director Zhang Jizhong a shocking revelation at the time. Back then, Fan was still early in her career and reportedly pressured by her agency to entertain influential men.
Despite having a billionaire foster father, Liu Yifei was also seen at exclusive parties, drinking and chatting with major players in the industry. International film icons like Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li were likewise not spared often seen being physically handled or embraced during such banquets.
This has led many to believe these gatherings are an unavoidable tradition in Chinese showbiz. After all, these women aren’t short on money or fame. Yet the lingering photos of Fan Bingbing, Gong Li, and Liu Yifei at these events remain damaging stains on their careers fueling ongoing speculation about trading favors for fame.
In 2018, a video of a private banquet hosted by director Feng Xiaogang at his home went viral. Only two female entertainers were present singer Zhang Yan and young actress Miao Miao.
After the musical performance, Feng and veteran actor Ge You pressured Miao Miao to dance. Initially reluctant, she was eventually forced to comply after being shouted at and physically pressured by Feng. Netizens later noted how Feng gripped her wrist aggressively during the exchange. Miao, who had been promoted by Feng in his film Youth, had no choice but to obey.
The video of Miao Miao dancing barefoot for an all-male elite audience outraged the public. It exposed the reality behind the glitz: young actresses reduced to puppets, performing for powerful men as if in a historical drama.
According to insiders, Feng Xiaogang frequently held these “banquets” and used his status to force female artists into performing for his high-profile guests. These events became infamously known as “Feng Xiaogang’s feasts.”
A Web of Traps and Silent Deals
Director Jiang Xiaoyu called these exchanges capitalist transactions—trading beauty for financial or career gain. He noted:
“No deal fails at the dinner table.”
He revealed that lead roles in dramas and films are often switched after a single party, with newcomer A being replaced by newcomer B due to “performance” during the banquet.
Singer Xu Huaiyu once sued her agency for forcing her to entertain a gangster. She was coerced into a dinner performance, got drunk to the point of unconsciousness, and was saved only by a vigilant manager.
“A Lifetime Stain”
Actress Dian Li, once crowned Best Actress at the 37th Golden Bell Awards, claimed that 99% of Chinese female stars have entertained tycoons even A-listers like Fan Bingbing, Zhao Wei, and Zhang Ziyi. She added that some went as far as sleeping with moguls to receive lucrative resources.
“Some were forced, but others took it as a ‘side hustle’ using their beauty and fame to climb the ladder,” said Dian Li. “In this industry full of temptations, not everyone can resist. Once you’re photographed pouring drinks, that stain sticks forever no matter how much you deny it.”
Sources: Gamek