Wang Ziwen (Olivia Wang): From Sichuan Schoolgirl to Bold Single-Mom Star of C-Drama
Story of Wang Ziwen (Olivia Wang):
Early Life in Sichuan:
A Scholar’s Family and Artistic Roots Wang Ziwen, also known
internationally as Olivia Wang and recently as Ava Wang, was born on 28
February 1987 in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China. She grew up in an
intellectual family. Both her father and grandfather worked as university
teachers. This academic environment exposed her to literature, music, and
disciplined study early on. She developed a strong interest in performance as
well. As a child, she studied dance and artistic gymnastics, which helped her
with body control and stage awareness long before she ever acted in front of a
camera. Her father, Wang Xinghe, a guitar teacher at Sichuan Normal University,
encouraged her to appreciate rhythm and expression, shaping her acting style.
Teen Trainee in South Korea: A Difficult Idol Dream
At just 13 years old, Wang was scouted by an entertainment
company. She moved to South Korea as part of an early wave of Chinese idol
trainees, long before K-pop’s global rise. She underwent intensive training in
singing, dancing, and performance. The strict schedules and high pressure were
challenging. Although the girl group she was preparing for disbanded and she
never debuted as an idol, this experience toughened her mindset. It also gave
her insight into the tough realities of the entertainment industry. Later
observers have noted that this chapter helped pave the way for later Chinese
idols like Victoria Song and Meng Jia, showing how long these trainee links
have been around.
Professional Training at the Central Academy of Drama
After returning to China, Wang decided to formally study
acting. She enrolled in the prestigious Central Academy of Drama in Beijing,
one of the top performance schools in the country. At the academy, she honed
her skills through stage work, classical training, and rigorous acting
exercises. This transformed her from a former idol trainee into a serious drama
student. Her time there gave her a deep understanding of character study,
physical technique, and ensemble performance. It also connected her with a growing
network of young Chinese actors and directors.
Early Roles and Onscreen Breakthrough
Wang Ziwen began acting around 2005–2006. She initially
appeared in television dramas and gained attention with the war drama “Cold
Autumn,” in which she played the female lead Qiu Hong. These early roles
allowed her to build a diverse resume and demonstrate her ability to handle
both emotional and action-packed scenes. She worked consistently in dramas,
establishing herself as a versatile performer, though national fame was still a
few years away.
“Ode to Joy” and the Rise of Qu Xiaoxiao
Her major breakout came with the popular urban drama “Ode to
Joy.” In it, she portrayed Qu Xiaoxiao, a wealthy, sharp-tongued yet
warm-hearted woman living in a Shanghai apartment complex. This character
became a cultural icon, representing a modern, independent, funny, and
emotionally honest Chinese woman. Wang’s performance perfectly blended mischief
and vulnerability, making Qu Xiaoxiao one of the most talked-about characters
in Chinese TV at the time. The role launched her into mainstream fame and landed
her on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, where she ranked 87th in 2017.
“When a Snail Falls in Love” and Expanding Range
Wang further impressed audiences in the crime romance drama
“When a Snail Falls in Love.” She played Xu Xu, a quiet but brilliant criminal
profiler. In contrast to the lively Qu Xiaoxiao, Xu Xu was introspective,
gentle, and emotionally reserved. The success of this show showcased Wang’s
range, proving she could transition from a comedic urban heiress to a serious,
analytical heroine without losing authenticity. Her performance won fans across
Asia and increased her appeal on international streaming platforms.
Wang Ziwen (Olivia Wang): From Sichuan Schoolgirl to Bold Single-Mom Star of C-Drama#age#networth#actress#entrepreneur#cdrama#singlemother#journey#lif
Film Roles, Stage
Work, and Continued Popularity
In addition to television, Wang appeared in various films
and variety shows. She steadily built a multi-faceted career. She took on roles
in romantic comedies, suspense dramas, and character-driven stories, often
collaborating with top Chinese actors. Industry watchers praised her ability to
stand out in ensemble casts and bring something unique to every role, whether
lead or supporting. Over time, she also created her own studio, Wang Ziwen
Studio. This allowed her greater control over her projects and brand.
Single Motherhood and Public Revelation of Her Son
One of the most talked-about aspects of Wang Ziwen’s life
emerged not from scripted drama, but from reality TV. On the variety show “A
Journey for Love,” she revealed for the first time that she has a young son,
whom she has been raising alone. She clarified that she has never been married
and chose to be a single mother. This announcement sparked considerable
discussion across Chinese social media. Instead of facing backlash, she
received admiration from many young Chinese women who viewed her honesty and choice
as symbols of independence and modern female self-determination.
Romance on Reality TV and Life After During
“A Journey for Love,” Wang met actor Wu Yongen, and they
started a relationship that captured viewers’ attention. They were seen as a
sweet, compatible couple, and their story became a central focus of the show.
However, Wang later confirmed that they had separated and were no longer
together. This underlined that reality-show romance does not always lead to
lasting partnerships. Her honesty about the breakup, along with her openness
about single motherhood, reinforced her image as someone willing to share real
emotions rather than maintain a false public persona.
Current Image: Embracing Authenticity and New Roles
By 2025, Wang Ziwen, sometimes credited as Ava Wang, has
become a symbol of changing social norms in China, especially regarding women’s
autonomy, parenting, and relationships. She remains active in dramas and films,
often playing modern, complex female characters that reflect her own growth. On
social media and in interviews, she openly discusses balancing work and
motherhood, setting boundaries in relationships, and resisting societal
stereotypes about how women “should” live. This mix of screen talent and
personal authenticity has made her a cherished figure among fans of all ages.
Today’s Status and
Future Directions
As of late 2025, Wang Ziwen continues to make headlines in
Chinese entertainment news for her acting projects and life choices, which
mirror broader shifts toward valuing authenticity and diverse family models in
China. With new dramas and films in development, expanded brand partnerships,
and a growing international fan base, she stands as one of the most
recognizable and influential actresses of her generation. Her journey, from a
Sichuan schoolgirl and South Korean trainee to a celebrated actress and self-defined
single mother, tells a modern story of independence, reinvention, and quiet
courage.
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