Chinese social media is abuzz over Zhao Liying’s unusually long absence from the spotlight in recent months.
Recently, Zhao Liying was surrounded by rumors that she would reunite with Feng Shaofeng five years after their divorce. Some sources even claim that the Journey of Flowers actress is secretly pregnant with their second child. After taking a closer look at Zhao Liying’s social media activity and work schedule, netizens noticed that she has been largely absent from the entertainment industry for nearly a year, since she finished filming The Dream Maker in May 2025. On July 7, a social media account sparked controversy by claiming to have spotted Zhao Liying wearing a cap and mask while visiting the obstetrics department of a hospital. In photos shared online, The Story of Minglan star appeared to have a noticeably rounded stomach. Shortly thereafter, her assistant was reportedly seen carrying several children’s shopping bags while pushing a stroller.
As speculation spread that Zhao Liying had stepped away from work because she was pregnant, her studio quickly denied the claims. Her representatives explained that the photo showing her apparently pregnant belly was actually an old image taken during her first pregnancy several years ago, not a recent one. The study also confirmed that Zhao Liying had indeed recently visited a hospital, but not the obstetrics department. Instead, she went for a check-up related to a back injury. As for the baby items and stroller seen with the assistant, the agency clarified that they belonged to a friend of the assistant, who had simply been helping take care of the friend’s baby for a few hours.
According to insiders, Zhao Liying is currently taking a break from work to rest and recover from injuries sustained during previous filming projects. In addition to ongoing back and spinal problems, the actress reportedly suffered from fluid accumulation in her knee and a bone fracture during the filming of Article 20. Furthermore, her son is now seven years old, and Zhao Liying wants to devote more time to supporting him after he enters primary school, after years of living mainly with Feng Shaofeng and his paternal grandparents.
Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng fell in love after working together on The Monkey King 3 and The Story of Minglan. Throughout 2017, the couple repeatedly denied dating rumors despite constant speculation. Then, in October 2018, the actress shocked fans by announcing that she had married Feng Shaofeng. The A-list couple welcomed their first child in March 2019. However, after just three years of marriage, Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng announced their divorce, surprising the public. Rumors of the breakup included accusations that Feng Shaofeng had been unfaithful and that Zhao Liying had not been accepted by her former in-laws due to her humble origins and lack of a college degree. Among actresses born in the post-1985 generation who married, Zhao Liying was often described as the most heartbreaking case, as she reportedly never had a wedding ceremony or even a wedding ring.
Feng Shaofeng took primary custody of his son. The boy, affectionately nicknamed Xiang Xiang, lives with his father and paternal grandparents in Shanghai. Zhao Liying previously explained that she agreed to let Feng raise her son because her financial situation is more stable. Feng’s family is well-known in China’s textile industry and he is the sole heir to the family business.
In the Chinese entertainment industry, Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng remain one of the few divorced celebrity couples who have maintained a positive relationship. The two continue to share parental responsibilities, taking turns caring for their son whenever the other is busy filming.
Sources: K14
