Behind-the-scenes images from the film have been widely shared by many viewers on the Red Note platform, attracting thousands of comments. The production was filmed when Liu Yifei had limited experience in acting and martial arts.

Liu Yifei as Wang Yuyan in "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils". Photo: Mtime

In a cliff-falling scene, Liu Yifei was secured by cables wrapped around her waist and arms. A crew member below supported her legs as she posed as if struggling. Liu Yifei performed most of her own flying and horse-riding scenes.

Wang Yuyan's precarious airborne scene in "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils". Video: Bilibili

The series was filmed over six months in Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Zhejiang, and Yunnan. Set during the Northern Song dynasty, Wang Yuyan, the daughter of Lady Wang and Duan Zhengchun, was depicted as having a celestial beauty. She also possessed a sharp intellect, having memorized nearly all martial arts scriptures in the realm.

Writer Jin Yong (1924-2018) visited the "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" set, conversing with crew members. He wrote in the female lead's script: "Miss Yifei, thanks to your portrayal of Wang Yuyan, readers will believe Jin Yong did not deceive them." On CCTV, the actress expressed surprise and being touched by the writer's dedication.

Yifei on the set of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils". Photo: Mtime

The actress revealed that during filming, she felt fearful and anxious surrounded by veteran actors. Due to her inexperience, Liu Yifei constantly felt inadequate. She stated: "My calm and serene appearance was just a facade I tried to create. By pretending for so long, I naturally became that way. At that time, I constantly thought of ways to truly strengthen myself." When not filming, she practiced piano, danced, and studied languages.

Yifei was born in 1987 in Wuhan. Her mother is dancer Liu Xiaoli, and her father, An Shaokang, was a French lecturer who later worked at the Chinese Consulate in France. When Yifei was 10, her parents divorced. She moved to the United States with her mother to study and live, acquiring U.S. citizenship. Five years later, she returned to China, was named Liu Yifei by her godfather, and entered the entertainment industry with her debut film, "The Story of a Noble Family".

Liu Yifei's portrayal of Wang Yuyan. Photo: Mtime

Subsequently, Liu Yifei starred in a series of major productions, including "Chinese Paladin" (2005) and "The Return of the Condor Heroes" (2006). In recent years, she gained acclaim through films like "A Dream of Splendor", "Meet Yourself", and "The Rose Story".

With 25 years in entertainment, Liu Yifei has maintained her status as a top star. According to Sina, her advertising fees are among the highest for Chinese celebrities; each contract earns her approximately 25 million yuan (3.4 million USD). Yifei is a global ambassador for brands like: LV, Bvlgari, Tissot, Shiseido, and around 10 Chinese brands such as Huawei and Meituan.

Nhu Anh