“Because of the Chinese culture of obedience, you don’t ask questions… You follow and obey.”

You never know what’s going to happen. That’s why I like acting. It’s precious to me to be able to live more than one life.

I think sometimes I’m more fond of doing the research for the character because you learn so much. Sometimes shooting is really difficult because you wake up early and you’re always hurrying. And sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m here and there.

Acting to me is real life – I don’t act.

Storms and darkness scared me, but somehow it encouraged me to learn about nature and I think nothing’s dark, dark is beautiful too.

The definition of love is giving.

I think I’m like a free spirit.

I guess I feel like it’s a gift to meet those talented artists like George Lucas and Oliver Stone, Spike Lee and Richard Kelly. Even if it’s a small role, it’s a gift to be working that closely with them.

English is my second language, but in Hong Kong, they don’t know that I’m from China. They think I’m from Hollywood because all the films they see are from here. China and Hong Kong are very different places, but they’re starting to merge. Still the culture is very different.

Every woman should shave her head once in her life, to experience what it feels like.

Like, you can find your dream, if you firmly believe. You have to have the innocence, and you have to have the daringness to trust.

The partner that you have is supposed to make you a better person, and when you’re happy, you’re a better person.

I think I’m open to adventures and surprises. As a performer, I’m really just naturally talented. And those roles may not look as good on paper, but I know how to create them on screen. I like to have fun and interpret my roles in my own way.

You have to be proud of who you are.

Wong Kar-wai and Ang Lee are two Asian directors I’m really fond of.

I’m a person that doesn’t have that many goals or plans. I feel like I’m the wind and I blow through life; it’s whatever comes to me. I very much respect nature. Whatever happens to me, I’m happy and I embrace it.

Sex is the best high. It’s better than any drug. I want to die making love because it feels so good.

Your own acts tell the world who you are and what kind of society you think it should be.

Chinese government is very clearly losing power in every aspect, but trying to fix up all the problems or potential problems.

I think I’m just a traveler. When you walk across a river and there’s no bridge, you build one. I’m used to having to deal with Chinese Communist ideology.

The relationship between the Chinese government and me is like a Cold War.

To call yourself a Chinese artist or woman artist or African artist reflects a certain kind of condition. To me, that is not necessary.

Everyone thinks the Chinese government selected me. Never ever. I was selected by Herzog and de Meuron.

I taught a lot of art history, especially Chinese, Japanese, and Indian. But the painting classes came back. The nudes came back. Not so much the still lifes.

I’m, I guess you could say, the Chinese-speaking, banjo-picking girl.