Han Xue (File photo)

In order to play the role, Han Xue completely transformed her appearance. Wearing coarse clothing, she had to learn how to chop wood, carry water, and cook meals. After several months shooting on location, she was often mistaken for a country girl.

The TV drama turned out to be an instant hit, earning Han Xue nationwide fame. At the start of 2008, her singing career also began to take off, and her first album sold like hot cakes. The title song of the album reached the top of the pop music charts across China.

In 2007, Han Xue performed at the prestigious Spring Festival Gala, singing the soulful tune, "Wind of Bamboo". In 2008, she again made it into the Spring Festival Gala, joining the cast of the short sketch "Guards on the Street". The play won wide popular acclaim across the country.

Now, Han Xue is trying to put the focus on her acting career. Recently she has taken several challenging roles in TV dramas like "Great Crackdown" and "Above and Under Ground".

(CCTV October 6, 2008)