Liu Yifei: From Disney’s Mulan to a $600 Million Empire

Liu Yifei, the Chinese-American actress who captivated audiences as Mulan in Disney’s live-action adaptation, has built a remarkable career and substantial fortune. At 38 years old (as of March 15, 2026), she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, balancing a demanding schedule with a private personal life.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born An Feng on August 25, 1987, in Wuhan, Hubei, China, Liu Yifei later adopted her mother’s surname and became known as Liu Ximeizi before settling on Liu Yifei. Her father, An Shaokang, is a former first secretary of the Education Office of the Chinese Embassy in France and her mother, Liu Xiaoli, is a dancer and stage performer.

Liu Yifei began her acting career in 2002, returning to China to pursue this path after spending part of her childhood in Queens, Recent York City, attending Louis Pasteur Middle School 67. She quickly gained recognition for roles in popular Chinese television dramas, including The Story of a Noble Family, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and Chinese Paladin. She was named one of the “New Four Dan actresses of China” by Tencent Entertainment in 2009.

International Breakthrough with Disney’s Mulan

Liu Yifei’s profile rose significantly with her portrayal of the titular character in Disney’s 2020 live-action film, Mulan. This role brought her international acclaim and solidified her status as a leading actress.

Financial Success and Business Ventures

Liu Yifei’s net worth is estimated to exceed $600 million. Her income streams include revenue from film and television roles, lucrative advertising contracts, event appearances, and real estate investments. She represents numerous international brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Tissot, Shiseido, and Huawei, with each advertising contract reportedly earning her approximately $25 million.

Beyond her entertainment income, Liu Yifei has invested in property, including a 16,700 square meter mansion, as well as properties in the United States. She similarly owns a collection of luxury vehicles, including a Porsche Cayenne S, a Ferrari 458, a Mercedes-Benz Jeep, and a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Personal Life and Interests

Liu Yifei maintains a relatively private personal life. Her only confirmed romantic relationship was with South Korean actor Song Seung Hun, which ended in 2017. Rumors of a relationship with Li Xian, her co-star in “Go to Where the Wind Blows,” were denied by their respective agencies.

Despite her busy schedule, Liu Yifei enjoys a quiet life at home and is known for her love of cats, owning 16 of them. She has described her feline companions as intuitive and spontaneous, mirroring her own approach to life.

Recent Events and Recognition

Liu Yifei continues to grace the covers of prestigious magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar, appearing on more than 10 covers in the last five years. She has, though, faced some criticism, including controversy surrounding her use of a teleprompter during an acceptance speech for an “Actress of the Year” award.