Zhang Jingyi’s Plastic Bag Moment at Beijing International Film Festival Sparks Debate
Chinese actress Zhang Jingyi recently became the subject of online discussion after being photographed carrying a simple yellow plastic bag at an event. The incident, initially reported by Korean media outlet TVBS on March 24, 2026, sparked speculation about whether it was a fashion statement, a commentary on environmental issues, or a clever marketing tactic.
Zhang Jingyi carrying a yellow plastic bag at the Beijing International Film Festival. Instagram capture
The photo, taken at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in April 2025, shows Zhang Jingyi on the red carpet wearing a black dress and holding the yellow bag. Social media users in China quickly began to speculate, with theories ranging from a rebellious fashion choice to a performance art piece promoting environmental protection. Some even suggested it might be a novel luxury item designed to resemble a plastic bag, referencing Balenciaga’s 2022 “Trash Pouch,” which mimicked the look of a garbage bag but was crafted from calf leather.
But, investigations by Chinese media revealed the bag was, in fact, a genuine plastic bag used as a prop in Zhang Jingyi’s film, The One and Only. According to Zhang Jingyi, she intentionally carried the bag to convey a message about environmental awareness and to promote the film.
About Zhang Jingyi
Zhang Jingyi (Chinese: 张婧仪; born July 10, 1999) is a Chinese actress who graduated from the Beijing Film Academy in 2017. She began her career in 2018 after signing with K.Artists, an agency co-established by Chen Kun and Zhou Xun. She is known for her roles in several popular television dramas and films, including Fall in Love (2021), Lighter and Princess (2022), Blossoms in Adversity (2024), and upcoming projects like The Legend of Zang Hai (2025) and Reborn (2025).
Filmography Highlights:
- 2021: Love Will Tear Us Apart
- 2021: 1921
- 2022: The Great Director
- 2023: Hidden Blade
- 2024: I Miss You
- 2024: Blossoms in Adversity
Reporter Lim Joo-hyung skepped@asiae.co.kr
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