The Yimou Girls

"Yimou Girl" is a nickname given for actresses who've received media attention through starring in a production directed by Zhang Yimou, with the case being that the production was their acting debut work or that they've starred several times in his projects - Hence, being favored by him.

Actresses Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi benefited from their roles after starring in his productions during their rookie years. Afterwards, they gained media attention and became international movie stars. The fame of these first two stars led to the title of “Yimou girls” by both the media and the public. Continuing the legacy with Dong Jie and Li Man, the popularity of the nickname rose sharply, although they themselves did not reach the same level of the prior two actresses.

Another common feature of the girls is that they were unknown before they appeared in his film. Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi and Li Man were students of the Central Academy of Drama. Dong Jie and Zhang Huiwen were dancers, Qu Ying was a model, Zhou Dongyu was a High School student, Ni Ni was a College student.