“China’s First Supermodel”: 10 Things to Know About Liu Wen, Jing Boran’s Rumored Girlfriend

As is often the case with celebrity relationships, Jing Boran and Liu Wen have never publicly confirmed their romance. However, their captured moments together have continued to fuel speculation, making The Early Spring lead and the acclaimed model one of the most talked-about rumored couples.

Liu Wen is one of China’s most internationally recognized models and is widely regarded as the country’s first supermodel. She and Jing first crossed paths professionally in 2019, working together at a promotional event before appearing in a Chanel jewelry campaign. 

Dating rumors began in May 2022 after netizens spotted them cycling together at night and intensified in July when they were reportedly seen holding hands during a shopping trip and double date with singer Li Ronghao and actress Rainie Yang, according to 8 Days.

The pair continued to draw attention in September 2025 after being photographed walking hand in hand with their fingers interlocked while returning to a hotel. By December, Vogue had named them its Best-Dressed Couple of the Year.

Now, let’s get to know more about Liu Wen through these fun facts about Jing Boran’s rumored partner.

Born on January 27, 1988, Liu Wen grew up in Yongzhou, Hunan, China, as an only child. Her father worked as a construction worker, while her parents remained supportive of her journey into the modeling industry.

In a 2016 interview with Marie Claire UK, Liu opened up about her close relationship with her parents, sharing that they have always supported her career despite not fully understanding what she does.

“My parents are very supportive of me. I’m their only child, of course, so I always have to call them before I leave and when I arrive somewhere. Sometimes I still don’t think they really understand what I’m doing! I think they’re just happy that I’m happy and I love my job,” she said.

In an interview with Business Insider, Liu Wen shared that her mother encouraged her to pursue modeling to help improve her posture after she developed a habit of slouching, partly because she stood taller than many of her classmates.

In 2005, a then-17-year-old Liu Wen entered the New Silk Road World Model Contest in her home province of Hunan, motivated by the chance to win a computer. She went on to win the competition’s semi-final, marking an early step in her modeling journey.

“I just wanted to win the computer. Before, I didn’t really understand what modeling was because I grew up in a very small town, no fashion,” she told CNN.

After recognizing her potential as a model, 17-year-old Liu Wen moved from Hunan to Beijing to pursue a career in modeling. However, her early days in the industry were far from easy, as she struggled to find work and establish herself.

Still, Liu refused to give up, crediting persistence as an important part of overcoming challenges. “Persistence is a secret weapon for everyone. You’ll encounter difficulties at any job, and the best way for me to get through them is via endurance,” she told Forbes.

Despite her early struggles after moving to Beijing, Liu Wen soon made her mark on the international modeling scene. 

Her breakthrough came in 2007 when she appeared in a Chinese Cosmopolitan editorial styled in designs by Karl Lagerfeld and Viktor & Rolf, according to New York Magazine.

By early 2008, Liu Wen’s rising profile was already translating into major opportunities. In February, she was featured in four fashion stories for Vogue China.

That same month, she made her international runway debut, walking for Burberry before closing Trussardi’s Fall show in Milan. She then headed to Paris, where she took the runway for renowned fashion houses including Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Hermès.

By 2009, Liu Wen had firmly established herself as a rising force in the international fashion scene. She reached a career milestone during the Fall 2009 ready-to-wear season, walking 74 shows across New York, London, Milan, and Paris—the highest number recorded by any model that season and, at the time, a record for an Asian model in a single season.

Liu continued her impressive runway streak the following year, appearing in 70 shows during the Spring 2010 ready-to-wear season across the same four fashion capitals.

In 2009, Liu Wen added another major milestone to her growing list of achievements when she became the first woman of Chinese descent to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. 

Speaking to CNN shortly before her runway appearance, Liu recalled being stunned by the opportunity: “I was surprised when my agent told me. I asked my agent if she was joking. I didn’t think an Asian girl would get this job.”

Her Victoria’s Secret journey continued with appearances in the 2010, 2011, and 2012 shows, followed by her return to the runway in 2016, 2017, and 2018. 

Liu Wen continued to reach new milestones following her rise to international fame. In March 2012, she graced the cover and main feature of The New York Times’ T Style Magazine Travel Issue, where she was hailed as “China’s first bona fide supermodel.”

That same year, Liu made her first appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, further expanding her presence beyond the fashion world. By Spring 2013, H&M recognized her as one of “The New Icons.”

Liu Wen’s success on the runway soon translated into major financial milestones. In 2013, she made history as the first Asian model to enter Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid models, ranking fifth behind Gisele Bündchen, Miranda Kerr, Adriana Lima, and Kate Moss.

She maintained her spot on the list the following year, with her estimated earnings jumping from $4.3 million in 2013 to $7 million in 2014, according to Forbes.

Lead photos from @liuwenlw