Shanghai China Chinese Actress Wou Kong Studio 1920s Real Photo Postcard

Ruan Lingyu was one of China's most iconic film stars during the golden age of Shanghai cinema in the early 1930s. Known for her expressive performances in silent films, she frequently portrayed tragic heroines grappling with societal changes and injustices, making her a symbol for many women of her generation. Her filmography, including classics like The Goddess (1934) and New Women (1935), solidified her status as a leading actress and a cultural figure.