Fan Bingbing signals return to showbiz with appearance at event in China

Fan Bingbing's back in the show business, it appears.

The Chinese actress made an appearance at an iQiyi event on Monday (April 22), half a year since she apologised for her involvement in a tax evasion scandal.

The event, which celebrated the ninth anniversary of one of the three largest media platforms in China, is a sign that the entertainment industry is welcoming her back with open arms, Apple Daily Taiwan reported.

The 37-year-old looked stunning in a pink and black Alexander McQueen suit, a Louis Vuitton clutch bag, and De Beers jewellery, which also suggests that the fashion industry is supporting her comeback.

Golden Globe award winner, Jessica Chastain also commented "Beautiful" on the red carpet photos she posted on Instagram, showing the support of Hollywood on her return.

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Fan has been gradually testing waters in preparation for a comeback this year.

In January, photos of her eyewear brand endorsement were circulated online.

During Chinese New Year in February, the actress uploaded four bare-faced selfies on Weibo and sent festive greetings to her fans: "Love all of you! Happy Chinese New Year!"

Later that month, there were rumours that her movie "The Perfect Blue," which she co-starred with "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" actress Li Qin, Xin Zhilei, and Wang Xuan, would be screened in cinemas.

In March, she attended the opening ceremony of a luxury aesthetic clinic she had invested in. Her fiance Li Chen, brother Fan Chengcheng, and good friend Janine Chang made an appearance as well.

Fan was embroiled in a tax evasion scandal last May when she was revealed to be signing "yin-and-yang" contracts to evade tax. She disappeared from public view after she was found guilty of tax evasion and ordered to pay 883 million yuan (S$176 million).

The scandal subsequently sparked a government crackdown on the Chinese entertainment industry.

asiaone@mm2entertainment.com