Chinese Actress Yao Chen Weds in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown’s reputation as a world-class wedding destination has received a huge boost in China with the news that multi award-winning Chinese actress Yao Chen recently wed her fiancé Cao Yu in the world-renowned New Zealand resort town.

Yao Chen at Matakauri Lodge

Yao Chen kept the wedding under wraps until after their special day on Saturday 17 November, officially announcing it to Chinese media on the 19 November.

News of the celebrity wedding sparked a media frenzy in China boosting New Zealand’s and Queenstown’s profile significantly overnight.

The popular actress, who has starred in various films and TV series such as "My Own Swordsman," is internationally renowned as the ‘Queen of the Microbloggers’. Her Weibo microblog (China’s Twitter equivalent) counts over 25.9 million followers and she is the third most followed micro-blogger in the world after Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

Yao Chen in car

With stunning landscapes, dramatic mountain ranges, crystal clear waters and a variety of luxury venues and experiences, Queenstown provided the perfect romantic setting for the film star’s wedding.

The ceremony took place at the picturesque St Peter’s Church in downtown Queenstown and the reception was held at Matakauri Lodge, one of New Zealand’s most romantic retreats.

A number of local operators and organisations were engaged to assist with the wedding, hospitality and sightseeing activities.

The newlyweds Yao Chen and Cao Yu outside St Peter’s Church

Yao Chen, Tourism New Zealand’s brand ambassador in mainland China, first visited Queenstown for a marketing campaign photo shoot in the resort last year. She has often expressed her love of New Zealand through social media.

Destination Queenstown CEO Graham Budd was delighted for the couple and extended his congratulations to Yao Chen and Cao Yu. “We’re thrilled they chose to get married in Queenstown and enjoy some unique and memorable experiences here with close friends and family.”

 

With its natural beauty, four distinct seasons, and diverse locations and experiences, Queenstown is a popular destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic short breaks, providing the wow factor at any time of year.


Yao Chen walking down the aisle in St Peter’s Church

The region is home to some of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery and its towering mountains, shimmering lake, ancient beech forests and glacial fed rivers have provided inspirational backdrops for many productions, with filmmakers and Hollywood stars alike falling under its spell.

For more information about Queenstown visit

www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.