- "In China, we don't consider someone truly beautiful until we have known them for a long time, and we know what's underneath the skin."
- "But I enjoy being an actress a lot, because I can feel different women's lives. I have the chance to feel like a geisha one day, and on another day maybe a scientist. That's the interesting part for me. My profession has helped me to grow up." - The Daily Telegraph January 2006
- [What does she think is the perfect happiness] "To be loved and to love." - Le Figaro May 2006
- "Being misunderstood makes me feel very uneasy." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [when told she was fantastic at speaking English] (Laughs) "Far from that - I'm still nervous...But I think you must keep practicing a language you learn. I'm getting much more comfortable and fluent with it now, though." - Pheonix TV Interview March 2007
- "Every time I accept a role, I have to feel I'm right for it. I like to take a long time -- two months, sometimes -- to get to know the character. On paper, it's flat; the character doesn't jump out. I think of it as a dress; you have to find the right person to wear it. Every time I put on a dress, I hope I can carry it well. So it is with a character; you have to try it on, get comfortable with it." - Washington Post April 2006
- "For Western women, it's much easier to be yourself. If you want to do something, you just go and do it. In an Asian context, women are still much more modest and conservative. I want, through my roles, to express the parts in the hearts of Chinese women that they feel unable to let out."
- "I've discovered that I value simplicity above all in dressing. I don't like anything I wear to be too complicated or fussy."
- "Working in Hollywood, it's clear the more money you have, the more technology you can get. So you can build a whole Japanese set. Only in Hollywood! I couldn't believe the first day I walked on the set. Rob Marshall walked me like a tourist round the set. It took 40 minutes, so how big was that? Today it can be winter, and tomorrow summer. Everything is unbelievable." - The Daily Telegraph January 2006
- [What was it like coming to America for the first time] "That was 1999, I think. I was 19. I only had one idea: I wanted to go to the "real" McDonald's" - Esquire Mag January 2006
- [Gong Li asked Ziyi if it was okay to hit her hard in the scene they were filming for 'Memoirs of a Geisha] “I said, ‘Yeah, make it real.’ And you know, she really listened to me. She whacked me so hard. And after I took off my make-up, you could see her handprint on my face. I thought, ‘Now I know how big her hand is’. But we had a great time and I hope I will have the chance to work with her again.” - The Star Online January 2006
- [On the similarities between her and Sayuri] “She had a difficult childhood and it made her into this determined individual. I, too, am strong inside. Since my first movie, there was all this pressure and people scrutinising me. But I just said, ‘Okay, pressure is a good thing. It pushes you to work harder. And you have to try not to be negative.’” - The Star Online January 2006
- [Does she find it strange that Chinese actors were cast to play Japanese women in 'Memoirs of a Geisha'] "I don't feel strange, because that's my job, to play different kind of people. It's really hard for us to learn how to be a — what's that word? I learn last night? Ah, yes. "Convincing." Convincing geisha." - Esquire Mag January 2006
- "After Crouching Tiger, there was a big change for me, with all the attention thrust upon me. I got lot of work: my first Hollywood film, and a lot of advertisements in Asia. I think for me it's a very good part of my life. I've been lucky, because I've had great characters to play. Now I really want to work with good directors."
- "You have to have a balanced view, a neutral view of what's happening. People flatter you. You have to maintain integrity. I don't feel as though I'm a part of Hollywood. I feel like I'm just passing through." - Washington Post April 2006
- [When asked if she was recognized in New York] "Yes, but it's OK...something funny happened while I was there: I was walking my dog in NY City one day...it crapped and I was picking its defecate up to the bin, when a stranger came over...a foreigner...and asked me if I was her. It was embarrassing but very funny. To be looking for a rubbish bin with crap in your hands when this happened..." - Pheonix TV Interview March 2007
- [What ability does she crave most] "I think it must be...the ability to repay others." - Pheonix TV Interview March 2007
- [On respecting others] "We should bear a respect for everyone you meet. I often wonder if I weren't the person I am, would people treat me the same way as they do now? I think about this. I might joke with a waiter at just about any restaurant...I don't think we must distinguish between people - it's just that God, or fate, made something happen to you, or someone else, in this life and the next. For what I've achieved, I feel there're just too many people I must thank. These feelings are buried innermost in my heart. If I get the chance to [repay, I would]...I don't know...these things affect a person's view of life..." - Pheonix TV Interview March 2007
- [What does she like best in the opposite sex] "Honest, steadfast, faithful, for sure...(thinks seriously) I feel I don't need not just simple professions of love. His love must be...generous and...open, all-abiding." - Pheonix TV Interview March 2007
- "You know, I never think I can become an actress. But it happened. Not because I dreamed it, but because it happened."
- [on working with Wong Kar-wai in '2046'] "It was so hard working for him, but I like the challenge. We don't learn the script, every day we had to, erm ... improvise."
- "Any one, be it an actor, director, producer or screenplay writer, we all need to face the feedback from viewers. Negative or otherwise, I believe anything is acceptable as long as it's objective. Criticism is a kind of power in itself, as is compliment." - Sohu.com September 2006
- [Has fame affected her family] "Not big changes. Of course, they're proud. I remember the first time I was on the cover of a magazine, my dad was so shocked he bought a hundred copies. I said, "What the hell are you going to do with all of the copies?" and he said, "Tomorrow, I'm going to give them out at my office." But I'm from a very normal family. Their lives have changed in the sense that we can have the things we want, but they still go to work in the morning and take the bus. They're from the old generation where they don't waste. I really appreciate it because they influence me." - Interview Mag October 2005
- "I always think it's really hard if you are Asian or Chinese to be really in Hollywood. There are not so many really great characters for you. I always think you are lucky to get offered something like 'Memoirs of a Geisha', but I don't think it will happen all the time."
- "I don't like kick-ass stereotypical roles. I already turn a lot down, even when they promise me a lot of money. I really want to do something in Europe. With a small movie, it can be an interesting challenge. But I have to get the right project. I don't think it's so important to go to Hollywood. All that trash that comes out of there! I don't want to do that." - The Daily Telegraph January 2006
- [Does she feel pressure from the foreign press] "I certainly feel responsible for my the movies I am in, knowing that many people will see them, and I feel compelled to give all I have to them. I'd will myself to do my very best and make each movie the finest it can be. This probably sounds too hard on myself, but I just have to stick to a principle like that. For instance, many reporters asked me earlier today if I go to the United States to just to make Hollywood movies. As a matter of fact, I really don't see making Hollywood movies as that important. What is truly important is not making movies in Hollywood but making what movies. It's not important at all where to make movies. The key question is what movies you make." - Sohu.com September 2006
- [Did she want to go away to school] "It wasn't my choice. But by the time I was 14 or 15, I really wanted to leave because of all the catty fights and jealousies. I even tried to run away once. [how far did she get] (laughs) As far as the garden. I just wanted to lie down by myself and look at the sky and feel freedom-the air, the stars, the moon. There was so much pressure, and I couldn't stand it. I remember lying there crying, trying to hide in the grass even though it wasn't so high. But someone noticed that the door was unlocked and called the teachers. I could hear them shouting my name, and they tried to find me. I didn't know what would happen; I didn't want to think about it. Then they called my home and asked my morn to come; when I heard her voice, it made me cry. I jumped up and yelled, "I'm here!" That's the only thing I did that was very brave. The next day I thought, Oh, I'm a hero." (laughs) - Interview Mag July 2006
- [On her connection with Steven Spielberg] "I met him, like, five years ago--for no project in particular. I didn't know any English at the time, so my agent told me to say, "Hire me, please." So I did, and he said, "Oh, my God, who taught you that?" It was really funny." - Interview Mag July 2006
- [If you close your eyes and picture where you feel happiest and most relaxed, where would it be] "On an airplane going anywhere for a long trip--no phones, only myself, and if I stop thinking, everything is very quiet and peaceful." - Interview Mag July 2006
- [At what moment was she most happy] "I cherish every day that passes. Each day offers something new, something different. I’m very happy at the moment." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [The last time she laughed out loud] "Last autumn, I took my puppy Teddy shopping. I found him a magnificent warm coat and the salesman put some thick socks on him. As soon as they were on his paws he shrank back and then lifted up each paw, one at a time. I burst out laughing and couldn’t stop. Teddy looked at me with the air of defeat. I nearly died laughing!" - Le Figaro May 2006
- [The last time she cried] "Watching Hustle & Flow a few weeks ago. When Terrence Howard prepares to go to prison and goes in his house to say goodbye to the woman that he loves. I was so touched by the tenderness in this scene that the tears flowed." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [What's the principal trait in her personality] "Perseverance. In spite of hurt and my frame of mind." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [What are her hobbies] "Listening to music. Massaging my feet. Cleaning my room. I love that, I find it very relaxing" - Le Figaro May 2006
- [What has been her biggest success] "Learning another language." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [What does she treasure most] "My relationship with my family. It’s very strong and full of love." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [Favorite writers] "I love reading children’s books in English. I can devour six in half an hour. The classic Chinese writers will always be in my favourites too. In particular ‘The Dream of the Red Chamber’." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [Her heroes] "Ordinary people who do extraordinary things." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [What talent would she like to have] "To play the piano. With virtuosity." - Le Figaro May 2006
- [A sentence that disturbs her] "When people say to me: ‘We’ll be ready when you are’. That frightens me" - Le Figaro May 2006
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