Wu Jinyan and Hong Yao, who famously turned their on-screen romance into real life after starring in Story of Yanxi Palace, had faced speculation about relationship issues since late September 2025. At the time, Chinese media reported that Hong Yao’s wedding announcement post about Wu Jinyan had mysteriously disappeared from his social media account, leading to suspicions that it had been deleted or hidden. In Chinese entertainment culture, couples often remove related posts only when a breakup or divorce occurs, fueling widespread rumors that their marriage was in crisis.
However,on February 18, Chinese outlet Sohu reported that bystanders had recently spotted the pair vacationing in Sanya, China, where they welcomed the Lunar New Year together. According to eyewitness accounts, the couple even went surfing side by side. This marks one of the rare public sightings of Wu Jinyan and Hong Yao together since rumors of discord surfaced five months ago.
Industry sources claim that instead of returning to their hometowns for the holiday, the couple chose to spend the Lunar New Year break on what appeared to be a honeymoon-style trip to rekindle their relationship. Notably, they traveled alone without their young child, focusing solely on time together.
Wu Jinyan surprised the Chinese public when she announced her marriage to Hong Yao on September 13, 2024. Around the same time, it was revealed that she was already six months pregnant. In February 2025, she gave birth to their first daughter.
Despite becoming a new mother, Wu Jinyan did not take an extended maternity break. After quickly regaining her slim figure, she returned to filming projects rather than dedicating herself solely to childcare, drawing both admiration and criticism.
Her marriage to Hong Yao triggered significant backlash among fans. Many in her fandom expressed anger and disappointment, arguing that she had jeopardized a flourishing career by marrying a B-list actor with a controversial romantic history.
Hong Yao, in particular, has faced intense scrutiny. Chinese netizens previously uncovered evidence suggesting he had continued flirtatious behavior even on the day he registered his marriage with Wu Jinyan, allegedly following and liking photos of an attractive influencer.
Moreover, during Wu Jinyan’s pregnancy, critics accused Hong Yao of appearing disengaged. While the actress attended filming sets, events, and press conferences despite her visibly advanced pregnancy, Hong Yao was rarely seen publicly supporting her. He even drew outrage after being photographed smoking near his pregnant wife, prompting accusations that he was inconsiderate and overly reliant on her financially.
Now that he has become a father, many netizens are expressing hope that Hong Yao will mature, take greater responsibility, and offer more support to his wife.
With their recent beach trip making headlines, the couple appears to be putting distance between themselves and past rumors. Whether this marks a full reconciliation or simply a temporary retreat from public scrutiny remains to be seen—but for now, Wu Jinyan and Hong Yao seem to be starting the new year side by side.
Sources: K14