The 19-year-old was spotted shopping with a friend on May 12 at Shin Kong Place, an upscale mall in Beijing. She arrived in a luxury car, dressed stylishly in designer clothes and carrying a branded handbag. Her tall frame, fair complexion, and refined facial features, transformed after years of treatment, drew widespread praise on social media, with users noting her cleft scar is now barely visible, as reported by Chinese media outlet 163.

Weibo users called her transformation a “complete reinvention.” Many also remarked on her resemblance to her mother, highlighting her tall frame of around 1.75 meters, high nose bridge, and well-proportioned figure.

Li Yan was diagnosed at birth with a congenital cleft lip and palate. Her parents devoted nearly two decades to her recovery, sparing no expense to ensure the best medical care, according to Sinchew. She underwent four major surgeries. The first occurred in Boston, U.S., when she was just three months old. Originally expected to take three hours, the operation lasted five and cost 1 million yuan (US$139,000).

A second procedure followed months later to improve lip function and aesthetics. At age 12, she had her third surgery, during which she reportedly comforted her father as he accompanied her into the operating room.

Her most recent operation, in 2024, focused on the lip and nose area. Afterward, she posted a photo with a caption referencing a small boat weathering a storm, symbolizing relief at completing her long medical journey. Both parents played key roles throughout her treatment. Li Yapeng attended nearly every surgery, while Wong, though more reserved in public, provided steady emotional and financial support.

After her parents’ divorce in 2013, Li Yan lived with her father. Despite geographical distance, Wong maintained a close bond with her daughter, often celebrating birthdays together and visiting her during overseas studies. The two have also been seen shopping and singing karaoke like close friends. In 2019, she enrolled at an international school in Switzerland. With financial support from both parents, she led a comfortable life and was frequently seen purchasing luxury items and spending lavishly.

Faye Wong (r) and daughter Li Yan. Photo from Weibo

Although not active in the entertainment industry, Li Yan remains in the public eye as the daughter of two high-profile figures. She has occasionally sparked controversy on social media, including for posting swimsuit photos before turning 18 and appearing with affluent friends while reportedly spending large sums despite not having an income of her own.

Li Yapeng, 54, rose to fame with roles in popular Chinese dramas such as “The Singer (1997),” “Laughing in the Wind (2001),” “The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2003),” and the film “Eternal Moment (2011).” He retired from acting in 2011 to pursue business ventures. He married model Haiha Jinxi, 35, in 2022, and they have a daughter.

Meanwhile, Faye Wong, 55, has been in a steady relationship with actor Nicholas Tse since rekindling their romance in 2014.