Citing Chinese news outlet QQ, And Tri Newspaper reported that Zhao’s journey to Tibet was for charity.

Following the online circulation of her trip photos, the phrase “Zhao Lusi doesn’t need crutches” garnered 45 million views on Weibo. Observers noted that Zhao ascended the slopes with ease, without the aid of a wheelchair or crutches, fueling suspicions that she may have exaggerated the severity of her health conditions reported earlier in the year.

Earlier, Zhao had disclosed her undergoing treatment for a health downturn. At the end of January, she uploaded images of her in a wheelchair and using crutches on her Weibo account, although some social media users pointed out that she was still wearing high-heeled shoes, which led to mixed reactions. Some criticized her choice of footwear as unsuitable, while others defended her.

In Dec. 2024, video footage of Zhao being wheeled into a hospital went viral online. Her team later stated that she had been experiencing health problems prior to her hospital admission and had halted all work- activities to concentrate on her recovery.

Zhao then openly discussed her struggles with depression, claiming it began several years ago. She initially dismissed her psychological issues, deeming herself weak and influenced by others who cautioned her not to “overdo it.”

The actress made her first public appearance since her hospitalization in late January at an event in Chengdu, China.

Zhao, 28, began her acting career in 2017 and has gained prominence through roles in popular drama series such as “The Romance of Tiger and Rose,” “Dating in the Kitchen,” “Love Better Than Immortality,” “Love Like the Galaxy,” and “Hidden Love.”