Born in Shenyang, grew up in Jinan, the daughter of an economics professor. Loved music from childhood, and dreamed of a singing career. After failing to gain entrance to China's top music school in 1985, applied for and was admitted to the Central Drama Academy in Beijing, from which she graduated in 1989. While still a student, was cast as the female lead in _Hong Gaoliang (1987)_ (aka "Red Sorghum"), the initial directing effort by Yimou Zhang. China's best-known actress in the West, she was named Best Actress at the 49th Venice International Film Festival for her role in Qiu Ju da guan si (aka "The Story of Qiu Ju"). Made a series of successful films with Yimou Zhang, a collaboration that apparently ended with the breakup of their personal relationship in 1995 and Gong's subsequent marriage to a tobacco company executive.



Was included in People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People. Graduated from the Central Drama Academy in Beijing (1989) Received New York Film Critics award for Ba wang bie ji (1993) (aka Farewell My Concubine). Head juror of the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival Head juror of the 2003 Tokyo International Film Festival Her performance as Juxian in Ba wang bie ji (1993) (aka "Farewell My Concubine") (1993) is ranked #89 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006). Had a song written about her by the Red Hot Chili Peppers ("Gong Li"). Was chosen and honored as one of TIME Magazine's "60 Years of Asian Heroes". Can understand English but is uncomfortable in speaking it off camera and in interviews. Usually finds its easier to learn her lines for her English speaking roles phonetically. Beauty ambassador for L'Oreal cosmetics. Voted "Most beautiful woman in China" 2006. Appointed in 2008 by the United Nations(UNEP) as the "Global Environmental Ambassador", along with Mikhail Gorbachev , Richard Branson, Samuel Etoo Angelique Kinjo, Gabriel Yared. Named one of CNN's "25 greatest Asian actors of all time".