Chinese actor Jiang Xin's wax figure was unveiled Wednesday at Madame Tussauds Beijing, depicting her role as Shen Jilan, China's longest-serving national lawmaker, in the TV series "Medal of the Republic.
Wang Rui (left), general manager of Merlin Entertainments Beijing, and Chinese actor Jiang Xin pose with Jiang's wax figure (middle) for a photo at the unveiling ceremony in Madame Tussauds Beijing, July 10, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds Beijing]
Wang Rui, general manager of Merlin Entertainments Beijing, said at the unveiling ceremony that the TV series has significant social and artistic value. Thus, Jiang's induction in Shen's makeup and costume represents both figures entering the 10-year-old wax museum.
"We hope that more young people will delve deeply into the life stories of these Chinese heroes with a sense of reverence, and we also hope that the spirit of Shen Jilan can be passed on to more young people," Wang said. "We're grateful to Jiang Xin and the 'Medal of the Republic' intellectual property owners for bringing this outstanding character to Madame Tussauds Beijing," she said.
Shen served in all 13 terms of the National People's Congress from 1954 until her death in 2020 at 90. A remarkable figure in Chinese history, she was instrumental in proposing the "equal pay for equal work" clause in China's first constitution. During her long career, Shen tirelessly submitted hundreds of proposals addressing issues such as poverty alleviation, rural development, and anti-corruption, persevering even through serious illness. Shen received the Medal of the Republic, China's highest state honor, in 2019.
"The Medal of the Republic," a 48-episode TV series aired in 2021 and directed by eight directors, including Zheng Xiaolong, chronicles the true stories of the first eight recipients of China's highest honor and their significant contributions to the nation. Jiang's portrayal of Shen earned widespread praise.
"Portraying Shen Jilan taught me the power of a line she often says in the drama, 'I can do it,'" Jiang said. "It reminds me that with persistence, I can overcome any challenge. As an actor, I will continue to persevere and strive until the day my hair turns gray."
Shen joins another two Medal of the Republic recipients at the museum, Huang Xuhua, the chief designer of China's first-generation nuclear submarines, and Yu Min, a Chinese nuclear physicist. These two figures were portrayed by Huang Xiaoming and Lei Jiayin, respectively, in the same TV series.
The figure of Chinese actor Jiang Xin, in her role as Shen Jilan, is displayed in a zone showcasing the Chinese national spirit at Madame Tussauds Beijing, July 10, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds Beijing]
Jiang's figure will be displayed in a zone showcasing the Chinese national spirit. Visitors will find the figure in a recreated scene of a wheat field harvest, reminiscent of Shen's hometown of Changzhi, Shanxi province. This setting celebrates Shen's working-class roots.
Madame Tussauds Beijing has inducted many prominent Chinese historical figures alongside entertainers. The museum aims to convey the Chinese spirit to more young people through exemplary role models.
