On September 28, QQ reported that in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, besides the famous Tang Sanzang and his disciples, the Queen of the Western Liang Kingdom, played by actress Chu Lam, became one of the most beloved characters. The episode where the four travelers arrive at the Women’s Kingdom inspired many later film adaptations.
The success of that episode was largely due to the strong chemistry between Tang Sanzang actor Tu Shaohua and Chu Lam’s Queen, which led many viewers to speculate that the two had a real-life romance.
Veteran actor Li Chengnu shared that when Chu Lam first arrived on set and met the handsome Tu Shaohua, she was immediately drawn to him. Chu Lam herself recalled that upon meeting Tu Shaohua for the first time, she instinctively called him “Brother Yu Die” because he perfectly matched her image of Tang Sanzang.
In 2004, during a reunion on CCTV’s “Art of Life” program, Chu Lam asked, “It’s been nearly 20 years since we parted ways in the Women’s Kingdom. Brother Yu Die, are you well?”
Media outlets even suggested that the two developed feelings while filming because they got along so well and often shared close conversations. Chu Lam divorced in 2005 before remarrying, which fueled rumors that she had long been unable to move past her emotions for Tu Shaohua.
During their collaboration, the pair worked seamlessly together. On one occasion, after reciting the poem “Ginkgo Tree,” they went searching for the tree on a mountain. On the way back, Chu Lam twisted her ankle, and Tu Shaohua helped her down. He also confided in her about his dream of attending university and invited her to try some snacks. Because of moments like these, Chinese media reported that Chu Lam was infatuated with Tu Shaohua.
At the 2004 reunion, Chu Lam said, “In my eyes, there is only one person, Brother Yu Die,” which led the media to believe she still cherished Tu Shaohua. However, this was actually a line from her character, the Queen of the Women’s Kingdom. During the show, Chu Lam was simply in character.
Chu Lam clarified that their relationship was purely professional. “I was already married before joining the Journey to the West cast, and Tu Shaohua also has a wife. The show is just a show, it’s not real life,” she explained.
According to QQ, before joining the cast, Tu Shaohua had feelings for director Yang Kun, who worked with him in the Shandong arts troupe. After leaving Journey to the West, Tu Shaohua married Yang Kun, and they have lived happily together for many years.
Today, their careers have taken different paths. Tu Shaohua continues to perform commercially as Tang Sanzang, while Chu Lam is praised for her youthful appearance, slender figure, upright posture, and graceful demeanor. She now lives in Beijing with her second husband, has no children, and has stepped away from acting to focus on business.
In many online polls for the most beautiful actress in historical dramas, Chu Lam consistently ranks among the top alongside Chen Hong and Jiang Qinqin. Fans admire her delicate yet elegant features, likening her to a beauty from ancient murals. Thanks to this enduring affection, Chu Lam’s fame remains strong.
