Taiwanese star Liu Pinyan (Esther Liu) has had a rollercoaster of romance and heartbreak, but her journey toward strength and self-love continues to inspire. Here’s a look into her past relationships and what she’s shared about keeping herself whole.
Secret Romance at 17 with Ethan Ruan
Liu Pinyan’s first public heartbreak happened at just 17, during filming of the drama Green Light Forest, when she secretly dated rising star Ethan Ruan (aka Ruan Jingtian). Their relationship lasted only seven months, cut short by disapproving management and family pressures following the on-set affair. Rumors later swirled around Ruan allegedly boasting about an intimate moment on set — a claim which left Liu marked by emotional trauma and forced her into the public spotlight during her teenage vulnerability .
Tricky Relationships & Engaged Breakups
Over the years, Liu’s high-profile love story continued with others — including a Taiwanese politician in 2008 and a director earlier in her career . She was even briefly engaged to a non-celebrity boyfriend, but the engagement ended when they realized their futures and aspirations didn’t align .
Why She Shied Away from Dating Celebrities
In a later interview, Liu Pinyan revealed she’d stopped dating within the entertainment industry. The intense scrutiny, loss of privacy, and unending media attention wore her down—and she decided to prioritize emotional safety over high-profile romance.
From Struggles to Self-Empowerment
Esther Liu’s journey from teenage heartbreak to self-empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. Her early trials with media pressure took a toll, but she broke free and focused on her growth. Today, she’s not only thriving in her career but also planning a future with her husband, Lian Chengxiang, and embracing new roles in motherhood and personal freedom .
Liu Pinyan’s love story may have had its shadows, but her resilience shines through. From secret romances and engagements to finding peace and protection in her choices, she reminds us that real strength comes from knowing what and who deserves a place in our lives.
