Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung raises chickens, embraces rural life in France

On her social media, Cheung shared a video of herself in farm clothes and a wide-brimmed hat collecting eggs from a chicken coop. "Every time I pick up the eggs, I feel happy and grateful," she said.

Weibo sources reported that she has adopted a minimalist lifestyle, renting an old house, driving a pickup truck to transport organic vegetables, cycling around the village, and going to the market with a bamboo basket instead of luxury handbags. Cheung is also said to have donated to a local animal rescue center.

Her post quickly drew public attention. Since stepping away from acting in 2012, she has largely remained out of the spotlight. Over the past decade, she has made only a few public appearances and rarely disclosed details about her private life, though paparazzi have occasionally captured her daily routines, fueling speculation.

Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung at an event in 2002. Photo from Instagram

According to Hong Kong-based newspaper Mingpao, Cheung divides her time between Europe and Hong Kong. She told the outlet that whether with friends or alone, she focuses on living in the present and understanding her own preferences, which has made life easier and more relaxed.

Cheung, 61, recently made an unexpected return to the spotlight by joining the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (Rednote), where she drew praise for her youthful appearance and effortless style. Known for her selective appearances, her social media debut surprised many fans, who are now anticipating what she will share next.

Cheung remains one of Asia’s most successful and internationally acclaimed actresses. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Best Actress Award at the Berlin International Film Festival for her role in the 1991 film "Center Stage" and became the first Asian actress to win the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in the 2004 film "Clean."