Legendary Kung Fu star Michelle Yeoh Officially Joins Star-studded Line-up at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 27 July 2015 - International star Michelle Yeoh today unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Styled as the character Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger,Hidden Dragon, Yeoh's wax figure joins Kung Fu masters Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen at the newly opened Kung Fu Zone in paying tribute to Hong Kong martial arts films. In celebration of the 15^th anniversary of its opening, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong launched the brand-new Kung Fu Zone as the finale of its third major expansion project. In addition to the four legendary martial arts masters, a gauntlet of interactive challenges also awaits visitors.

Styled as the fearless character Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Yeoh's figure clutches a Chinese sabre and appears to be ready for a fierce fight. Re-enacting a classic scene from the film, the life-like figure also exudes Yeoh's celebrity charm. According to Yeoh, her wax likeness reminded her of numerous interesting moments from the filming of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and she hoped guests can immerse themselves in the world of martial arts films as they interact with the wax figures.

This is Yeoh's second collaboration with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. To prepare for production of the new wax figure, Yeoh spent five hours with a team of professional sculptors from the United Kingdom for the sitting process. Her measurements of all parts, as well as colour matching and contrasting of her hair and eyes, were taken with great precision. Hundreds of photos were taken to ensure the final figure can fully capture her graceful style and impeccable physique.

Yeoh said: "I'm honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong for the second time. I was, once again, amazed by the professionalism of Madam Tussauds studio artists. It never occurred to me before how similar wax-making artistry is to martial arts -- both require patience, precision and an unyielding pursuit of perfection."

Although it was not the first time that Yeoh has collaborated with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, she was once again thrilled and amazed by the liveliness and likeness of her wax figure -- the level of detail was so refined that even the figure's sharp gaze was an exact replica of its living counterpart.

Yeoh said: "I'm extremely pleased to join three martial arts film legends in the newly opened 'Kung Fu Zone' and pay tribute to Hong Kong martial arts films. Chinese martial arts has a long and illustrious history, while Hong Kong has made significant contributions to the spread of Kung Fu fever around the world, particularly through martial arts films produced in recent decades. I'm deeply humbled to be a part of the Kung Fu culture and I hope guests can experience the spirit of Chinese martial arts through their interactions here."

The Kung Fu Zone is Hong Kong's first permanent tribute to martial arts and Kung Fu films. As the grand finale of the attraction's third major multi-million dollar expansion, the new zone is close to 800 square feet. Modelled after a traditional Zen monastery, the all-new themed area features a beautifully crafted red arched door and a magnificent sculpted dragon.

Besides Yeoh, three other influential Kung Fu film stars who have made immense contributions to the development and popularisation of martial arts will be featured in sets inspired by key scenes from classic Kung Fu films, covering some of the most iconic moments in Hong Kong film history. Bruce Lee, widely considered as one of the greatest martial artists of all time and a pop culture icon of the 20^th century, is now immortalised in wax and greets visitors with his signature flying kick. Jackie Chan, dressed in a traditional duangua suit, strikes an iconic pose from his vast body of work in martial arts comedies, which catapulted him to early fame in his career. Donnie Yen's wax likeness appears as Ip Man, the Wing Chun master of legendary Bruce Lee.

Ms Kelly Mak, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Michelle again. A familiar face the world over, Michelle is an iconic martial arts star and her influence has been recognised with the title of Dato' and other honorifics numerous times. Through Michelle and her fellow martial arts stars, we hope to exemplify the best of Chinese martial arts, which was first brought to the world stage by Hong Kong martial arts films before it became a significant facet of global culture. The Kung Fu Zone aims to carry forward the traditions and spirit of this precious intangible cultural heritage of the city, and interactive elements will complete the all-around Kung Fu experience for tourists from all over the world."

A series of interactive experiences also awaits visitors as they make their way through the zone. An interactive screen teaches martial arts combat moves, and combatants can receive immediate feedback on their performance. Guests are also invited to prove their balance and agility on sensory-activated projections on the floor and test their speed by hitting as many targets on a Wing Chun wooden dummy as possible within the time limit. The magnificent sculpted dragon overlooking the area has in store an interactive surprise for courageous fighters. These dynamic special effects promise to immerse everyone in the martial arts world.

High-resolution photos can be downloaded from:

https://www.webcargo.net/d/8363882/1RHeKZekpd/

Company logo

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/1452